DMC CVI completes the first two transcatheter aortic valve implants in Michigan

One of the two patients who received the implanted heart valves last week was Ms. Shirlene Stephens, 72, a grandmother of two who lives in Macomb County.  A retired heavy-equipment worker, Ms. Stephens could not undergo surgery because of her severe emphysema.  She underwent the TAVI replacement procedure on Friday and was up and moving less than 24 hours later.  Because of her rapid recovery time, she will soon be returning home.

The clinical trial will allow a multidisciplinary team of interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons to replace a diseased or damaged heart valve. The new replacement valve typically is delivered through the femoral artery, then threaded through arteries and delivered in the native aortic valve.  Once in place, the CoreValve is deployed to take over the native valve's function and ensure that oxygen-rich blood flows into the aorta and circulates throughout the body.

Dr. Schreiber, who was a pioneer in developing the stent procedure for relieving blocked carotid arteries, described the clinical trial as "another good example of why the DMC Cardiovascular Institute is now the acknowledged leader in Michigan and the Midwest in the treatment of structural heart defects."

Added Dr. Schreiber, who currently performs about 1,500 heart and vascular procedures per year at the DMC: "We're now training more physicians in structural and valve disease-related therapies than anybody else in Michigan – thanks to our continuing leadership in this vitally important area of heart care."

DMC Cardiovascular Institute is currently enrolling patients in the trial. For more information about participating in this clinical trial, call 1-(855) VALVEMD or 1-(855) 825-8363.