NORTHWEST INDIANA | Powers Health Community Hospital has successfully performed Indiana’s first procedure using the SAPIEN M3™ transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) system, a minimally invasive treatment for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are not candidates for traditional surgery or other catheter-based repairs.
Mitral regurgitation occurs when the heart’s mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backward and forcing the heart to work harder. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, fatigue and reduced ability to perform everyday activities.
The SAPIEN M3 system allows physicians to replace the mitral valve through a catheter inserted in a blood vessel, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. The procedure was performed by the heart team led by Samer Abbas, MD, and Michael Eng, MD, with Omar Husseini, MD, and Jonathan Meyer, MD.
“Bringing this technology to Indiana expands treatment options for patients with complex mitral valve disease,” said Abbas, medical director of Powers Health Medical Group Cardiology, co-medical director of Cardiovascular Services for Powers Health and medical director of the Structural Heart and Valve Program of Powers Health. “For many patients who previously had few options, this procedure may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.”
Clinical trial results for the SAPIEN M3 system demonstrated significant reductions in mitral regurgitation and meaningful improvements in patients’ symptoms and quality of life one year after treatment.
The procedure reflects Powers Health’s continued commitment to offering advanced structural heart therapies close to home.
“We are proud to be the first hospital in Indiana to perform this procedure,” said Dale O’Donnell, vice president of Cardiovascular Services for Powers Health and Powers Health Medical Group Cardiology. “Our patients deserve access to the latest innovations in cardiovascular care without having to travel outside Northwest Indiana.”
Community Hospital’s structural heart team includes interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, imaging specialists and specially trained nurses who work together to develop individualized treatment plans for patients with heart and valve disease.
To learn more about heart care at the hospitals of Powers Health, visit PowersHealth.org/heart.
