Implant of New Mexico’s first novel transcatheter mitral valve repair device

Mitral regurgitation is a condition in which the leaflets of the heart’s mitral valve do not close properly, making it difficult for the heart to move blood through to the rest of the body efficiently. Patients often feel tired or out of breath and the condition can cause an overall decrease in the quality of life, ultimately leading to progressive heart failure in many cases.

An implant can correct the problem, but not everyone is an optimal candidate for open heart surgery.

In August, two cardiologists with Albuquerque’s Heart Hospital of New Mexico at Lovelace Medical Center performed the state’s first PASCAL Precision implant procedure for patients with mitral regurgitation, resulting in more precise positioning and less damage to the patient’s mitral value by avoiding invasive surgery.

Instead, the team was able to deliver the implant through the patient’s femoral vein, via a small incision in the leg.

The state-of-the-art technology reduces risk to the patient while repairing the mitral valve to help blood flow properly.

Cardiologists say the PASCAL Precision implant procedure helps patients enjoy a significantly better quality of life.