Physicians from Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital and Lexington-based the University of Kentucky Gill Heart Institute are collaborating on an innovative procedure for patients with congenital heart disease, according to River City News.
The COMPASSION trial procedure involves Sapien 3, a catheter-based device used in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. The device is inserted into the leg via the femoral vein to the right side of the heart and into the pulmonary valve position. The device is ultimately meant to provide a simpler, easier procedure with fewer post-procedural complications and a faster recovery for patients, according to the article. The patient is under conscious sedation throughout the procedure. No surgical incisions are required.
Patients involved in the trial will undergo the procedure at Christ Hospital.
"This is a perfect partnership of pediatric and adult congenital heart disease expertise with technical proficiency and experience with the Sapien 3 valve," said Ian Sarembock, MD, co-principal investigator for the trial. "We are fortunate to have such a collaborative partnership between The Christ Hospital and UK HealthCare physicians which will be to the benefit of all patients in our multi-state region."