Introducing new cardiac care innovations in Arizona

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital continues to deploy outstanding cardiovascular care using innovative advances in treatment of heart valve disease and irregular heartbeats.

The hospital has been on the forefront of bringing several new cardiac technologies and treatment options to communities in greater Phoenix.

Evolut FX TAVR Implant

Abrazo recently became the first hospital in Arizona to use the new Evolut FX TAVR implant for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on symptomatic severe aortic stenosis patients.

TAVR is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery that enables a medical team to implant a replacement valve through a small puncture site in an artery located in the groin or neck. Abrazo physicians participated in the clinical study that resulted in FDA approval of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients.

Apollo Trial

Abrazo participated in this pivotal trail, designed to evaluate the Intrepid™ TMVR system in patients with severe, symptomatic mitral valve regurgitation. The hospital is a top enroller of patients in the transcatheter mitral valve replacement therapy study, which is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Intrepid™ TMVR system in up to 1,200 patients globally.

Octaray Mapping Catheter System

Abrazo recently introduced the new Octaray Mapping Catheter System for treating atrial fibrillation (Afib) with ablation to help the heart stay in rhythm. The system provides improved electromapping of the heart for ablation procedures to better target areas causing concern.

Amulet procedure

Abrazo has also introduced the Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder procedure as a treatment option for patients with Afib.

Afib patients often take blood thinners to prevent blood clots from forming in an appendage of the heart that can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. In addition to blocking the blood clots, patients who are treated with the Amulet device may no longer need blood thinning medications.

The Amulet seals the heart’s left atrial appendage to prevent stroke-causing blood clots, according to Dr. Makkar, who performed the first Amulet procedure at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital. Abrazo was among the first hospitals in Arizona to offer the Amulet procedure following its approval for commercial use.

“We continue to invest in our ability to provide innovative cardiovascular care for the entire state of Arizona. With deep roots in the Valley, we strive to be at the forefront of bringing medical advances to our patients,” said Phil Fitzgerald, Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital president.