CHRISTUS Health announces first procedure with newest treatment for heart disease in Northeast Texas

The CHRISTUS Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is the first in Northeast Texas to successfully implant a new treatment option for patients with heart disease affecting the aortic valve.

CHRISTUS joins Baylor University Hospital in Dallas and Methodist Hospital in Houston as the first Texas hospitals to use the new system, the Evolut FX+ transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system.

Dr. Sheldon Freeberg, medical director of the structural heart program, and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Neal Foley, performed the first procedure July 30, which involves replacing the diseased heart valve with a man-made valve.

TAVR is the most common procedure to combat aortic stenosis, with the heart hospital implanting over 650 new valves using previous TAVR technology in the last eight years.

The new system provides larger coronary access than previous TAVR systems, allowing for greater catheter maneuverability while maintaining structural integrity of the valve.

“There has been a continued commitment in the industry and from CHRISTUS to provide the latest technology to our patients and this is the latest step forward,” Freeberg said. “The technology behind the valve is more advanced and we are seeing some great results in our patients.”

According to the American Heart Association, more than 20% of Americans over age 65 live with a form of aortic stenosis, which occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart.

If left untreated, 50% of patients with the disease can die from heart failure in as little as two years, emphasizing the need for access to the latest technology and advanced treatment options.

Freeberg said the new, upgraded system allows for a more efficient procedure and quicker recovery time for patients. He said most patients who have undergone the valve procedure were discharged the following day.

“This is a direct reflection of our commitment to bring our patients the best options available, so that they do not have to travel to get it,” Freeberg said. “We are doing things before a lot of big cities are, and bringing this to East Texas is a benefit to everyone.”