PHX Reporter

Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital has successfully performed its first procedure using the Evolut FX+ transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system. This marks the first use of this new TAVR system in Arizona, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgical aortic valve replacement.

The Evolut FX+ system refines the existing Evolut TAVR platform, specifically designed to facilitate coronary access for treating symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. This condition involves stiffening and thickening of the aortic valve leaflets, making it difficult for them to open and close properly. If untreated, it can severely impact quality of life and may lead to heart failure within two years for half of those affected.

Dr. Timothy Byrne, a Structural Interventional Cardiologist at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, led the team that conducted the first procedure with this system in Arizona. The TAVR procedure allows for the implantation of a replacement valve through a small incision, avoiding the need for chest surgery.

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Evolut FX+ TAVR system provides an additional treatment option for physicians at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital to address symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in patients who have limited alternatives.

Dr. Byrne expressed optimism about the development: "It is encouraging to see how the Evolut FX TAVR platform has evolved considerably over time and brought our heart teams another treatment option. With this FDA approval of the Evolut FX+ TAVR system, the system is now designed to facilitate coronary access while maintaining the performance and durability of the platform," he said. “We are proud to provide another option to treat patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis here in Arizona.”