Holston Valley Medical Center (HVMC) has introduced a new heart valve replacement technology, the Edwards SAPIEN M3™ system. This system offers a less invasive option for patients with mitral valve disease, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery. The hospital performed its first procedure using this technology on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Gaurav Rana, cardiac surgeon Dr. Stanley Gall, and non-invasive cardiologist Dr. Anjali Sharma conducted the initial procedure. HVMC is now among the first 60 hospitals nationwide to provide access to this treatment. The Edwards SAPIEN M3™ system is designed to address conditions such as mitral regurgitation, where the valve does not close properly, and mitral valve stenosis, where it does not open fully. Both conditions impede the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
This transcatheter procedure involves guiding the new valve through a catheter inserted into a leg blood vessel. The replacement occurs while the heart continues to beat. This approach typically allows patients to return home the following day and resume normal activities much sooner than with traditional open-heart surgery. Love Hobson, vice president of cardiovascular services for Ballad Health, stated that being selected to offer this technology is an honor. She added that it reflects the team’s skill and commitment to expanding treatment options for patients with complex heart conditions.
Kevin Rinks, CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital, emphasized the hospital’s dedication to bringing advanced treatments to the region. He noted that for eligible patients, having this procedure available at HVMC means receiving specialized heart care closer to home and their support systems. Heart valve disease can develop gradually, and its symptoms are sometimes mistaken for normal aging. Potential signs include shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, increased fatigue, swelling in the feet or legs, and nighttime coughing due to congestive heart failure.
Dr. Rana pointed out that many individuals live with heart valve disease for years without diagnosis. He highlighted that early detection is straightforward and that the heart team can determine the best course of treatment. For some patients, the new procedure provides an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for a damaged mitral valve. Dr. Rana also noted that this minimally invasive approach can be particularly beneficial for patients at higher risk for conventional surgery. He explained that the SAPIEN M3 system offers a less invasive option for suitable patients, potentially leading to shorter hospital stays and a quicker return to daily life.
Holston Valley Medical Center is recognized nationally for its structural heart program and offers various minimally invasive treatments for heart valve disease and other complex cardiac issues. The addition of the Edwards SAPIEN M3™ system expands access to advanced care previously available only at a limited number of hospitals. Hobson stated that heart valve disease is often progressive but highly treatable with early identification. She encouraged individuals experiencing symptoms or diagnosed with a heart murmur to consult their healthcare provider or cardiologist. The medical team can evaluate patients to determine if advanced therapies like the SAPIEN M3 system are appropriate, ensuring timely and suitable treatment.
