May 17, 2019
HOUMA- Dr. Peter Fail, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is the first in the state to use a new innovative catheter technique called the BASILICA procedure for patients with aortic stenosis, or failing aortic valves.
The BASILICA procedure prevents the concern of coronary artery obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During the procedure, the interventional cardiologist weaves an electrified wire through the catheter and splits the failing valve’s leaflet in two, allowing blood to flow into the coronary artery before the new valve is deployed.
“This treatment option is a breakthrough, especially for patients needing a valve-in-valve procedure,” said Dr. Fail. “It greatly decreases the risk of coronary artery occlusion during TAVR, ultimately leading to better outcomes for our patients.”
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