SAN FRANCISCO – Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center has become the first hospital in California and the West Coast to implant the AltaValve™ System in a patient with mitral valve disease as part of the ATLAS pivotal clinical trial. This groundbreaking procedure is a critical step forward for patients whose anatomical complexities have made them ineligible for other commercially available mitral valve solutions.
“This new treatment opens the door for people suffering from symptomatic mitral regurgitation who previously had no viable treatment options, providing them with an opportunity to significantly improve their quality of life,” said Dr. David Daniels, an interventional cardiologist at Sutter’s CPMC.
AltaValve™ System
Dr. Daniels, alongside Dr. Christian Spies and CPMC’s cardiac care team, performed the successful procedure this month.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
Historically, patients with mitral valve disease, or mitral valve regurgitation, have faced limited care options, often requiring invasive open-heart surgery. Over the past decade, medical advancements have introduced minimally invasive repair technologies like MitraClip™, but effective replacement options have lagged behind.
The AltaValve System is one of the first transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) devices being offered in clinical trials. Its unique atrial fixation mechanism is designed to minimize complications associated with other TMVR devices, such as obstruction of the heart’s left ventricular outflow or damage to surrounding heart structures.
“By solving these challenges, AltaValve represents a significant advancement in care for people with complex cardiac conditions,” said Dr. Ron Waksman, steering committee chair for the ATLAS trial.
Did you know: Mitral valve regurgitation is the most common type of heart valve disease. In this condition, the valve between the left chambers of the heart doesn’t close fully, allowing blood to flow backward through the heart.
Advancing Patient Outcomes
Patients treated with the AltaValve System often experience quick relief from symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Most can return to daily activities within weeks of the procedure.
Sutter’s dedication to providing access to this and similar clinical trials underscores its commitment to caring for people with the most challenging cardiac conditions.
“With the AltaValve System, CPMC is setting the stage for a future where more patients can access safer, less invasive options for mitral valve replacement,” said Dr. Daniels.
The heart is a complex organ that’s linked to every aspect of one’s health. Maintaining its function is crucial to supporting a long and healthy life.
For more information about this trial and other advanced heart care at Sutter Health, visit Sutter’s Heart and Vascular Care.
CPMC team marks cardiac care milestone with first-ever AltaValve™ System implant procedure in California and the West Coast | January 21, 2025
