Mount Sinai first in US to implant FDA-cleared ring for mitral valve repair

Feb 24 2009

David H. Adams, MD, Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, performed the first two implantations of the Carpentier-Edwards Physio II ring in the United States yesterday.

Dr. Adams co-invented the ring, which was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration last month, with Alain F. Carpentier, MD PhD, Chairman Emeritus of Cardiovascular Surgery at the Hôptial Europeen Georges Pompidou in Paris.

"We have learned a lot since Professor Carpentier invented the original Physio ring, and we are optimistic that the changes we made in the Physio II ring will result in a higher quality of valve repair in patients suffering from mitral valve disease," said Dr. Adams.

The mitral valve lies between the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. It prevents blood from leaking back into the left atrium during ejection (systole). Mitral valve regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close completely, and today the preferred treatment for such a condition is to repair the valve apparatus as opposed to replacing the valve with a metal or animal valve. Annuloplasty rings are specially designed to help restore the mitral valve to its normal size and shape (the valve is often enlarged or distorted in a diseased state.) If left untreated, mitral valve regurgitation can lead to debilitating symptoms including cardiac arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, and irreversible heart damage.

The new Carpentier-Edwards Physio II ring has many unique capabilities for mitral valve repair patients. "We can now use this ring to match the exact measurements and characteristics of a patient's mitral valve like never before," said Dr. Adams. The ring also features a sewing cuff that makes the device easier to implant.