UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. Pioneers Valve-in-Valve TAVR Procedure with New FDA-Approved Device

April 8, 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC in Central Pa. became the first site in Pennsylvania to perform a valve-in-valve Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure using a new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, dedicated leaflet-modification device facilitating valve-in-valve TAVR procedures in patients at risk of coronary obstruction.

“Having enrolled well in Pi-Cardia's pivotal clinical trial, we’re excited to use ShortCut™, ” said Hemal Gada, MD, President of the Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC in Central Pennsylvania. “Managing aortic stenosis throughout a patient's lifetime requires innovative solutions to reduce the risk of coronary obstruction before valve implantation. As the incidence of aortic stenosis continues to rise, this device could offer valuable new treatment options for both physicians and patients, fulfilling the need for a straightforward tool to prevent coronary obstruction.”

In this novel case, the patient, from Meadville, Pennsylvania, was referred to Dr. Gada by Dr. Robert Maholic, Dr. Quentin Orlando, Dr. Francis Ferdinand and Leslee Lewis from UPMC Hamot's valve clinic. UPMC's extensive network across Pennsylvania, Western Maryland and New York enhances patient outcomes by fostering collaboration between hospitals. This collaboration allows clinicians to share medical records and resources throughout the system.

The procedure takes about 15 minutes, and most patients are discharged from the hospital within two days with immediate return to full function. The patient was discharged two days after his procedure and is now at home with his loved ones.

In 2023, The Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC in Central Pa. became the first site in Pennsylvania to use the ShortCut™ device, as part of a clinical trial in patients with a risk for coronary obstruction during a valve-in-valve TAVR procedure. The data from this study led to FDA approval of the device.

Pioneers in cardiovascular health since 1956, doctors at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in central Pennsylvania were the first in the region to perform open heart surgery and the first to perform coronary artery balloon angioplasty. Other firsts include the implantation of a drug-eluting coronary stent, minimally invasive aortic valve procedures (TAVR) and the implantation of FDA-approved percutaneous mitral valve repair device.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaHeart.

There are no financial conflicts of interest to disclose.