Florida's First M3 Mitral Valve Replacement at NCH

The NCH Rooney Heart Institute completed Florida's first SAPIEN M3 transcatheter mitral valve replacement on June 9, offering a new option for patients with severe mitral valve disease who cannot undergo traditional surgery.

The FDA-approved procedure allows doctors to replace a diseased mitral valve through a catheter inserted in a leg vein, avoiding open-chest surgery. Dr. Robert J. Cubeddu, president of the NCH Rooney Heart Institute, led the team alongside cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and imaging specialists.

Mitral regurgitation occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart. Left untreated, the condition leads to heart failure, shortness of breath and fatigue.

"For many patients with severe mitral valve disease who are not candidates for surgery, the SAPIEN M3 system represents a transformative option," Cubeddu said. The technology uses a docking system that creates a stable landing zone for the replacement valve.

The NCH Rooney Heart Institute offers cardiovascular services including structural heart interventions, advanced imaging, electrophysiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular care.