The groundbreaking technology offers hope for patients with leaky heart valves
Banner Health has become the first health care system in the United States to perform a revolutionary new procedure that could change the lives of millions of Americans living with a leaky heart valve.
Paul Sorajja, MD, a nationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology and valve science with Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, successfully completed the groundbreaking procedure using Valcare’s AMEND ring, offering a new option to patients who previously faced limited treatment options.
The procedure treats mitral regurgitation, a condition where the heart’s mitral valve doesn’t close properly, causing blood to leak backward instead of flowing forward through the body. It affects millions of Americans and can leave people feeling exhausted, short of breath, and unable to enjoy everyday activities, because the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
“For many patients living with a leaky heart valve, the thought of open-heart surgery can be overwhelming or simply not an option due to age or other health conditions,” said Dr. Sorajja, Banner interventional cardiologist and assistant clinical professor of internal medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix. “This new procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative that could help patients get back to living their lives with less pain, faster recovery, and better outcomes.”
Traditional treatment for mitral regurgitation often requires open-heart surgery, a major procedure associated with extended recovery times, substantial risks, and prolonged hospitalization.
Delivered via a small catheter inserted through a blood vessel, the AMEND system enables repair on a beating heart, eliminating the need to stop the heart. Patients may benefit from significantly reduced pain, minimal scarring, and the potential to return home as early as the next day, compared to weeks of recovery following conventional surgery.
Unlike other transcatheter mitral valve repair options, the AMEND system preserves future treatment flexibility, leaving the door open for additional interventions if needed.
This innovative transcatheter alternative offers patients a less invasive path to effective mitral regurgitation treatment, closely mirroring the outcomes of traditional surgical repair.
Mitral regurgitation can lead to constant weakness and shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping or lying flat, swelling in the legs and feet, irregular heartbeats, and increased risk of heart failure.
“Many people suffer with these symptoms for years, watching their quality-of-life decline because they’re not candidates for traditional surgery or are afraid of the risks involved,” said David Rizik, MD, an interventional cardiologist at Banner – University Medicine Cardiology Scottsdale, who participated in the procedure with Dr. Sorajja.
Banner Health’s participation in this pioneering clinical study demonstrates the commitment to bringing the latest medical advances to patients who need them most. The study will follow patients for five years to ensure the procedure provides lasting benefits and improved quality of life.
“Being first in the nation to offer this procedure isn’t just about innovation — it’s about giving our patients access to potentially life-changing treatment right here in their own community,” said Dr. Sorajja. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of cardiac care, working to ensure that no patient has to choose between living with debilitating symptoms or facing major surgery.”
This new procedure may be a choice for patients who have moderately severe or severe mitral regurgitation, experience symptoms that affect their daily life, those who may not be good candidates for traditional open-heart surgery, want a less invasive treatment option, or are looking for faster recovery times.
About Banner Health
Banner Health is one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country and a leader in provider-sponsored health insurance serving 3.5 million people annually across six states. With 32 hospitals and more than 450 additional care sites, Banner’s array of services includes a health insurance division, employed physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, urgent care locations, home care and hospice services, retail pharmacies, stand-alone imaging centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation, behavioral health services, a research division, and a nursing registry. Through its longstanding, innovative relationship with the University of Arizona, Banner’s academic medicine division provides ground-breaking clinical discoveries, advanced life-saving care and educates 1,300 physicians annually. Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, a partnership with one of the world’s leading cancer programs, MD Anderson Cancer Center treats more than 103,000 patients a year. Banner Plans and Networks offers Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial health coverage to more than 1.2 million members. In 2024, Banner Health provided $1 billion worth of community benefits to assist those in need through a range of programs. Headquartered in Arizona, Banner Health also has locations in California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com.