Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Performs First-in-World Stent Implantation
CHARLOTTE, N.C., January 26, 2018– Carolinas HealthCare System’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s clinical team has enrolled and treated the first patient in the investigational device exemption study for a venous self-expanding stent system.
Erin Murphy, MD, FACS, director of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute’s venous and lymphatic program and Gregory Stanley, MD, FACS, vascular surgery fellowship director, performed the venous procedure on the first patient in the world in December of 2017 at Carolinas HealthCare System's Carolinas Medical Center. The patient, who has nonthrombotic iliac vein lesion (NIVL), is doing well post-treatment. The implantation is part of a multicenter international trial, with Murphy leading clinical research efforts as the lead principal investigator for the ABRE IDE trial in the United States.
“Deep venous obstruction impacts more than 27 million people worldwide and can result in limited mobility and poor quality of life,” Dr. Murphy said, “By investigating a new form of iliac vein stenting, we are committed to exploring the latest treatment options for patients.”
Veins carry blood from parts of the body back to the heart. Deep veins, which are located in the muscles and adjacent to bones, play an integral role in mobilizing blood back to the heart. Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute teams perform more than 2,500 vascular procedures annually, with comprehensive vein treatment for a variety of vein complications.
“With leadership roles in top clinical trials, our care teams are on the forefront of advancements across specialties that are influencing cardiovascular treatment worldwide,” said Paul Colavita, MD, FACC, president of Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, “Through national and international trials, the team is dedicated to using innovative techniques and the latest technology to bring world-class care to patients in the region.”
The multicenter study, which analyzes treatment of symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction in patients with venous occlusive disease, will enroll up to 35 sites internationally.
“Iliac vein stenting for venous obstruction has now become a first-line treatment option for many patients, vastly improving symptoms related to the diseased vein and quality of life,” Dr. Stanley said.
Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute is uniquely positioned as a leader in the future of cardiovascular medicine. In 2013, Sanger Heart & Institute was the first in the world to implant a branched stent graft specifically designed for branch vessel repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This endovascular treatment for aortic aneurysms has provided an important alternative to open-chest operations.
By breaking away from an outdated model of categorized healthcare, the comprehensive and integrated physician and clinical teams work directly with each patient and collaborate among subspecialties on the most appropriate treatment options to ensure patients are not only receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care, but the right care. With more than 90 physicians and 25 care locations in the Carolinas, Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute is the southeast region’s most comprehensive and experienced cardiovascular institute, and has been providing expert cardiovascular care for more than 50 years.
About Carolinas HealthCare System
Carolinas HealthCare System (carolinashealthcare.org), one of the nation’s leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout North and South Carolina. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Carolinas HealthCare System works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of its communities through high quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.