Portneuf Heart and Vascular Institute Embraces Cutting-Edge Technology

Portneuf Heart and Vascular (PHVI) Institute in Pocatello, Idaho started using the Evolut™ FX+ transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system in May 2024, making them among the first in the region to do so. TAVR is a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart valve replacement, and PHVI Institute has been at the forefront of this technology since performing their first TAVR heart surgery in 2017.

Dr. Jacob DeLaRosa, PMC Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, expressed trust in the Evolut FX TAVR platform, which the team has been using in procedures for several years. The Evolut FX+ TAVR system will now be incorporated into their treatment plans for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve narrows and restricts blood flow from the heart.

The new Evolut FX+ TAVR system offers benefits such as larger coronary access, increased catheter maneuverability, excellent hemodynamics, and durability. Each year, about 270,000 people in the US are diagnosed with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. If left untreated, 50% of patients with severe aortic stenosis can die from heart failure in as little as two years.

Portneuf Heart and Vascular Institute’s adoption of this technology showcases their dedication to improving cardiac care for heart valve disease patients. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, consult with your doctor to see if a TAVR procedure could be the right option. More information can be found at Portneuf.org/hearts.