Milestone procedure performed by Dr. Augusta Villa reinforces hospital’s commitment to advanced, patient-centered cardiac care
December 15th, 2025 – Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center announces today it has successfully completed its first EVOQUE™ tricuspid valve replacement, marking a major advancement in cardiac care for the region. The milestone procedure, performed by interventional cardiologist Dr. Augusta Villa, makes PBGMC the first hospital in northern Palm Beach County to utilize this innovative technology to treat patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation.
The EVOQUE system is the first transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement technology designed to improve health status in patients with symptomatic severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. Candidates are carefully evaluated by a multidisciplinary heart team to determine if transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement is appropriate.
Built with a nitinol self-expanding frame, an intra-annular sealing skirt, and bovine pericardial tissue leaflets, the EVOQUE valve is engineered to optimize performance and adaptability to diverse anatomies. The valve comes in three sizes, all deployed using a single low-profile transfemoral 28F delivery system, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs.
“This milestone is another example of how we are continually investing in the latest medical technology to ensure our patients receive personalized care that fits their unique needs,” said Erik Cazares, CEO of Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center. “Offering the EVOQUE procedure means more patients can access advanced treatment options close to home, helping them return to the activities they love with greater confidence and improved quality of life.”
The successful adoption of EVOQUE therapy further strengthens PBGMC’s long-standing leadership in cardiovascular innovation, expanding the hospital’s ability to treat complex structural heart disease with less invasive solutions and improved patient outcomes.
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center remains committed to expanding access to cutting-edge cardiac care while elevating the level of expertise and technology available to the northern Palm Beach County community
About Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center (PBGMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, the largest health care network in Palm Beach County, is a 199-bed acute care hospital. It has served the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities for over 50 years. The hospital was the first in Palm Beach County to perform open-heart surgery and has remained on the forefront as one of the area’s leaders in cardiac care. PBGMC also offers award winning stroke care, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, robot assisted and minimally invasive surgical techniques, bloodless medicine and a 24-hour emergency room. For more information, visit: www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com.
