Broward Health Medical Center (BHMC) is the first hospital in Broward County to implant a sutureless aortic valve in a patient with aortic stenosis through a newly U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved, minimally invasive delivery system. The EDWARDS INTUITY Elite valve system is a rapid deployment device for surgical aortic valve replacement that incorporates some elements of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive valve replacement procedure.

“This new category of surgical valves was designed to streamline procedures and facilitate a smaller incision surgery. This efficient, less invasive procedure can provide significant benefits, both during the procedure and after,” said Kenneth Herskowitz, M.D., Medical Director of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at Broward Health Medical Center.
 
Many patients with aortic stenosis have more than one type of heart disease, most commonly coronary artery disease. This valve system enables surgeons to streamline concomitant procedures, which can be beneficial for patients undergoing these longer, more complex surgeries.