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July 8, 2016contact-thank-you
October 4, 2016
James Kyser is the first surgeon in Oregon to perform on a child the Edwards SAPIEN XT transcatheter heart valve procedure. Dr. Kyser is a cardiologist at Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon (PCCO). He completed the procedure on June 13, 2016 at the Randall Children’s Hospital.
The minimally invasive procedure is for patients who need a pulmonic valve replacement. With the SAPIEN XT valve, Dr. Kyser can treat patients without open heart surgery. Patients typically return home the same day or the day after the procedure.
Dr. Kyser performed the procedure in the catheterization lab at the hospital. He inserted the valve through a vein in the hip area. He then guided the catheter to the heart where he replaced the patient’s damaged valve.
Recovery Quick After a SAPIEN XT Valve Replacement
SAPIEN XT doesn’t require opening the chest. Recovery takes a week or two, much less time than for open surgery. Patients have less pain after minimally invasive operations.
With no stitches, a shorter hospital stay and less pain medication, the SAPIEN XT procedure has fewer risks than open heart surgery. Cardiac patients can return to their normal life more quickly after a non-surgical procedure.
Patients with damaged or defective pulmonic valves often require multiple surgeries throughout their lives. The new minimally invasive procedure is now an option for some of these patients.
The SAPIEN XT valve is an expansion on a technology that Dr. Kyser has been performing since 2011. The older valve, the Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve, is smaller than the new valve.
The Melody valve is 22mm and can only be used for pediatric patients. With the SAPIEN XT valve, which is 29mm, Dr. Kyser can treat both children and adults.
A young adult was one of the first patients Dr. Kyser treated with the SAPIEN XT. The 23-year-old was born with three holes in his heart. After the procedure, the young man noticed an improvement in his breathing and energy. He can now pursue his favorite sports, skateboarding and snowboarding, with more vigor.
PCCO Pioneers Cardiac Treatments
Dr. Kyser began using the 29mm valve just two months after it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Edwards SAPIEN XT became available after advances in manufacturing techniques for larger valve replacements.
The SAPIEN XT is just the latest technology that Dr. Kyser and PCCO have adopted to improve patient care. The new procedure means that many more patients have the option for a non-surgical valve replacement.
With minimally invasive treatments, patients can quickly return to their families and friends with an improved quality of life.
Dr. Kyser has been with Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon since 2005. He has expertise in interventional catheterization procedures. These minimally invasive treatments include the placement of SAPIEN XT and Melody valves, intravascular stents and closures of septal defects. Read more about Dr. Kyser and PCCO providers here.
Pediatric Cardiology Center of Oregon cares for children and adults with congenital heart disease. We have outreach clinics throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. Please contact our offices to learn more about our services.
