The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is committed to providing expert, state-ofthe-art cardiovascular care for patients across the region.Recently, PMC heart specialists made medical history by successfully performing Kentucky’s first minimally invasive AngioVac procedure to treat a life-threatening heart valve infection in the left ventricle.
The innovative procedure was led by Dr. M. Paul Randhawa, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC. The team of highly specialized experts included interventional cardiologists Dr. Maen Assali and Dr. Joseph Choo, and cardiac anesthesiologist Dr. Joshua Hensley.
Additional key figures in this process included PMC’s perfusionist, the Cardiac Cath Lab team and nursing care teams from the Heart and Vascular Institute. A clinical specialist from AngioDynamics, the company that developed the AngioVac System, also provided important guidance during the planning process.
The patient, who had previously undergone open-heart surgery and was undergoing dialysis, was diagnosed with having an infected mitral valve on the left side of their heart. Typically, this condition requires open-heart surgery, but the patient’s complex medical history put them at too high of a risk for the procedure.
“This patient’s condition was critical, and traditional surgical options were not viable,” said Dr. Randhawa. “Utilizing the AngioVac system allowed us to remove the infection without
subjecting the patient to the risks associated with open-heart surgery.“
The AngioVac system, developed by AngioDynamics, is a vacuum-assisted device designed to remove unwanted material within the heart’s valves. Because the AngioVac is typically used for right-sided heart infections, it is rare and complex for it to be used for left-sided infections, particularly involving the mitral valve. Dr. Randhawa’s team was the first in Kentucky to use the AngioVac system for such a case, proving to be another remarkable accomplishment for the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC.
Every aspect of the procedure, from diagnosis to execution, was coordinated with extraordinary attention to detail, safety, and patient care. The case was extensively reviewed and planned alongside the AngioDynamics clinical team, ensuring all potential outcomes were addressed.
“This case exemplifies PMC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, patient-centered care,” said Dr. Randhawa. By leveraging advanced technology and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can offer life-saving treatments to patients who might otherwise have limited options.”
The Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at PMC is dedicated to delivering comprehensive cardiac care through a team of highly skilled specialists, healthcare professionals, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical equipment. This recent achievement is just one example of the institute’s role as a leader in innovative cardiovascular treatments in the region.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart and Vascular Institute at (606) 430-2201 or visit www.pikevillehospital.org/heart.
