BioVentrix a pioneer of technologies and procedures for less invasive treatment of heart failure (HF), has announced the first image fusion-guided procedure with its Revivent TC system. The procedure, known as Less Invasive Ventricular Enhancement or LIVE, was performed at the Heart Center of the Universitätsmedizin Mainz, a branch of Johannes Gutenberg-University in Mainz, Germany. The senior interventional cardiologists were Ralph Stephan von Bardeleben, MD and Eberhard Schulz, MD. The cardiothoracic surgeon was Walter Kasper-König, MD.

The device was successfully implanted with two micro-anchor pairs in a 53-year-old female patient suffering from NYHA class III ischemic heart failure. The patient underwent a multi-phase and multi-slice diagnostic Computed Tomography (CT) scan in advance of the procedure. The CT scan demonstrated the scar distribution and enhanced the accurate pre-operative determination of anchor implant location. During the procedure, the pre-acquired CT scan was registered and fused with Fluoroscopy using HeartNavigator 3.0, a new cath lab fusion software (Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands). This facilitated the real-time, intra-operative navigation of BioVentrix devices and resulted in a very positive clinical outcome for the patient.   

The physicians achieved a 20% increase in Ejection Fraction (EF) and a 30% reduction in Left Ventricular Volume. By remodeling the LV to a more normal shape and size, the implant improves pumping efficiency, decreases wall stress, and immediately reverses the patient's symptoms. "We are very excited to be the first center to perform the Revivent TC procedure with image fusion-guidance. The Revivent TC system, in combination with imaging modalities such as CT and Fluoroscopy, led to a very positive clinical outcome for the patient," said Dr. von Bardeleben.

"We are pleased with the results and look forward to our continued partnership with BioVentrix to offer this therapy to our patients," continued Dr. von Bardeleben.

"By decreasing the excessive volume via a very small incision in the lateral chest wall, without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and with a beating heart, more patients will have the opportunity to benefit from this therapy. We are very impressed with the clinical benefits of the Revivent TC system," added Dr. Kasper-König.