Calgary secures $3.52M for revolutionary heart valve intervention program

In Calgary, Alberta, Canada, an innovative heart valve intervention program is being established at Foothills Medical Centre, with a significant investment from the Calgary Health Foundation. On November 28, 2024, the foundation announced its $3.52 million commitment, which will support the Mitral Valve Interventions Program aimed at transforming heart surgery procedures in the region. This program is set to enhance the availability and effectiveness of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) surgery, making it more accessible to patients who require treatment for high-risk mitral valve disease. Currently, Foothills Medical Centre is the only hospital in Calgary and the first in Alberta to offer the cutting-edge TEER procedure, specifically the MitraClip surgery. This method involves a minimally invasive operation where a small clip is implanted in the heart to repair the mitral valve, significantly improving the quality of life for patients compared to traditional open-heart surgery. Cardiac specialists, including Dr. Corey Adams and Dr. William Kent, lead the program and emphasize the importance of providing less invasive surgical options for patients. The MitraClip procedure has quickly become the gold standard for treating patients with high-risk mitral valve conditions, where the valve fails to close properly, leading to regurgitation. Through the generous support of donors and the collaboration of Alberta Health Services and a group of dedicated cardiac specialists, the Mitral Valve Interventions Program will be developed and fully funded in the near future. This initiative is part of Calgary Health Foundation's broader emphasis on enhancing heart health and providing advanced surgical care, addressing one of the highest priorities for healthcare in Alberta. The program aims to reduce recovery times, hospital stays, and overall healthcare costs, while significantly improving patient outcomes. Overall, this initiative represents a pivotal moment in Calgary's healthcare landscape, as it promises to not only advance the treatment options available for patients suffering from heart conditions but also redefine the standard of cardiac care in the province. By championing such advanced medical interventions and focusing on minimally invasive techniques, the Calgary Health Foundation reinforces its commitment to dramatically improving the lives of individuals facing cardiac challenges across Alberta.