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To avoid open-heart surgery for a patient, a team at the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS successfully implanted a prosthesis in the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, using a new technique called BATMAN.
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This complex procedure is a first in Quebec and has only been performed at one other center in Canada, in Toronto.
The usual technique, which involves implanting a prosthesis via catheter through the groin, is sometimes impossible for people with certain cardiac anatomies. The risk of blocking the aortic valve, which allows blood to leave the heart, is too high. The BATMAN technique makes it possible to reach the target without causing such an obstruction.
“I was in contact with the cardiologist in Toronto who had already used this technique a few times,” said Dr. Couture, lead surgeon of the intervention in Sherbrooke. “Since this was a first for our team, we spent many hours preparing, held several meetings to ensure we were on the same page, and anticipated every possible scenario. It takes a good dose of boldness and confidence when you try something new. We succeeded thanks to the commitment of the entire team.”
Thanks to this newly acquired expertise, more patients can now have their mitral valve replaced via catheter, with the added benefit of a faster recovery.
“This was the best solution for our 85-year-old patient,” explained cardiologist Dr. Simon Bérubé, who also participated in the procedure. “The very next day, he was able to leave the hospital with just a small incision in each groin and only one instruction: not to lift heavy objects for a week. This active man was eager to get back to his daily activities. It would have been a very different story with another open-heart surgery — the risks would have been higher, and the recovery period much longer.”
The CHUS Foundation’s Involvement
This procedure was carried out in the new hemodynamics room inaugurated in 2023 thanks to a significant donation from the CHUS Foundation.
“The CHUS Foundation’s support allowed us to do two things: develop the human expertise for valve implantation via catheter, and have access to a state-of-the-art environment. The new hemodynamics room makes it easier to perform complex interventions that require technical precision and a large team around the patient. I’m not saying it would have been impossible in a standard room, but the chances of success would have been much lower. The Foundation played a major role in making this possible through its involvement,” said Dr. Bérubé.
The CHUS Foundation extends its sincere thanks to Gisèle and Émilien Bolduc for their exceptional contribution, which enabled the cardiology team at the Hôpital Fleurimont to develop their expertise and work in a state-of-the-art hemodynamics room. These are essential elements in attracting and retaining highly skilled specialists in the Eastern Townships, capable of providing top-quality care to the population.
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