Southlake implants 1,000 sutureless heart valves

NEWMARKET, Ont. – Southlake Health has successfully implanted 1,001 sutureless heart valves, becoming the first hospital in North America to meet this major milestone using the Perceval valve. The Perceval valve is the only fully sutureless heart valve currently used in aortic valve replacement surgery around the world. The surgery was completed by Kevin Teoh (pictured), MD, a leading cardiac surgeon who also implanted the first Perceval valve in North America.

“Southlake Health continues to build on a century of leading-edge care, bringing innovative cardiac procedures and technologies, like Perceval surgical sutureless heart valves, closer to home,” said Derek McNally, executive vice president, Clinical Services and chief operating officer, Southlake Health. “We’re incredibly proud of the world-class team at the Regional Cardiac Centre. They are at the forefront of ground-breaking research and ensure patients can access the latest advancements – because they deserve nothing less.”

Only six healthcare organizations worldwide have implanted 1,000 sutureless heart valves. Southlake is the only hospital in North America to reach this milestone, a testament to the dedication to providing leading edge cardiac care through its Regional Cardiac Care Program. All other organizations to reach this milestone are in Europe.

The 1,000th implant was completed by Dr. Teoh, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon and Master Proctor of the Perceval sutureless heart valve training program. Dr. Teoh’s significant experience with this technology began in 2011 when he participated in the first-ever Perceval implant in North America at Sunnybrook. His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in establishing Southlake as a global leader in sutureless valve technology.

The same day as the 1,000th procedure, Stacy O’Blenes, MD, the division head of cardiac surgery at Southlake Health, also implanted the 1,001st Perceval sutureless heart valve.

“This incredible achievement reflects not only Southlake’s commitment to leading edge cardiac care, but also the dedication of our exceptional healthcare team,” said Dr. Teoh. “Less invasive technology like the Perceval valve supports faster recovery times and improved outcomes for patients. We are honored to have played a key role in bringing this technology to more than a thousand patients as part of their cardiac care journey.”

“As the Regional Cardiac Centre, Southlake cares for cardiac patients from as far north as Muskoka to as far south as North York,” said Elizabeth Lalingo, director, Department of Cardiac Health, Southlake Health. “Our commitment to patients and excellence, drives us to innovate, so that every patient who walks through our doors can be confident that they’re receiving comprehensive, leading-edge care.”

The Regional Cardiac Care Program at Southlake was an early adopter of the Perceval valve, an innovative heart valve made from bovine pericardium that is used in aortic valve replacement surgery. The valve’s sutureless and collapsible design enables minimally invasive access and simplifies surgical implantation to support faster recovery times and reduce the risk of post-operative complications when compared to traditional valve replacement surgeries. Southlake has become a recognized leader in the field, offering patients access to this innovative procedure, closer to home.

“Congratulations to Dr. Teoh, Dr. O’Blenes and the team at Southlake Health for gaining their place in the Perceval 1000 Club and for being the first to reach it in North America,” said Christian Mazzi, chief executive officer, CORCYM. “This achievement is a testament to their trust in our Perceval valve as an innovative solution for their patients suffering from aortic stenosis.”

As a Level 7 Regional Cardiac Program, Southlake’s contributions to advancing cardiac care extends far beyond the operating room. The highly skilled team of medical staff and staff provide almost every type of cardiac care, with the exception of heart transplants and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), to patients who no longer need to travel far distances to Toronto.

As leaders in their fields, the team actively participate in ground-breaking research and are often the first to perform leading-edge procedures in Ontario, Canada and even the world. Southlake continues to collaborate with international experts to enhance cardiac care and improve patient outcomes globally.

Southlake’s Regional Cardiac Program is the fourth largest comprehensive heart program in Ontario, providing advanced cardiac care close to home to thousands of patients from York Region to Muskoka.

Southlake is the regional hub for emergent heart attack care, meaning if a patient is having a heart attack, they’ll be brought to Southlake for treatment no matter which hospital is closest in the region.