Southlake performs live operation for cardiac conference

NEWMARKET, Ont. – Southlake Health’s Regional Cardiac Program was selected to perform a live case at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference, the world’s largest and most prestigious conference for interventional cardiology.

More than 10,000 clinicians from around the world watched as Dr. Steven Miner operated live on a patient at Southlake, demonstrating an industry-leading, comprehensive coronary physiology testing procedure. The livestreamed case, performed on October 26, marks a first for Southlake, achieving a milestone recognition for Canadian heart care at the Regional Cardiac Program.

The live case showcased advanced diagnostic techniques used to better understand and treat coronary artery disease, one of the most common causes of heart-related illness and death in Canada. Dr. Miner, a world leader in performing this cardiac procedure, used his expertise to teach fellow cardiologists how to leverage the Coroventis CoroFlow technology for better patient outcomes.

Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, restricting blood flow and oxygen. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart attacks.

However, not all patients fit this traditional pattern. Many experience chest discomfort or symptoms of heart disease without a visible blockage. For decades, these patients were left without clear answers, but Southlake stepped up to overcome this challenge.

In 2015, Southlake leaders approved the creation of the Cardiovascular Integrated Physiology program. The first procedure was performed in 2016, making Southlake the only hospital in Canada to offer comprehensive coronary physiology testing at that time.

Initially using older technology, the process was updated in 2023 when Southlake became the first hospital in Canada to adopt the approved Coroventis CoroFlow system, distributed by Abbott.

This advanced technology evaluates how coronary arteries function beyond what can be seen on a traditional angiogram. The system provides a complete physiological picture of both the large (epicardial) vessels and the microcirculation of blood through the smallest blood vessels, helping diagnose patients who show signs of heart disease despite having normal-looking arteries.

By revealing hidden issues, physicians can better understand what is causing the patient’s heart symptoms and tailor treatments. This innovation positions Southlake’s regional cardiac program at the forefront of precision diagnostics and personalized heart care in Canada, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.

“For years, many patients with heart symptoms were left without clear answers,” said Dr. Miner, interventional cardiologist, Southlake Health. “By sharing our expertise in coronary physiology, we’re helping cardiologists worldwide better understand how heart arteries function, improving care and outcomes for patients everywhere.”

A Canadian leader on the global stage
Southlake has been performing this advanced work for nearly a decade, treating approximately 800 patients and publishing more than 30 research papers through the program. In 2025, the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiologists appointed Dr. Miner the national Chair of the Canadian Coronary Physiology Registry. Since then, 24 Canadian cardiac sites have committed to adopting the Southlake protocol and contributing to the registry. This collaboration will facilitate ongoing national and international research with Southlake leading the way.

The invitation to perform a live case at TCT is a major recognition of Southlake’s expertise and leadership. The annual event attracts more than 10,000 cardiovascular specialists from around the world, offering demonstrations, clinical breakthroughs, hands-on training, and innovation sessions from top cardiovascular centres.

By teaching other physicians how to perform these advanced procedures and showcasing ground-breaking technology, the expertise at this conference has the potential to help save patients around the world and help them lead healthier lives.

“Being selected to perform a live case at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference puts Southlake’s Regional Department of Cardiac Health on the world stage,” said Christopher Overgaard, MD, chief, department of cardiac health, Southlake Health. “It’s a testament to our team’s skill, innovation, and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cardiac conditions.”

Advancing research and care for Canadians
Southlake’s cardiac team has partnered with leading institutions to share data and insights on coronary physiology, microvascular dysfunction, and patient outcomes. During the live case, Erick Schampaert, MD, from Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal and co-chair of the national registry, joined Dr. Miner at Southlake at the bedside during the procedure, a collaboration that exemplifies the spirit of innovation driving this work.

Together, these efforts are helping to shape emerging standards for diagnosing and managing forms of heart disease that have long been overlooked or misunderstood.

“This is not just a proud moment for Southlake, it’s a defining one for Canadian cardiology,” said Derek McNally, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Southlake Health. “We’re helping shape the future of how heart disease is diagnosed and treated around the world.”

As a Level 7 Regional Cardiac Program, Southlake’s contributions to advancing cardiac care extends far beyond the operating and procedure rooms. The highly skilled team of medical staff and staff provide almost every type of cardiac care, except heart transplants, saving patients from travelling into travel to Toronto for world-class care.

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

Quick facts

• Southlake’s Level 7 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.
• Southlake is known internationally for its research and innovation in cardiac care. Its recent accomplishments include becoming the first hospital in North America to successfully implant 1,001 sutureless heart valves.
• In 2024, Dr. Miner was named co-Chair of the U.S.-based Microvascular Network Physician Education Committee, sharing the Southlake experience to an international audience.