Banner Health Doctor Makes History with Innovative Heart Valve Solution
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix
Phoenix, Ariz.
Dr. Paul Sorajja, a nationally recognized leader in interventional cardiology at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, has pioneered a groundbreaking treatment for patients with severe mitral annular calcification (MAC), a condition that previously made heart valve surgery too risky. His work led to the first FDA approval of a device capable of replacing damaged heart valves in patients considered inoperable, offering hope to thousands who were told nothing could be done.
In 2016, Dr. Sorajja made history as the first physician to use the Tendyne mitral device to treat a patient with MAC. Unlike traditional open-heart surgery, this minimally invasive procedure replaces the valve through a small incision between the ribs, allowing patients to recover quickly and regain quality of life. Clinical trials involving 103 patients showed remarkable results: nearly 90% experienced significant symptom relief and improved activity levels, with the device effectively eliminating dangerous valve leakage.
With FDA approval now secured, Banner Health has become a national leader in this advanced therapy, serving as a training hub for hospitals adopting the technique.
"This is what medicine is all about – taking something that seemed impossible and making it possible," said Dr. Sorajja. "We're giving patients and families hope where there wasn't any before."