Long Beach Medical Center Joins Global Trial for Groundbreaking Heart Device

The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center has been selected as one of only two sites in California to participate in the global RESPONDER-HF trial. This study evaluates the innovative Corvia® Atrial Shunt, designed for patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), often referred to as “huff-puff” heart failure.

HFpEF is a challenging condition characterized by sudden breathlessness during minimal exertion, typically emerging when conventional medications have proven ineffective. The Corvia Atrial Shunt presents a device-based approach aimed at improving blood flow within the heart, ultimately enhancing patients’ breathing abilities.

“The Corvia Atrial Shunt represents a major step forward in how we treat this specific form of heart failure,” said David Shavelle, M.D., medical director of Adult Cardiology & Interventional Lab at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute. By establishing a controlled passage between the heart’s upper chambers, the device diminishes elevated left atrial pressure during activity, which is a primary cause of breathlessness in these patients.

The procedure to implant this dime-sized device is minimally invasive, performed through the femoral vein. This approach reduces procedural risks and shortens recovery times. Positioned between the left and right atria, the shunt creates a small, always-open pathway that alleviates pressure imbalances during physical exertion. When resting, blood flow across the shunt is minimal or nonexistent. However, during activity, increased pressure in the left atrium allows blood to flow into the right atrium, relieving pressure on the heart and lungs, and helping patients breathe easier.

By addressing elevated pressure in the left atrium, the device alleviates key symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and fluid retention. These symptoms frequently lead to emergency visits and repeated hospitalizations. Clinical studies have noted sustained improvements in quality of life, exercise tolerance, and symptom relief, with no significant complications related to the device.

The global HFpEF population is substantial, with approximately 13 million individuals diagnosed worldwide, of which 60% are women. “Heart failure in women is often overlooked and undertreated,” stated Andrew Yoon, M.D., medical director of Heart Failure at the MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute. Factors such as delayed diagnosis and atypical symptoms contribute to this issue. The introduction of the Corvia Atrial Shunt offers an important treatment option to ensure women receive the necessary cardiac care.

The RESPONDER-HF trial specifically targets patients who experience elevated left atrial pressure during physical activity while maintaining normal heart pumping function. Candidates are identified through clinical evaluations, echocardiography, and invasive hemodynamic testing to confirm pressure buildup correlating with exertional symptoms. Since the introduction of atrial shunts, around 600 have been implanted worldwide, demonstrating safety, durability, and effectiveness.

“This trial reflects our commitment to offering patients access to the most advanced therapies available,” remarked Dr. Yoon. Long Beach Medical Center is dedicated to expanding treatment options in heart failure care, illustrating its commitment to advancing medical care for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions.

Recently, Long Beach Medical Center was designated as an Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) Receiving Center, one of only five hospitals in Los Angeles County recognized for this advanced cardiac arrest care. The center continues to be a regional leader in lifesaving cardiac interventions, offering expertise in minimally invasive valve surgery, transcatheter therapies, and comprehensive heart failure management.

For more information about the RESPONDER-HF trial or heart and vascular care at Long Beach Medical Center, visit memorialcare.org/lbheart or call (657) 241-9052.

The MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has been a trusted healthcare provider for over 100 years as part of the not-for-profit integrated healthcare system, MemorialCare. The center is recognized among the top 3% of all acute care hospitals in California and has received accolades for its excellence in various specialties, including OBGYN and Orthopedics. Its commitment to research, education, and advanced healthcare technologies sets it apart in the realm of specialized care.