Cardiologists at Winchester Medical Center Perform First UNICORN TAVR Procedure in Region

Cardiologists at Winchester Medical Center are the first in the Northern Virginia region to perform the innovative “UNICORN” procedure in conjunction with a trans-aortic heart valve replacement (TAVR). The UNICORN procedure is used to mitigate the risk of coronary artery obstruction during TAVR and offers improved safety in the case of patients who have a failing artificial heart valve and require a new valve to replace it.

A “valve-in-valve” replacement carries the risk of blocking blood flow into the coronary arteries, which can cause a heart attack. When the new valve is placed inside the dysfunctional valve, it can sometimes push the leaflets of the old valve into the path of blood flow to the coronary arteries. The UNICORN procedure mitigates this risk of blockage by using radiofrequency energy to create a precise channel for the new artificial valve to be implanted through so that blood can continue to flow properly.

“This is a significant milestone for Valley Health’s Structural Heart Program,” said interventional cardiologist and Structural Heart Program Medical Director, Aref A. Bin Abdulhak, MD. “By offering the UNICORN procedure we are able to increase the safety profile of valve-in-valve replacements for patients with a deteriorating aortic valve implant in our community. This will make a meaningful difference for these patients.”

The acronym “UNICORN” stands for undermining iatrogenic coronary obstruction with radiofrequency needle, and was first performed in humans in 2022. The first patient to receive this treatment option at Winchester Medical Center was carefully selected based on the type of artificial valve that had been previously implanted, and careful review of the patient’s CT scan and coronary angiogram, which revealed that the patient was at extremely high risk of coronary obstruction. The first UNICORN procedure in the Northern Virginia region was a success and the patient is doing well following treatment.

“This option expands care for patients and offers hope for those who would otherwise be at high or extremely high risk of coronary occlusion during surgery,” said Dr. Bin Abdulhak. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this highly complex care for patients in our community, using leading-edge technology to provide patients the treatment they need right here in Winchester.”