Making history and changing lives: UMC New Orleans performs groundbreaking heart procedure

The first EVOQUE Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement in the Greater New Orleans area marks a new era in cardiac care.

Jessica Johnson, a vibrant 41-year-old mother of three, never anticipated her treatment would be so significant. But when severe heart valve issues threatened her life and her ability to care for her children, she found herself at the forefront of innovation at University Medical Center (UMC) New Orleans, a part of LCMC Health.

Thanks to UMC’s advances in cardiac treatment, Jessica became the first person in the Greater New Orleans area to undergo EVOQUE Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement, a minimally invasive procedure that restores heart function without the need for open-heart surgery.

A transformative approach to cardiac care

Jessica’s health challenges began in 2019 with a sudden cardiac episode that led to emergency open-heart surgery. This was followed by a second open-heart surgery in June 2021, during which she underwent a mitral valve replacement using a bioprosthetic (pig tissue) valve. Over the next few years, she battled recurring symptoms, including shortness of breath and severe fatigue, which left her unable to perform everyday tasks. Despite multiple surgeries and consultations with specialists, Jessica’s outlook remained uncertain—until she was referred to the Heart & Vascular Care Department at UMC New Orleans.

“Even though I live four hours away from New Orleans, I knew I’d have access to the best possible care there,” Jessica said. “From the moment I met Dr. Ramee and his team, I immediately felt like family and knew I was in safe hands. I looked at him and said, ‘Okay, let’s do this. How can we fix this?’”

Jessica’s condition, severe symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation, meant that the valve in her heart designed to prevent blood from flowing backward was failing. Without effective treatment, her quality of life would continue to decline. Traditional open-heart surgery was deemed too risky, but thanks to advances in medical technology, a new option was available.

Jessica was chosen for this new procedure after a careful evaluation by her heart team, which determined that her severe symptoms and the risks of additional open-heart surgeries made her an ideal candidate for the EVOQUE valve replacement.

Scheduled for surgery, Jessica’s case marked a historic moment as UMC New Orleans became the first hospital in the Greater New Orleans area to perform the EVOQUE procedure—a treatment offering new possibilities to patients like her. The procedure was led by Stephen Ramee, MD, an interventional cardiologist, the Medical Director of Heart Valve Services at LCMC Health, and Professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans.

“This is a significant step forward in treating tricuspid regurgitation,” said Dr. Ramee. “The EVOQUE valve allows us to replace a heart valve that has traditionally been too complex for intervention without open-heart surgery. It’s safer, faster, and offers a much shorter recovery time for patients.”

The EVOQUE system is a minimally invasive procedure that starts with a small incision in a vein in the patient’s leg. Through this opening, the medical team carefully guides a thin, flexible tube to the heart. The device is designed for precise placement, allowing doctors to position the new valve exactly where it’s needed. Once in place, the valve—made from advanced materials that expand to fit securely—is deployed to take over the job of the failing tricuspid valve. Special imaging technology is used to guide the placement and confirm that everything is positioned correctly and functioning as intended. An animated video showcasing the details of the EVOQUE procedure can be viewed here.

Dr. Ramee went on to explain how technological advancements have made heart surgeries increasingly less invasive over the past 20 years, with the EVOQUE system standing out as a particularly remarkable innovation. He explained that the device’s design makes the process both efficient and highly effective, calling it a game-changer for patients who previously had no viable treatment options.

The EVOQUE system not only restores valve function but also minimizes the risks associated with open-heart surgery, such as extended recovery times and higher complication rates. The procedure typically takes about an hour, compared to the four or more hours often required for open-heart surgery.

Jessica’s procedure took place on November 20, 2024. Her humor and optimism were on full display as she joked with the care team right up until the moment she was wheeled into surgery. Before noon that day, the procedure was complete, and Jessica awoke feeling a difference she hadn’t experienced in years. By the next morning, Jessica was discharged and already noticing life-changing improvements. The breathlessness and fatigue that had limited her for so long were gone.

“I called my kids and friends just hours after surgery,” she shared. “I hadn’t felt that good since high school! For the first time in years, I could walk a mile without getting out of breath—a huge milestone for a mom of three active kids. It brought me to tears.”

Innovation and multidisciplinary care at UMC New Orleans

Jessica’s story is just one example of UMC’s dedication to delivering world-class care. By performing the first EVOQUE procedure in the region, UMC has positioned itself as a leader in specialized cardiac treatments.

“In addition to the novel technology, what made Jessica’s procedure successful is the collaboration between our multidisciplinary team of specialists,” Dr. Ramee added. “We’re proud to offer advanced treatments here in New Orleans, bringing our community access to the same cutting-edge care available at leading medical centers across the country.”

This groundbreaking achievement is the result of a coordinated effort by a multidisciplinary team that includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, structural interventional cardiologists, echocardiographers, anesthesiologists, nurses, and advanced practice providers. Together, they work to provide every patient with access to comprehensive expertise, from initial diagnosis to recovery. The team meets regularly to review patient cases, assess imaging results, and determine the best course of treatment.

The Structural Heart Program spans multiple hospitals under the LCMC Health banner, including Lakeview Hospital, Touro, East Jefferson General Hospital, and University Medical Center New Orleans. This extensive network provides patients with access to leading-edge, specialized care close to home.

For Jessica, the procedure gave her back the energy she had missed for years. She’s now embracing life with a renewed sense of hope and setting goals to stay active with her children and enjoy milestones that once felt out of reach.

Jessica is also eager to share her experience with others who may be in need of cardiac treatment. “I’d recommend my care team at UMC New Orleans to anybody. In fact, when an elderly family member recently found out he was facing some heart complications, I told him, ‘Hey, you should get a second opinion. Go see Dr. Ramee right away. I know first-hand that he’ll take care of you.’”

As the first patient in the area to benefit from EVOQUE Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve replacement, Jessica’s experience demonstrates UMC New Orleans’ commitment to advancing cardiac care and expanding treatment options for the local community.

Visit the UMC New Orleans Heart & Vascular Care Program website today to learn more about how our cardiac care is supporting patients like Jessica.