LLUMC–Murrieta performs region’s first UNICORN heart procedure

Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta (LLUMC-Murrieta) has reached a major milestone in cardiovascular innovation by successfully performing Southwest Riverside County's first UNICORN heart procedure, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.

The UNICORN procedure - short for Undermining Iatrogenic Coronary Obstruction with Radiofrequency Needle - is a highly specialized, minimally invasive technique designed to support patients undergoing a complex valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This approach is particularly beneficial for patients whose prior valve replacement poses a high risk of coronary artery obstruction during repeat procedures.

During the UNICORN procedure, physicians utilize a precise radiofrequency wire to modify the leaflets of a previously implanted surgical valve, creating a controlled pathway for placement of a new valve. This modification allows the newly implanted valve to safely secure the existing leaflets against the artery wall, preventing blockage while maintaining coronary blood flow. The entire procedure is performed under advanced imaging guidance, ensuring precision and patient safety.

As the use of minimally invasive valve therapies such as TAVR continues to grow, so does the need for innovative solutions to address long-term valve durability. While TAVR valves typically last 10 to 12 years, many patients previously faced limited or no options for further intervention once these valves began to fail.

"The more we offer TAVR and other types of surgical valves, the more there's going to be a need for newer therapies like UNICORN," said Niraj Parekh, MD, interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Heart & Vascular Center at LLUMC-Murrieta. "This treatment has the potential to help a significant number of patients who previously had no viable options."

The first patient treated at LLUMC-Murrieta had previously been evaluated by two other healthcare facilities and was told no further interventions were possible. Following the successful procedure, the patient is recovering well and reporting significant improvement.

The successful implementation of the UNICORN procedure underscores LLUMC-Murrieta's continued leadership in advanced structural heart therapies. As the region's comprehensive Heart & Vascular Center, the program offers a full spectrum of minimally invasive interventions, including TAVR and other complex valve procedures, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of experts.

"Our commitment is to ensure patients in our community have access to the most advanced, life-saving cardiovascular treatments, close to home," said Elisa Papell MSN, RN Director Cardiovascular Service Line. "This milestone represents our continued investment in innovation, clinical excellence, and compassionate, patient-centered care."

The Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta Heart & Vascular Center is a regional leader in cardiovascular care, offering comprehensive diagnostic, interventional, and surgical services. The program provides leading-edge treatments for structural heart disease, cardiothoracic conditions, vascular disease, and cardiac rehabilitation, supported by state-of-the-art technology and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

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