Sentara Heart Hospital's nationally recognized Structural Heart Program has successfully performed a groundbreaking transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) using Abbott's investigational Cephea valve. This treatment, available at only a few elite medical centers worldwide through an early feasibility trial, brings new hope to patients who are not candidates for conventional treatments.

The patient, 85-year-old Virginia Beach resident Janet Whitmer, had been functional and quite active before developing severe mixed mitral valve disease with stenosis and regurgitation. The cardiovascular issue caused her to essentially become bedbound due to symptoms such as exhaustion and shortness of breath.

Mitral valve disease is a problem with the valve located between the left heart chambers. With stenosis, the valve flaps become stiff and can narrow the opening, reducing blood flow. And when the flaps don't close tightly, causing leakage, that is regurgitation.

According to Sentara's Matthew Summers, M.D., interventional cardiologist, program director of structural heart, principal investigator and primary operator of the Cephea Early Feasibility Study, she also had rheumatic fever in her health history along with prior open-heart surgery. Whitmer was considered high risk for another surgical procedure and was not eligible for other existing repair options.

Janet Whitmer, 85, of Virginia Beach, with her dog, Tootsie.

The Cephea valve is designed to replace a diseased mitral valve through a minimally invasive approach, delivered through a vein in the leg rather than requiring surgery. The technology is intended to fill a significant gap for patients who have few or no other options.

"There is a significant unmet need among patients who require valve replacements, but who aren't candidates for other interventions," said Clinton Kemp, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, surgical director of structural heart and co-investigator of the Cephea Early Feasibility Study at Sentara.

"Participating in this trial allows us to offer a promising new therapy while helping advance a technology that could expand available treatments for more patients in the future."

This case highlights Sentara's role as a leading authority in advanced valve therapies. And coupled with the hospital's strong research program, the cardiology team was granted access to the latest generation of this valve. At the time of the procedure, only about 60 such procedures had taken place in the United States.

Additionally, Sentara Heart Hospital is one of the top mitral valve centers in the United States. With the third-highest volume of mitral valve procedures nationally in 2025, the team was well prepared to take part in the Cephea Early Feasibility Trial.

"We are uniquely positioned to evaluate and adopt innovative therapies for patients with complex valve disease," said Dr. Summers. "Participating in the Cephea trial reflects our commitment to advancing the field and expanding treatment options for patients who may not be candidates for conventional procedures."

Extensive multidisciplinary collaboration is required to deliver this level of care. The effort involved structural cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced cardiac imagers, catheterization lab and operating room teams along with cardiac anesthesiologists.

Research coordinators also work tirelessly with industry partners like Abbott in the pre-procedural screening process, during the procedure, and throughout follow-up. The Sentara Heart Hospital team dynamic, dedication, and commitment to excellence make cutting-edge cases like this possible and most importantly, successful.

Today, Whitmer is back to living her life. She has returned to the activities she enjoys, including walking her dog, Tootsie, and gardening, without the debilitating symptoms that limited her and largely confined her to bed before treatment.

"I can do anything now," Whitmer said. "I am able to do what I love again and spend time with my friends and family. I am so grateful to everyone at the Heart Hospital who made this possible. They are wonderful!"