UC Davis Medical Center has become the first hospital in the United States to treat a patient with symptomatic functional mitral regurgitation using a new minimally invasive therapy as part of a clinical trial.

The trial is evaluating the investigational CARLEN System, a transcatheter device designed to support the heart’s natural mitral valve without permanently altering its structure. Unlike other transcatheter mitral valve repair procedures, this device aims to preserve the valve’s anatomy while improving function.

UC Davis Medical Center is the only hospital in Northern California participating in the trial and currently offering eligible patients access to this investigational treatment option. 

“We are honored to be the first U.S. hospital participating in this clinical trial and to play a role in advancing this innovative treatment option for patients,” said Gagan Singh, director of the Structural Heart Program at UC Davis Health. “Making this possible for our patient took a large team working behind the scenes for months.”