Press Release: VCS Performs Richmond’s First Abbott Navitor™ Vision Heart Valve Procedure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond, VA — September 10, 2025
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists (VCS), the largest independent cardiology practice in Virginia, has added another milestone to its long-standing tradition of innovation. In mid-July, Dr. Matthew J. Chung, MD, FACC, a board-certified structural interventional cardiologist with VCS and Director of the Structural Heart Program for Bon Secours Mercy Health Richmond Market, performed the first Abbott Navitor™ Vision transcatheter heart valve implant in Richmond, Virginia. The breakthrough procedure was completed at St. Mary’s Hospital on a 90-year-old patient with severe aortic stenosis, offering a safer, minimally invasive treatment for patients with complex cardiac needs.
The patient, Eleanor, had been living with progressive fatigue caused by aortic stenosis, a condition that narrows the heart’s aortic valve and restricts blood flow to the body. Due to her advanced age and bulky aortic annular calcification, open-heart surgery was not an ideal option.
“The Navitor™ Vision valve is a next-generation device that seals well, even in complex anatomies, and lowers the risk of complications,” said Dr. Chung. “We’re excited to bring this therapy to Richmond. It’s another tool that allows us to personalize treatment for each patient and achieve the best outcomes.”
Eleanor’s procedure was completed successfully. She spent just one night in the hospital and returned to her regular exercise routine within a few days.
“I’m back to my daily routine, sleeping well, and feeling confident,” Eleanor said. “Everyone made me feel comfortable through the whole process. I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Chung.”
The Abbott Navitor™ Vision valve is the newest FDA-approved platform in the TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) field. It uses a novel dynamic sealing cuff to reduce the risk of paravalvular leak and is delivered via a catheter, without the need for open-heart surgery.
Dr. Chung praised the team at St. Mary’s Hospital for their dedication to training and collaboration across cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and operating room teams. Prior to the procedure, the staff participated in detailed training to ensure a safe and successful rollout of the new valve technology.
“Bringing a new device to a hospital is a big undertaking, and I’m proud of the team at St. Mary’s Hospital that worked together to bring this innovation to the greater Richmond area,” Dr. Chung said.
This milestone adds to a long list of “firsts” in cardiovascular care led by VCS, including:
- First TAVR procedure in Greater Richmond (2012)
- First Cardiac PET CT in the region (2017)
- First freestanding Cardiac Cath Lab (2024)
- First Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center (2023)
“VCS is the only program in Greater Richmond offering all three commercially available TAVR platforms,” Dr. Chung added. “This allows us to select the valve best suited for each individual patient instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach.”
In addition to his work with TAVR, Dr. Chung is advancing new techniques in structural heart disease locally, including transcatheter electrosurgery procedures such as BASILICA and LAMPOON, which offer even more minimally invasive options for patients.
“It’s an exciting time in the field of structural heart disease,” said Dr. Chung. “Our goal is to expand access to life-saving therapies while reducing recovery times and improving quality of life.”
For Eleanor, the benefits have already arrived.
“I’m feeling fine and confident. I just feel good about everything,” Eleanor said.
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About Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists (VCS) is Virginia’s largest independent cardiology practice, with 40 board-certified cardiologists serving patients across 10 locations in the Greater Richmond area. For more than 45 years, VCS has been a trusted leader in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cardiovascular disease. As pioneers in structural heart care and minimally invasive procedures, VCS continues to bring the latest advancements in cardiovascular medicine to the communities it serves. With a commitment to personalized care, clinical excellence, and innovation, VCS empowers patients to live longer, healthier lives. Visit our website www.vacardio.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Yeager
Director of Marketing
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
jyeager@vacardio.com
Direct: 804-521-5827
Mobile: 804-549-8102
Media Resources:
Links to download photos courtesy of VCS:
Dr. Chung and Eleanor (patient) at post-surgical follow-up appointment in August 2025
Dr. Matthew J. Chung, MD, FACC
Left to Right, Back Row: Josh Barker, Matthew Summers
Middle Row: Hunter Morris, Lisa Smith, Mia Bradley, Matthew Millin, Matthew Chung, Steven Fiser
Front Row: Stacey Shortridge, Hannah Rae Walsh
Published September 10, 2025