Covenant Becomes First in Region to Perform Advanced Cardiac Procedure

Covenant HealthCare has become the first hospital in the Great Lakes Bay Region—and one of only eight in Michigan—to perform a groundbreaking cardiac procedure using a drug-coated balloon catheter. This innovative technology provides new hope for patients with blocked arteries, reducing the risk of future complications without the need for an additional stent.
Covenant Cardiology team in Operating Room holding sign
The procedure, performed by Covenant interventional cardiologist Manoj Sharma, MD, is designed to open or reopen blocked arteries that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Unlike traditional balloon catheters, which simply widen the artery, a drug-coated balloon also delivers a medication that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again. Once the drug is released, the balloon is deflated and removed—leaving the artery open and improving blood flow without the long-term presence of a metal stent.

"This is an exciting advancement in cardiac care," says Dr. Sharma, who performed the hospital’s first procedure in January.

His patient was able to go home the same day. "We are always looking for ways to expand minimally invasive treatment options to improve patient outcomes while reducing the risk of future complications."

For approximately 10% of cardiac patients who experience restenosis—the re-narrowing of a previously stented artery—a drug-coated balloon catheter provides a way to open the artery without putting additional stents in previously stented areas.

Researchers are exploring more ways to use drug-coated balloon catheters, including for small arteries and complex, long arterial blockages.

At Covenant Center for the Heart, patients receive the region’s most comprehensive cardiac care. According to Amanda Garrett, RN, BSN, MBA, manager of the Covenant Cath Lab, EP Lab, and Interventional Radiology, the team is dedicated to providing leading-edge treatments with exceptional expertise.

"The specialists and staff in our Cath Lab are highly trained and experienced," says Garrett. "Together, we are committed to delivering the best possible care for our patients through advanced technology and skilled teamwork."

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