On April 20, 2000, 3-year-old Destiny Gay was the first patient in the United States and the Americas to undergo an interventional cardiology procedure with a new device called the Helex Septal Occluder. She was born with a common heart defect called Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), a hole between the top two chambers of the heart.
“People have been trying to close these holes with catheterization devices for nearly 25 years,” said Dr. Evan Zahn, Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Miami Children’s Hospital. “It appears to us that the Helex is a near perfect device, which will greatly extend both the safety and effectiveness of this form of therapy.”
The Helex is made of Nitinol wire and double discs of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), an ultra-thin membrane that encourages cellular growth.
Congenital Heart Institute Patient Letters
- Xavier & Zachary
- Ricki
- Jillian
- Ashley
Congenital Heart Institute Success Stories
- From David's parents
- From Myranda's parents - Photo Story
- Kimberly - Catherization Lab
- Destiny - Catherization Lab
- Gabriella - Catherization Lab
- Parker Strong - Cardiovascular Surgery
- Raegan - Cardiovascular Surgery
- Daniel - Cardiovascular Surgery
Main Congenital Heart Institute page
For Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery Information / Appointments Please call 305-662-8301