An international breakthrough in heart valve replacement
October 2025
A doctor with the Providence Heart Institute at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and her patient just made history.
Logan Vincent, M.D., became the first female interventional cardiologist in the world to perform a tricuspid valve replacement. Providence St. Vincent Medical Center is one of eight trial sites in the U.S. and one of two sites on the West Coast.
Ramona Line had been diagnosed with tricuspid regurgitation, meaning one of her heart valves was severely leaking and allowing blood to flow backward into her veins. When Ramona’s symptoms worsened, she and Dr. Vincent considered several surgery options and decided the trial-based valve replacement procedure was right for her.
“It’s novel in that the valve replacement was done through a vein in her neck, and the other option available was through the groin,” said Dr. Vincent. The surgery was much less invasive than other options, which can include open heart surgery or minimally-invasive valve replacement.
After a two-hour procedure and some rest at the hospital, Ramona was home the next day. “For us to both line up together with this trial, it’s exactly what I needed, “said Ramona. “A doctor who did an incredible job for me and for it to be such a success – I believe it was a blessing from God.”
“It feels like a success when the procedure has gone technically well and you’ve made some’s life better,” said Dr. Vincent. “That’s why we do this.”
Related
- Learn more about heart health with Providence Basecamp + Wellness.
- Schedule an appointment with Providence St. Vincent Heart Clinic.
- See a story about heart disease treatment strategies.
