HCA Florida Largo Hospital joins groundbreaking study on treatment for Coronary Artery Disease

Largo, FL – HCA Florida Largo Hospital is participating in an innovative research study using drug-eluting balloons to treat coronary artery disease.  The study is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an Investigative Device Exemption (IDE) trial.

Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease and the most common cause of death. Currently, the standard treatment for patients with coronary artery lesions involves the use of drug-eluting stents. The ongoing study at HCA Florida Largo Hospital seeks to explore the efficacy of drug-eluting balloons, which are uniquely designed with a drug-coated surface that releases medication over time, eliminating the need for a stent.

Dr. Merrill Krolick is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and principal investigator at HCA Florida Largo Hospital within the HCA Healthcare Research Institute, is at the forefront of this vital research. Collaborating closely with Magen Davis, division director of clinical research for the West Florida Division, and Holly-Lynn Grospitch, Largo Hospital research site manager, Dr. Krolick is dedicated to advancing care for patients with heart disease through clinical innovation.

“This treatment option provides a critical avenue for addressing smaller vessels, including vessels, which are often too small for conventional stent placement, while achieving stent-like outcomes,” shares Dr. Krolick. “Notably, approximately 30% of coronary interventions in Japan use drug-coated balloons, highlighting their potential effectiveness.”

HCA Florida Largo Hospital is a leader in cardiovascular healthcare and is committed to enhancing patient outcomes by participating in groundbreaking research initiatives.