While UH was the first center in the world to implant the Penditure system using a minimally invasive approach, it was the fourth center in the world and the first in Ohio to implant the system traditionally along with cardiac surgery.

David Gibson, 75, of Walbridge, Ohio, travelled 100 miles to undergo care with UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. He was diagnosed with extensive coronary artery disease, resulting in ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. His heart was weak and did not pump well due to blockages in his coronary arteries. This provoked symptoms like excessive coughing and shortness of breath. He received the Penditure clip during a cardiac surgery on the first day the system became available in the U.S.


“Dr. Rushing called me the night before my surgery and made me feel comfortable,” said Gibson. “I wasn’t in a lot of pain or discomfort after the procedure, and I now feel much better. My coughing and shortness of breath are gone. It was a very good experience.”

“We have implanted more of these devices than any other center at this time,” said Dr. Abu-Omar. “Most importantly, these patients have done extremely well and are recovering nicely. Helping our patients live healthier lives is our ultimate goal.”


About University Hospitals / Cleveland, Ohio
Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 21 hospitals (including five joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system’s flagship quaternary care, academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Oxford University, the Technion Israel Institute of Technology and National Taiwan University College of Medicine. The main campus also includes the UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, with more than 3,000 active clinical trials and research studies underway. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including “America’s Best Hospitals” from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to 19 Clinical Care Delivery and Research Institutes. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with more than 30,000 employees.

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