Advancing TAVR Safety: UNICORN and High-Risk Aortic Valve Intervention at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

November 3, 2026 | Gennaro Giustino, MD, structural interventional cardiologist at Atlantic Health, describes the UNICORN technique as a strategy used selectively in patients whose anatomy raises concern.

By
Gennaro Giustino, MD
November 3, 2026
3 min

Atlantic Health System

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UNICORN is a leaflet modification technique designed to prevent coronary artery obstruction during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
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UNICORN evolved from BASILICA and uses a larger balloon to create a leaflet laceration instead of electrified wires.
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Gennaro Giustino, MD, reports performing more than 20 UNICORN procedures since joining Atlantic Health and says the center has published its series with excellent outcomes.
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Leaflet modification procedures account for approximately 4% to 5% of structural heart cases at Atlantic Health Morristown, or 30 to 40 procedures annually.
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Early structural consultation may be appropriate for severe aortic stenosis with features raising concern for coronary obstruction, prior bioprosthetic valves, or complex anatomy.

Advancing TAVR Safety: UNICORN and High-Risk Aortic Valve Intervention at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

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Original Source(s)

Advancing TAVR Safety: UNICORN and High-Risk Aortic Valve Intervention at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

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