Heart valve innovation at a crossroads | Cardiologist questions EARLY TAVR | New-look valve impresses | Real-world TTVR data

Has the success of TAVR and other interventional techniques had a negative impact on surgical valve innovation? Two surgeons shared their concerns in a new commentary. 

The EARLY TAVR clinical trial made a significant impact, paving the way for the FDA to approve multiple transcatheter heart valves for the treatment of asymptomatic patients. However, one cardiologist who participated in the trial has some serious concerns with how its findings were presented to the public. 

The new-look mitral valve is built using LifePolymer, a proprietary material that does not include any animal tissue. Both the frame and its leaflets are robotically generated to match each patient’s anatomy.

According to early real-world data, the FDA-approved Evoque TTVR device is associated with positive outcomes when used to treat severe tricuspid regurgitation. 

The patient, 67, presented with a failing TAVR valve and a leaky mitral valve. She had undergone TAVR four years prior, but premature structural valve degeneration made a full replacement necessary. Surgeons ultimately removed the TAVR valve in addition to replacing her aortic and mitral valves—all with the help of advanced robotics.

Cerebral embolic protection devices are proven to work. However, according to one cardiologist, they are still not consistently reducing stroke rates.

Five veteran clinicians have been recognized for their lasting impact on the field of pediatric cardiology. 

The self-expanding valve, which gained CE mark approval back in 2020, is available in multiple sizes and can be fully retrieved and repositioned as it is implanted.