Boston Scientific’s LOTUS valves off the market until at least 2019

The LOTUS Edge Aortic Valve System will not be available in Europe or the U.S. until at least 2019, Boston Scientific CEO Mike Mahoney said during a Feb. 1 conference call with investors.

All LOTUS valves were voluntarily recalled in February 2017 due to an issue with its locking mechanism. Boston Scientific later announced plans to reintroduce the valves into the European marketplace had been pushed back, and now Mahoney is confirming they won’t be commercially available anywhere this year.

The CEO’s statement came as he discussed the company’s fourth quarter and full 2017 financial results. Boston Scientific generated sales of $2.41 billion during the fourth quarter, a 9.9 percent growth year over year. Full year sales were $9.05 billion, up from $8.39 billion in 2016.

"Our team delivered excellent fourth quarter and full year results, fueled by the strength of our diversified portfolio and global commercial execution," Mahoney said in a press release. "We look forward to building on our momentum and continuing to make a meaningful difference for patients in 2018."

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Daniel joined TriMed’s Chicago editorial team in 2017 as a Cardiovascular Business writer. He previously worked as a writer for daily newspapers in North Dakota and Indiana.

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