Prosthetic heart valves, due to the continuous stress they’re subjected to, have a limited lifetime and may even require replacement once worn out. The problem is that after implantation the patients who wear these valves don’t get any younger, but often sicker, and a redo surgery to replace the valve can be mortally risky.

Edwards Lifesciences just received European CE Mark approval to offer the SAPIEN XT transcatheter valve for valve-in-valve procedures. The SAPIEN XT is indicated for implantation inside both mitral and aortic valves, and can reside on top of a previously installed prosthetic valve.

This is the only device that’s been approved for valve-in-valve procedures inside the mitral valve, and the minimally invasive delivery of the SAPIEN XT will allow those otherwise too risky for surgery to get a fresh heart valve.

source:Medgadget