Edwards Lifesciences Receives FDA Approval For Magna Ease Aortic Valve

One more alternative for open heart surgery with a minimally invasive procedure, no big incision down the middle of the chest and a smaller amount of recovery time for patients. Initially we saw blockages being treated in this fashion and now the valve can be replaced with almost the same type of procedure. One thing for sure though, you certainly want your interventional radiologist present who does all the 3D and HD image targeting to pinpoint the exact areas of the heart as well as the overall path of the catheter for entry.

To learn more about Interventional Radiology, this interview I conducted with another company, might offer some additional information. BD

Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiologist

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the world leader in the science of heart valves, today announced that it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease aortic valve, designed for easier implantation in the heart. The company is introducing this valve, as well as the PORT ACCESS EndoDirect minimally invasive surgery system, at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery's (AATS) 89th Annual Meeting in Boston this week.
The new valve includes a low profile and smooth commissure posts to ease insertion through small incisions or small aortic roots.

Also at the AATS annual meeting, Edwards is introducing the PORT ACCESS EndoDirect System, which allows cardiac surgeons to stop a patient's heart and keep it at rest for the duration of the heart valve procedure without an incision down the middle of the chest. In procedures such as mitral valve repair and replacement, the EndoDirect System provides a minimally invasive alternative for direct aortic cannulation when femoral access (groin cannulation) is not an option.