Medtronic
(NYSE: MDT)
today announced the launch of its next-generation Avalus Ultra surgical aortic tissue valve.
The medtech giant designed the valve to facilitate ease of use at implant and lifetime patient management. It offers clear visibility for future valve-in-valve procedures and straightforward sizing.
Other features of Avalus Ultra include a low profile and a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) base frame for consistent circularity. Medtronic said it has an industry-leading effective orifice area (EOA) that may allow for greater blood flow. It also features a radiopaque coil for clear visibility for future valve-in-valve procedures.
Avalus Ultra builds on 10 years of clinical experience and long-term durability from the original Avalus valve launched in 2017. The latest-generation valve picked up its own FDA clearance to treat aortic stenosis in January of this year. It offers an option for the surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) method of treating aortic valve disease.
Surgeons remove the native valve and insert the Medtronic artificial valve. Once in place, the device is sewn into the aorta and takes over the original valve’s function to enable oxygen-rich blood flow out of the heart.
“Patients with aortic stenosis are experiencing more complex disease, and therefore, procedures need to evolve to optimize their surgical care,” said Dr. Pieter Kappetein, VP and chief medical officer of the Cardiac Surgery, Structural Heart, and Mechanical Circulatory Support businesses in the Medtronic Cardiovascular portfolio. “Rooted in this evolving need, surgeons are demanding innovative technologies like the Avalus Ultra valve that is designed for increased ease of use and long-term durability to serve patients over their lifetime.”