Paris-based HighLife’s latest trans-septal mitral valve replacement (TSMVR) is a large annulus valve (LAV). The company designed it to fit within its existing delivery catheter and to accommodate large annuli up to 53 mm. It expects the valve to significantly expand the patient population eligible for TSMVR and provide a much-needed treatment option.
HighLife said the first implants of the LAVs in the U.S. took place at Tucson Medical Center in Arizona. Dr. Thomas Waggoner, a structural interventional cardiologist there, performed the implant.
“We are proud to be the first center in the world to implant the LAV,” Waggoner said. “The outcome obtained is very positive with elimination of MR immedia…