Millipede has announced the successful implantation of its newest 50mm Iris annuloplasty ring, with a transfemoral, transseptal delivery catheter, in a functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) patient. “We are excited to introduce this newest implant size to allow inclusion of a larger patient population,” states Randy Lashinski, Millipede’s president and chief executive officer.
“The new 50mm diameter Iris implant allows easier placement and more robust annular reduction of the large-diameter mitral annuli that are typically seen in severe functional mitral regurgitation. This rapid iteration by the Millipede team of the device and delivery system has markedly improved ease of use and expands the treatable patient population,” notes Jason Rogers, professor of Cardiovascular Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, USA.
Furthermore, as part of Millipede’s clinical experience, a MitraClip (Abbott) was used successfully following a previously placed Millipede Iris (18 months post implantation). The patient was clinically stable for 15 months following the Millipede therapy and re-presented three months ago with a torn chord due to progressive degenerative disease. A single MitraClip, placed inside the Millipede Iris, resolved the chordal issue. “Compatibility with existing transcatheter therapies, for both DMR and FMR patients, is an important feature of the Millipede Iris,” says Rogers.
The Millipede Iris is the only complete and adjustable ring that allows the physician to size and adjust for the patient’s anatomy and valve geometry. The Iris ring is also repositionable and retrievable during the implant procedure adding an additional dimension of safety to the procedure for physicians and their patients.
