Edwards Lifesciences has announced long-term durability results for bovine pericardial heart valves, based on a study of the Carpentier-Edwards Perimount aortic valve, in a subset of patients aged 60 or younger at the time of operation.
A company press release reported that the study tracked patients over a nearly 25-year period, achieved follow-up of 3,299 valve years and determined that expected valve durability for this population was greater than 17 years. The data were presented at the Congress of the French Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery by Thierry Bourguignon, from University Hospital of Tours, France.
The valve, which was introduced into clinical use in 1981, is bioengineered with precisely-matched leaflets made from bovine pericardial tissue that are handsewn onto a stainless steel frame. The design of the valve, including its frame and leaflets, serves as the model for Edwards’ leading surgical products (Magna Ease and Magna Mitral Ease) are based.
“Pericardial valve use has increased over time. These long-term data on the Perimount valve strengthen the evidence for surgeons to utilise Edwards’ pericardial tissue valves, including in selected patients of age 60 and under,” said Michel Aupart, head of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Tours, France, and a paid consultant to Edwards.
