Overall one-year survival was over 85% for high-risk or inoperable patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with Sapien 3 (Edwards Lifesciences), according to a study published in Circulation. An American Heart Association press release reports that this survival rate is “strikingly higher” compared to patient outcomes reported in studies that used older TAVI systems.
Between 30 days and one year, there was no increase in the low rate of moderate leaking around the prosthetic valve, which had been observed in earlier studies, and patients experienced a marked improvement in quality of life.
According to the press release, this study suggests that the Sapien 3 system might be the preferred therapy for high-risk and inoperable patients with aortic stenosis. Authors Howard C Herrmann (Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA) conclude that the system should receive additional evaluation to see if it would be appropriate for lower-risk patients. As reported by Cardiovascular News, data presented at the 2016 ACC meeting indicated that Sapien 3 may better than surgery for intermediate-risk patients
Data from the study published in Circulation were first presented at TCT last year. Download our February issue (page 15) to read the full report.
