The concept of TAVR(Trancutaneous aortic valve replacement ) is trying hard to prevail over surgical aortic valve replacement .Two companies Medtronic and Edwards life have their products (Core and Sapiens) tested and used with varying success.Meanwhile, Boston scientific has come out with a new one , Lotus valve made with stainless steel and bovine pericardium.
Lotus valve seems to have a distinct advantage* (over the Core and Sapiens ) in terms of easy delivery and adjustment (or retrieval ) of valve till final position and efficient adoptive steel technology in preventing para-valvular leak.
* Outcome awaited.
Human trials has started with lotus valve in USA 2014.The REPRISE III trial would compare one to one Lotus vs core valve . Results will be out by 2017.Unlike many interventions the utility value and long-term outcome of TAVR seem to be genuine and patients waiting for aortic valve surgery can look forward to this as a genuine non surgical alternative.
Responding to this , Medtronic and Edwards are improving upon core valve with Evolute R /Engager and SAPIEN3 , expected to give a tough time for LOTUS.
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