Results from the one of the 1st in-human studies of transcatheter aortic valve implants proved that the devices remained durable and effective 5 years after treatment, researchers found. The study, which included 111 patient implanted with either Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW) Sapien valve or the Cribier-Edwards valve, was the 1st study of transapical and transarterial TAVI devices in inoperable patients, TheHeart.org reported. Researchers reported that the early TAVI systems may be as durable as traditional surgical valve implants. The study had a high early mortality rate, but the deaths were unrelated to valve deterioration, according to the study. The patients selected for the study were an average of 83 years old and high rates of related co-morbidities, according to Heartwire.
