IRVINE, Calif., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW - News), the world leader in heart valve technologies, announced today its support of new guidelines for the treatment of valvular heart disease issued jointly by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). Under the new guidelines, more emphasis is put on patient preference than strict age requirements for the choice of a tissue valve over a mechanical valve. Additionally, the recommended age for tissue valve replacement in the mitral position has been lowered from 70 to 65. These modifications reflect continuous improvements in tissue valve performance and cardiac surgery outcomes in general, as well as consideration of patient lifestyle decisions.
