Conventional heart-valve replacement procedures have a number of challenges beyond the operation itself: The long-term presence of a foreign material in the body can cause inflammation and revision surgery is typically needed, driving up healthcare costs and increasing risk for the patient. Xeltis (Zurich, Switzerland) has developed a technology that uses bioabsorbable polymers structured as a porous matrix that promote the body’s natural healing process and are resorbed once the new functioning tissue has been formed.
