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Technology Update: The ValveXchange Has Its First Implant!

By Adam Pick on October 9, 2011

Needless to say, this is a very exciting time in the development of heart valve therapies. In my opinion, this segment of cardiac care just became even more exciting as ValveXchange reported the first-in-man (FIM) implant of its two-part, heart valve replacement system.

"What is a two-part heart valve replacement system?" you might be wondering.

As shown above, the first part of the surgical system is the permanent implant of the Vitality base within the valve.

The base is similar to a "dock" which holds the second part of the system, a replaceable leaflet set. Yes, you read that right... A replaceable leaflet set!

Plus, the leaflet set was designed to be replaced through the apex of the heart -- which means the patient would not require sternotomy or thoracotomy to replace the worn-out or calcified leaflets.

The potential impact of this experimental technology is very, very, very interesting. As prosthetic tissue valves typically wear out between 10-15 years, the ValveXchange system could eliminate the need for follow-on, invasive procedures during the patient's lifetime. For younger patients, that might be an appropriate alternative to selecting a mechanical heart valve replacement that requires lifelong Coumadin therapy.

ValveXchange Implant Team

The first three ValveXchange procedures were performed by Dr. Adrian Ebner and two incredible supporters of this community -- Dr. Randolph Chitwood and Dr. Lars Svensson. All three patients are recovering normally. Following the procedures, Dr. Chitwood and Dr. Svensson noted:

"The cases went extremely well. We think we've got an excellent valve concept. The patients have come off bypass without any difficulty, excellent gradients, good cardiac outputs and good ventricular function."-- Dr. Randolph Chitwood

"With other valves if you break a suture you're basically committed to taking the valve off and out. Here there are no leaflets, so it's very easy to see and put in extra sutures." -- Dr. Lars Svensson

As for the availability of the ValveXchange system, please note this technology is not FDA approved. According to the company, it will pursue clinical trials which are expected to start next year.

So you know, I was very fortunate to speak with Dr. Ivan Vesely, a PhD Biophysicist, who founded ValveXchange. During our discussion, I quickly learned how dedicated and committed he was to the pursuit of healthy heart valves. That said, I want to wish Ivan, Ranny, Lars and the ValveXchange team "Congratulations!"

Keep on tickin!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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