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SURTAVI Update: CoreValve Begins Enrolling Patients For 'Intermediate Risk' Study

By Adam Pick on July 20, 2012

As we continue to track and discuss the medical technologies that are impacting heart valve therapy, I just learned that Medtronic recently began patient enrollment in a unique study that will examine the performance of its CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve replacement device in 'intermediate risk' patients.

The CoreValve TAVI Solution By Medtronic

Medtronic CoreValve System

The randomized trial, known as the Surgical Replacement and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (SURTAVI) study, will enroll 2,500 patients in 75 clinical sites around the world. Ultimately, this trial will be used to
determine if the CoreValve performs better, worse or the same as traditional, open heart surgical techniques. Specifically, mortality and stroke rate will be closely monitored during the trial.

You might be wondering, "What determines an 'intermediate risk' patient?"

According to Medtronic, patients considered for the trial include those with:

Severe, symptomatac aortic stenosis ;
Classified as intermediate surgical risk, as defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeon's mortality risk of greater than or equal to 4% and less than or equal to 10%.

So you know, the CoreValve is not yet FDA approved in the United States. However, it did receive a CE Mark in Europe during 2007. Interestingly, I just learned that the CoreValve comes in three sizes - 26mm, 29mm and 31mm. The Edwards SAPIEN, another transcatheter valvular device, only comes in two sizes.

Implant Diagram Of The CoreValve TAVI Device

Needless to say, I will continue to keep you updated as more news and studies are released about valvular therapies. To get my updates about these and other topics you can subscribe to this blog by clicking here. FYI, it's free!

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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