Low Mortality Rates For Sapien Valve, According To Edwards Lifesciences

May 21st, 2009

Considering I’m fascinated with technology, it’s natural and logical that I would monitor the ongoing roll-out and clinical trials specific to the Sapien heart valve replacement device developed by Edwards Lifesciences.

The wonderful possibilities of this unique technology could help many, many, many aortic valve replacement patients in the future. The Sapien system (shown below) is less invasive and provides patients with a faster recovery.

Sapien Heart Valve Replacement Device

On that note, Edwards – the largest heart valve manufacturer on the planet – just released data from its first post-market study. The recent study showed that the Edwards SAPIEN valve had a low 30-day mortality, according to the company.

The data presented showed a 30-day survival rate of 93.7% in transfemoral procedures, and 89.7% in transapical procedures. These results were better than the predicted surgical survival in this high-risk patient cohort.

As always, I’ll continue to track the results of the Sapien device as its journey for FDA approval here in the United States continues.

Keep on tickin!

About The Author: Adam Pick is a double, heart valve surgery patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. This unique book integrates clinical research with the personal experiences of 135 former patients to help future patients and their caregivers better understand the problems, the opportunities and the realities of heart valve surgery. To learn more about Adam and his heart valve surgery book, click here.