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 ^[1] developed by Edwards Lifesciences.

The wonderful possibilities of this unique technology could help many, many, many aortic valve replacement patients ^[2] 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!