Researchers have revealed in an announcement that the first-ever transcatheter mitral valve replacement device has been flawlessly implanted, making a great success in the field of medical science. Lives of many patients suffering from disease or damage to their valves could be saved with the help of the device.

The research was conducted at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), examining the use of valves from pigs to repair the broken valves of patients with heart problems. “The Tendyne Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve is designed to give implanting physicians total control because it is fully repositionable and retrievable which allows physicians to see the outcome before the procedure is closed”, said principle investigator Dr. Wes Pedersen.

The replacement valve is implanted inside a beating heart during the transcatheter procedure. There is no need for open heart surgery or cardiopulmonary bypass while performing the transcatheter procedure.

A small incision in the chest is more than enough to allow a catheter to enter the bottom of the heart and travel into the left ventricle. This helps in positioning the replacement valve within the natural mitral valve, said Dr. Robert Saeid Farivar, Chief Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Co-principal Investigator in the study.

Pedersen said that the ability to identify potential innovative treatments and enable better patient outcomes in the US is significantly improved by collaborating and learning together across research, technology and regulatory.

Pedersen added that the first study implant has happened and the participant is doing well and is all set for discharge. The news has left the study researchers elated.

The research was conducted by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) at Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.