September 22, 2014 — A first-of-its kind study found that using a cerebral protection device during transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) can significantly reduce the number and volume of cerebral lesions in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Findings were reported at the 26th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium in Washington, D.C.

Robert Littlefield, MSc, GlobalData's senior analyst covering Medical Devices, said: “Since the first implantation of the Jarvik 7 in 1982, artificial heart devices have evolved significantly in size, design and power usage, but many problems related to sealing, mechanical function, electrical sensing and reliability still persist.

According to a new study, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) provided meaningful clinical benefits relative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in high risk patients with incremental costs considered acceptable from a U.S. perspective.

September 19, 2014 — A new study investigating different durations of triple therapy for anticoagulation after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation demonstrated that six weeks of drug therapy was not superior to six months of therapy with regard to net clinical outcomes. ISAR-TRIPLE is the largest randomized trial to date investigating triple therapy after stenting and the first trial evaluating the duration of triple therapy. Findings were reported earlier this week at the 2014 Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium.