Medtronic’s CoreValve system approved in Europe for VIV procedures

Medtronic has received European CE Mark approval for valve-in-valve (VIV) procedures using the CoreValve and CoreValve Evolut transcatheter aortic valve implantation systems.

This decision allows the technique to be used in the treatment of degenerated bioprosthetic surgical aortic valves and marks the first regulatory approval for VIV procedures anywhere in the world.

With this minimally invasive treatment option, the CoreValve System is placed inside the degenerated surgical aortic valve through a low-profile 18Fr delivery catheter.

It means that patients whose surgical aortic valves have degenerated and who are at extreme or high risk for surgery can now benefit from significant haemodynamic improvements using a clinically validated method.

Dr John Liddicoat, senior vice-president for Medtronic and president of the company's structural heart business, said: "This approach allows patients to avoid a second open-heart surgery to replace a failing surgical valve, which was originally performed to replace their own diseased valve."

Earlier this month, the company announced its financial results for the year ending on April 26th 2013, during which it experienced a five percent annual revenue increase.