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Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons Completes Its First Implant of the Perceval S Self-Anchoring Aortic Heart Valve
[January 14, 2014]

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons Completes Its First Implant of the Perceval S Self-Anchoring Aortic Heart Valve


AUSTIN, Texas --(Business Wire)--

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons are the first in Texas to implant a Sorin Perceval STM Self-anchoring Aortic Heart Valve as part of a brand new clinical trial. Dr. John Oswalt and Dr. Faraz Kerendi, cardiothoracic surgeons with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, performed the procedure on two patients at Heart Hospital of Austin. Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons is one of 25 sites around the country taking part in the study. The Perceval S valve has already been approved for use in Europe, and over 58 patients have already received the valve in the United States. The surgical procedures performed by Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons and other sites during this trial will be used to help pave the way for FDA clearance of the Perceval S valve in the U.S.

"We are delighted to begin the process of bringing this cutting-edge technology to patients in the U.S.," said Dr. William Kessler, cardiothoracic surgeon with Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons and principle investigator for the study in Austin. "Because it is a sutureless valve, it could be particularly ideal for medium to high-risk patients with aortic stenosis. We can implant the valve using a minimally invasive approach, so the valve replacement is potentially less traumatic for the patient and could result in a faster recovry."



It is estimated that 1.5 million Americans are suffering from aortic stenosis, and conditions in which the aortic valve-the main valve that controls blood flowing out of the heart-doesn't fully open. This is generally caused by a build-up of calcium. Over time, the heart compensates by having the surrounding heart muscles thicken in order to push more blood out of a smaller opening. This can lead to chest pain, as well as blood backing up in the lungs. In the most severe cases, not enough blood makes it back into the brain and the rest of the body.

The Perceval S valve is designed to replace both native aortic valves and other aortic prosthetic devices. The valve is made from a bovine pericardium sewn to a super elastic alloy frame. This allows the Perceval S valve to self-adjust to each individual's heart without a surgeon attaching it to the wall of the heart with sutures. It is designed to enable the surgeon to use minimally invasive techniques when implanting the Perceval S valve, which has the potential to significantly cut down on time in the operating room. Minimally invasive surgery has been shown to reduce patient time under anaesthesia and post-operative complications.


For more information about Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons' participation in the Perceval S clinical trial, please contact Donna Johnson at (512) 459-8753.

About Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons

For over five decades, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (CTVS) has been proud to offer Central Texas the most specialized and innovative cardiothoracic, vascular, and pediatric surgical care available. The most sophisticated diagnostic and surgical techniques are provided by 24 CTVS surgeons from offices in Central Austin, Williamson County, Hays County, and all area hospitals. Individually and collectively, CTVS surgeons have amassed a record of medical "firsts" in Central Texas, including performing the first heart and kidney transplants in the area. Since 1958, the surgeons along with the clinical team of physician assistants, nurses, and technicians, have shared a commitment to patients, their health and the community. To learn more about Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons, please call 512-459-8753 or visit us online at www.ctvstexas.com.


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