Professional societies issue position statement on transcatheter valve therapy
Published date : 30 June 2011
Article date : 30 June 2011
The American College of Cardiology Foundation (AACF) and the Society for Thoracic Surgeons (STS) have published a combined statement on the implementation of transcatheter heart valve replacement. They recommend a combination of good practice measures including team working, data collection in trial settings, nominated centres and good training. This is to be applauded, and reflects concerns about the potentially transformational nature of this kind of intervention, offering therapy for patients who may be considered too unwell for traditional open approaches.
The Edwards Sapien heart valve is one such device. It went on sale in Europe in 2010, and a decision from the FDA in July 2011 is expected to be positive.
