St Jude Medical highlights new Amplatzer PFO trial data

St Jude Medical has reported new data from the Respect clinical trial that provides insights into the benefits of its Amplatzer PFO (patent foramen ovale) Occluder device.

The study assessed whether closing openings in the heart called PFOs using the device was an effective method of lowering a patient's risk of suffering a further stroke, while evaluating its advantages over conventional medical management methods.

Neurological data from the trial showed that St Jude Medical's product was associated with fewer, smaller strokes that were less likely to originate from blood clots passing through the PFO.

Frank Callaghan, president of the St Jude Medical cardiovascular and ablation technologies division, said: "The overall trial demonstrates that PFO closure with the Amplatzer PFO Occluder for these relatively young, otherwise healthy patients substantially reduces their risks of suffering another stroke."

Last week, the company announced the commencement of a new trial evaluating the benefits its Portico Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve can offer in the treatment of severe aortic stenosis.