Abbott reports positive data from real-world MitraClip studies

Abbott has reported positive outcomes from two European post-approval studies of its catheter-based MitraClip product, for the treatment of mitral regurgitation.

Data from the Access-EU study showed that the device was associated with low rates of hospital mortality and adverse events among high-risk elderly patients, as well as significant improvements in day-to-day quality of life.

Meanwhile, findings from the German Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions registry showed similar benefits for both elderly and younger patients, with substantial relief of heart failure symptoms for the majority of patients and low mortality rates.

MitraClip received European CE Mark approval in 2008 and is available in a number of international markets, though it remains restricted to investigational use in the US.

Dr Charles Simonton, vice-president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Abbott's vascular division, said: "The MitraClip device represents a true advance for these patients, who suffer from poor quality of life and have no satisfactory options to reduce their significant mitral regurgitation."

Last month, the firm received a CE Mark for Xience Xpedition 48, the world's longest coronary drug-eluting stent.