St Jude Medical new heart valve development used in trial

St Jude Medical has revealed the first patient implant of its new heart valve development has taken place as part of its ongoing European trial.

The Minnesota-based global organisation has revealed that its 25mm Portico Transcatheter Aortic Heart Valve has been installed in a patient for the first time as the group looks to secure regulatory approval for its wider use.

This system has been specifically designed to offer a minimally invasive treatment option for individuals suffering with serious aortic stenosis – a condition whereby the aortic valve that obstructs blood flow from the heart is narrowed.

As part of its trial, St Jude Medical will use the new product on up to 50 patients across Europe.

Frank J Callaghan, president of the cardiovascular and ablation technologies division at the group, said this represents a "major milestone" in its transcatheter valve programme and is "an indication of our commitment to provide new options to patients suffering from aortic valvular heart disease".