Medtronic launches new heart valve repair ring

Medtronic has launched a new heart valve repair ring for the treatment of tricuspid valve disease.

The Tri-Ad Semi-Flexible Tricuspid Annuloplasty Ring has been ratified by regulatory bodies in both Europe and the US and is used to prevent tricuspid dilatation, a condition which interrupts the natural flow of blood.

It is an implantable annular ring that is part flexible and part semi-rigid, allowing it to adapt to the natural movement of the patient's valve, while helping it to regain a healthy size and shape.

The first Tri-Ad tricuspid valve rings have already been utilised by surgeons in the US, who endorsed the potentially groundbreaking nature of the device.

Robert Perry, vice-president for surgical-based therapies at Medtronic's structural heart business, said: "The Tri-Ad Semi-Flexible Tricuspid Ring is an important addition to Medtronic's tricuspid valve repair product portfolio, which includes three other flexible annuloplasty products."

Last week, the medical technology firm published study data demonstrating the reduction in mortality rates delivered by its cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator offerings.