WIKIMEDIA, MRARIFNAJAFOV We tend to think of medical advances emanating from the basic and translational research performed by scientists in universities, the pharmaceutical industry, and the National Institutes of Health. But we should not forget that the medical device industry is also exceptionally entrepreneurial and dynamic, constantly developing new technologies off the back of major advances in computer and engineering science. More often than not, these new technologies not only improve the quality and safety of medical care, but can also reduce the costs when used appropriately.
Among the new devices recently introduced is a catheter-based device developed by Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, California, that can perform an aortic valve replacement. Aortic stenosis—when the aortic valve does not fully open—is not uncommon in older individuals, and cases are on the rise as the population ages. Once the first symptoms develop, about 50 percent of patients will die within 2 years. Surgical replacement of the aortic valve improves both heart function and survival, but about 30 percent of aortic stenosis patients are not surgical candidates due to age or other diseases. Thankfully, this new device can be inserted without open surgery. The catheter goes into the major artery in the groin and advances to the heart, where the old valve is broken open ...
