Introducing an atrioventricular valve indicated for transcatheter implantation in cases of severe mitral regurgitation, particularly functional regurgitation (it is also valid for use in some cases of mixed degenerative disease and even focal calcification). Cardiovalve (Venus Medtech, China) has a height of 15 mm to avoid left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, something that is common with other valves. It is made with a double metal frame formed by a stent where the valve is sewn, and an (inflatable) skirt that adapts to the annulus to avoid paravalvular leaks. It is available in three sizes: medium, large, and extra large. The medium covers annulus diameters of between 36 and 43 mm; large, between 42 and 48 mm; and extra large, from 47 to 53 mm. The same valve can be used to treat tricuspid regurgitation: for the moment, it is only indicated in patients with an annulus diameter of 36-55 mm and a right ventricular length > 45 mm.
This is a very promising technology, and I think that it is just a sample of what’s to come in the very near future.
Keywords: Tricuspid regurgitation, Mitral regurgitation, percutaneous prosthetic valve.
