ATS Medical: First human robot assisted endoscopic aortic valve replacement in the Midwest

ATS Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATSI), manufacturer and marketer of state-of-the-art cardiac surgery products and services today announced the first human robot assisted endoscopic aortic valve replacement in the Midwest using the daVinci® Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq: ISRG) to implant the ATS 3f ® Aortic Bioprosthesis.  The procedure was recently performed by Husam H. Balkhy, M.D., at the Wisconsin Heart Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"The ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis is uniquely suited for use in minimally invasive procedures, especially in robot-assisted aortic valve replacement.  Using the daVinci robot aides in exposure, adds accuracy, and minimizes the size of the incision.  Our initial experience using the 3f valve and this approach was very positive, and we look forward to advancing the procedure further," stated Dr. Balkhy.

With the introduction of the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis to the U.S. marketplace, surgeons have quickly recognized its unique potential for use in less invasive port access and robot assisted procedures.  The ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis is the first truly stentless valve in the world with no rigid supporting material.   As a result, the valve is completely pliable which allows it to be folded into a small diameter and introduced to the body through small ports using minimally invasive techniques.  No other commercially available valve can be manipulated in this manner.  

This successful minimally invasive implantation of the ATS 3f Aortic Bioprosthesis by Dr. Balkhy is only the second one of these procedures in the United States to be performed with robotic assist, and is another important step toward providing surgeons and patients better options for the treatment of structural heart disease without an open sternotomy.  

"ATS is proud to partner with leading robot experienced cardiac surgery centers such as the Wisconsin Heart Hospital to develop minimally invasive aortic valve procedures.  Dr. Balkhy is an innovative thought leader in cardiac surgery who will continue to drive the development of minimally invasive, cosmetically favorable procedures with excellent clinical outcomes for his patients," stated Michael Dale, President and CEO of ATS Medical.

SOURCE ATS Medical, Inc.