Transcatheter Technologies implants transapical aortic valve in acute porcine model

Transcatheter Technologies GmbH (TT), an innovative medical device company that is developing a second-generation transcatheter aortic valve prosthesis, announced today that its proprietary transapical aortic valve has been successfully implanted in the acute porcine model.

The acute in vivo study of the Trinity system has shown: 1) Accurate stepwise positioning of Trinity via an antegrade transapical approach. 2) Full expansion and anchoring of the Trinity valve prosthesis before the refolding of the stent. 3) Complete evaluation of the fully expanded prosthesis' function before refolding and repositioning or retrieval. 4) Detachment of the stent from the catheter without changing the geometry of the deployed valve prosthesis. 5) Outstanding anchoring and sealing due to the unique design of the stent. 6) Low transvalvular gradients.

TT's unique true repositioning system allows for complete expansion of the valved stent and full evaluation of prosthesis' function before repositioning, before retrieval, and before final release.

"Our aim is to remove the risks and anxiety associated with current transcatheter valve implantation procedures. Trinity's true repositioning technology allows the user to fully expand and anchor the valve, then evaluate hemodynamic valve function before separating from the catheter," said Hou-Sen Lim, CTO. "Our proprietary pre-mounted valve technology removes the need to mount the valve onto the catheter system in the operating room prior to the procedure, thereby reducing the cost and eliminating the risk associated with mounting the valve by an assistant at the implantation side."

"Trinity protects the fragile valve leaflets by Zero Pressure Crimping. This prevents crushing and damaging of the leaflets when the frame is folded. We expect that this will increase the lifespan of the valve prosthesis and thereby allowing for implantation in even younger patients," commented Wolfgang Goetz MD, PhD, CEO. "Our animal trials validate the feasibility of the technology in vivo. We are very proud to have achieved this significant milestone within a very short period of time."

Transcatheter Technologies successful closed the seed financing round in 2009 with High-Tech Gründerfonds and Seedfonds Bayern. The investment will be used for the development of a novel biological heart valve up to the proof of concept. "Transcatheter Technologies' valve design can solve major problems of common prosthesis. Thereby, valve implantations become an option for currently untreatable patients. We are convinced that the medicinal as well as technological expertise of the team provide an ideal base for a successful corporate development", adds Dr. Michael Nettersheim from High-Tech Gründerfonds.