Boston Scientific launches new aortic valve system

Boston Scientific has initiated a controlled launch of the Acurate neo2 Aortic Valve System in Europe.

This transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) technology is a new platform designed with a number of features to improve upon the clinical performance of the original Acurate neo platform. Compared to the previous generation device, the Acurate neo2 valve system also has an expanded indication for patients with aortic stenosis – with no specified age or risk level – who are considered appropriate candidates for the therapy by their heart team, including a cardiac surgeon.

Indicated to restore function and normal blood flow through a severely narrowed aortic valve, the Acurate neo2 Valve System features a new annular sealing technology designed to conform to irregular, calcified anatomies and further minimise paravalvular regurgitation or leaking (PVL). The delivery system aims to simplify access to smaller and complex vessels at the entry site and to allow for accurate valve positioning while the top-down deployment mechanism further supports stable placement and release to ensure the best patient outcomes. 

Joe Fitzgerald, president, interventional cardiology, Boston Scientific, said: "We believe having this differentiated valve with the enhanced sealing technology will further drive favourable market experience and growth. Combined with the Louts Edge Aortic Valve System and Sentinel Cerebral Protection System to protect the brain against the risk of TAVI-related stroke, the Acurate neo2 valve represents the natural evolution of our complementary dual-valve TAVI toolkit that covers the needs of a wide range of patient cases."

Data from the Acurate neo2 CE-Mark Study demonstrated PVL rates for the Acurate neo2 Valve System to be lower than previously reported with the current generation Acurate neo valve. At 30 days and 1 year after implantation, respectively, 97% and 97.5% of patients experienced ≤ no/trace or mild PVL, 3.0% and 2.5% of patients experienced moderate PVL and 0% of patients experienced severe PVL.

Dr. Ian Meredith, executive vice president and global chief medical officer, Boston Scientific, said: "We are pleased to bring the latest iteration of Acurate technology to market, offering design improvements that further support procedural performance and optimal outcomes for patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, from those with simple to the most challenging anatomies. The straightforward implant procedure also enables physicians to reduce the length of time patients need to stay in the hospital, without compromising on safety and clinical results." 

The Acurate neo2 Aortic Valve System received CE mark in April 2020.