World's First Transcatheter Polymer TAVR Patient's 2-Year Post-operative Follow-up Results Released

On July 6, 2022, Professor Ge Junbo led a team to successfully perform the world's first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure using a polymer in an 80-year-old high-risk patient. This milestone marks China's entry into the polymer era in the treatment of valve diseases. The SIKELIA® system, the world's first polymer transcatheter aortic valve replacement system developed independently by MitrAssist Lifesciences Limited., achieved significant success in its initial clinical applications. The elderly high-risk patient completed a successful 24-month follow-up post-surgery, demonstrating significant improvements in quality of life and survival rates.

 

Case Introduction

 

On July 6, 2022, Professor Ge Junbo and his team successfully completed the world's first transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using a polymer valve. The patient, an 80-year-old male, presented primarily with recurrent exertional dyspnea and chest tightness. He was diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension. The surgery proceeded smoothly, with immediate extubation and awakening postoperatively. A follow-up echocardiogram six days later indicated good fixation of the prosthetic valve, with a peak pressure gradient of 8 mmHg, mean pressure gradient of 4 mmHg, and mild aortic valve regurgitation. The patient recovered well postoperatively, with the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide decreasing from 5688 pg/ml to 1035 pg/ml, and an improvement in NYHA functional class from III to II.

 

Postoperative Follow-up Data