The Future of TAVI: Abbott’s Navitor™ System Reduces Complications and Enhances Recovery

Navitor transcatheter aortic valve implantation system

Late last year in November, Abbott announced the first patient procedures with its Navitor™ investigational transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) system. The procedure is a minimally invasive approach used to treat severe aortic stenosis. A disease which narrows the aortic valve, reducing blood flow through the aorta. TAVI is used to treat this by replacing the narrowed aortic valve and allowing blood to flow in and out easily.

Abbott’s New Software-Guided Expandable Balloon Approach to Treat Aortic Stenosis

The new Navitor™ transcatheter heart valve is a self-expanding prosthesis that stands out from its competitors with a fabric cuff designed to significantly reduce paravalvular regurgitation (PVR), a common complication in TAVI procedures that involves the backflow of blood around the valve frame. Navitor™ TAVI system crimps the valve on a deflated balloon which is then delivered, positioned, and deployed using Abbott’s highly flexible FlexNav™ catheter.

The Potential of the Balloon TAVI Procedure

The potential benefits of Abbott’s new procedure could include:

  • Less invasive: Similar to the normal TAVI procedure, it is significantly less invasive in comparison to surgically changing the valve.
  • Shorter recovery times: The less invasive procedure results in shorter recovery times and faster discharge times from the hospital.
  • Better for certain patient types: Balloon-expandable valves can be suitable for patients who may not be ideal candidates for self-expanding valves.
    • Reduced risk of valve injury: Balloon-expandable valves offer precise control during valve deployment, reducing the risk of a patient’s valve being injured.
    • Lower risk of PVR: A better seal with the aortic valve will significantly reduce the risk of blood backflowing around the bioprosthetic.

 

The procedure is vital for patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who are at an elevated risk for open-heart surgery. Abbott stresses that the continued research of this TAVI solution and future solutions is extremely important for the industry as the needs of physicians and patients continue to evolve.

Conclusion

Abbott’s new approach to transcatheter aortic valve implantation offers a promising advancement in treating aortic stenosis and represents a significant improvement over their previous Portico™ TAVI system. This continued innovation in the ever-evolving transcatheter heart valve replacement market highlights the importance of constant research and development to better meet the evolving needs of both patients and physicians.

Industry leaders Edward Lifesciences and Medtronic will need to stay vigilant to ensure they don’t lose market share in an increasingly competitive market. For more insights into emerging trends and technologies in the transcatheter heart valve replacement market, take a look at our 2024 Global Cardiac Surgery Device Market Report.

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