The Sorin Group (MIL:SRN), the largest European cardiovascular
company and world leader in medical technologies for cardiac surgery,
announced today the first commercial implant of the Mitroflow Aortic
Pericardial Heart ValveTM in the United States, performed by the
Cardiovascular Surgery Division at Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota.
Designed to provide superior hemodynamic performance and ease of
implant, the Mitroflow valve received FDA approval in October 2007 and
is now available to cardiac surgeons and their patients in the U.S.
"With its unmatched hemodynamic performance, ease of implant and
proven durability over 20 years, Sorin Group is pleased that the
Mitroflow valve is now available to U.S. surgeons and thousands of
patients eligible for aortic valve replacement," said Stefano Di
Lullo, President, Cardiac Surgery Division, Sorin Group. "And we´re
excited to have our first implant performed by the prestigious
surgical team at the Mayo Clinic."
The first U.S. Mitroflow implant was successfully performed by
Rakesh M. Suri, M.D., Assistant Professor of Cardiac Surgery,
Cardiovascular Surgery division, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Suri said the new valve adds to the tools available for aortic valve
implant procedures, and the search for a biological valve prosthesis
with durability equal to or better than those existing on the market,
with lower gradients, is a sought after goal for all patients.
Introduced in Europe in 1982, the Mitroflow valve is a testament
to Sorin Group´s unique experience with bovine pericardium, from
tissue harvesting to proprietary design solutions and high technology
processes. Because the pericardium is mounted on the outside of the
stent, it allows for maximum valve opening and optimum blood flow.
The Mitroflow bioprosthesis offers surgeons the option, based on
patient anatomy, of a supra-annular or an intra-annular valve
placement designed to reduce the risk of patient-prosthesis mismatch
and enhance hemodynamic performance. The streamlined sewing cuff
design has shown that the valve is easy to suture, conformable to the
native annulus, and adaptable to difficult anatomies.
The Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve will be distributed
in the United States by CarboMedics Inc., one of Sorin Group´s United
States subsidiaries.
About the Sorin Group
The Sorin Group (Bloomberg: SRN.IM; Reuters: SORN.MI), a world
leader in the development of medical technologies for cardiac surgery,
offers innovative therapies for cardiac rhythm dysfunctions,
interventional cardiology and the treatment of chronic kidney
diseases. The Sorin Group includes these brands: Dideco, CarboMedics,
COBE Cardiovascular, Stockert, Mitroflow, ELA Medical, Sorin
Biomedica, Bellco and Bellco-Soludia. At the Sorin Group 4,500
employees work to serve over 5,000 public and private treatment
centers in more than 80 countries throughout the world. For more
information, please visit: www.sorin.com.
