St Jude Medical Inc. has launched two new mechanical heart valve products for valve implant procedures: the Flex Cuff(TM) and the SJM(R) Masters Series aortic valved graft. The products,
developed by the company’s Cardiac Surgery Division, are featured at the annual Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ Scientific Sessions in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Flex Cuff(TM) is a new cuff configuration for the company’s mechanical heart valves designed to meet a variety of implant preferences. It is available on the SJM(R) Masters Series HP valve in the United States and on the SJM(R) Regent valve outside the US. Flanged and more pliable, the Flex Cuff(TM) provides enhanced conformability and improved suturability for easier manipulation and positioning of the cuff. The SJM(R) Masters Series aortic valved graft is used during aortic valve replacement and ascending aortia reconstruction procedures. This product combines proven valve technologies with several enhancements designed to improve implantability. Small micro-tucks and a reduced conduit taper allow for easier positioning and attachment of the coronary arteries. The aortic valved graft is rotatable, reducing interference risk between leaflets and subvalvular structures. Other enhancements include an improved cuff for easier suturing, and a longer graft to increase versatility. The SJM(R) Masters Series aortic valved graft is now approved for use in the United States, Europe, and Canada.
