Medtronic's Valiant 'Mona LSA' branch thoracic stent graft system demonstrated proof of concept in a first-in-human study being conducted under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s ‘Innovation Pathway’ early feasibility pilot programme.
The early feasibility study was approved by the FDA under an investigational device exemption and enrolled seven patients from the United States to demonstrate proof of principle and initial clinical safety.
Acute procedure results from all seven patients revealed 100% technical success and 100% patency in both main and branch stent graft. There were no Type I or III endoleaks.
The Valiant Mona LSA system is designed to enable endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms encroaching on the left subclavian artery (LSA) by excluding the aneurysm from blood flow while maintaining perfusion of the LSA.
Based on the market-leading Valiant Captivia thoracic stent graft, the investigational system features a branch cuff that accommodates the LSA branch graft.
Its unique design eliminates the routine requirement for surgical LSA bypass, which proves necessary following about 40% of thoracic aortic aneurysm cases where coverage of the LSA is required to achieve a seal zone with the stent graft.
The Valiant Mona LSA system was the first of nine devices selected for evaluation as part of the FDA's Innovation Pathway, a new pilot program intended to encourage early-stage clinical investigation of new medical devices in the United States. More information about the program can be found on the FDA website.
Cleveland Clinic cardiothoracic surgeon and first-in-human study's national primary investigator Dr Eric Roselli noted thoracic aortic aneurysms involving branch vessels such as the LSA can be particularly challenging to treat.
"The Valiant Mona LSA system could help address an unmet need in the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms. This is clearly reflected in the FDA's decision to help advance the development of this new therapy," Dr Roselli added.
