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The method used to process the combination aortic-mitral human heart valvewas developed by CryoLife in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic. Theinnovative valve was developed as a replacement option for patients withinfective endocarditis involving both the aortic and mitral valves. Infectiveendocarditis is a condition in which the structures of the heart, particularlythe heart valves, are infected.
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"Infections involving both the mitral and aortic valves put patients atvery high risk for serious complications that can result in death," said Dr.Navia. "With the new human tissue combination aortic-mitral heart valve, weare hoping to provide an infection-resistant treatment option to offerpatients."
Dr. Navia developed the concept for the aortic and mitral valvereplacement option and is a paid consultant for CryoLife.
"It was very exciting to work closely with the Cleveland Clinic on thisbreakthrough development in cardiac reconstruction procedures," said Steven G.Anderson, president and CEO of CryoLife. "At CryoLife, we are dedicated toadvancing technology for the treatment of patients suffering from complexcardiac disease. The new aortic-mitral allograft heart valve is a wonderfulnew option for patients suffering from infective endocarditis."
About Infective Endocarditis
Infective endocarditis is a condition in which the structures of theheart, particularly the heart valves, contain some type of infection. Thisinfection can be localized within the heart, or generalized throughout thebody. Blood clots can form as a result of this infection. Valve dysfunctionis common and can involve the aortic, mitral or tricuspid valves.
In patients with endocarditis, abscesses may also form in areassurrounding the valves and between the mitral and aortic valve. Surgicaltreatment of this condition involves removal of infected and dead tissue,drainage and closure of any abscesses, and repair, or more frequently,replacement of the affected valves.
About CryoLife, Inc.
Founded in 1984, CryoLife, Inc. is a leader in the processing anddistribution of implantable living human tissues for use in cardiac andvascular surgeries throughout the United States and Canada. The Companyrecently received FDA clearance for the CryoValve(R) SG pulmonary human heartvalve, processed using CryoLife's proprietary SynerGraft(R) Technology. TheCompany's BioGlue(R) Surgical Adhesive is FDA approved as an adjunct tosutures and staples for use in adult patients in open surgical repair of largevessels. BioGlue is also CE marked in the European Community and approved inCanada and Australia for use in soft tissue repair. CryoLife distributesHemostase MPH, a hemostatic agent, in much of the U.S. for use in cardiac andvascular surgery and in the United Kingdom and Germany for cardiac, vascularand general surgery, subject to certain exclusions. The Company alsodistributes the CryoLife-O'Brien(R) stentless porcine heart valve, which is CEmarked for distribution within the European Community.
The Statements made in this press release that look forward in time orthat express management's beliefs, expectations or hopes, including statementsregarding the potential benefits of a combination aortic-mitral allograftheart valve, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PrivateSecurities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These future events may not occuras and when expected, if at all, and are subject to various risks anduncertainties. These risks and uncertain
