Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Percutaneous Transseptal Catheter-Based Mitral Valve Replacement Technology.

Background: Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is a novel therapeutic approach aiming to treat patients with severe mitral regurgitation. This study aimed to evaluate the biological and technical performance of a novel transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement system (Cephea Valve Technologies, Santa Cruz, CA) in a preclinical model.

Methods: Biological performance and healing response were evaluated following open-heart surgical implantation procedures in 10 sheep utilizing an antegrade transatrial access.

Experience of robotic catheter ablation in humans using a novel remotely steerable catheter sheath.

Background: A novel remotely controlled steerable guide catheter has been developed to enable precise manipulation and stable positioning of any eight French (Fr) or smaller electrophysiological catheter within the heart for the purposes of mapping and ablation.

Objective: To report our initial experience using this system for remotely performing catheter ablation in humans.

Methods: Consecutive patients attending for routine ablation were recruited.