The FDA has given St. Jude Medical approval for the Attune Flexible Adjustable Annuloplasty Ring. Indicated for patients with mitral regurg, the product’s unique adjustable design should let the surgeon perform a tighter, more precise fitting.
From the press release:
Unlike most other flexible annuloplasty rings that have a fixed size, the Attune ring can be adjusted after it is sutured to the annulus — a feature that allows physicians greater control in altering its size and shape to contribute to a more refined repair specific to fit each patient’s heart valve anatomy. The Attune ring is suitable for repairs performed with open chest, minimally invasive or robotic surgical approaches.
The ring’s flexibility allows the annulus to continue its natural movement as the valve opens and closes, thus contributing to more physiologic valve function. The ability to adjust the ring post-implant promotes ideal leaflet alignment to reduce or eliminate residual regurgitation, or small leaks after the repair.
Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces FDA Clearance and Launch of the Attune Annuloplasty Ring for Heart Valve Repair