March 6, 2014 — Edwards Lifesciences Corp. announced the successful completion of the first three human implants of its Fortis mitral transcatheter heart valve. The Heart Team at St. Thomas’ Hospital in London performed them in February and March.
"These first patients had severe mitral valve disease and many risk factors that prevented them from undergoing surgery. After careful evaluation and close consultation with the patients and their families, we determined that this therapy could potentially extend and improve their lives. At this early stage, we are very pleased with the initial recoveries of these patients," said Vinayak Bapat, FRCS CTh, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, St. Thomas' Hospital in London.
The hospital's Heart Team ia also led by Martyn Thomas, M.D., FRCP, clinical director of cardiovascular services, and Jane Hancock, M.D., Ph.D., MRCP, consultant cardiologist specializing in imaging. They are experienced in less invasive valve procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
The Fortis transcatheter mitral valve features Edwards' most advanced, treated bovine pericardial tissue. It features a cloth-covered self-expanding frame designed to minimize paravalvular leak, and an anatomical anchoring system. This series of implants is being performed via a transapical approach to allow direct surgical access to the mitral valve complex.
Edwards expects these cases to be reviewed in the normal course at future medical meetings. The company's transcatheter mitral valve, which utilizes a transapical approach, is not for sale in any country.
For more information: www.edwards.com
July 02, 2026 
