Heart valves are one-way valves that control the direction of blood flow in the heart. Patients with diseased heart valves may suffer discomfort with exertion, fatigue and shortness of breath. If left untreated, heart valve disease can be life threatening. Surgical replacement of the damaged natural valve with an artificial valve, such as the On-X Heart Valve, is a common treatment for severe heart valve disease. Clinical hemodynamic results demonstrate significant improvements in On-X Heart Valve performance relative to other bileaflet designs.
Improved performance enhances patient quality of life.
Enhanced quality of life through utilization of advanced materials technology and advanced design concepts provides the competitive edge for the On-X Heart Valve in today's 600 million dollars per year worldwide heart valve market. MCRI plans to market the On-X Heart Valve in the European Union through a network of independent distributors. To date, approximately 300 patients have received On-X valve implants with excellent results. Under U.S. and European regulations, the On-X valve clinical trials are monitored by an independent advisory board that consists of expert cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists. Clinical trial results are evaluated in a scientific peer review forum.