A NEXT-GENERATION transcatheter heart valve known as DurAVR is showing superior hydrodynamic performance in laboratory tests across a range of TAVI procedures, positioning itself as a promising solution for patients requiring first-time or repeat heart valve interventions. The findings suggest DurAVR could set a new standard in minimally invasive heart valve care.
Evolving Options in Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy
The transcatheter heart valve landscape has advanced rapidly, but options with optimal flow dynamics and durability remain limited. DurAVR, a biomimetic balloon-expandable valve, has been engineered for anatomical performance and minimal disruption to blood flow, addressing key needs in native, valve-in-valve (ViV), and redo-TAVI scenarios. This innovation is particularly relevant for those with failing prior implants, underlining the ongoing progress in transcatheter heart valve technologies.
DurAVR Compared to Existing Valves: Key Findings
Bench simulations assessed the hydrodynamic function of DurAVR and compared it to leading transcatheter heart valve types, including SAPIEN 3, Evolut PRO, Navitor, and ACURATE neo2. In all native deployments, DurAVR maintained a large effective orifice area of at least 3 cm² and low mean gradients under 6 mmHg, regardless of implant depth. DurAVR also demonstrated minimal pinwheeling, a sign of durability, compared to moderate levels with certain other valves. In valve-in-valve and redo-TAVI settings, DurAVR outperformed the comparators with consistently larger orifice areas, lower pressure gradients, and mild or absent pinwheeling. Its performance remained robust across all simulated scenarios except for a slight exception in one redo configuration.
Future Outlook for Transcatheter Heart Valve Advances
While these bench results underscore the promise of the DurAVR transcatheter heart valve, the valve’s true impact will be determined by large-scale clinical studies. Continued research into short- and long-term outcomes will be essential to confirm its utility and safety in real-world patient populations, shaping the next evolution of TAVI care.
Reference
Meier D et al. DurAVR-a novel biomimetic balloon-expandable transcatheter valve for TAVI, valve-in-valve TAVI and redo-TAVI. EuroIntervention: journal of EuroPCR in collaboration with the Working Group on Interventional Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology. 2025;21(18):e1090-101.
