Authors' recommendations: The safety and efficacy of percutaneous valve replacement relative to surgical valve replacement, medical management, or valvuloplasty is unknown. Evidence available is limited to observational data which has methodological limitations. Percutaneous pulmonary and aortic valve replacement is technically feasible based on data from a small number of published cases. The literature suggests that successful implantation improves functional status. Impact on health related quality of life and longevity of the devices is not known. No information was identified on the cost-effectiveness of percutaneous valve replacement. Two European guidelines suggest percutaneous aortic valve replacement may be a treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for surgery or have contraindications to surgical valve replacement. All guidelines cautioned against uncontrolled diffusion of this evolving technology.The absence of data from randomized controlled trials, long term outcome data, and economic information may wish to be considered when deciding about the use of percutaneous valve replacement.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/l0149_percutaneous_heart_valves_htis-2.pdf

Year Published: 2010

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)