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Per the instructions for use (ifu), valve embolization is a known potential adverse event associated with the transcatheter valve replacement (tvr) procedure.There are multiple patient and procedural factors that alone or in combination can cause or contribute to embolization of the device, including improper positioning before deployment, poor image intensifier angle, poor coaxial alignment of the valve and delivery system, severe septal hypertrophy, minimally or bulky/severely calcified leaflets, loss of pacing capture, a narrow sinotubular junction (in aortic position procedures), rapid deployment, the release of stored tension during deployment, inaccurate measurement of the landing zone, and movement of the delivery system by the operator.The ifu cautions that incorrect sizing of the landing zone may lead to paravalvular leak, migration, or embolization.The device training manuals instruct the operator on proper positioning and deployment of the valve, including all procedural and anatomical considerations.Physicians are extensively trained by edwards before they are qualified to use the sapien transcatheter heart valves (all models).Training includes patient screening, device preparation, approach, deployment, imaging, procedure-specific training manuals, and proctored procedures.The correct alignment and positioning of the device at the point of deployment is emphasized as a key factor in the placement and fixation of the device.Operators are also instructed to use fluoroscopy as the primary method of visualization for positioning and deployment.In patients with high-risk anatomical features for embolization (i.E., minimal leaflet calcification, severe septal hypertrophy), balloon valvuloplasty may indicate potential balloon movement during valve deployment.In this case, there was no allegation or indication a product malfunction contributed to this adverse event.Investigation results suggest/indicate that procedural factors may have caused or contributed to this event.A review of edwards lifesciences risk management documentation was performed for this case.The reported event is an anticipated risk of the transcatheter heart valve procedure, additional assessment of this adverse event is not required at this time.The ifu and training manuals have been reviewed and no inadequacies have been identified with regards to warnings, contraindications, and the directions/conditions for the successful use of the device.Complaint histories for all reported events are reviewed against trending control limits monthly, and any excursions above the control limits are assessed and documented as part of this monthly review.As such, neither a product risk assessment, nor corrective or preventative actions are required at this time.
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As reported by the field clinical specialist, during a transfemoral tavr procedure with a 26 mm commander delivery system, the balloon was over-aligned while positioned in the descending aorta.The valve was not positioned between the alignment markers.This was identified prior to deployment.An attempt was made to retract the valve into the sheath to remove the system as a single unit and restart the procedure; however, the valve could not be re-sheathed.The physician wanted to partially deploy the valve, come down on the balloon, gently advance the balloon and then go back up on the balloon for full valve deployment.The first commander balloon inflation only flared the outflow portion of the valve.At that time, the valve was stable within the annulus, and the patient remained stable.The physician withdrew the delivery system from the patient and attempted to use a non-edwards balloon for a second inflation focusing on the inflow section of the valve.When attempting to cross through the valve, the valve pushed through into the left ventricle.The patient remained stable and was taken to the operating room for retrieval of the transcatheter valve from the left ventricle.The device was discarded and is not available for return.
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