The only medical response to severe symptomatic Calcific Aortic Stenosis (CAS) is currently a valve replacement, either by open-heart surgery (SAVR) or by a less-invasive procedure called TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement).
Unfortunately, not all severe symptomatic CAS patients are eligible for SAVR or TAVR (16%) (1) and some refuse surgery.
The standard treatment consists in replacing the aortic valve with a biological or mechanical prosthesis during open-heart surgery, performed under cardiopulmonary bypass, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs while the heart is deliberately stopped to allow for a safe and precise valve replacement (1).
Since 2007, a new technique for minimally invasive endovascular surgery called TAVR has been used with spectacular results. This procedure involves replacing the aortic valve via a percutaneous approach, most commonly through the femoral artery (transfemoral route), which provides access to the aortic valve via the arterial system. Other approaches: Transapical (left ventricular apex), Transaortic (via upper mini-sternotomy or right anterior thoracotomy), Transaxillary or subclavian artery, Transcarotid.
To treat calcific aortic stenosis, Cardiawave has developed a Non-Invasive Ultrasound Therapy (NIUT). NIUT consists in softening the aortic valve, not replacing it. No surgery is required.
Our unique approach could represent both an alternative for patients non eligible for SAVR/TAVR (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement) and a complementary approach to current procedures to prepare overly calcified aortic valves before the deployment of a TAVR.