Sorin Group has announced the US launch of a Mitroflow Valsalva Conduit graft, designed for use in combination with a Mitroflow pericardial aortic valve.

The Conduit graft enables surgeons to replace simultaneously the ascending aorta and the diseased aortic valve with Mitroflow aortic tissue valve, thus limiting cardiac surgery time.

The Mitroflow graft, which is impregnated with absorbable bovine cross-linked gelatine for eliminating the need for preclotting, also replicates the native sinus thereby preserving the patient’s physiological hemodynamics and obviating the need for lifelong anticoagulation treatment.

Previous studies of the FDA-cleared Mitroflow pericardial valve have demonstrated excellent hemodynamic performance, ease of implant and proven durability, according to the company.

University of Pennsylvania Medical Center cardiac surgery associate professor Wilson Szeto said, "The Mitroflow Valsalva Conduit offers the surgeons a convenient way to connect the Mitroflow valve to a clinically proven aortic graft at point of use in the operating room, allowing a quick and effective assembly of the Mitroflow valve."

Sorin Group CEO André-Michel Ballester said, "The Mitroflow Valsalva Conduit launch represents our continued commitment to innovation and enhances our tissue heart valve portfolio in the U.S."