Transcatheter valves: a brave New World

Over the past five years, transcatheter valves have stimulated the attention of physicians, engineers, and investors. Transcatheter valve design and implantation techniques depart from the time-proven features of surgical valves, and this has an important impact on the safety and efficacy of prosthetic valve therapy. Herein is reviewed the performance of transcatheter valve procedures in comparison to surgical valves, together with a summary of the specific design features of several emerging transcatheter valves. How the current and future generation transcatheter valves are likely to impact on patient treatment is also explored.