First-in-human experience with the Medtronic CoreValve Evolut R

The CoreValve Evolut R with EnVeo R delivery catheter is a novel transcatheter heart valve (THV) system with enhanced features that have the potential to improve the safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The newly designed delivery catheter is 14 Fr-equivalent and thus expands the option of transfemoral TAVI to a greater proportion of patients. Most importantly, the EnVeo R delivery catheter allows the valve to be recaptured and repositioned during deployment, thus minimising the consequences of THV malposition. Furthermore, the nitinol frame of the CoreValve Evolut R has been redesigned for superior interaction, consistent radial force and optimised cover index across the sizing range, and conformability with the native annulus, thereby hypothetically reducing stress on the left bundle branch. Although large series with long-term follow-up are required to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this device, we present the first human experience with the Evolut R system.