FDA panel backs broader use of Edwards heart valve

A panel of heart experts is recommending the government expand approval of the first artificial heart valve designed to be implanted without major surgery, despite limited information about some long-term side effects.

The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of cardiologists voted 11-0 in favor of broadening approval of Edwards Life Sciences’ Sapien valve.

The valve is currently available for patients who aren’t healthy enough to undergo the more invasive open-heart surgery.

If the FDA follows the group’s advice, the implant will be approved for patients who are healthier, but still face serious risks from chest-opening surgery. Many such patients are in their 80s and have complicating medical conditions.

The FDA is not required to follow the panel’s advice, though it often does. A decision is expected later this year.

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WASHINGTON