A Medical Device Daily

ATS Medical (Minneapolis) reported FDA clearance for the ATS Simulus semi-rigid annuloplasty ring.

ATS said that these semi-rigid rings are the next in a series of mitral valve repair products developed through the company's partnership with Genesee BioMedical (Denver, Colorado), a collaboration that works with cardiac surgeons to create a semi-rigid ring with the Flex-Zone anterior segment.

"The ring respects the natural motion of the mitral annulus and its proximity to the aortic valve allowing for a safer, more physiologic valve repair," ATS said in a statement. Annuloplasty rings and bands are used in those cases where repair of a patient's heart valve is preferable to valve replalcement.

Douglas Murphy, MD, of St. Joseph's Hospital (Atlanta), said: "I have utilized the original ATS Simulus flexible annuloplasty ring and band in hundreds of surgical cases and have been impressed with its superior handling and suturability. A semi-rigid version coupled with the variety of surgical repair techniques available will allow us to further individualize and refine each patient's care ... ."

ATS develops products and services for cardiac surgery.