Study: New Method of Heart Valve Replacement Promising

Patients who cannot endure traditional open-heart surgery could benefit from percutaneous heart valve replacement, according to a study funded by HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The new method, which implants a replacement valve through a catheter, is less invasive and could be an effective short-term alternative, the report says. However, the agency calls for more information on the long-term risks and benefits compared with open-heart valve replacement surgery.