The first patient of the ASCENT ASD study has been successfully implanted in Switzerland. Professor Oliver Kretschmar performed the atrial septal defect (ASD) closure with a reSept ASD Occluder at Kinderspital, University Children’s Hospital in Zurich, a world’s leading pediatric center.
Switzerland is the second European country where the reSept ASD Occluder is available to patients with atrial septal defects (ASD), as part of the ASCENT ASD study. To date over 100 patients have had their ASD closed with a reSept device as part of the study. In addition to Switzerland, the ASCENT ASD study is being conducted in the USA, in France and in Canada. For more information on ASCENT ASD and the enrolling centers please click here.
“This study may show that minimally invasive treatment of ASD patients may be possible with a device that may help preserve the natural structure of their septal wall,” explained professor Kretschmar. “I am glad to contribute to the development of Swiss innovation in Zurich for my patients.”
The reSept ASD Occluder
Unlike existing devices that have a bulkier metal frame, the reSept ASD occluder is designed to conform with the septal wall. Its two fabric disks get embedded in the septum by heart tissue, once implanted. Its synthetic filaments naturally resorb within two years, once no longer needed.
“Our device’s structure has been designed to better respect the natural anatomy of the heart wall,” said CEO Laurent Grandidier. “It was conceived in Switzerland from the collaboration of a visionary cardiologist and Swiss engineers. We are very proud to bring it also to Swiss patients as part of this study”.
Please follow the links for further information on ASDs and on the reSept ASD Occluder.