Keystone Heart Partners With Venus Medtech in China and Key Asian Markets

March 2, 2017—Keystone Heart Ltd., an Israel-based developer of cerebral embolic protection devices for patients undergoing cardiac procedures, and Venus Medtech (Hangzhou) Inc., a China-based transcatheter heart valve company, announced a partnership agreement to provide Venus Medtech's transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system in combination with Keystone Heart's TriGuard cerebral embolic protection device.

According to the companies, this agreement covers China and key Asian markets. It will allow physicians and patients in these market to benefit from TAVR while simultaneously receiving an embolic protection device intended to provide complete three-vessel protection for the brain.

Venus Medtech's TAVR devices have completed clinical trials and follow-up studies and are pending China Food and Drug Administration clearance. Its transcatheter pulmonic valves are completing clinical trials. The company is also developing the next-generation heart valves designed for increased safety and long-term durability.

Keystone Heart's TriGuard cerebral protection device is designed to provide full coverage to all brain territories to minimize the risk of cerebral damage during TAVR and other cardiovascular procedures. The CE Mark-approved TriGuard device is composed of a nitinol frame and mesh and is shaped to accommodate anatomic variations of the aortic arch. In the United States, the device is currently available for investigational use only.