Percutaneous valves: the future is upon us!

Implications: Percutaneous valves are technically feasible.

Complications are currently not comparable to the traditional open valve replacement/repair.

Analysis: As we expand our minimally invasive surgical techniques, the next obvious goal is percutaneous valve repair and replacement. As with endografting for abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, the technique has not been perfected, but it will be soon. There is a great potential for several companies to have the technology which works best, and is therefore positioned to replace the current technique in many patients including "high-risk."