GAITHERSBURG, Md., July 22 (Reuters) - Medtronic Inc won the backing of a U.S. advisory panel on Wednesday for a novel heart valve that can be implanted in a less invasive way than the open-heart surgery required for traditional valves.
Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unanimously urged approval of the Melody heart valve for a limited group of patients born with specific cardiac defects.
The vote makes it likely the FDA will approve the device as the agency usually follows panel recommendations.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Richard Chang) Keywords: MEDTRONIC/VALVE (Reuters Messaging: lisa.richwine.reuters.com@reuters.net; +1 202 310-5691) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unanimously urged approval of the Melody heart valve for a limited group of patients born with specific cardiac defects.
The vote makes it likely the FDA will approve the device as the agency usually follows panel recommendations.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine; Editing by Richard Chang) Keywords: MEDTRONIC/VALVE (Reuters Messaging: lisa.richwine.reuters.com@reuters.net; +1 202 310-5691) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.