Pulmonary Heart Valve Replacement with the SAPIEN™ 

What is the Edwards Lifesciences SAPIEN™ transcatheter heart valve?

The Edwards Lifesciences SAPIEN™ transcatheter heart valve replaces a leaky or narrow pulmonary valve. The implant itself is made of three equal-sized bovine pericardial leaflets hand-sewn to a cobalt-chromium balloon expandable stent.

What happens during the procedure?

The implantation procedure for the SAPIEN™ valve is usually non-invasive. A cardiologist uses a catheter (a thin, hollow tube) to guide the valve to the heart and attaches it using an inflated balloon-like tool.

Is any special preparation needed?

Your child may need to avoid food, drink, and/or certain medications for a period before the procedure. Risks of the Edwards SAPIEN™ valve procedure include bleeding, infection, rupture, rapid heart rate, and artery perforation.

Pulmonary heart valve replacement with SAPIEN™ at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Our top-notch cardiologists are experts in pediatric valve replacement and specially trained in the placement of these devices. At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, we are devoted to the comprehensive care of each patient, ensuring your child gets the treatment they need, using the most innovative techniques to care for your child.


Reviewed by: Lourdes Rosa Prieto, MD

This page was last updated on: April 30, 2021 03:47 PM

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