The Evolut R and Evolut PRO transcatheter aortic valve systems

Introduction: Transcatheter aortic valves have evolved over the last 15 years. Second- and third-generation devices have considerably improved, and a range of newer devices have also been introduced with the aim of decreasing the incidence of paravalvular leak, reducing the need for permanent pacemaker implantation and minimizing procedure- and device-related complications. Areas covered: In this review, we highlight the special features of the latest generation of self-expanding Evolut PRO (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) transcatheter aortic valve system. A detailed literature search on the Medtronic Evolut R and Evolut PRO transcatheter aortic valves was undertaken using Ovid, PubMed and Web of Science. Expert commentary: In a single, small study, the Evolut PRO has shown significant improvement over the Evolut R in terms of reduced paravalvular leak and pacemaker implantation. Larger scaled studies are needed to ascertain the performance of the Evolut PRO.