Return to news

OpSens Announces First SavvyWire Clinical Cases in Europe

and Launch of SAFE-TAVI Study

Quebec City, Quebec, October 26, 2022 – OpSens Inc. (“OpSens” or the “Company”) (TSX:OPS) (OTCQX:OPSSF), a medical device cardiology-focused company delivering innovative solutions based on its proprietary optical technology, today announced the successful completion of the first cases in a clinical study, named SAFE-TAVI, studying SavvyWire™ left ventricular rapid pacing in transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, or TAVR, in Europe. Dr. Regueiro from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain, conducted the procedures as one of the primary investigators of the study. This study is part of the OpSens pre-CE mark clinical strategy that will lead to the commercialization of SavvyWire in Europe.

OpSens’ SavvyWire has previously received Health Canada and U.S. FDA clearance. Using SavvyWire for left ventricular pacing can eliminate the need for venous access, reduce procedure time, and avoid potential complications associated with right ventricular pacing.

Dr. Josep Rodés-Cabau, from the Quebec Heart and Lung Institute (Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec or “IUCPQ”), is the global principal investigator of the SAFE-TAVI study that will enroll 120 patients with, among other conditions, severe aortic valve stenosis requiring a TAVR procedure in which left ventricular rapid pacing is considered necessary.

The SAFE-TAVI study is planned to be conducted at up to nine hospitals: in eight renowned centers across Spain and in Canada, at the IUCPQ. As the global principal investigator of the SAFE-TAVI study, Dr. Rodés-Cabau will oversee and coordinate the principal investigators in their respective Spanish hospitals.

“I am extremely pleased with the performance of the SavvyWire,” said Dr. Regueiro from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. “We successfully used it on three cases today, implanting three different systems, including a Navitor^TM TAVI System from Abbott, an Evolut system from Medtronic, and a SAPIEN 3 valve from Edwards Lifesciences. There is no doubt the SavvyWire allowed us to optimize our efficiency and workflow, while enhancing accuracy and patient safety.”

“The objective of the SAFE-TAVI study is to confirm the safety and efficacy of using left ventricular rapid pacing with the OpSens SavvyWire during TAVR procedures.  Left ventricular rapid pacing is necessary to restrict the range of motion of the heart muscle during TAVR,” commented Dr. Rodés-Cabau.”  This feature adds to the SavvyWire’s performance in enabling an efficient and effective workflow while providing real-time, accurate hemodynamic measurement in the TAVR procedure.”

“We are honored that Dr. Rodés-Cabau, who has led multiple clinical trials that have helped shape the field of interventional cardiology, including the recent SavvyWire first in-human study.  His clinical work has been and continues to be instrumental in the progression of the TAVR procedure, the treatment of aortic valve stenosis and many advances in cardiology,” said Louis Laflamme, President and CEO of OpSens.

SavvyWire is more than a wire, as the world’s first and only sensor-guided TAVR solution. It uniquely provides a 3-in-1 solution for stable aortic valve delivery and positioning, continuous accurate hemodynamic measurement during the procedure, and reliable left ventricular pacing without the need for adjunct devices or venous access.

About OpSens Inc. (www.OpSens.com or www.OpSensmedical.com)

OpSens focuses mainly on cardiology. The Company offers an advanced optical-based pressure guidewire that aims at improving the clinical outcome of patients with coronary artery disease. Its flagship product, the OptoWire, is a second-generation fiber optic pressure guidewire designed to provide the lowest drift in the industry and excellent lesions access. The OptoWire has been used in the diagnosis and treatment of over 200,000 patients in more than 30 countries. It is approved for sale in the United States, European Union, Japan, and Canada.

OpSens has recently received FDA clearance and Health Canada approval to commercialize the SavvyWire for transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures (TAVR). This unique guidewire is a 3-in-1 solution for stable aortic valve delivery and positioning, continuous accurate hemodynamic measurement during the procedure, and reliable left ventricular pacing without the need for adjunct devices or venous access.

The TAVR procedure is growing rapidly globally, driven by the aging population and recent studies that demonstrate its benefits for a broader array of patients. The global TAVR market is currently estimated at over 200,000 procedures and is expected to reach 400,000 in 2027.

OpSens is also involved in industrial activities in developing, manufacturing, and installing innovative fiber optic sensing solutions for critical applications.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, and achievements of OpSens to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the said forward-looking statements.

 Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information, please contact:       

Louis Laflamme, CPA, CA, Chief Executive Officer, 418.781.0333

Robin Villeneuve, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer, 418.781.0333

PDF Version