IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 8, 2018 — Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, today announced that it has commenced the U.S. pivotal trial that will study its self-expanding CENTERA transcatheter valve for severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) patients at intermediate risk of open-heart surgery.

The prospective, single-arm, multi-center study is expected to enroll approximately 1,000 patients and includes a bicuspid registry. The study has a composite endpoint of all-cause death and/or all stroke at 1 year.

"We are pleased to launch this rigorous study, which we believe will build a robust body of evidence to support the use of this feature-rich, self-expanding valve system in the treatment of patients with aortic stenosis," said Larry L. Wood, Edwards' corporate vice president, transcatheter heart valves. "We look forward to demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of this advanced transcatheter system."

Separately, Edwards confirmed it has updated its regulatory filings and is now resuming the commercial introduction of the CENTERA valve in Europe after completing the previously announced minor modification to CENTERA's delivery system.