Epic™ Stented Tissue Valve with Linx™ AC Technology

With Linx™ AC Technology

Supported by 20-year published durability data for our Biocor™ Valve and 25 years of Biocor clinical experience, the Epic Valve offers the same design as the Biocor Valve, with Linx AC Technology. A patented, proprietary anti-calcification treatment, Linx AC is designed to improve long-term performance and valve durability.*

For enhanced control during the entire implant procedure, the Epic Valve also features the exclusive FlexFit™ System.

*There is no clinical data currently available which evaluates the long-term impact of anti-calcificaiton tissue treatment in humans.  

Features & Benefits

Linx AC Technology

Linx AC Technology is a patented, proprietary valve treatment that significantly reduces calcification in animal studies.*

Rat Subdermal Study (60 days) shows 99% reduction in calcification.

Linx AC Technology in animal studies has been demonstrated to resist calcification in four ways:

Designed for Durability

• Triple Composite Design: Features three separate porcine leaflets matched to optimize leaflet coaptation and reduce stress 

• Unique Pericardial Shield On Outflow Edge: Helps prevent risk of abrasion by providing tissue-to-tissue interface

FlexFit™ System

• FlexFit™ Mitral Ratcheting System: Provides stent deflection and maximizes visibility and access to cuff
• FlexFit™ Mitral and Aortic Holder: Improve visibility and cuff access
• FlexFit™ 20 Second Rinse: Reduced to a 2 x 10 second rinse
• FlexFit™ Valve Sizers and System Tray: Click-in handle and leading sizer design

References

¹ Vyavahare N, Hirsch D, Lerner E, Baskin JZ, Schoen FJ, Bianco R, Kruth HS, Zand R, Levy RJ. Prevention of Bioprosthetic Heart Valve Calcification by Ethanol Preincubation. Circulation 1997;95:479-488.

²Frater RWM, Seifter E, Liao K, Wasserman F. Advances in Anticalcific and Antidegenerative Treatment of Heart Valve Bioprostheses. Edited by Gabbay S, and Wheatley D. First Edition, Silent Partners, Inc. 1997;8:105-113.

³ Kelly SJ, Ogle MF, Carlyle WC, Mirsch MW. Biocompatibility and Calcification of Bioprosthetic Heart Valves. Society for Biomaterials, Sixth World Biomaterials Congress Transaction, 2000;1353.

⁴ Vyavahare N, Hirsch D, Lerner E, Baskin J, Zand R, Schoen F, Levy R. Prevention of calcification of glutaraldehyde-crosslinked porcine aortic cusps by ethanol preincubation. J Biomed Mater Res, 1998;40:577-585.

Supra (Aortic)

Aortic

Mitral

Product Demonstration 

Linx AC Animation: The Science Behind the Technology.

Journal Articles

Pia S. U. Myke´n, MD, PhD, and Odd Bech-Hansen, MD, PhD. A 20-Year Experience of 1712 Patients with the Biocor Porcine Bioprosthesis.   The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 137(1): 76-81, January 2009. 

Walter B. Eichinger, MD, Ina M. Hettich, MD, Daniel J. Ruzicka, MD, Klaus Holper, MD, Carolin Schricker, Sabine Bleiziffer, MD and Ruediger Lange, MD. Twenty-Year Experience With the St. Jude Medical Biocor Bioprosthesis in the Aortic Position. The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, (86) 4: 1204 - 10, October 2008.