Almaty, Kazakhstan — Recently, the VitaFlow Liberty^® Transcatheter Aortic Valve and Retrievable Delivery System, independently developed by MicroPort CardioFlow Medtech Corporation (02160.HK), successfully completed two new implantations at the JSC "Research Institute of Cardiology and Internal Diseases" in Kazakhstan. This brings the total number of implants in Kazakhstan to six, marking steady progress in its overseas commercialization and further consolidating its clinical recognition in Belt and Road Initiative markets.

The procedures were proctored by Professor Dong Haojian from Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and performed by a team led by Dr. Alexey, a leading expert at the cardiovascular research center. Postoperative evaluations showed no significant paravalvular leakage or other complications in either patient, with both procedures achieving complete success.

Case 1

Preoperative Assessment

The patient was a 60-year-old female. CT analysis indicated a stenotic tricuspid aortic valve with mild leaflet calcification and thickening. Measurements showed an annular perimeter of 72.3mm (mean diameter: 23mm), LVOT perimeter of 70.9mm (mean diameter: 22.6mm), sinus widths of 26.8mm/25.1mm/26.7mm, STJ mean diameter of 26.4mm, ascending aorta mean diameter of 34.6mm, and an annular angle of 56°.

CT Analysis - Coronary Risk Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation could not completely rule out coronary risk, necessitating intraoperative balloon predilation and reassessment at the valve's extreme position.

CT Analysis - Summary and Surgical Strategy

This was a typical tricuspid valve case. A VitaFlow Liberty^® TAV 24 valve was selected based on annular perimeter. Due to mild calcification and thickening of the leaflets, along with insufficient supra-annular anchoring force, 20mm balloon predilation was performed. Given the patient's small sinuses and STJ dimensions relative to the 24-size valve, initial deployment was targeted approximately 2mm below the annulus. The right access route had adequate effective inner diameter and suitable bifurcation, making it the primary approach.

Surgical Outcome

Final results showed 0mmHg transvalvular pressure gradient, no significant paravalvular leakage, an implantation depth of 5mm below the annulus, good bilateral coronary blood flow, and no other complications.

Case 2

Preoperative Assessment

The patient was a 70-year-old female. CT analysis revealed a stenotic tricuspid aortic valve with mild leaflet calcification and thickening. Measurements showed an annular perimeter of 75mm (mean diameter: 23.9mm), LVOT perimeter of 76.8mm (mean diameter: 24.4mm), sinus widths of 28.6mm/28.9mm/30.3mm, STJ mean diameter of 23.9mm, ascending aorta mean diameter of 27.2mm, and an annular angle of 56°.

CT Analysis - Coronary Risk Assessment

The patient's left and right sinuses and STJ were relatively small compared to the 27-size valve frame. Comprehensive evaluation could not completely exclude coronary risk, requiring intraoperative balloon predilation and reassessment at the valve's extreme position.

CT Analysis - Summary and Surgical Strategy

This was a typical tricuspid valve case. A VitaFlow Liberty^® TAV 27 valve was selected based on annular perimeter. The LVOT had a small flared shape, and the leaflets showed mild calcification and thickening. With insufficient anchoring force beyond the annulus, 20mm balloon predilation was performed. Given the patient's small sinuses and STJ dimensions relative to the 27-size valve, initial deployment was targeted approximately 2mm below the annulus.

Surgical Outcome

Final results showed 1mmHg transvalvular pressure gradient, no significant paravalvular leakage, an implantation depth of 6mm below the annulus, good bilateral coronary blood flow, and no other complications.

Conclusion

As a key hub in Central Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan's medical collaboration with China continues to deepen. Professor Dong Haojian's cross-border mentoring cooperation has not only added another international example to TAVI technical standards but also promoted the global advancement of China's innovative valve technology. Meanwhile, as VitaFlow Liberty^® continues to progress in its global expansion, its outstanding clinical value will further validate the capabilities of "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" and help improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Kazakhstan, benefiting a wide range of patients.