Medtronic ($MDT) announced that the first patients were enrolled in the clinical trial of use of its CoreValve Evolut R System on low-risk patients. Approval for use on low-risk patients would mean that TAVRs can be used on most patients with troubled aortic valves. Currently, the devices are indicated for use on high-risk patients, namely frail patients who are at risk of serious injury or death during invasive open heart surgery. At the upcoming meeting of the American College of Cardiology, the results of Edwards' intermediate-risk patient trial will be unveiled, with an expanded FDA indication for its Sapien TAVR franchise possible in in late 2016 or early 2017. Approval for use of TAVRs in low-risk patients is farther away, but the commencement of the clinical trial is a good start. More | ACC preview