Edwards Lifesciences' SAPIEN transcatheter aortic valve was a first of its kind, offering patients with severe aortic stenosis the chance to receive a new aortic valve without open surgery. While the technology was initially only available to those patients who couldn't undergo an open procedure, the company's later generation SAPIEN valves have been made available to less-sick patients. 

In August 2016, FDA granted approval for the latest generation of SAPIEN, SAPIEN 3 (pictured above) to be used in intermediate-risk patients.

SAPIEN was given the Prix Galien award for "Best Medical Technology" in 2012, a title it shared with Medtronic's MELODY transcatheter pulmonary valve that year. 

Learn about "How to Set Your Connected Health Solution Apart" at BIOMEDevice San Jose, December 7-8.