Natural History of Melody Valve in the Mitral and Tricuspid Position

Prior to recent advancement in using the Melody valve for atrioventricular valve replacement, there have only been fixed diameter valve options for severe valve disease requiring replacement. This presents numerous obstacles for those pediatric patients who require replacement early in life, as the fixed diameter does not offer options for expansion for somatic growth, and early reoperation will be required. The Melody valve has been approved for transcatheter implantation into the RVOT (right ventricular outflow tract), and has shown competence within a range of sizes. Recent studies conducted at Boston Children's Hospital of off-label use of the Melody valve into atrioventricular valve positions have shown acceptable short-term valve performance, and that subsequent catheter-based expansion is feasible.