Morgan Stanley: Edwards Lifesciences Experiencing Improved Stroke and Mortality Trends

In a research report published today by Morgan Keegan, Edwards Lifesciences' (NYSE: EW) new data trends have sent a positive signal for transapical.

According to the report, “At 12 months, the stroke rate in NRCA at 3.7% fell below the PARTNER A surgical stroke rate by 330bps and by 710bps below transapical. Our sense is this rate is comparable to bypass surgery. Mortality also trended favorably at 12 months, at 23.8% in the NRCA vs PARTNER surgical at 25.3% and TA at 29.1%.”

Morgan Stanley maintains its Equal-weight rating on Edwards Lifesciences, which closed yesterday at $78.27.