Chinese heart valve maker Venus Medtech said yesterday it inked a partnership deal with Keystone Heart through which Venus will gain exclusive rights to develop and sell a third-gen version of Keystone’s TriGuard 3 device in China and other Asian markets.

The deal builds on a partnership between the two companies announced last March to promote Venus’ TAVR system, the Venus A-Valve, in combination with Keystone Heart’s 1st-gen TriGuard cerebral embolic protection device in China and other major Asian markets.

“Venus Medtech is not solely focused on transcatheter valve products. We care about the entire TAVR procedure, the associated complications and overall patient’s quality of life. The partnership with Keystone heart will make Venus Medtech the only provider for the holistic treatment encompassing “cerebral embolic protection – balloon – valve” in the global TAVR field. The further cooperation confirms the determination to provide a total solution, and again expresses confidence in the application of innovative technologies,” Venus Medtech co-founder & CEO Eric Zi said in a prepared statement.

“By deepening the partnership with China’s leading Heart Valve company, patients in this important geographic market are ensured access to innovative and future generations of cerebral embolic protection technologies from Keystone Heart,” Keystone Heart prez & CEO Chris Richardson said in a press release.

Earlier this month, Venus Medtech said it inked a definitive investment agreement with DCP Capital to support the upgrading and internationalization of its valve products.