45-mm Gore TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis
W. L. Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, AZ) recently announced that it has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to market the 45-mm-diameter version of the Gore TAG thoracic endoprosthesis to treat aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta. The larger-diameter device allows treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms with proximal and distal neck diameters ranging from 37 to 42 mm.

“The availability of the 45-mm Gore TAG device will provide physicians treating thoracic aneurysms with more options,” explained Dr. Michel Makaroun, Chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery and Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and national principal investigator for the device's clinical study.

The Gore TAG thoracic endoprosthesis internally relines the thoracic aorta and isolates the diseased segment from blood circulation. The device is composed of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft with a self-expanding nitinol support structure to combine both device flexibility and material durability.

PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System
Boston Scientific Corporation (Natick, MA) announced that 22 new balloon sizes have been added to the PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System, including balloon lengths of 120 and 150 mm. Available in balloon diameters of 2 to 8 mm, the PolarCath System is used to dilate stenoses of the femoral, popliteal, and infrapopliteal arteries.

The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System delivers CryoPlasty Therapy and is designed to initiate both mechanical and biological responses to produce beneficial vascular effects, the company stated. This technology uses nitrous oxide to inflate an angioplasty balloon within a blocked artery, cooling the balloon's surface to -10° C. As it is inflated, the cold surface of the balloon cools and dilates the vascular lesion.

“The expanded portfolio of PolarCath balloons will enable interventionists to address longer lesions in the femoral and subfemoral arteries with a longer balloon rather than multiple shorter balloons,” said Tony S. Das, MD, Director of Peripheral Vascular Interventions at the Presbyterian Heart Institute in Dallas. “The PolarCath System also offers the potential benefits of CryoPlasty Therapy for these complex lesions.”

EURO INNOVATIONS

Piton GC
The Piton GC carotid guide catheter (Medtronic Invatec, Frauenfeld, Switzerland) recently received CE Mark for use in the carotid arteries. According to the company, the Piton GC is specifically designed for carotid access. The device features a braided shaft and flexible coiled tip, which enhances the device's steerability and control. Additionally, the Piton GC's design provides for atraumatic ostial engagement and facilitates access to the carotid arteries. The Piton GC can reduce manipulation time and risk of embolization while potentially increasing the technical success rate of carotid artery stenting, the company stated.