Crux Vena Cava Filter

Company Crux Biomedical
Phone (650) 321-9903
Web www.cruxbiomedical.com
Key Features

  • The first and only VCF designed to facilitate bidirectional retrieval through either the femoral or jugular veins
  • Novel helical design that self-centers, conforming more closely to the shape of the vena cava and reducing bends and stress
  • Special retrieval hooks facilitate removal through either the femoral or jugular veins

Crux Biomedical (Menlo Park, CA) announced that it has received US Food and Drug Administration clearance for its novel inferior vena cava filter (VCF) with bidirectional retrieval. VCFs are designed to capture blood clots that can lead to potentially fatal pulmonary embolisms among patients who are at risk. The Crux VCF is the first and only VCF that is designed to facilitate bidirectional retrieval through either the femoral or jugular veins, a key consideration when access to one or the other vein is limited.

“Crux designed a device that is both more versatile and simple to use,” stated Tom Fogarty, MD, noted cardiovascular surgeon and founder of Crux Biomedical. “Bidirectional deployment and retrieval are extremely helpful in situations where access to either the femoral or jugular veins is not possible. The Crux VCF, with its innovative design and materials, represents a paradigm shift in the prevention of pulmonary embolisms in patients at risk.”

Vector PTA Balloon Catheters

Company r4 Vascular, Inc.
Phone (866) 943-8090
Web www.r4vascular.com
Key Features

  • Available in 28 sizes
  • All sizes are rated for 30 atmospheres of pressure
  • Radiopaque coating for rapid deflation with no contrast media

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently granted clearance to r4 Vascular, Inc. (Maple Grove, MN) to market the Vector percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheters in 28 sizes. All Vector balloon catheter sizes are rated for 30 atmospheres of pressure and are radiopaque when deflated or inflated.

r4's patent-pending Vector balloon catheter also includes radiopaque coating on the balloon so physicians do not have to use contrast media to visualize the balloon under x-ray (fluoroscopy). Instead, clinicians may use low-viscosity saline alone, which reduces inflation/deflation time up to 50% and may reduce x-ray exposure to the patient and clinicians. Vector includes advanced catheter shaft technology to improve catheter tracking and handling, the company stated.

Omnilink Elite Vascular Balloon-Expandable Stent System

Company Abbott
Phone (800) 227-9902
Web www.abbottvascular.com
Key Features

  • New balloon-expandable stent for iliac artery disease
  • Incorporates Multi-Link design and cobalt chromium technology
  • Demonstrated safe and effective in the MOBILITY study
  • Tested in difficult-to-treat patients with complex peripheral artery disease

Omnilink Elite recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of iliac artery disease supported by positive clinical results from the MOBILITY study. In this study, Omnilink Elite demonstrated safety and efficacy in the treatment of iliac artery disease, including when used for patients with complex disease resulting from severely calcified lesions. The data showed that patients treated with Omnilink Elite were able to walk further, faster, and climb more stairs than they could before treatment.

Omnilink Elite is based on Abbott's Multi-Link stent design, with nextgeneration cobalt chromium technology. Cobalt chromium is stronger and more radiopaque than stainless steel, making the stent easy to see under fluoroscopy while maintaining thin, flexible struts. These features are designed to enable the physician to navigate the stent in complex anatomy and facilitate accurate placement of the device, the company stated.