Avinger Launches Kittycat 2 Catheter and Juicebox Rotator Accessory

October 27, 2011—Avinger, Inc. (Redwood City, CA) announced the commercial release of two devices for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease: the Kittycat 2 support catheter and the Juicebox rotating device for Avinger's catheters. Kittycat 2 is available in the United States and European Union markets. Juicebox is included with Wildcat and Kittycat 2 catheters.

According to Avinger, the Kittycat 2 catheter is designed to provide a gentle approach for lesion access, using a spiral fluted tip and 150-cm length to navigate small spaces and tight bends. The device's preshaped tip can be adjusted to fit each procedure's particular needs and is designed to traverse contoured anatomy and access discrete regions in the peripheral vasculature. The shaft system offers responsive force transmission through the entire length of the shaft. Kittycat 2 is compatible with Juicebox.

Juicebox simplifies procedures by providing battery-powered rotation to the distal tip of the catheter, allowing the interventionist to focus on gently guiding the catheter instead of concentrating on tip rotation. Juicebox spins at a constant speed of 100 rpm in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction and can be easily added or removed during the procedure, the company stated.