Biotronik Announces European Launch of Carnelian Support Catheter From Tokai Medical Products

April 10, 2019—Biotronik announced the European launch of the Carnelian support catheter, which is indicated for the exchange and support of guidewires into the peripheral vasculature. The device is designed to improve access for treatment of tortuous and highly calcified lesions.

Additionally, the company noted that the launch of the Carnelian support catheter marks the start of a partnership between Biotronik and Tokai Medical Products, a Japan-based developer of catheters for endovascular and cardiac interventions.

According to Biotronik, the Carnelian device is designed to prevent the buckling associated with treating chronic total occlusions by enhancing guidewire control and allowing crossing. The device is composed of a tungsten braided shaft and platinum marker, which contribute to high kink resistance and excellent radiopaque visibility. The catheter’s multisegment shaft design provides a smooth transition from the soft distal tip, allowing trackability to the stiffer proximal part that ensures additional push. It is available in five models and has a low tip profile of 1.6 and 1.8 F.

Marco Manzi, MD, of Policlinico Abano Terme in Italy, commented in the company's announcement, “I was impressed by the Carnelian support and Japanese crossing technique that enable the treatment of very complex lesions, as I recently had a chance to demonstrate in live cases at CLIC 2019 [Critical Limb Ischemia Course] held March 21–22 in Padua, Italy. The Carnelian support catheter is the right tool to tackle the most challenging crossings, even in below-the-ankle arteries.” Dr. Manzi is the Course Director of CLIC 2019.