Covidien Introduces RapidCross Balloon for BTK Treatment

April 25, 2013—Covidien (Mansfield, MA) announced the launch of the RapidCross balloon, a rapid exchange (RX) balloon designed exclusively for below-the-knee (BTK) interventions.

The company noted that the new RapidCross balloon is not a coronary device retrofitted for BTK use, but that its low profile tip, robust RX port, and long catheter length were engineered for BTK use. The RapidCross balloon complements Covidien's NanoCross over-the-wire balloon line for BTK treatment, stated the company.

According to Covidien's announcement, the balloon delivers smooth crossing with a lubricious coating and fast deflation for increased efficiency. Covidien designed the balloon with an inline RX port for optimal kink resistance. The device has a 170-cm working length on a tapered balloon to improve distal access.

“The RapidCross balloon helps reduce procedure time with the convenience of rapid exchange,” commented Mahir D. Elder, MD, in the Covidien press release. Dr. Elder is an interventional cardiologist at Heart and Vascular Institute in Dearborn, Michigan. “Even more important is the length of the balloon's RX port, which allows you to access taller patients and go deeper into the arch. With the extended shaft length, long RX port and excellent pushability, this is the best RX BTK balloon I have used.”