Spectranetics Launches New Catheter Sizes for Turbo Elite 0.035 Laser Atherectomy Device to Treat CTOs

August 19, 2013—Spectranetics Corporation (Colorado Springs, CO) announced the launch of new catheter sizes for the Turbo Elite 0.035 laser atherectomy device. The two new catheter sizes—with diameters of 2.3 mm and 2.5 mm—are compatible with a 0.035-inch guidewire.

According to the company, the new sizes provide additional versatility for the Turbo Elite laser in the treatment of complex lesions, including chronic total occlusions, in blood vessels above and below the knee. The Turbo Elite laser atherectomy device was designed specifically for the treatment of peripheral artery disease by vaporizing blockages in leg vessels and restoring blood flow.

According to the company, vascular surgeon Lawrence J. Goldstein, MD, who participated in clinical evaluations that were conducted at selected regional sites in the United States and Europe, reported that crossing procedures with the Turbo Elite system resulted in saving time and resources. Dr. Goldstein commented in the Spectranetics press release, “I typically attempt to cross an occlusion by first using a 0.035 guidewire. Because these new catheter sizes are compatible with this wire size, they eliminate the need to change wires to perform the laser atherectomy procedure once I have crossed the lesion.”

Also in the company's press release, Giancarlo Biamino, MD, who participated in early physician training on the Turbo Elite 0.035 and who is a pioneer in the use of laser technology for debulking diseased vessels, commented, “One of the biggest concerns in crossing a CTO (chronic total occlusion) in the superficial femoral artery is the potential to exit the true lumen and end up in the subintimal space. The Turbo Elite 0.035 offers a crossing device with true atherectomy and better guidewire support, ensuring effective treatment within the affected lumen of the vessel.”