Plaque Excision Technology Launched by FoxHollow
The SilverHawk EXL, a novel device used for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in small vessels below the knee, was launched on August 28th by FoxHollow Technologies. The product launch was detailed in a press release from FoxHollow Technologies which is based in California.
The SilverHawk EXL is a plaque excision catheter tool that physicians can use to remove tissue blocking arterial flow in the lower legs. The length of the nosecone was increased to 6cm with this newest iteration.
The product also incorporates FoxHollow’s MEC Technology (micro efficient compression). The EXL is the second product in the SilverHawk line to include this design. The SilverHawk EXL catheter is especially crafted to allow access to smaller, distal vessels that range in diameter ranging from 2 to 3mm.
MEC design features include a catheter tip with ventilation, vent holes are laser drilled into the device tip. This allows collection of more atherosclerotic tissue by release of pressure from fluid via the vent holes. Data from bench testing with the device, compared to FoxHollow’s own SilverHawk ES+, indicates that the new EXL catheter captures almost five times the amount of tissue in single insertion. This benefit may reduce the overall procedure time by minimizing the number of times a vascular surgeon inserts the catheter to procure the plaque from a vessel.
Other features integrated with the EXL include an improved torque shaft to support consistent torquing during device use, as well as tracking and advancement of the catheter within the vessel. The tip of the EXL was made more flexible and softened to improve maneuvering of the catheter through distal vessels. These features are detailed (pdf) on the company’s site.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) results from accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque within arteries of the lower leg, causing blockage of blood flow. Risk factors for this condition include both diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesteremia, and stroke. Risk also increases with age. Estimates suggest that almost 12 million U.S. residents have the condition.
August 29, 2007 Related topics: Product Launches, Quality, Safety, Errors, Surgery, Cardiology