Cordis Corporation Introduces FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 16 Jul 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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Cordis Corporation today announced its introduction in Europe of the FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty) Dilatation Catheter, which features the lowest pre-dilatation balloon profile in the market. The device will be introduced in other regions later in the year.

The FIRE STAR™ Rx (Rapid Exchange) PTCA Dilatation Catheter is designed to facilitate angioplasty procedures to re-open narrowed or blocked areas in arteries, usually prior to the placement of a stent. With its low pre-dilatation balloon profile, the device is equipped to enable interventional cardiologists to easily guide the catheter through tortuous anatomy and to cross complex calcified lesions (blockages). It is also suitable for use in highly stenosed lesions (arteries severely narrowed by build-up of plaque) and bifurcations (divisions of arteries into two branches).

In addition to its low balloon profile, the FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter offers a controlled balloon expansion for accurate dilatation of arteries, minimizing the potential for artery damage. It also has a soft and tapered tip to facilitate crossing stent struts and calcified lesions, whilst its shaft construction minimizes the risk of "kinking" (twisting back on itself). The device is finished with a lubricating coating and is available in various lengths and diameters ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm and from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, respectively.

"The introduction of the FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter is in line with Cordis' commitment to build a comprehensive portfolio of products and services to support interventional cardiologists and catheter lab teams," said Hans-Peter Stoll, M.D., Director of Clinical Research and Medical Affairs for Cordis in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "In recent months, we have also launched the REGATTA™ Steerable Guidewires family and the DURA STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter, which facilitates the post-delivery expansion of stents in coronary arteries. We will continue to expand our range with further innovative new products that meet our criteria for delivering measurable improvements over currently available alternatives."

About Cordis Corporation

Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing interventional vascular technology. Through the company's innovation, research and development, physicians worldwide are better able to treat millions of patients who suffer from vascular disease.

Cordis Corporation
http://www.cordis.com