AGA Medical Corporation has received European CE Mark approval for its AMPLATZER® vascular plug, AVP 4. The device, which is indicated for arterial and venous embolizations in the peripheral vasculature, uses AMPLATZER's proven mesh-braided Nitinol technology and may eliminate the need for catheter exchange, giving physicians a more efficient procedure. AGA Medical will begin marketing the AVP 4 in Europe immediately.

"The AVP 4 is a major technological advancement in the AMPLATZER vascular plug family and receiving CE Mark approval validates this achievement," said John Barr, president and chief executive officer, AGA Medical Corporation.

With its low profile, the AVP 4 allows delivery through a standard 0.038 diagnostic catheter. The physician can now choose to use one AVP 4 instead of what often becomes multiple coil implants - without factoring in the need for a catheter exchange.

"Our physician customers requested a lower-profile option and we delivered, exceeding their expectations with the AVP 4," Barr explained. "The AVP 4 complements our other vascular plugs, providing physicians with advanced tools to treat vascular conditions, which have the potential to reduce procedure times while offering improved flexibility and cost effectiveness."

The AVP 4 is a single-device solution for peripheral embolization, the practice of reducing or eliminating blood flow to an area of the body by blocking - or occluding - a blood vessel to treat a wide range of circulatory and internal organ diseases. The lower-profile AVP 4 extends the reach of the AMPLATZER vascular plug family to smaller and often more distal vasculature. The device's multi-layered, double-lobed design provides rapid embolization. Additionally, the flexible mesh and floppy distal section of the delivery wire facilitates easy tracking through torturous anatomy.

About the AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Family

AMPLATZER® Vascular Plugs are designed to provide embolization of peripheral arteries and veins through single-device occlusion; full cross-sectional vessel coverage; and controlled, precise deployment. A single device from the AMPLATZER Vascular Plug Family can frequently occlude a vessel that would have required many coils, providing an efficient and cost-effective alternative to coils or surgery. AMPLATZER Vascular Plugs have the ability to be recaptured and repositioned, if necessary. AGA offers the AVP 4 in diameters ranging from 4mm to 8mm. For more information, click here.

Source
AGA Medical Corporation