Absorb GT1 Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold

Abbott Vascular
(800) 227-9902
www.abbottvascular.com
www.absorb.com

KEY FEATURES

  • First FDA-approved bioresorbable vascular scaffold
  • Fully dissolves in approximately 3 years
  • Made of bioresorbable polylactide material
  • Available in 8- to 28-mm lengths

Abbott Vascular recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's Absorb GT1 bioresorbable vascular scaffold. Made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material, the Absorb stent will fully dissolve in approximately 3 years. It is indicated for improving coronary luminal diameter in patients with ischemic heart disease due to de novo native coronary artery lesions (length ≤ 24 mm) with a reference vessel diameter of ≥ 2.5 mm and ≤ 3.75 mm.

Absorb initially repairs the artery and begins bioresorption while maintaining mechanical support of the lumen through the first 6 months. Between 2 and 3 years, connective tissue gradually replaces the scaffold's struts, and by approximately 3 years, no polymer remains in the vessel. By 4 years, the vessel has an innately functioning arterial wall.

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold received European CE Mark approval in 2010 and approval from the FDA in 2016.


Asahi Caravel Microcatheter

Asahi Intecc USA, Inc.
(855) 286-9473
www.asahi-inteccusa-medical.com

KEY FEATURES

  • 1.9-F crossing profile
  • 0.014-inch guidewire compatible
  • Available in 135- and 150-cm lengths
  • Act One precision braided shaft

The Asahi Caravel microcatheter is approved for both coronary and peripheral applications. Caravel has Asahi's proprietary Act One precision braided shaft, which provides flexibility and guidewire support with a 1.9-F crossing profile.

Craig Walker, MD, the Founder, President, and Medical Director of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Houma, Louisiana, said, “The Asahi Caravel microcatheter crossed a complex lesion as if there was no lesion at all. I think that this will become a very important part of complex peripheral interventions, particularly with transcollateral crossing cases.”

Manos Brilakis, MD, added, “In a coronary case, the Asahi Caravel microcatheter tracked very well through tortuous septal collateral without requiring rotation. Its low profile and hydrophilic coating make it an excellent tool for complex interventions.” Dr. Brilakis is the Director of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at the VA North Texas Health Care System in Bonham, Texas.

This microcatheter is compatible with 0.014-inch guidewires and is available in 135- and 150-cm lengths. It is available in the United States, Europe, and Japan.