Biotronik's Pantera Pro Coronary Balloon Catheter Launched in Europe

April 1, 2015—Biotronik announced the European market launch of its Pantera Pro coronary balloon dilatation catheter. Pantera Pro, which received CE Mark approval in January 2015, is a next-generation, semicompliant, coronary workhorse balloon catheter that is designed to dilate stenotic segments in coronary arteries or bypass grafts. It is available in diameters ranging from 1.25 to 4 mm and lengths from 6 to 30 mm. Pantera Pro integrates a slim balloon shoulder design and the company’s hydrophilic balloon coating on the 1.25- to 2-mm–diameter sizes to ensure optimal crossability in tight lesions, stated the company.

According to Biotronik, the Pantera Pro has been redesigned from the previous generation of Pantera balloons. The device features include a new hydrophilic balloon coating and balloon material in the 1.25- to 2-mm sizes to ensure enhanced durability. Also, the profile of the catheter’s distal guidewire-support section was reduced, as measured in bench testing, thereby improving performance during the kissing balloon technique and reducing friction within the vessel by up to 43% compared to similar devices. 

The first dilatation procedures with Pantera Pro were performed in 13 countries in which more than 700 product uses were evaluated. Based on the first dilatation procedures, physicians have indicated that Pantera Pro performs better in 68% of cases than other semicompliant balloons, noted Biotronik.

In Biotronik’s press release, Juan F. Iglesias, MD, commented, “When treating patients with complex vascular anatomy, it can be difficult to ensure access to the lesion site and to achieve proper dilatation. Thanks to Pantera Pro’s slim shoulder design and hydrophilic coating, even lesions affecting tight or challenging vessels may be more easily and reliably crossed.” Dr. Iglesias is with University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland.