Boston Scientific and Asahi Intecc to Collaborate on Cardiac Intervention Devices

August 19, 2014—Boston Scientific Corporation and Asahi Intecc announced plans to develop a new, differentiated fractional flow reserve (FFR) wire. The joint project focuses on creating a device intended to improve handling compared to existing FFR wires for percutaneous coronary intervention. The jointly developed FFR wire will be designed for use with the Boston Scientific Polaris multimodality imaging system. Asahi Intecc, which is headquartered in Japan, specializes in wire drawing, wire forming, torque transmission, and coating processes for percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography guidewires. 

The companies have also agreed to collaborate on key enhancements to the Boston Scientific RotaWire atherectomy guidewire. Asahi Intecc will provide components for the new RotaWire, which is designed by Boston Scientific to provide improved control and handling. The RotaWire is a 0.009-inch wire that is used within the Boston Scientific Rotablator rotational atherectomy system to treat calcified lesions in coronary arteries. Boston Scientific anticipates commercializing both specialty wires in 2015.