Boston Scientific Launches Polaris Imaging System

July 22, 2014—Boston Scientific Corporation announced the full commercial launch of the Polaris imaging system that will support the company’s family of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters, including coronary, peripheral, and intracardiac echo products. Its modular design will support the planned release of new Boston Scientific imaging products, including a fractional flow reserve wire, a new family of IVUS catheters, enhanced software features, and better system control tools.

According to Boston Scientific, the Polaris system was developed to simplify intravascular guidance and address common challenges of intravascular imaging procedures such as confusing work flows, increased procedure times, and difficult image interpretation. The user interface and workflow are designed for greater ease of use and more powerful processing capabilities while providing the necessary information to guide clinical decisions. Boston Scientific will offer customers an opportunity to upgrade their existing iLab system to the new Polaris system. 

The company advised that the Polaris system has received European CE Mark approval and US Food and Drug Administration 510(k) clearance. It has been evaluated in numerous hospitals in the United States and Europe and was showcased during live cases at the EuroPCR conference in May.

In Boston Scientific’s press release, Lowell Satler, MD, commented, “The Polaris system is an advance for intravascular imaging. The improved ease of use and image processing simplifies the procedure and enables our team to quickly obtain the information needed to treat patients.” Dr. Satler is Director of Coronary Interventions at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC.