Cappella Introduces Longer Sizes of Sideguard Coronary Side Branch Stents in Europe

June 21, 2011—Cappella, Inc. (Galway, Ireland) announced the introduction of longer sizes for the company's Sideguard line of products. The new stent sizes have a 14-mm working length, which is 75% longer than the existing Sideguard stents. They are available in diameters to treat vessels ranging from 2.5 to 3.25 mm.

The company stated that the new stent systems are built on the same Sideguard platform that protects the ostium of the coronary artery while preserving the side branch. The new stents are available for sale in most of Europe and South America.

“I am pleased that Cappella has expanded their product line to include longer lengths,” commented Farzin Fath-Ordoubadi, MD. “This may facilitate the use of only one stent in the majority of cases that would have previously required a second straight stent to be placed distal to the Sideguard. My experience with the new 14-mm Sideguard was positive, and it allowed me to effectively treat the lesion.”

According to the company, the Sideguard coronary side branch technology preserves the side branch of diseased coronary arteries by protecting the ostium while minimizing plaque shift. The Sideguard delivery system features Cappella's split-sheath, balloon-released technology that ensures precise placement on the ostial borderline. The Sideguard self-expanding nitinol stent promotes continuous wall apposition and positive remodeling, and its trumpet-shaped design conforms to varying characteristics of the side branch ostium. The Cappella Sideguard system is CE Mark approved and is being distributed in Europe and South America, the company stated.