FDA Approves TriReme's Glider PTCA Catheter

May 23, 2012—TriReme Medical, Inc. (Pleasanton, CA) announced approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the company's Glider percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) catheter, indicated for treating the stenotic portion of coronary arteries or bypass grafts to improve myocardial perfusion. The torqueable Glider PTCA catheter‘s short balloon length of 4 mm is designed for focal lesions. William L. Lombardi, MD, of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington, performed the first case using Glider in the United States, noted the company.

"I was able to successfully use Glider to dilate a focal side branch lesion in a complex case and achieve a great outcome without the use of kissing balloons," stated Dr. Lombardi in the company's press release. "I am delighted to be the first Glider user in the United States and believe that Glider presents a new and effective way of navigating through complex lesions."

Also commenting in TriReme's announcement, James Hermiller, MD, Director of the Interventional Fellowship at St. Vincent Heart Center of Indiana in Indianapolis, added, "There has been very little innovation in balloons and catheter technology in the past decade, and TriReme's innovative portfolio stands out. The newly approved ultra-short balloon may be very useful for focal lesions and side branches. Combined with its crossing ability and the stable shaft, I can see it becoming a key tool in these types of cases."