Volcano Introduces Vibe RX Vascular Imaging Balloon Catheter

May 26, 2010—Volcano Corporation (San Diego, CA) announced that it has received CE Mark approval for the Vibe RX vascular imaging balloon catheter. The company also announced that it has completed its first clinical cases with the device in New Zealand. A single Vibe RX catheter quickly accesses, prepares, and assesses challenging lesions. The device's intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance provides precise, targeted balloon dilatation with immediate confirmation of interventional results. Volcano expects to begin commercial shipments of the Vibe RX in Europe in the third quarter of 2010.

“Volcano has successfully combined two important interventional tools—IVUS and balloon dilatation—into one powerful device,” commented John Ormiston, MD. “Physicians will have an attractive alternative to using separate IVUS and balloon dilatation catheters in a procedure. The use of imaging for more precise lesion assessment and stent placement has certainly benefited my patients. Integrating imaging directly onto the therapy device removes another barrier to IVUS use.”