There is no disputing the many advantages of catheter-based interventional procedures for coronary, renal and peripheral vascular applications. Less invasive and less costly than traditional open surgery, these procedures nonetheless carry a risk, under-recognized for many years, of complications caused by embolic debris. Virtually all angioplasty or stenting procedures result in the release of small pieces of plaque or clots into the bloodstream. These particles can become lodged in distal vessels, blocking blood flow and threatening the patient with problems that range from the fairly benign to the catastrophic, including heart attack and stroke.
With hundreds of thousands of such procedures performed worldwide each year, the medical device industry has been quick to respond to the need for embolic protection. Medtronic Inc. 's...
Read the full article – start your free trial today!
Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights
- Start your 7-day free trial
- Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
- Access comprehensive global coverage
- Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Already a subscriber?