Cardiovascular Systems Buys Gardia’s WIRION Embolic Protection System

Cardiovascular Systems Inc. (CSI), a medical device company developing and commercializing innovative interventional treatment systems for patients with peripheral and coronary artery disease, has acquired the WIRION Embolic Protection System and related assets from Gardia Medical Ltd., a wholly owned Israeli subsidiary of Allium Medical Solutions Ltd.
 
The device, which received CE mark in June 2015 and FDA clearance in March 2018, is a distal embolic protection filter used to capture debris that can be associated with all types of peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) procedures. Physicians typically use embolic protection devices in vessels located above the knee with long lesions, high plaque burden and poor run off.
Dr. Ehrin Armstrong, Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado, said, “The use of an embolic protection device during peripheral interventions where the risk of embolization is higher provides assurance and protection from procedural complications.”
 
The WIRION System is easier to use and more versatile than other available embolic protection systems because it can be used with any .014” guidewire and for all types of peripheral interventions. In addition, the WIRION System is the only embolic protection device indicated for use with any atherectomy system. The WISE LE study also demonstrated a major adverse event (MAE) rate of 1.9 percent, which is lower than any other previously reported rates with other embolic filters. Importantly, no clinically significant distal embolization was observed when the WIRION System was used.
 
Asaf Alperovitz, CEO of Allium Medical Solutions, said, “Allium Medical’s mission is to develop innovative products to improve outcomes for patients around the world. We believe the WIRION System from Gardia Medical, one of our portfolio companies, will be highly synergistic with CSI’s growing portfolio of products. We will continue to partner with CSI to execute a timely manufacturing transfer and get the product in the hands of physicians.”
 
Scott Ward, CSI Chairman, president, and CEO, said, “The acquisition of the WIRION System further supports our commitment and mission of building a comprehensive portfolio of differentiated products aimed at saving limbs and improving outcomes for patients undergoing complex peripheral interventions.”
 
CSI plans to commercialize the WIRION System in the United States following the transfer of manufacturing from Gardia Medical. CSI expects the manufacturing transfer to be completed after a 12- to 15-month transition period. Gardia will retain the rights to the WIRION System for angioplasty and stenting procedures in the carotid arteries.