Boston Scientific Gets New PolarCath OK

Natick, MA-based Boston Scientific reported that the FDA cleared a new size of balloon catheter used to unblock clogged arteries in the legs, according to the Associated Press.

The agency granted marketing clearance to a 100-millimeter PolarCath balloon catheter to restore blood flow in severely cogged arteries below the knee and reduce the risk of amputation. The medical device manufacturer already has clearance for balloon lengths of 20, 40, 60 and 80 millimeters.

The uninflated PolarCath balloon is snaked through to the clogged part of the artery, and inflated using cold nitrous oxide to keep the vessel open.

The new length will allow surgeons to treat more types of blockages. About 10 million people in the United States suffer from peripheral artery disease, where arteries in the legs become clogged, causing pain and disability.