Covidien Offers New Devices for CTO Treatment

Covidien has released the Viance Crossing Catheter and the Enteer Re-entry System for the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) endovascularly. A CTO is defined as a total obstruction of a coronary artery that has existed for more than three months, although it is usually not possible to determine exactly when the occlusion began. The devices are now available in the United States, the European Union and certain other international markets.

“Management of the lower extremity CTO remains challenging for endovascular physicians,” said David B. Jessup, M.D., of PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Wash. “Effective devices for CTO crossing and re-entry can expand the number of patients who have access to endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease, which may help patients avoid more invasive treatments and allow physicians to offer amputation-saving procedures.”

For effective treatment, physicians must be able to successfully cross lesions. The new tools from Covidien are designed to enable access to the distal end of a lesion, allowing physicians to treat even the most challenging lesions endovascularly. Together, the Viance Crossing Catheter and the Enteer Re-entry System offer a solution that leverages the skill and finesse of the physician rather than brute force or capital equipment, claims the company

“Covidien now offers a unique solution for the treatment of CTOs,” said Brian Verrier, vice president and general manager of peripheral vascular business at Covidien. “By adding these products to our market-leading peripheral portfolio, we strive to demonstrate our commitment to advancing the treatment of vascular disease worldwide by delivering innovation that achieves both clinical and economic value for our healthcare partners.”

Competitive crossing devices rely on more aggressive cutting, grinding or pounding motions and can be more difficult to control. Moreover, the distinctive shape of the re-entry balloon enables it to self-orient within the vessel. No other product on the market uses this balloon technology for a re-entry system, according to the company.

Dublin, Ireland-based Covidien calls Mansfield, Mass., its home in the United States. The company produces technology and medical devices for the patient monitoring and respiratory care sectors.

Photo of Viance Crossing Catheter courtesy of Covidien plc.