• Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, Illinois) reported the launch of two new products for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that occurs when the vessels supplying blood to the legs, arms, stomach or kidneys become narrowed or blocked by plaque, restricting normal blood flow. The FoxCross PTA catheter is a next-generation .035 balloon dilatation catheter, and the HI-TORQUE Versacore .035 Guide Wire is a peripheral guide wire for delivery of catheters, balloons and stents. The FoxCross PTA is available in a wide variety of diameters (3 mm to 14 mm), balloon lengths (20 mm to 120 mm), and catheter lengths (50 cm, 80 cm and 135 cm) on an over-the-wire delivery platform. The HI-TORQUE features a soft, shapeable tip to provide safe access to peripheral lesions and enhanced visibility under fluoroscopy.

• Medtronic (Minneapolis) reported completion of enrollment in its investigational device exemption (IDE) study of the Endurant Stent Graft System, which is designed to enable the non-surgical repair of aortic aneurysms. Designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Endurant Stent Graft System for the endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aneurysms, the U.S. Endurant IDE study was enrolled two months ahead of schedule, having started in 2008 and involving 30 sites.

• Spectranetics (Colorado Springs, Colorado) reported initial data from the four-year, retrospective LExICon (Lead Extraction in Contemporary Settings) study demonstrating the safety and efficacy of laser assisted lead removal using the Spectranetics laser sheath. The Spectranetics laser sheath uses low temperature ultraviolet light to safely, effectively and efficiently ablate scar tissue holding problematic leads in place. A circle of fibers emit pulses of laser energy traveling over the cardiac lead towards the tip to break down scar tissue binding the lead to the vein or heart, permitting the lead to be safely removed. Spectranetics' LLD EZ Lead Locking Device technology can also be used to assist removal by creating traction on the lead while the laser sheath is advanced over it.

• St. Jude Medical (St. Paul, Minnesota) reported the U.S. launch of its Attune Flexible Adjustable Annuloplasty Ring for the repair of diseased heart valves. The Attune ring is a flexible annuloplasty ring designed to support a repair of the heart's mitral valve. The ring's flexibility allows the annulus to continue its natural movement as the valve opens and closes, thus contributing to more physiologic valve function. The ability to adjust the ring post-implant promotes ideal leaflet alignment to reduce or eliminate residual regurgitation, or small leaks after the repair. The Attune ring can be adjusted after it is sutured to the annulus – a feature that allows physicians greater control in altering its size and shape to contribute to a more refined repair specific to fit each patient's heart valve anatomy. The Attune ring is suitable for repairs performed with open chest, minimally invasive or robotic surgical approaches.

• Urologix (Minneapolis) reported complete 5-year data from the prospective FDA IDE study of the CTC treatment catheter for the treatment of BPH. In this study's population, Urologix' Cooled ThermoTherapy has enabled two thirds of BPH patients to remain free of medication for 5 years. Urologix believes this implies significant potential benefits for patients and our healthcare system. With over 3 million men on BPH medication in the U.S. there are substantial costs both to patients who have to pay monthly copays for their drugs, as well as, the substantial costs to the system.

• W.L. Gore and Associates (Flagstaff, Arizona) reported FDA clearance to market the Gore BIO-A Fistula Plug, the next generation of anal fistula repair. This sphincter-preserving repair device combines a proven, synthetic bioabsorbable material with a patented design engineered to optimize operative success. The plug features bundled hollow tubes attached to a circular disk. The disk helps the plug stay in place, reducing the chance of a leading cause of fistula plug failure — the extrusion of the plug through the distal opening of the fistula tract. It also facilitates reproducible anchoring for dependable performance. The 3-D structure of the tubes expands to fill the defect and facilitates rapid incorporation, helping to hold the device in place within the fistula.

• X-spine (San Diego) reported FDA clearance of thelix spinal implant system. The system is designed to function as a cervical intervertebral fixation device as well as a vertebral body replacement device in the thoracic and lumbar spine. The Calix system is made from PEEK-Optima polymer, which enjoys widespread adoption in spinal surgery due to its excellent mechanical and biological properties.