A Medical Device Daily

Boston Scientific (Natick, Massachusetts) reported the launch of its FilterWire EZ embolic protection system in a new 2.25 mm to 3.5 mm size, designed to contain and remove embolic material that may be dislodged during an interventional saphenous vein graft (SVG) procedure. Otherwise, embolic material may travel into the microvasculature where it could pose an increased risk for a heart attack.

The FilterWire is a low-profile embolic protection device that has been clinically proven to capture and remove embolic material, leading to reduced complications during balloon angioplasty and stenting procedures in SVGs.

SVG disease occurs in patients who have previously had coronary artery bypass graft surgery in which a vessel harvested from the patient's leg is surgically attached to the arteries of the heart. Blood is redirected through the surgically attached SVG, bypassing the blocked artery and increasing blood flow to the heart.

"Recently revised treatment guidelines by the American College of Cardiology have recommended the use of embolic protection devices when treating patients with SVG disease," said Hank Kucheman, senior VP and group president, cardiovascular for Boston Scientific. "Until now, a filter-based solution smaller than 3.0 mm was not available for SVGs, which meant a significant patient population went underserved. By introducing this smaller size, Boston Scientific now makes it possible for physicians to meet this standard of care in a broader range of SVG vessels."

Boston Scientific makes a broad range of interventional products.