Argon Medical has announced the launch of the Intara introducer sheath and the TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system.
The Intara introducer sheath is intended to maintain access to a patient’s peripheral or central vasculature (excluding coronary and neuro vasculature) to facilitate the introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices. The 10Fr sheath is resistant to kinking and it offers enhanced visibility to assist with the introduction, navigation, and delivery of devices for a variety of vascular procedures. Argon Medical anticipates the Intara introducer sheath will help facilitate the use of the company’s TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system and the Scorpion and Traveler portal vein access sets, as well as stents for the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, a recent press release states.
“The Intara introducer sheath is an upgrade to the current market options. It provides more resilience, ease of use, and safety throughout the TIPS procedure and stent placement,” said Dylan Suttle (Greensboro Radiology, Greensboro, USA).
The TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system is an expansion of Argon Medical’s TLAB transjugular liver biopsy system, adding US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-clearance for a unique approach for collecting biopsy samples from the liver via access in the femoral vein. The system includes a novel tool that allows users to safely adjust the shape of the device to best suit a patient’s unique anatomy. The new addition is reinforced by a recent 500-patient retrospective review demonstrating the safety and efficacy of transfemoral transcaval liver biopsies versus the traditional transjugular approach. The authors of this review, including Jacob Cynamon (Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA) found transfemoral transcaval liver biopsies had reduced complication rates with no hepatic injuries. Argon Medical designed the TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system in conjunction with patents licensed from Montefiore on which Cynamon is a primary inventor.
“The TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system approved for both transjugular and transfemoral use, offers an alternative femoral approach for physicians to achieve technical and histopathologic success while minimising procedural time and complications. With the transfemoral approach, we have seen the benefits first-hand and I believe this will be a positive step forward for patients and physicians performing liver biopsies,” said Cynamon.
“We are pleased to expand our liver management portfolio with the addition of the Intara introducer sheath and the TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system,” said George Leondis, president & chief executive officer, Argon Medical. “Our company is dedicated to applying innovation to improve the devices interventionalists use to diagnose and treat liver diseases. This is demonstrated by our cadence of new product introductions in this space.”
“Liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cancer) account for one out of every 25 deaths worldwide, illustrating the need for faster, easier, and more accurate diagnosis and treatment options. We listened to the advice of physician experts in this field to guide development of the Intara introducer sheath and the TLAB transvenous liver biopsy system. As we commercialise these new devices, we are excited to see their expertise translate into positive outcomes for interventionalists and the patients they serve,” said Tom Younker, senior vice president of Global Marketing, Argon Medical.
