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Embolization for pain management, lymphatic interventions at the frontline
The role of embolization in musculoskeletal pain management, treatment of haemorrhoidal bleeding and lymphatic interventions were among the highlights of a special session titled The Embolization Vanguard at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST 2016 US, 5‰ÛÒ8 May, New York, USA) meeting.
Intra-arterial hepatocellular carcinoma treatment at the dawn of systemic therapy
Bruno Sangro, director of the Liver Unit and co-director, of the HPB Oncology Area, Clinca Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, delivered the European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) Honorary Lecture on the topic ‰ÛÏIntra-arterial treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the dawn of systemic therapy‰Û.
Revolutionary new tool can achieve real-time, in vivo visualisation of tissue...
What if physicians could perform an optical biopsy? Further, what if during a cryoablation procedure, an interventional radiologist can actually see what happens during the procedure at a cellular level in real time? A new tool, Cellvizio (Mauna Kea) does just that.
Legal issues, or how to stay out of trouble
Many malpractice lawsuits are filed because of an unexpected, adverse outcome. This underscores the importance of communication between physicians and patients. Informed consent is paramount, and an excellent patient-physician relationship deters litigation because people generally do not sue people they like, write Brian Funaki and Hector Ferral.
Lombard Medical releases early results from the Altura endograft system clinical...
Lombard Medical, has announced the 30-day clinical results from 57 patients that were implanted with the Altura endograft system.
South African health insurer approves reimbursement of SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres...
Sirtex has announced that Discovery Health, a South African private health insurer, has agreed to reimburse SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres for the treatment of all forms of inoperable liver tumours.
Merit appointed global distributor for Labyrinth Noah micro guidewire
Merit has announced that it has signed a distribution deal with Piolax Medical Devices of Yokohama, Japan for a product known in Japan as the Labyrinth Noah micro guidewire.
Randomised data favour Y-90 over TACE in patients with unresectable hepatocellular...
The results from a small prospective, randomised single-centre trial, the PREMIERE trial, show that in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, there is a significantly longer time to progression with yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioembolization than with conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE).
Image-guided biopsy in the era of personalised cancer care
While most radiologists probably do not view a biopsy as being the most exciting or technically challenging procedure within our repertoire, it may be time to give the image-guided biopsy a second look, writes Alda Tam.
BTG to acquire Galil Medical
BTG has entered into an agreement to acquire Galil Medical, a provider of cryoablation products for the treatment and palliative care of kidney and other cancers.
SIR releases recommendations for better interventional radiology staffing
Following a 2014 multicentre survey of members aiming to identify any gaps in the status of interventional radiology staffing, the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has published 11 new recommendations to help centres meet the growing demand for services.
Auris Surgical Robotics agrees to acquire Hansen Medical
Auris Surgical Robotics and Hansen Medical today announced that they have signed a definitive merger agreement under which Auris will acquire Hansen Medical for US$4.00 per share in cash, or a total equity value of approximately US$80 million.
Ethicon agrees to acquire NeuWave Medical
Ethicon has announced a definitive agreement to acquire NeuWave Medical. Financial terms of the transaction, which is expected to close during the second quarter of 2016, have not been disclosed.
A research track record helps physicians assess new technology
Scott Trerotola, Stanley Baum Professor and chief, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA, delivered the Dr Charles T Dotter Lecture at the 2016 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) annual meeting in Vancouver, Canada. An inventor of both devices and procedures, he speaks to Interventional News about his belief in evidence-based medicine and the triumphs and travails of being a physician inventor.
Minimally invasive treatment could freeze out phantom limb pain
A pioneering technique significantly reduces phantom pain emanating from the site of amputated limbs, according to findings presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting (2‰ÛÒ7 April, Vancouver, Canada).
Society of Interventional Radiology names Charles E Ray Jr as president
Charles E Ray Jr, an interventional radiologist, and professor and head of the department of radiology at the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago, assumed the office of president of the Society of Interventional Radiology during the society‰Ûªs Annual Scientific Meeting (2‰ÛÒ7 April, Vancouver, Canada).
Prostatic artery embolization eases nocturia
The interventional radiology procedure for men with enlarged prostates decreases the number of times they wake to urinate in the night, according to research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting (2‰ÛÒ7 April, Vancouver, Canada.)
Bariatric arterial embolization emerges as less invasive treatment for morbidly obese...
A safe, new, minimally invasive treatment, developed by interventional radiologists, led to sustained weight loss in severely obese people, according to research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting.
Research shows improved sexual desire, function with uterine fibroid embolization
Women who underwent embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids experienced improved sexual desire and a higher overall quality of life. The research, part of a French multicentre study, presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs Annual Scientific Meeting, also found the vast majority of women treated with the procedure sustained improvement for more than a year.
BTG to initiate multicentre TARGET study evaluating dosimetry for radioembolisation in...
BTG has announced plans to initiate the TARGET (TheraSphere advanced dosimetry retrospective global study evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment) study.
How we innovate must change dramatically
In order to fully capitalise on the potential of advances in materials, drugs, biologics, sensing, informatics, guidance, manufacturing processes and marketing, an organised collaborative approach to innovation is required, writes John Kaufman.
BTG announces US Launch of radiopaque embolic bead, LC Bead Lumi
LC Bead Lumi is the first and only, commercially available, radiopaque embolic bead in the USA and has potential to revolutionise the treatment of hypervascular tumours and arteriovenous malformations, a press release from BTG says.
NICE Medtech briefing acknowledges consideration of SIR Y-90 resin microspheres as...
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued a new Medtech Innovation Briefing stating that National Health Service doctors and commissioners may consider SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres as an alternative to standard therapy with transarterial chemoembolization or sorafenib in the treatment of patients with inoperable primary liver cancer.
Experience SIR 2016 from anywhere
Select sessions from the SIR 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting will be webcast live from 3‰ÛÒ5 April 2016 on VIRtual SIR 2016.
Merit Medical announces educational opportunities and product roll-outs at SIR
Merit Medical Systems has announced its schedule of activity for the upcoming Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Meeting, being held in Vancouver, Canada, April 2-7 2016. During the meeting, Merit will present educational opportunities. The company will also showcase several new products, including the HeRO graft, which Merit recently acquired from Cryolife.
Corvocet Biopsy System gets 510(k) clearance
Merit Medical has announced receiving notification of substantial equivalence from the US FDA for the Corvocet Biopsy System, which is intended for use in obtaining core biopsy samples from the liver, kidney, prostate, breast, lung and various other soft tissue tumours.
Penumbra to launch Lantern microcatheter, present final results of PRISM trial...
Lantern is a low profile, high flow microcatheter designed to assist in the delivery of diagnostic agents, such as contrast media, and therapeutic devices, such as occlusion coils, to the peripheral vasculature.
Adding immunotherapy to ablation may benefit colorectal cancer patients with liver...
A study has found that radiofrequency ablation to treat liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer, induces antitumour immune responses in human samples of primary colon tumour.
Mount Sinai Hospital first in US to offer radiopaque bead liver...
The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, USA has become the first in the country to offer radiopaque bead treatment for liver cancer patients. The minimally invasive treatment using the M1 Lumi Bead loaded with doxorubicin, is now available for patients with inoperable and difficult-to-treat liver cancer.
New oral medications could substantially decrease some liver cancer rates
A study presented at the Symposium on Clinical Oncology (CIO, Hollywood, USA) noted that the hepatitis C virus is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the USA. However, the study findings report that treatment regimens have improved in recent years.
Anatomical factors affecting prostatic artery embolization
A study presented at the European Congress of Radiology (2‰ÛÒ6 March, Vienna, Austria) set out to investigate any procedural or anatomical factors that might affect the technical outcome of prostatic artery embolization.
Image-guided interventions in the age of theranostics
"As interventionalists, we have attempted to make the scalpel obsolete by employing technology to treat patients non-operatively. Today, there is revolution occurring‰ÛÓtheranostics,‰Û said Alan Matsumoto, during his delivery of the Charles J Tegtmeyer Lecture at the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET, Hollywood, USA) 2016.
Netherlands Healthcare Institute approves reimbursement for radioembolization
The Netherlands Healthcare Institute approved reimbursement with the therapy for patients with colorectal liver metastases who have failed prior treatment, and based its decision on the clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of SIR-Spheres (Sirtex) Y-90 resin microspheres for treating this patient group, a press release from Sirtex says.
AngioDynamics and Merz North America agree multi-year US distribution relationship
AngioDynamics has signed an agreement with Merz North America, US affiliates of the global Merz Pharma Group. AngioDynamics is to serve as the exclusive distributor of the Asclera polidocanol injection within the US vein market.
SORAMIC study completes palliative cohort enrolment
Jens Ricke, professor of Radiology at the University of Magdeburg, has announced that the palliative cohort of the pan-European SORAMIC study he co-directs with Peter Malfertheiner has reached its enrolment target of 420 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation results in significant volume reduction for benign thyroid...
Two studies presented at the European Congress of Radiology (2‰ÛÒ6 March, Vienna, Austria) have found that radiofrequency ablation could have a role in the treatment of thyroid nodules.
Studies highlight problems with manufacturer labelling for lightweight protective garments
Two studies presented at The International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (6‰ÛÒ10 February 2016, Hollywood, USA) found that there was inadequate information from manufacturers about many of their protective garments. This means that informed decisions are hard to make regarding the radiation protection offered by these garments.
Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis granted FDA approval
The Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis has become the first off-the-shelf aortic branch to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a company release.
Interventional radiology treatment for frostbite
A recent presentation shed light on catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis for frostbite. The investigators urged interventional radiologists to become familiar with the current management of frostbite injury and play a role in the multidisciplinary trauma team.
Choosing the right deep vein thrombosis patients for interventional treatment
Attention should be focused on patients with iliofemoral and caval deep vein thrombosis and the balance should always be struck between the risk of bleeding and the long-term risk of post thrombotic syndrome, writes Stephen Black.
Life-threatening bowel ischaemia can often be treated by endovascular means
Acute mesenteric ischaemia can be successfully treated with endovascular therapy such as balloon angioplasty, according to research from the University of Eastern Finland.
SIR-Spheres with chemotherapy can prolong progression-free survival in colorectal cancer of...
The addition of SIR-Spheres (Sirtex) to chemotherapy has been shown to significantly prolong progression-free survival in the liver among patients with non-resectable liver-dominant or liver-only colorectal cancer in the SIRFLOX study.
Risk factors for percutaneous radiological gastrostomy complications
Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy is a classic interventional radiology procedure. As patient populations and preferences change, and as newer devices and approaches are established, it is essential for interventional radiologists to evolve individual and institutional conventions and adopt data-driven practices that minimise risks on a patient-tailored basis, writes Rahul Sheth.
Boston Scientific receives CE mark for Eluvia drug-eluting stent, begins IMPERIAL...
Boston Scientific has received CE mark for the Eluvia drug-eluting vascular stent, and is to begin commercialisation of the product immediately. The company has also received Investigational Device Exemption to asses the Eluvia vs the Zilver PTX (Cook Medical).
Single agent chemoembolization scores over triple drug version for liver cancer
Research presented in February at the Symposium on Clinical Interventional Oncology (CIO), held in conjunction with International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET), in Hollywood, USA, provides a clear shot in the arm for chemoembolization that uses doxorubicin and ethiodised oil over the triple-drug version.
First procedure completed using the Hansen Magellan robotic catheter eKit
The device was used as part of a robotic transarterial chemoembolization procedure, which was completed by Ripal Gandhi at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Miami, USA.
Study challenges use of doxorubicin-eluting beads in hepatocellular carcinoma embolization
The final results from a phase 2 randomised trial, published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on 1 February, find no benefit from using doxorubicin-eluting beads (LC Bead, BTG) over embolic microspheres that do not elute a drug (Bead Block, BTG).
Interventional radiology in trauma management
The role of interventional radiology in the management of severely traumatised patients began three to four decades ago with the embolization of the internal iliac arteries for massive pelvic bleeding. Over time, interventional radiology has progressively taken on a principal role in management of trauma patients, writes Jaime Tisnado.
Hansen Medical announces US FDA clearance of Magellan robotic catheter eKit
With the Magellan robotic catheter eKit, physicians will now have robotic control of third party microcatheters through the existing Magellan Robotic Catheter 6F architecture. This added ability has the potential to help reduce procedure times and radiation exposure.
First patient treated with LC Bead Lumi radiopaque embolic bead and...
The treatment targeted a hypervascular tumour with the goal of blocking blood flow to achieve tumour necrosis in the liver cancer patient.
Smaller diameters of Biotronik Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon receive CE mark
CE mark approval has been granted to Biotronik for smaller diameters of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon (DCB). The new sizes‰ÛÓ2mm and 2.5mm‰ÛÓare designed to facilitate DCB treatment of below-the-knee arteries.
First US patient treated after Zenith Alpha Thoracic endovascular graft receives...
In November, following the US FDA approval of Cook Medical‰Ûªs Zenith Alpha Thoracic endovascular graft, the first patient was treated with the device in the USA.
Positive clinical data for Paladin System presented at LINC
Contego Medical presented positive post-market registry data for the Paladin carotid post-dilation balloon with Integrated Embolic Protection Technology at the Leipzig Interventional Course (LINC) 2016, in Leipzig, Germany.
Vascular Solutions launches new VSI Radial introducer sheaths
Vascular Solutions has announced the US launch of its enhanced line of VSI Radial introducer sheaths for use in the introduction of guidewires and catheters into veins and arteries.
Treatment results of SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres similar regardless of patient...
A new analysis of the MORE data on 606 mCRC patients treated with SIR-Spheres’ Y-90 resin microspheres at 11 US medical centres confirms that patient age is not a barrier to appropriate treatment.
Systematic review of registry data suggests stroke or death rate after...
The review, published in the January 2016 issue of the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (EJVES), further concludes that stroke/death rates after carotid stenting often exceed accepted American Heart Association (AHA) thresholds.
BTG receives 510(k) clearance for novel radiopaque embolic bead, LC Bead...
Early research on a simple method to produce radiopaque drug-eluting microspheres that can be incorporated into the current clinical transcatheter arterial chemoembolization workflow has also been reported.
POD packing coil for peripheral embolization launched in USA
Penumbra‰Ûªs POD (Penumbra Occlusion Device) packing coil for the embolization of peripheral vessels and aneurysms adds to its growing peripheral vascular business, which includes the Indigo mechanical thrombectomy system, POD and Ruby embolization coil.
VasoStat haemostasis device gets US FDA nod for pedal and tibial...
Forge Medical has announced receiving 510(k) clearance from the US FDA for expanded indications of the device to include pedal and tibial haemostasis. The VasoStat was previously cleared for radial artery and dialysis access haemostasis.
NuCryo Vascular gets 510(k) clearance for next generation reusable Polarcath peripheral...
NuCryo Vascular has announced receiving 510(k) clearance on the next generation reusable Cryoplasty inflation device. The company has also announced that it will be selling the current and next generation model via a direct sales team.
Live webinar on radial access in interventional radiology
Darren Klass, Vancouver, Canada, is scheduled to lead a live webinar titled ‰ÛÏWhy radial for interventional radiologists‰Û on 11 January 2016 at 1300hrs Eastern Standard Time.
Patients in a negative mood can have poorer outcomes in interventional...
Patients who feel scared, distressed or hostile before undergoing an interventional radiology procedure may experience a poor outcome, according to research presented at the Radiological Society of North American Annual Meeting (RSNA) in Chicago in early December.
PRESERVE study of inferior vena cava filters begins patient enrolment
As of mid-December 2015, researchers have activated the first 10 medical sites and enrolled the first nine patients in a large US study that will determine the safety and effectiveness of inferior vena cava filters.
BTG receives 510k clearance for LC Bead Lumi
BTG has announced that it has received 510k clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for LC Bead Lumi, the first commercially available radiopaque embolic bead, for the embolization of hypervascular tumours and arteriovenous malformations.
BTG announces positive data from RENEW study of PneumRx coils
BTG has announced the successful outcome of the RENEW study, the pivotal US randomised controlled clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of the PneumRx endobronchial coil implant with a medical therapy control group in patients with homogeneous and/or heterogeneous severe emphysema. All primary and secondary endpoints of the study were met.
Hansen accelerates robotic microcatheter development
Hansen has announced that it has accelerated the development of the latest addition to the Magellan Robotic System portfolio, the Magellan 3F robotic microcatheter. The development of this important product line expansion has surpassed key milestones and is moving toward the final stages of the development process.
Researchers use gaming technology to create better X-rays
Researchers have developed software for the Microsoft Kinect gaming console that measures body part thickness and checks for motion, positioning and beam adjustment immediately before X-ray imaging, according to a feasibility study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
3D MRI shows early signs of stroke risk in diabetic patients
People with diabetes may be harbouring advanced vascular disease that could increase their risk of stroke, according to new research being presented next week at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The findings suggest that arterial imaging with 3D MRI could be useful in helping to determine stroke risk among diabetics.
Gastric artery embolization shows promise in treating obesity
An interventional radiology technique shows promise for helping morbidly obese patients lose weight, according to the preliminary results of a study presented on 1 December 2015 at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Mid-term results of first emborrhoid study show nearly 82% clinical success
The emborrhoid technique used was modelled on the elective transanal Doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation which had been shown to be effective in haemorrhoidal disease.
Modern regimens of thrombolysis usually safe
While presenting on the trials and updates in deep vein thrombosis, Stephen Kee told delegates at CIRSE 2015 that there was ‰ÛÏan information overload‰Û when Pubmed was searched for ‰ÛÏdeep vein thrombosis‰Û.
Closure device “safe and significantly reduces” mobilisation time
Paulo Vilares Morgado, Interventional Radiology Unit, University Hospital S Jọo, Porto, Portugal, presented the results of the AGIR (Angio-Seal in Interventional Radiology) trial at CIRSE 2015.
Prospective multicentre study confirms safety and efficacy of percutaneous EVAR
The study confirms previous findings of single-centre studies that the procedure is associated with a high technical success rate when performed by experienced operators.
Stents loaded with radioactive iodine attempt to kill two birds with...
The development of an irradiating stent combines the rapid, effective relief of dysphagia through endoluminal stent placement with the longer-term benefits of irradiation/brachytherapy.
Microvascular plugs investigated in embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations
Miles Conrad, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Interventional Radiology section and co-director of the UCSF HHT Centre of Excellence, spoke to Interventional News about a new device being investigated to embolize pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs).
Venous interventions achieving greater significance in the interventional world
Venous interventions, particularly stenting, thrombolysis and thrombectomy are achieving ever-greater significance in the interventional world, Gerard O‰ÛªSullivan, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Galway, Ireland, told Interventional News.
“Looming crisis in radiologist numbers” BSIR tells UK Members of Parliament
The British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) took its campaign to improve the numbers of interventional radiologists in the NHS to Westminster, UK, in November, highlighting that this was a critical issue that needed significant Government focus.
Uncomplicated acute type B dissection patients: When TEVAR should be performed
In the future there will be more TEVAR procedures performed as use of the procedure continues to rise and as it becomes available in smaller centres. The evolution of stent graft design is likely to reduce complications, writes Santi Trimarchi, San Donato Milanese, Italy.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis for pulmonary embolism in the paediatric population
Pulmonary embolism in children is a potentially lethal condition and yet is a vastly understudied arena. Autopsy studies show a higher prevalence of pulmonary embolism compared to medical database registries, suggesting that this condition is often clinically under-recognised.
Label drains to prevent errors and improve patient care
There are many gains to be had by instituting a drain labelling system within any hospital. It is surprising that this simple and useful practice has not been naturally adopted with the frequency of errors in patient care related to drains alone. In fact, there may be room for industry involvement, writes Theresa Caridi, Georgetown, USA.
Is the transradial approach just another access or a new patient-centric...
Radial access has quickly become my default arterial access after receiving patient feedback. In the last three years, I have adopted it as the default access in most transarterial procedures, writes Marcelo Guimaraes, Charleston, USA.
Ghana to create interventional radiology society
The Ghana Society of Interventional Radiology (GSIR) was launched on 18 November in Accra. Its aims are to encourage and advance the science and art of interventional radiology in Ghana, writes Benjamin Dabo Sarkodie, founder and president of the society.
New research raises further radiation dose concerns for patients and operators...
Two papers presented at the British Society of Interventional Radiology annual meeting (BSIR, 4‰ÛÒ6 November, Glasgow, UK) highlighted that prostate artery embolization is a technically demanding procedure that is associated with prolonged radiation exposure to the patient and operator.
Never too late to get an inferior vena cava filter out
Interventional News spoke to Kush Desai, Robert Ryu, and Robert Lewandowskion the key findings from their recent paper, and about how to deal with ‰ÛÏthe greatest challenge‰Û of retrieving embedded filters‰ÛÓthe fibrin cap.
Interventional oncologists tread new ground with focal control
As interventional oncologists embrace their growing clinical role and claim their place on multidisciplinary oncological teams, focal therapy is becoming an important part of their practice, according to Afshin Gangi, Strasbourg, France.
Boston Scientific to acquire CeloNova’s interventional radiology business
The transaction, consisting of an upfront payment of US$70 million and additional payments contingent on regulatory and sales milestones, will expand Boston Scientific‰Ûªs interventional oncology portfolio with drug-eluting microspheres and spherical embolics.
Toshiba announces an evolution of its UK mobile CT fleet
Toshiba announces the launch of the largest and most advanced commercially available mobile CT scanner in the UK. The new mobile imaging innovation already serves 12 CT imaging centres in the UK, travelling 3,500 miles per week from site-to-site.
World’s first clinical procedure using the Magellan Robotic Microcatheter Driver performed...
Hansen has announced the completion of the world’s first clinical procedure using the Magellan Robotic Microcatheter Driver as part of the clinical study, "Embolization procedures in peripheral vasculature‰Û.
Endocare launches right angle V-Probe variable ice cryoprobe
Based on the success of its V-Probe variable ice cryoprobe which is used for prostate cryoablation procedures, Endocare has introduced a right angle version of the product. This modification allows the cryoprobe to be used in CT scanners and other limited access areas.
Endologix and TriVascular announce merger
Endologix and TriVascular announced on 26 October that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Endologix and TriVascular will combine in a stock and cash transaction. The transaction is valued at US$9.10 per TriVascular share, or a total of approximately US$211 million, based on Endologix‰Ûªs closing stock price of US$13.81 per share on 23 October 2015.
A trend towards resorbable microspheres
Jafar Golzarian, a professor of interventional radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA, founded EmboMedics in 2012 and serves as its chief medical officer. He tells Interventional News about the factors driving an interest in resorbable embolics.
Drug-eluting beads loaded with anti-angiogenic agents for chemoembolization
While emphasising the interesting findings from their laboratory for interventional radiologists, Olivier Jordan and Katrin Fuchs write that laboratory benches not only give birth to inventions with a potential for translation into clinics, but also contribute to unbiased characterisation of products already in clinical use.
Lung ablation of metastases likely to become a first-line therapy for...
The criteria for first-line therapy are an effective treatment that reproducibly delivers the required endpoint within the limits of acceptable toxicity, and crucially better than any of the other therapeutic options, writes Alice Gillams.
Assessing tumour response after embolization in cancer
Assessment of tumour response with imaging-based tumour-specific response criteria is a crucial step to identify the value of a new therapy and to help clinicians to predict the prognosis of an individual patient, writes Christoph Zech.
Splenic trauma: Know the limits of embolization
Management of blunt splenic trauma has substantially evolved during the past two decades. Hicham T Abada reviews the literature and outlines the limits of splenic embolization.
Is a critical care interventional radiologist around the corner?
Multi-organ trauma, respiratory arrest, severe hypotension, and sepsis are management dilemmas that are confronted regularly in the interventional suite. It is imperative that the interventional radiology team be prepared for these challenges, write Deepak Sudheendra and Joshua Adams.
New potential radiopaque materials for radioembolization presented
Bob Abraham, ABK Biomedical, Halifax, Canada, presented computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of novel radiopaque yttrium-strontium-gallium‰ÛÒsilicate oxide glass microspheres at CIRSE.
Merit and Sumitomo Bakelite sign distribution deal for steerable microcatheter
Merit has announced that it has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement (excluding Japan) with Sumitomo Bakelite to distribute a steerable microcatheter under the proposed trademark of Swiftninja.
Study from Spain reports mid-term outcomes with biodegradable biliary stent
It is safe and effective to place biodegradable biliary stents to treat benign biliary strictures. This treatment compares favourably with standard techniques in terms of patients‰Ûª quality of life and avoids the need for repeated invasive procedures, found a study recently presented at the CIRSE conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
Riccardo Lencioni Joins Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in USA
Riccardo Lencioni joined Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, USA, as director of Interventional Oncology Research from the University of Pisa in Italy, where he was a professor at the School of Medicine. Lencioni is an accomplished interventional oncologist, particularly well-known for his influential work on liver cancer.
BTG and MIRADA collaborate to develop dosimetry software solutions to optimise...
BTG and Mirada, a medical imaging software company, have announced an important collaboration to develop dosimetry software solutions to optimise radioembolization therapy with TheraSphere.
Perfusion angiography could help make essential decisions in critical limb ischaemia...
Jim Reekers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, delivering the Josef Roesch honorary lecture at CIRSE 2015, urged delegates to look at new definitions for critical limb ischaemia and pointed to the potential of perfusion angiography in predicting the outcome of endovascular intervention. ‰ÛÏLook past the re-opening of vessels alone,‰Û he said.
CaVenT study five-year outcome data show “continued and increased benefit” for...
The five-year outcome data after catheter-directed thrombolysis for upper femoral and/or iliac vein thrombosis, as determined from the randomised, controlled trial, the CaVenT study, were presented at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) meeting (26‰ÛÒ30 September, Lisbon, Portugal).
Using virtual reality to improve endovascular aneurysm repair
Gilles Soulez, MontrÌ©al, Canada, delivered the Andreas Gruentzig lecture at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe‰Ûªs annual meeting (26‰ÛÒ30 September, Lisbon, Portugal). ‰ÛÏWe need to change the way we look at abdominal aortic aneurysms,‰Û he urged.
Galil Medical launches new family of cryoablation needles
Galil Medical has announced the launch of its latest product offerings, the Icepearl 2.1 CX and Iceforce 2.1 CX cryoablation needles.
Terumo invests in Quirem Medical
Terumo and Quirem Medical, a commercial stage Dutch medical technology company that focuses on radioembolization, have announced that Terumo has made an equity investment in Quirem Medical.
Live from CIRSE 2015: BTG announces positive safety and efficacy data...
The company also announced compelling health economic data for TheraSphere at the meeting.
Live from CIRSE 2015: Twelve-month results from the MAJESTIC trial showed...
On the back of these results, Stephan MÌ_ller-HÌ_lsbeck announced the commencement of an international multicentre randomised controlled trial that will compare the Eluvia drug-eluting vascular stent system (Boston Scientific) with Zilver PTX, the drug-eluting stent system from Cook Medical. The principal investigators will be MÌ_ller-HÌ_lsbeck (Flensburg, Germany) and William Gray (New York, USA).
30 years of CIRSE: Celebrations galore
The 2015 annual meeting of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) in September in Lisbon, Portugal, marks 30 years since a key meeting in Austria in 1985, in which a merger of two societies led to the birth of CIRSE.
How to avoid complications with prostate artery embolization
In order to avoid major complications with prostate artery embolization, it is vital to look for collaterals to arteries of the surrounding organs to the prostate, writes Jọo Pisco.
“I felt indestructible” The invisible impact of radiation
A video featuring renowned American cardiovascular surgeon Edward Diethrich draws attention to the dangers of working with radiation, as it follows his journey in which he discovers that he has a brain tumour.
CIRSE launches Europe-wide registry to study irinotecan-loaded LifePearl microspheres
A new European‰Ûwide observational study to prospectively gather data on patients treated with irinotecan‰Ûloaded microspheres has been launched by the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE). The CIRSE Registry for LifePearl microspheres (CIREL) will begin early in 2016.
Mentoring needed to draw more women into IR
‰ÛÏThere are strong, visible, women thought leaders in interventional radiology, but a closer look at the numbers is revealing. There are too few women in interventional radiology,‰Û Meridith Englander, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Albany Medical Center, New York, USA, tells Interventional News.
Both glass and resin radioembolics efficacious, but higher overall survival with...
Results from a retrospective study show that while both glass- and resin-based Y-90 microspheres have demonstrated efficacy as treatment options for unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic metastatic disease, there is a difference seen in survival between patients treated with the different radioembolics.
IR insertion of chest ports costs nearly half as much as...
Research published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology in June suggests that hospital costs to place a chest port were significantly lower in the interventional radiology suite than in the operating room. Patients who were treated by radiology and surgery did not show a significantly different rate of complications and/or infections.
Hyprevention gets CE mark approval for Y-strut device for internal fixation...
Y-strut is designed to be implanted using a minimally invasive procedure by orthopaedic surgeons or interventional radiologists.
Surefire gets FDA nod for Precision direct-to-tumour embolization device
The infusion technology‰Ûªs unique expandable tip increases drug delivery into the tumour while protecting healthy tissue.
Acceptable six-month safety and patency with Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold below...
Seven (47%) of the limbs were treated for critical limb ischaemia and eight (53%) for severe claudication.
SIR calls for abstracts to be submitted for 2016 annual meeting
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) is accepting scientific abstracts covering all areas of vascular and nonvascular interventional radiology for its 41st Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held 2‰ÛÒ7 April, 2016, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Online scientific abstract submission is open until 6 October.
SEATTLE II trial shows Ekos system beneficial in treatment of acute...
The trial‰Ûªs results were published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions and show no intracranial haemorrhage and no death among massive pulmonary embolism patients.
First low dose CT lung cancer screening gets US FDA clearance
GE Healthcare‰Ûªs low dose computed tomography lung cancer screening option is the first to be cleared by the US FDA. Early detection with low dose CT can improve prognosis and treatment and reduce mortality rates for patients with a high risk of lung cancer.
Patient selection is key for SIRT with first-line chemotherapy
Ricky Sharma, professor and honorary consultant of Clinical Oncology at the University of Oxford and Oxford University Hospitals Trust tells Interventional News: ‰ÛÏWe need to know more about patient selection for radioembolization.
Hansen announces growing series of Magellan robotic prostatic artery embolization procedures
Hansen has announced the completion of the 30th Robotic Prostatic Artery Embolization procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia.
Sorry, I don’t speak IR
Two recently published papers in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) reveal that patient materials in interventional radiology available online are way above the understanding of most patients.
Penumbra to distribute InspireMD’s CGuard embolic prevention system
InspireMD has announced that it has entered into a partnership with Penumbra to distribute its carotid CGuard EPS through their direct commercialisation team.
New CPT code established for Gynesonics‰Ûª Sonata system
The Sonata system from Gynesonics provides a uterus preserving, incision-free treatment option to women suffering from symptomatic uterine fibroids, including those associated with heavy menstrual bleeding.
Health Canada approves Varithena for patients with varicose veins
BTG has announced that Health Canada has issued a notice of compliance approving Varithena (polidocanol injectable foam) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins, accessory saphenous veins, and visible varicosities of the great saphenous vein system, above and below the knee.
Merit’s QuadraSpheres get new indication of Hepatoma in USA
Merit Medical has announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the US FDA expanding indication for QuadraSphere microspheres to include the embolization of hepatoma.
Latest update to TASC II published
The Journal of Endovascular Therapy (JEVT) has announced the publication of the latest update of the Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II), an internationally recognised set of guidelines for the management of patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Cook Medical issues global recall of Beacon Tip Angiographic Catheter products
Cook Medical has initiated a lot-specific voluntary recall of 2,239 lots of Beacon Tip Angiographic Catheters. Globally, 95,167 devices are subject to this recall.
3D printing helps doctors rehearse complex paediatric brain interventions
Two-month old successfully treated for vein of Galen formation using interventional radiology technique after simulation on 3D printed model.
Gastric balloon for obesity treatment gains FDA nod
The US FDA has approved the Reshape Integrated Dual Balloon System (ReShape). The system is a temporary weight-loss system of gastric balloons that are placed in a minimally invasive manner to occupy space in the stomach. They should be removed after six months.
Hourglass over-the-wire peripheral embolization plug obtains CE mark
Emba Medical has announced receiving the European CE mark for the Hourglass peripheral embolization plug making the device the first over-the-wire embolic device cleared for EU commercial release.
Guerbet bids to acquire Mallinckrodt‰Ûªs contrast media and delivery systems business
Guerbet has announced entering into a definitive agreement under which it will acquire Mallinckrodt‰Ûªs contrast media and delivery systems business in its entirety for approximately US$270 million. With this acquisition, Guerbet aims to create a new global leader in medical imaging.
Metactive secures US$224,000 NIH grant for further studies of new embolization...
The grant proceeds will be used to continue the development of a novel, over-the-wire, called Blockstent microcatheter embolic device, for the occlusion of peripheral arteries and veins.
Choosing horses for courses: Using liquid agents to embolize endoleaks
Robert Morgan, vascular interventional radiologist, St Georges Hospital, London, UK, tells Interventional News why he uses liquid embolic agents, such as ethylene vinyl oxide copolymer (EVOH-based) liquid agents, of which Onyx (Medtronic) is an example, for endoleak embolization.
Could combretastatin A4 be an alternative to sirolimus and paclitaxel in...
Preclinical research published online ahead of print in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) in July shows that combretastatin A4 is a stronger inhibitor of the smooth muscle cell cycle than sirolimus or paclitaxel. Thus, it may represent an alternative coating for drug-eluting stents and balloons in atherosclerotic luminal stenosis, the investigators write.
Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is safe and helps patients...
In order to evaluate long-term outcomes of the durability of EVAR, researchers examined US Medicare data from 2001‰ÛÒ2008 involving nearly 80,000 patients who had undergone elective repair of AAA. Half of the patients had open procedures, and half had EVAR.
Carestream’s new radiography and fluoroscopy systems available for order worldwide
Carestream Health entered the radiography/fluoroscopy market with two systems that deliver high-quality, cost-effective imaging: the Carestream DRX-Excel Plus.
Cook Group president Kem Hawkins retires, Pete Yonkman dons mantle
Kem Hawkins, president of Cook Group Incorporated, retired on July 1 after 34 years with the Cook organisation. Hawkins will remain on the board of directors for Cook Group. Pete Yonkman, current president of Cook Medical, has been chosen as Hawkins‰Ûª successor as president of Cook Group.
CIRSE publishes practice guidelines for uterine artery embolization
Hans van Overhagen and Jim A Reekers , the authors, urge that every symptomatic patient with uterine myomas should be offered embolization as alternative treatment to hysterectomy/myomectomy. "UAE should be incorporated in the (national) gynaecological guidelines," they report.
SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres and chemotherapy extends progression-free survival of metastatic...
Adding SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres to first-line chemotherapy for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer in the liver (mCRC) further extends progression-free survival in that organ.
Experts point to size threshold below which drug-eluting embolics lose optimum...
While there is a trend towards using smaller sized particles to obtain better results with embolization, experts at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST EU) agreed that there appeared to be a lower size limit, <100åµm, below which drug-eluting beads did not have an effective embolic effect.
Hansen to showcase Magellan Robotic System at GEST 2015
The company will showcase the Magellan 6F robotic catheter being used by interventional radiologists in embolization procedures, and will conduct Magellan Robotic System demonstrations at exhibit booth #5.
Terumo launches the Misago RX self-expanding peripheral stent to US market
Terumo Interventional Systems had introduced the Misago RX self-expanding peripheral stent to the US market at the 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery Annual Meeting (SVS; 17‰ÛÒ20 June, Chicago, USA).
The new version of syngo.via supports treatment decision-making in oncology
The new version of syngo.via supports the treating physician in making decisions regarding treatment in oncology through a comprehensive portfolio of applications across imaging systems, treatments, and disciplines.
AngioDynamics re-entering embolization market
AngioDynamics has announced a worldwide licensing agreement with privately-held EmboMedics of Minneapolis, USA, which develops injectable and resorbable microspheres. Embolization is the fastest growing segment in interventional radiology, and this newly formed strategic relationship will allow AngioDynamics to leverage the talent and knowledge of its sales team to re-enter the approximately US$150 million addressable global embolic market.
Delcath announces acceptance of abstracts for presentation at CIRSE
Delcath has announced that abstracts summarising the data from two European studies of treatment with the Delcath Hepatic Chemosat Delivery System will be presented at the upcoming Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) annual meeting (to be held in Lisbon, Portugal, 26‰ÛÒ30 September).
First patient in Singapore treated with TheraSphere
BTG has announced the treatment of the first patient in Singapore with TheraSphere, a treatment for primary liver cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer, specifically engineered to deliver powerful doses of radiation to the tumour while minimising exposure to normal tissue in a procedure called radioembolization.
Medtronic initiates US launch of Fortrex PTA balloon
Fortrex utilises a high pressure balloon to break up the blockages and open the vessels to help maintain arteriovenous access in the peripheral vascular system.
Niche applications of irreversible electroporation
Having performed over 400 irreversible electroporation treatments at the University of Miami, USA, Govindarajan Narayanan believes that certain niche applications of the technology have demonstrated tremendous value and hold a lot of promise for patients.
Predicting embolization success in upper and lower GI haemorrhage
The ability to achieve bleeding control in critically ill patients seems to depend chiefly on early intervention and severity of the underlying disease, such as coagulation disorders, writes Romaric Loffroy, Dijon, France.
Percutaneous osteosynthesis in bone cancer patients
Percutaneous osteosynthesis consists of inserting screws into bone structures through a skin incision of less than 10mm. It is now performed percutaneously by interventional radiologists due to the development of cannulated screws inserted coaxially over a guide pin, and due to the level of accuracy possible with CT- or flat panel-guidance, writes Fr̩d̩ric Deschamps.
Interventional radiology solutions for hydatic disease
Hydatid disease (cystic Echinococcus) caused by Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic disease and a significant public health problem in many parts of the world.
BEAT Obesity 30-day safety data presented at SIR
BEAT Obesity is a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption single-arm prospective clinical trial for five to 15 morbidly obese patients using used (off-label) is 300‰ÛÒ500ë_m Embosphere microspheres (Merit Medical).
Cone-beam CT allows quicker lung ablation than CT
A study from Institut Bergoni̬ (Bordeaux, France), in collaboration with UniversitÌÊ Campus Bio-Medico di Roma (Rome, Italy), has found that cone-beam CT is faster than CT.
Mobile app to identify indwelling filters and complications
Researchers from Stanford University have created a mobile application to allow rapid identification of all inferior vena cava filter types and related complications.
New imaging technology significantly reduces radiation exposure during uterine artery embolization
These findings have particular relevance for the many women undergoing uterine artery embolization who are of child-bearing age, as well as for the interventional radiology staff present in the room during the procedure.
Aneurysm Coiling Efficiency (ACE) registry shows positive results for Ruby coil...
The Aneurysm Coiling Efficiency registry offers an opportunity to study the demographics and long-term outcomes of a cohort of patients with embolization of the peripheral vasculature using Ruby coils (Penumbra).
Wirion embolic protection device receives US FDA clearance for carotid indication
This clearance is in addition to obtaining the CE mark to market in Europe and AMAR approval to market the device in Israel.
France to launch prostatic artery embolization registry
Interventional radiologists and urologists in France are teaming up to set up a multidisciplinary registry to collect data on prostatic artery embolization for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Down your 7-pill cocktail, reduce DNA damage from ionising radiation
Premedication with an oral antioxidant cocktail before medical imaging exams could significantly reduce DNA injury from the ionising radiation dose, finds new research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs annual scientific meeting in Atlanta, USA.
Siemens working with Southmead Hospital to enhance imaging facilities
With the hospital‰Ûªs new å£430m Brunel building offering pioneering treatment within state-of-the-art facilities, Siemens technology is increasing the speed of patient assessment and enabling elevated levels of patient throughput.
Philips launches on-demand ultrasound service in the UK
Philips has announced the launch of Ultrasound on Demand in the UK, an on-demand ultrasound solution which will go live on 1 June 2015.
Learn the language of oncology
The World Conference on Interventional Oncology (WCIO) is developing an online interventional oncology curriculum called IO University. Michael Soulen, immediate past chair of the...
Positive 30-day results of pivotal, multicentre trial show Wirion embolic filter...
The positive 30-day results from 120 patients out of a planned 240 patient cohort at high risk for endarterectomy, who underwent carotid artery stenting using the Wirion embolic protection device (Allium Medical), were published in EuroIntervention and presented at EuroPCR 2015 (19‰ÛÒ22 May, Paris, France).
SIRFLOX trial results to be presented at ASCO
The SIRFLOX trial results will be presented by Peter Gibbs, co-principal investigator of the SIRFLOX trial, in the oral abstract session on gastrointestinal (colorectal) cancer at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago, USA, on Saturday, 30 May 2015.
Hansen announces world’s first clinical procedure with new Magellan 10F robotic...
Hansen has announced the completion of the world’s first clinical procedure with the Magellan 10F robotic catheter. Interventional radiologist Gerard Goh performed the procedure at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. He used the 10F catheter during a robot-assisted placement of an inferior vena cava filter.
Precision infusion system for embolization procedures gets CE mark approval
Surefire Medical has announced that the company‰Ûªs new Precision targeted delivery infusion system, for direct-to-tumour embolization procedures, has received the CE mark from European regulators. Surefire infusion systems are today used primarily in treating inoperable liver cancers, although clinical trials are under way for additional medical conditions.
Quirem Medical receives CE mark for radioembolic Quiremspheres
Quiremspheres, that were developed by the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, The Netherlands, to be used in a new treatment for liver cancer, have received the European CE mark for quality and safety. The treatment is being marketed by Quirem Medical, a spin-off company of the UMC Utrecht.
EndoShape selected to present at Cavendish Global Health Impact Forum
EndoShape has announced that it has been selected to present at the Cavendish Global Health Impact Forum taking place 10‰ÛÒ14 May in La Jolla, USA.
Philips launches 3D navigation system to enhance minimally invasive treatment of...
VesselNavigator has been designed for use in conjunction with Philips‰Ûª interventional X-ray systems to guide catheters during treatment of vascular disease.
Yasuaki Arai gets standing ovation after ECIO Honorary Lecture
Yasuaki Arai, director of the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, and current president of the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology (JSIR), delivered the Honorary Lecture at the European Conference of Interventional Oncology (ECIO) in Nice, France, yesterday. He spoke on the topic ‰ÛÏBeyond the evidence‰ÛÓthe true goal of interventional oncology‰Û and received a standing ovation for his presentation.
Teleflex to present at the 6th European Conference of Interventional Oncology
Teleflex will showcase a wide array of products for minimally invasive interventional applications at the 6th European Conference of Interventional Oncology (ECIO) in Nice, France, from 22‰ÛÒ25 April 2015.
New imaging technology significantly reduces radiation exposure during uterine artery embolization
A new study reveals that a new angiographic imaging platform (AlluraClarity, Philips Healthcare) maintains similar procedure time as a current C-arm imaging platform (Allura, Philips), yet with substantially reduced radiation exposure for uterine artery embolization procedures.
Portal vein embolization with Histoacryl using ipsilateral approach safe
Portal vein embolization using Histoacryl (B.Braun), a tissue seal adhesive, from an ipsilateral approach is a safe and effective technique to prepare for liver surgery, new research reveals.
Terumo announces CE mark approvals for Lifepearl and Hydropearl microspheres
Terumo has announced that on 16 March 2015 it received CE mark for LifePearl, a new drug-eluting microsphere for chemoembolization and HydroPearl, a new microsphere for more predictable bland embolization.
BTG begins sale of DC Bead and Bead Block directly to...
BTG began selling its drug-eluting bead and embolization products, DC Bead and Bead Block, directly to customers in 11 European countries on 1 April 2015.
Medtronic announces SPYRAL HTN global clinical trial programme for renal denervation
The programme will begin with two studies designed to address the confounding factors from the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, including medication, patient population and procedural variability, to ensure the clinical potential of the therapy.
MR CLEAN and the changing landscape of intra-arterial stroke therapy
David Sacks analyses the results of the MR CLEAN study and finds that with three other randomised intra-arterial stroke trials presenting positive results for the intra-arterial arm, the treatment landscape is poised for change.
On large bore access sheaths and the limits of transpedal interventions
It is natural to focus on the positive aspects of transpedal access and its value in infrainguinal revascularisation. However, we should not shy away from considering the limitations of this approach in order to obtain the best results for our patients, writes Jihad A Mustapha.
Periprocedural results of carotid stenting need improvement
During the periprocedural phase, correct technique, operator experience, accurate lesion and patient selection and the adequate use of an embolic protection device are essential factors to improve results.
Radiology day units could transform modern practice
Despite the fact that interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive and offer a quicker recovery time, in the majority of interventional radiology departments, patients still need to occupy a hospital bed even for elective procedures.
Revolutionary focused ultrasound still needs to address limitations
Alessandro Napoli writes that therapeutic ultrasound still has some technological hurdles that need to be overcome, despite his success with the treatment over the past five years.
The challenges of measuring response in interventional oncology
An overview of three treatments: ablation, chemoembolization and selective interval radiation therapy, should clarify the challenges of determining tumour response in interventional oncology, write Maxime Ronot and Val̩rie Vilgrain.
Forge Medical announces commercialisation agreement for VasoStat haemostasis device
Forge Medical, manufacturer of the VasoStat haemostasis device that is used for radial artery and dialysis access haemostasis, announced that the company has entered into a national commercialisation agreement for the device with National Medical Sales.
Ablation likely to play major role in treating breast cancer metastases
A study from France presented at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR, 4‰ÛÒ8 March, Vienna, Austria) has found that percutaneous thermal ablation is safe and effective for local control of metastatic breast cancer.
Transradial access ‰ÛÏsafe and well-tolerated‰Û in typical IR patient population
A single-centre review of the safety and feasibility of using the transradial approach for peripheral and visceral interventions after the first 1,000 procedures finds that this access has extremely low complication rates.
Bioresorbable stents safe and effective for benign biliary strictures
Preliminary data from a multicentre study carried out in Europe and Argentina show that percutaneous bioresorbable biliary stent placement is feasible in a large majority of cases, and that it represents a safe and effective novel treatment of benign biliary strictures.
Waste not, want some: Developing world needs older iterations of medical...
Can the industry be persuaded to provide previous-generation products that would otherwise be incinerated, to people in the developing world who cannot otherwise afford them? Mathew Cherian, asks.
Preliminary results of SIRFLOX show study did not achieve primary endpoint
In the first-line treatment of non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer, the preliminary analysis of the SIRFLOX study results does not show a statistically significant improvement in overall progression-free survival ie, at any site. However, the study does show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival in the liver.
New Zilver PTX thumbwheel stent delivery system receives CE mark
The system is now available in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Italy, and provides deployment for what Cook Medical says is the world‰Ûªs first and only approved drug-eluting stent for the superficial femoral artery.
Bracco launches EmpowerCTA+ and next generation contrast-enhanced delivery systems in CT...
Bracco Imaging, through its business unit Bracco Injeneering SA, has announced the availability of its EmpowerCTA+, an advanced engineering contrast injection system that puts the radiologic technologist in control in the computed tomography suite.
Preliminary data suggest VenaTech convertible filter is a safe and effective...
Early data from a multicentre, single-arm study that set out to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel approach to inferior vena cava filtration using the VenaTech convertible filter (B Braun Interventional Systems) suggest that the use of this device yields favourable results.
SARAH study completes enrolment
The study of yttrium-90 resin microspheres versus sorafenib in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has enrolled more than 400 patients, with results expected in late 2016.
Live from SIR 2015: 3D printing offers innovative method to deliver...
Interventional radiologists use 3-D printers to develop personalised medical devices that can deliver antibiotics and chemotherapy in targeted manner.
Live from SIR 2015: Medikidz and BTG launch resource to help...
Medikidz has published the ‰ÛÏMedikidz Explain Primary Liver Cancer‰Û comic book to help children understand and cope with the realities of life during what is often a very challenging time.
Live from SIR 2015: Image-guided treatment shown to break the migraine...
88% of patients report using less pain-relief medicine after intranasal sphenopalatine ganglion blocks.
Live from SIR 2015: Prostate artery embolization improves symptoms, regardless of...
According to research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR‰Ûªs) annual scientific meeting, clinicians were able to use prostate artery embolization to improve patient symptoms, regardless of the size of benign prostatic hyperplasia before the treatment, researchers found in a retrospective study.
Live from SIR 2015: Interventional radiology treatment relieves chronic plantar fasciitis
Research from the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs annual scientific meeting shows image-guided, ultrasonic technology may hold key to conquering a difficult condition.
UK clinical trial to investigate focused ultrasound for treatment of cancer...
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust are investigating whether ultrasound therapy can relieve pain in patients whose cancers have spread to the bone.
Penumbra to launch POD embolization anchoring device
Penumbra has announced that its newest vascular embolization device, POD, will debut at the Society of Interventional Radiology 2015 annual scientific meeting in Atlanta, USA.
Updated overall survival data from HEAT study announced
Analysis of a 285-patient subgroup treated with ThermoDox plus radiofrequency ablation shows a statistically significant 59% improvement in overall survival when compared to patients who were treated with optimised radiofrequency ablation alone.
CorPath robotic-assisted peripheral vascular intervention trial enrols first patient
Study launched to evaluate the effectiveness of CorPath robotic assistance in performing balloon angioplasty for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.
Gore REDUCE clinical study completes enrolment
The study includes 65 investigational sites in the USA, Canada, UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland that enrolled a combined 664 subjects.
Early embolization results encouraging for small volume prostatic hyperplasia
A study that set out to assess the safety and efficacy of prostate artery embolization in small volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (<50cc) revealed that the procedure appears to offer positive clinical benefits for patients out to six months.
Preliminary results of RETREAT renal denervation study go against the grain
Horst Sievert, CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Germany reported ‰ÛÏinteresting, but inconclusive observations‰Û from a small cohort of patients enrolled in the RETREAT (Renal denervation with ultrasound after failed radiofrequency denervation) study.
US FDA clears Enroute transcarotid neuroprotection system
The system is for use during carotid artery stenting procedures and is the first one designed to access the carotid arteries through an incision in the neck, instead of the groin.
Arteriovenous anastomosis creation brings blood pressure down
The ROX CONTROL HTN, an international randomised controlled trial, published online ahead of print in The Lancet in late January, has demonstrated that creation of a central arteriovenous anastomosis in patients was associated with significantly reduced blood pressure and hypertensive complications at six months. The study was funded by Rox Medical.
Gore receives Health Canada approval for Viabahn endoprosthesis innovations
Longer and lower profile options now available in Canada to treat more patient anatomies.
Medtronic reports US launch and first uses of IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated...
US hospitals this week began using the IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon (Medtronic plc) to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries.
New programme helps gauge blood flow during flow diverter treatment of...
A new computer programme allows interventionalists to assess blood flow in real-time while they are using flow-diverter devices to treat intracranial aneurysms, suggests a pilot study being presented at the 27th annual International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET, 31 January‰ÛÒ5 February, Hollywood, USA).
Intratumoural injections of bacteria result in oncolysis of solid tumours, first-in-man...
Results from a phase I study using an attenuated strain of Clostridium novyi (C novyi-NT) show that bacterial spores can be delivered using existing imaging technologies and devices to demonstrate clinical evidence of germination and confirms the capability of inducing oncolysis in human neoplastic tissues.
FOXFIRE and FOXFIRE Global studies complete patient enrolment
Sirtex has announced the completion of patient enrolment in FOXFIRE and FOXFIRE Global, two large multicentre studies that added liver-directed radiation therapy with SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres to a current standard of care chemotherapy regimen in the first-line treatment of more than 560 patients recently diagnosed with inoperable metastatic colorectal cancer.
ILLUMENATE FIH demonstrates importance of vessel preparation with Stellarex drug-coated balloon
The primary patency at 12 months was 89.5% in the pre-dilation plus drug-coated balloon group and 77.5% in the direct drug-coated balloon group.
InspireMD receives CE mark for CGuard RX and announces six-month CARENET...
InspireMD says that the RX delivery system, designed for use with the CGuard MicroNet, will enable clinicians to place the CGuard technology using an easy-to-use, and familiar, delivery system.
First procedure with Magellan Robotic System in Australia announced
Hansen has announced the completion of the first clinical procedure with the Magellan robotic system in Australia.
Positive one-year results of TOBA clinical trial presented
Data presented at the Leipzig Interventional Course 2015 (LINC, 27‰ÛÒ30 January, Leipzig, Germany) demonstrate significant improvement in dissection repair with the Tack Endovascular System (Intact Vascular).
Jeffrey H Lawson to present on bioengineering and the potential to...
Clinical work and data will be presented on Humacyte‰Ûªs novel bioengineered blood vessel at the 27th International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET, 31 January‰ÛÒ4 February, Hollywood, USA).
ATTRACT completes patient recruitment
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation has released a statement announcing that the NIH-sponsored ATTRACT (Acute venous thrombosis: thrombus removal with adjunctive catheter-directed thrombolysis study) has completed accrual of its originally planned cohort of 692 patients.
First intravascular robot-assisted inferior vena cava filter retrieval announced
Alan Lumsden, vascular surgeon and director of the Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, performed the procedure at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas using the Magellan robotic system (Hansen Medical) to remove a filter manufactured by Cook Medical.
Doctors perform first US bariatric embolization procedure to treat obesity
Bariatric embolization is the first catheter-based procedure that attempts to directly address obesity. The minimally invasive technique is expected to decrease the hormone ghrelin, responsible for appetite, resulting in weight loss.
First patient enrolled in Europe‰Ûwide observational study on liver cancer treatment...
The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) has launched a new observational study that will gather data on patients with primary and secondary liver tumours treated with SIR‰ÛSpheres microspheres at specialist hospitals across Europe.
New minimally invasive technique to treat varicose veins shows early promise
A research group from Italy has recently detailed their early experience using one-shot scleroembolization to treat varicose veins of the lower extremities.
ARROWg+ard technology effective in preventing infections in an infection-prone insertion site
Peer-reviewed published research reconfirms clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine-impregnated central venous catheter.
Lombard opens cleanroom to meet global demand for Aorfix
Lombard has announced the formal opening of the company‰Ûªs new cleanroom, which will enhance the global operating footprint and production capabilities of their lead product, Aorfix, to meet increased worldwide customer demand.
First patients treated in Germany with Veniti Vici venous stent system
Veniti has announced the first use of the Vici venous stent system in Germany. The system is used to treat venous outflow obstruction in the lower extremities. The procedures were performed by Michael Lichtenberg, head of Interventional Angiology, Klinikum Arnsberg, Arnsberg, Germany.
SIR 2015: Take home new skills and perspectives from Atlanta
Jafar Golzarian, SIR 2015‰Ûªs programme chair, discusses some of the most exciting sessions from the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR‰Ûªs) upcoming Annual Scientific Meeting (28 February‰ÛÒ5 March 2015, Atlanta, USA) for Interventional News.
Survey shows nearly 60% of UK centres perform TACE with drug-eluting...
The results of a web-based survey designed to shed light on the practice of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the UK have shown that there is a wide variation in practice with some centres using conventional TACE (with lipiodol and doxorubicin) and others using, newer drug-eluting beads.
CeloNova receives expanded indication for benign prostatic hyperplasia
CeloNova BioSciences has announced that it has received an expanded indication (CE mark) in Europe for its Embozene embolic microspheres to include the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Society of Interventional Radiology launches new brand focused on ‰ÛÏthe vision...
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has launched a new brand, reinforcing interventional radiology‰Ûªs commitment to developing breakthrough treatments, enhancing medical practice and improving standard of patient care through image-guided therapies.
Shockwave Medical‰Ûªs Lithoplasty System gets CE mark for treatment of peripheral...
Lithoplasty is a novel balloon-based technology that uses integrated lithotripsy, a pulsatile mechanical energy commonly used to break up kidney stones, to disrupt both superficial and deep calcium and normalise vessel wall compliance prior to low-pressure balloon dilatation.
Straub Medical gets approval for Rotarex S and Aspirex S endovascular...
Straub Medical has announced that the Chinese FDA has recently approved the Straub Endovascular System with its Rotarex S and Aspirex S rotational catheter families.
First US trial to assess combination therapy with intraoperative radiotherapy and...
Kypho-IORT (Combining intraoperative radiotherapy with kyphoplasty for treatment of spinal metastases) will test a new combination treatment that delivers radiation directly to the tumour and increases support of the spine.
Sugar-coated microcapsule eliminates toxic punch of experimental anti-cancer drug
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a sugar-based molecular microcapsule that eliminates the toxicity of an anticancer agent developed a decade ago at Johns Hopkins, called 3-bromopyruvate, or 3BrPA, in studies of mice with implants of human pancreatic cancer tissue.
Prophylactic internal iliac balloon placement prior to C-section preserves uterus in...
The results of a new study show that prophylactic placement of internal iliac balloons prior to elective Caesarean section is technically feasible, well-tolerated and leads to satisfactory maternal and foetal outcomes with minimal complications.
Gore receives CE mark for Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis
The Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis has received CE mark approval to improve blood flow in symptomatic obstruction of peripheral veins, excluding the venae cavae and pulmonary veins.
New 6F robotic catheter enables delivery of embolic agents and access...
Catheter robotics is in the early stages of evolution. A new 6F catheter, designed to permit diagnostic angiography, delivery of embolic agents and access to more distal vasculature such as the below-the-knee vessels, has recently become commercially available.
CO2 angiography should be more widely used
CO2 angiography can decrease both morbidity and mortality for patients, in certain clinical scenarios. For those driven by economics, the cost of 100cc of CO2 is approximately three cents. Its use is limited only by one‰Ûªs imagination. So why is it not more widely used?
Stentoplasty: An ‰ÛÏexciting frontier‰Û in spinal augmentation
Stentoplasty, or vertebral body stenting, represents the next step in the evolution of cement spinal augmentation where a stent is placed within the vertebral body followed by infusion of cement.
Silk Road Medical unveils data from the ROADSTER trial
Silk Road Medical‰Ûªs 30-day outcomes from the ROADSTER IDE study were presented at the Late Breaking Clinical Trials Session at the 2014 Vascular InterVentional Advances Meeting in Las Vegas, with additional data presented at the VEITHsymposium in New York.
Lombard Medical presents positive data from Aorfix PYTHAGORAS PMA trial
Lombard Medical has released efficacy and safety data from the two-year follow up of the US PYTHAGORAS pre-marketing approval trial of Aorfix.
Dynamic collimation reduces radiation exposure in the interventional suite
Lindsay Machan reviews the use of a dynamic collimation system to reduce radiation exposure to the operator, staff and patient during fluoroscopy and cine.
Intra-arterial viral oncolysis holds real potential
Viral oncolysis is an exciting area of research with applications to tumours throughout the body. Understanding the background and development of viral oncolytic therapy is important for future applications.
Establishing trust and communicating with ‰ÛÏdifficult‰Û cancer patients and families
With the US shift in practice model and the advent of the ‰ÛÏInformation Age‰Û, interventional oncologists need to communicate with their patients more frequently and at more depth.
Prostatic artery embolization is taking the world by storm
Hugo Rio Tinto from Lisbon, Portugal, has been busy flying all over Europe, but also further afield to Russia, China and India to help train those interested in prostatic artery embolization.
Hansen Medical announces first US robotic prostatic artery embolisation procedure
Hansen Medical has announced the completion of the first robotic prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) in the USA performed using the Magellan robotic system.
Seven filter manufacturers to participate in study predicting effectiveness of inferior...
The first large-scale, multispecialty prospective clinical research trial to evaluate the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and related follow-up treatment in the USA is set to enrol the first patient in spring 2015 with participation from seven filter manufacturers.
Selective transarterial chemo embolization in lung cancer
Embolization therapy combined with infusion of antineoplastic agents offers considerable improvement of symptoms for patients, with far fewer complications than systemic chemotherapy, writes Shinichi Hori, Osaka, Japan.
Six month results demonstrate safety, effectiveness of VenaSeal
The six-month results of the VeClose pivotal study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the VenaSeal closure system in patients with chronic venous insufficiency having symptomatic reflux in the great saphenous vein.
CeloNova gets US FDA approval for clinical trial with Oncozene
CeloNova BioSciences has announced that the US FDA has granted approval to start an investigational device exemption (IDE) clinical trial for its Oncozene embolic...
Multicentre audit shows lifesaving role of 24/7 interventional radiology
This new data reveals the importance of access to 24/7 interventional radiology and the need to ensure availability of interventional radiologists in emergency care. There is a wide variation in the availability of 24/7 interventional radiology across the UK, which means that patients in some parts of the country do not receive the benefits of minimally invasive modern medicine in the emergency setting.
Lazarus Effect Cover device receives CE mark
Lazarus Effect has announced that the Lazarus Cover accessory device has received CE mark. The Lazarus Cover is a nitinol-mesh cover that surrounds a retriever device and captured material during removal from a blood vessel.
Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent study data show continued patency at five...
Five-year results from the largest and longest-running clinical trial of a drug-eluting stent for treating peripheral arterial disease confirmed long-term patency for patients treated with Zilver PTX (Cook).
Medtronic drug-coated balloon for peripheral artery disease also benefits patients with...
Medtronic‰Ûªs IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon, used for the treatment of peripheral artery disease in leg arteries above the knee, provided a consistently favourable treatment effect in patients with diabetes in a landmark study of the investigational medical device, which is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval.
Terumo Europe to create an Interventional Oncology division
Terumo Europe has announced the creation of an Interventional Oncology division that will be active as of 1 April 2015. The specialisation of the...
Magellan 6F robotic catheter gets CE mark
Hansen, has announced that the Magellan 6F robotic catheter has received CE marking for use in the peripheral vasculature, allowing the company to market the catheter in Europe and other countries.
Multidisciplinary panel recommends early revascularisation of diabetic foot to save legs
Delays in revascularisation of diabetic foot in the UK directly relate to legs being lost to amputation. Early referral to interventionists is of critical importance and interventional radiologists must prioritise the revascularisation of diabetic foot patients to help save legs, a UK multidisciplinary panel recommended.
Snapshot audit of interventional radiology providing acute care to be presented...
The upcoming British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) Annual Meeting (12‰ÛÒ 14 November 2014 BT Convention Centre, Liverpool, UK) will present a snapshot audit titled ‰ÛÏ7 days, 7 sites, 24/7 Interventional Radiology‰Û with data recorded over the course of a week from seven UK hospital sites providing acute interventional radiology care.
Silent cerebral infarction after TEVAR implies high risk of cerebral injury
A study that examined the incidence of cerebral microembolization and silent cerebral infarction after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) concluded that two-thirds of patients undergoing MRI had evidence of silent cerebral infarctionå_‰ÛÓa previously unrecognised burden.
Spectranetics to acquire Stellarex drug coated balloon assets from Covidien
Spectranetics and Covidien have announced a definitive agreement under which Spectranetics will acquire Covidien‰Ûªs Stellarex drug coated angioplasty balloon platform for US$30 million.
New microwave technology shows positive results in ablation of unresectable liver...
The 12-month results of the Italian multicentre study, presented at CIRSE 2014, demonstrated that new microwave technology can achieve a substantial rate of complete necrosis of liver metastases, even in a short-term treatment with few major complications.
Lack of paediatric specific devices ‰ÛÏa glaring unmet need‰Û
There is a compelling case for the medical community, including the device industry, to develop specific devices that are appropriate for paediatric patients, say opinion leaders in the field.
New deep vein thrombosis guidelines: What you need to know
Suresh Vedantham spoke to Interventional News on the latest from the paper ‰ÛÏQuality improvement guidelines for the treatment of lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis with use of endovascular thrombus removal‰Û.
ICSS long-term data shows carotid stenting as good as endarterectomy for...
The International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) randomised trial has reported the long-term outcomes after stenting versus endarterectomy for treatment of symptomatic carotid stenosis in The Lancet online ahead of print on 14 October.
Lack of paediatric specific devices ‰ÛÏa glaring unmet need‰Û
There is a compelling case for the medical community, including the device industry, to develop specific devices that are appropriate for paediatric patients, say opinion leaders in the field.
New SPECT System from Siemens scans virtually every patient and minimises...
Siemens Healthcare introduced the Symbia Evo Excel SPECT system at the 27th Congress of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. The system is a new version of the successful Symbia E.
First robot-assisted uterine fibroid embolization procedure performed in USA
Hansen has announced the completion of the first robot-assisted uterine fibroid embolization in the USA. Sandeep Rao, interventional radiologist, performed the procedure at Sierra Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, using the Magellan Robotic System.
ArtVentive announces expanded commercial use of EOS endoluminal occlusion system
The company has announced that commercial cases were performed at The University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium, where Geert Maleux successfully treated two patients with the EOS device.
First patients in New Zealand treated with Aorfix
Lombard has announced the successful completion of the first two EVAR cases performed in New Zealand using Aorfix, an endovascular stent graft for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Good deployment success with ALN filters, intermediate single-centre US experience finds
The ALN inferior vena cava filter has been available in the European market for over a decade. Following US FDA approval a few centres in the USA have gained extensive experience with this filter. A retrospective study reporting intermediate-term experience from the University of Texas Medical was presented at CIRSE 2014.
BTG to supply DC Bead and Bead Block directly to physicians...
BTG has announced that it will begin selling its drug-eluting bead and embolization products, DC Bead and Bead Block, directly to physicians in 11 European countries from 1 April 2015. These products, developed and manufactured by BTG, are currently sold in Europe by the Terumo Corporation under a contract that expires on 31 March 2015.
Largest reported series of mycotic aortic aneurysm treated with EVAR finds...
A retrospective analysis from Wales, UK, reported at CIRSE 2014, finds that although there are no randomised controlled trials comparing open and endovascular repair of mycotic aortic aneurysms in the thorax and abdomen, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in these patients is favourable.
Plugs significantly reduce fluoroscopy time when compared to coils in pelvic...
One-year results from a randomised study comparing fibred platinum coils to vascular plugs for the embolization of pelvic varices in order to treat pelvic congestion syndrome have shown that plugs are as good as coils with regard to safety and efficacy. In addition, plugs also significantly reduce procedure and fluoroscopy time, and radiation dose, the study finds.
BIOLUX P-II shows favourable outcomes for drug-eluting balloons in infrapopliteal disease
Six-month results from the randomised clinical trial, BIOLUX P-II, that compared the Passeo-18 Lux paclitaxel-releasing balloon (Biotronik) vs. plain balloon angioplasty with the uncoated Passeo-18 balloon in the treatment of infrapopliteal artery lesions, have shown that the drug-eluting balloon results in significant clinical improvement of Rutherford 5 patients.
ReFlow Medical announces CE mark for Wingman35 and SpeX catheters
ReFlow Medical has announced the initial clinical use of their Wingman35 crossing catheter and speX shapeable support catheter by Andrej Schmidt, Park Hospital Leipzig, Germany. The devices were recently granted CE mark approval for use in the peripheral vasculature.
SIR-Spheres recommended in new oncology clinical guidelines for treatment of metastatic...
Newly published European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical guidelines for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer endorse radioembolisation, specifically with yttrium-90 (Y90) resin...
CIRSE 2014 audience needs more evidence before they support drug-elution in...
The audience in the CIRSE 2014 ‰ÛÏControversies in superficial femoral artery treatment‰Û session failed to endorse two motions pertaining to drug-elution in this anatomical segment in the annual meeting (12‰ÛÒ17 September, Glasgow, UK).
What the trials have taught us about aggressive therapy of deep...
Although current evidence in favour of catheter-directed thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis may not be robust enough to allow for a shift in clinical practice, that may soon change with strict adherence to thrombolysis exclusion criteria, meticulous interventional techniques, and close treatment monitoring to minimise the risk of bleeding complications with catheter-directed thrombolysis, write Stephen T Kee and Adam Plotnik.
Early data from PERFECT registry positive for catheter-directed therapy for acute...
William T Kuo presented the initial results of the multicenter PERFECT registry at CIRSE 2014 (the annual scientific meeting of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, 12‰ÛÒ17 September, Glasgow, UK).
Renal denervation is not dead, say experts at CIRSE 2014
A special session at the CIRSE 2014 conference in Glasgow, UK, took a close look at the field of renal denervation as it stands today and concluded that there is still plenty of life and promise in the field. This is not the end of renal denervation but the beginning of proper evaluation, experts said.
Interventional News in Glasgow for CIRSE 2014
The Interventional News team is in Glasgow, UK, for CIRSE 2014 with a brand-new print edition. If you are at the congress, do pick up your copy from booth 12.
Sirtex expands business into Brazil
Sirtex has announced the expansion of its business in Latin America. Sirtex’s SIR-Spheres microspheres are now available to treat inoperable liver tumours in Brazil.
The...
First patient enrolled in global phase III OPTIMA study of ThermoDox...
Celsion Corporation has announced that the first patient has been enrolled in its pivotal phase III OPTIMA study of ThermoDox in combination with optimised...
CeloNova receives expanded indication in liver cancer for microspheres
CeloNova has announced US FDA 510(k) clearance expanding the indication for their Oncozene and Embozene microsphere products to now include the embolization of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The promise of chemical renal denervation
Tim A Fischell writes that chemical renal denervation using ethanol may have numerous advantages over energy-based ‰ÛÏburning‰Û technologies.
Randomised, sham-controlled clinical trial of non-invasive, ultrasound therapy for resistant hypertension...
Kona Medical has announced the initiation of the WAVE IV, randomised, sham-controlled, double-blinded, clinical trial of its Surround Sound Hypertension Therapy System. The trial will treat 132 patients at sites in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and South America.
DC Bead approved by China Food and Drug Administration
BTG and its partner SciClone Pharmaceuticals have announced that the China Food and Drug Administration has approved the registration of DC Bead for the...
Study identifies tumour-promoting role of EGFR present in liver macrophages
A study group at the Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Medical University of Vienna and AKH Vienna under the guidance of Maria Sibilia from the...
Secondary analysis of AMPLIFY-EXT examining predictors of hospitalisation presented at ESC...
Results from this analysis demonstrated that during the 12-month extended treatment of venous thromboembolism, Eliquis significantly reduced the risk of hospitalisation versus placebo.
Covidien acquires Sapheon
Covidien has announced that it has acquired Sapheon, a privately-held developer of venous disease treatments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Oscor launches Adelante Magnum introducer for sale in the USA
The Adelante Magnum is a high performance haemostatic valve introducer for large size vascular access, specifically designed and optimised for the introduction and placement of endovascular catheters, aortic valves, and stent graft systems.
Canada lags on adoption of interventional radiology
The findings from a report commissioned by the Canadian Interventional Radiology Association (CIRA) and carried out by the Millennium Research Group (MRG) indicate that Canada lags behind other industrialised countries in the G7 such as Europe, USA and Japan in the adoption of interventional radiology treatment.
Society of Interventional Radiology issues global call for research
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has issued a global call for scientific abstracts covering all areas of vascular and nonvascular interventional radiology for its 40th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held 28 February‰ÛÒ5 March at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, USA.
Cook enrols first patient in Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent clinical...
The case was performed by one of the study‰Ûªs principal investigators, Peng Liu, professor at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China.
Cook enrols first patient in Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent clinical...
The case was performed by one of the study‰Ûªs principal investigators, Peng Liu, professor at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China.
The microenvironment of solid tumours matters
By Aravind Arepally
Despite the rapid growth of imaging and treatment options in interventional oncology, one area that has been poorly understood and overlooked by...
Women have similar procedural success as men after peripheral interventions, despite...
Women could be at higher risk for adverse outcomes than men, but overall they have similar procedural success compared with men despite higher complications rates, data from a study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology in June suggests.
Written emergency stroke care protocols may improve hospital performance
New data presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 11th Annual Meeting in (28 ‰ÛÒ31, Colorado Springs, USA) helps prove that written care protocols can significantly improve the overall emergency care pathway for stroke.
Vascular Solutions launches Gel-Bead bioresorbable embolization spheres
Vascular Solutions has announced the US market launch of its Gel-Bead embolization spheres for the treatment of hypervascular tumours.Gel-Bead embolization spheres are precisely sized,...
ArtVentive announces positive clinical results and expanded enrolment in OCCLUDE I...
ArtVentive has announced positive clinical results in conjunction with expanded enrolment in the ArtVentive Endoluminal Occlusion System (EOS device) OCCLUDE I post-market surveillance study.
Hansen announces exclusive distribution with Adachi for Magellan and Sensei in...
Hansen Medical and Adachi have announced a distribution agreement for Magellan and Sensei robotic systems in Japan. As part of the distribution agreement, Adachi is responsible for obtaining Japanese Marketing approval from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for the Magellan and Sensei systems.
Teleflex receives FDA clearance for Arrow-Clark Vectorflow chronic haemodialysis catheter
Teleflex has announced it has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its Arrow-Clark Vectorflow chronic haemodialysis catheter. The catheter features a symmetrical tip design that allows ease of placement.
Spectranetics announces FDA clearance of peripheral laser atherectomy devices for in-stent...
The Spectranetics Corporation has announced receiving US FDA 510(k) clearance of their peripheral atherectomy products, Turbo-Tandem and Turbo Elite, for the treatment of in-stent restenosis.
Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent selected as a top emerging health technology...
The Canadian Network for Environmental Scanning in Health (CNESH) has selected Cook Medical‰Ûªs Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent as a top 10 game-changing health technology for 2014.
Cyanoacrylate embolization demonstrates positive results for incompetent great saphenous veins
Cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization using the VenaSeal Sapheon Closure System (Venaseal) of the incompetent great saphenous veins offers several advantages over endothermal ablation including not requiring tumescent anasthaesia and use of compression stockings after the intervention.
Trial shows significant pain relief for spine cancer patients following targeted...
DFINE has announced the publication of a multicentre study in the July/August issue of Pain Physician Journal, the official peer-reviewed publication of the American...
SCAI publishes expert consensus recommendations for treating arterial disease below the...
A new series of expert consensus recommendations developed by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) will help physicians determine the best course of action for patients whose blockages reduce blood flow to their limbs, putting them at risk for gangrene and amputation.
Arterial embolization works to alleviate knee pain in mild to moderate...
A small study conducted in Japan, published in CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology in July 2014, demonstrates that transcatheter arterial embolization is feasible and that it rapidly relieves pain associated with knee osteoarthritis and restores knee function.
Liver tumour ablation more predictable with Emprint
Overcoming a significant roadblock to predictable ablation of soft tissue, Covidien has unveiled an advanced ablation system that offers physicians predictable results regardless of the...
Robot-assisted uterine artery embolization is feasible and safe, study finds
A study published online ahead of print in July in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) provides a technical description of robot-assisted uterine artery embolization and investigates the safety and feasibility of using the Magellan system (Hansen Medical) robotic catheter in the uterus.
Study identifies key factors affecting catheter-directed thrombolysis for iliofemoral deep vein...
A study from Denmark finds that the most important factors to predict long-term competent veins after catheter-directed thrombolysis are symptom duration of less than two weeks and use of the pulse spray technique.
EmboCoh visceral aneurysm cohort registry idea outlined at GEST US 2014
EmboCoh is a structured international web-based channel, designed so that physicians can enter their data on embolization procedures. It will enable collaborative registry-style data collection and analysis, particularly of uncommon embolization procedures, which would not be meaningfully possible from single-centre data due to the paucity of cases.
Pressure-directed embolotherapy using antireflux devices to perform liver directed regional therapy
By Steven C Rose
The evidence supporting the use of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) to treat primary and secondary liver malignancies...
Unconventional thinking could win the day
James F Benenati, medical director, Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute‰Ûªs, Peripheral Vascular Laboratory, Miami, USA, delivered the 2014 Charles T Dotter Lecture on 23 March at the opening plenary of SIR‰Ûªs 39th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, USA.
Published clinical success and low morbidity with gonadal vein embolization
Many studies have demonstrated technical success rates of greater than 95% for gonadal vein embolization and that the procedure has resulted in a significant relief of symptoms in 68‰ÛÒ100% of patients over a range of follow up periods, writes Sandeep Bagla.
The 11th Scientific Meeting of the Chinese Society of Interventional Radiology...
The 11th Scientific Meeting of the Chinese Society of Interventional Radiology (2014 CSIR) was held from 11‰ÛÒ15 June 2014 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. The Chinese Society of Interventional Radiology writes this report for Interventional News.
Terumo obtains regulatory approvals for marketing MicroThermX in additional countries
BSD Medical Corporation reported that Terumo Europe NV (Terumo) has obtained approvals to market and import the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System in South Africa,...
First patient treated using “incisionless” VizAblate system for symptomatic uterine fibroids
Gynesonics announces the first successful treatment using a transcervical fibroid ablation technique guided by integrated ultrasound imaging.
Covidien announces European launch of Pipeline Flex embolisation device
The minimally-invasive flow diversion device for unruptured brain aneurysms is designed for more accurate, controlled placement.
The European Society of Radiology just got bigger
The number of European Society of Radiology members has just passed the 60,000 mark, making it by far the largest community of radiologists in the world.
Self-reported complication rate for retrievable inferior vena cava filters is significantly...
Findings from a review of the United States Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database reveal that complications occur with significantly higher frequency when retrievable inferior vena cava filters are placed than permanent filters.
Key evidence to be collected by UK registry of prostate embolization
The UK-ROPE (Registry of prostate embolization) has been set up to collect real world evidence because prostate artery embolization has been used in research trials in SÌ£o Paulo in Brazil, Lisbon in Portugal and Southampton in the UK and a few other centres, but has yet to gain full recognition by regulatory bodies in the UK, writes Nigel Hacking.
AngioDynamics announces US FDA clearance for Celerity tip location system
The Celerity system has been cleared by the FDA as an adjunct to aid in positioning Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in adults by providing real time catheter tip location utilising the patient’s cardiac electrical activity.
Medtronic to acquire Covidien for US$42.9 billion in cash and stock
The acquistion creates a medical technology and services company with a comprehensive product portfolio and broad global reach.
Three millimetre “ice ball” margin beyond renal tumours adequate for effective...
The results from a small, animal study challenge previously unsubstantiated published reports claiming that a five to 10mm “ice ball” margin beyond the tumour...
FDA advisory panel unanimously recommends approval for Lutonix DCB
Lutonix DCB is one step closer to becoming the first US FDA-approved drug-coated balloon for the treatment of patients with femoropopliteal occlusive disease.
Use of laser atherectomy with drug-eluting balloon angioplasty shows benefit in...
Combination treatment involving laser debulking followed by drug-eluting balloon angioplasty is associated with superior outcomes when compared to the use of drug-eluting balloon angioplasty alone in critical limb ischaemia patients with superficial femoral artery stent occlusions.
Flow 2014 meeting turns spotlight on Interventional Radiology in India
The 16th annual conference of the Indian Society of Interventional Radiology, ISVIR 2014, was held 3‰ÛÒ6 April in Mumbai, India. The theme of the meeting was flow‰ÛÓof ideas, progress, and of course, as physicians who spend a lot of time opening blocked arteries, of blood to the feet!
SIR Foundation announces first interventional radiology outcomes research grant
The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation‰ÛÓtogether with the Harvey L Neiman Health Policy Institute‰ÛÓinvites US and Canada-based researchers to apply for an inaugural grant opportunity of up to US$30,000 designed to support research evaluating the cost, cost-effectiveness and quality outcomes of interventional radiology interventions in comparison to other treatments.
US FDA approves UK manufactured spine repair products
Pan Medical UK has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the repair of spinal compression fractures with its Kyphoplasty range of products.
Penile artery angioplasty safe and improves erectile function, first-in-man study shows
A study from Taiwan shows for the first time that penile artery angioplasty is safe and can achieve clinically significant improvement in erectile function in the majority of patients with erectile dysfunction and isolated penile artery stenosis at six months.
Long-term experience shows enduring favourable results for multi-use balloon expandable covered...
The Advanta V12 stent (MAQUET) is the company‰Ûªs proprietary balloon-expandable covered stent technology. Prof. Richard G McWilliams, Radiology Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK, spoke about his centre‰Ûªs experience with the Advanta V12.
First clinical cases in USA with Magellan 6F robotic catheter announced
Hansen Medical has announced the successful completion of the first clinical procedures in the USA using the Magellan 6F robotic catheter. Alan Lumsden, treated two patients with the catheter at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, USA.
Changing views on absolute and relative contraindications to uterine artery embolization
With more research being carried out into uterine artery embolization, the procedure has been found to be far more widely applicable than previously thought and only a few relative and absolute contraindications to it remain, writes Paul NM Lohle.
Philips expands interventional oncology portfolio with EmboGuide to see, reach and...
New live 3D image guidance tool enhances tumour embolization procedures on Philips’ interventional X-ray systems.
Philips innovations detect more than twice as many tumour feeding...
Reducing the perils of ablation for thermally sensitive adjacent organs
By Nishita Kothary
Over the years, we have seen a rapid development of tools, tricks and techniques that enable ablation of tumours located in regions...
Embolizing the liver tract ‰ÛÏa priority‰Û to improve outcomes for percutaneous...
Research presented at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies US (GEST US meeting, 1‰ÛÒ4 May, San Francisco, USA) meeting suggests that patients undergoing transhepatic interventions should have tract embolization performed to prevent haemorrhagic complications.
Selective catheterisation of occluded fallopian tubes is ‰ÛÏsafe and effective‰Û
A study from Lublin, Poland, that set out to evaluate the results of selective catheterisation of occluded fallopian tubes and its effect on fertility was presented at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies US (GEST US, 1‰ÛÒ4 May, San Francisco, USA) meeting.
New association for interventional radiology chiefs in the USA formed at...
In a follow-up to a successful meeting of interventional radiology division chiefs in 2013, the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) promoted a session exclusively for the chiefs at SIR‰Ûªs 39th Annual Scientific Meeting 22‰ÛÒ27 March 2014, in San Diego, USA, in which a new professional society, the Association of Chiefs of Interventional Radiology (ACIR) was formed.
Boston Scientific announces definitive agreement to acquire Bayer’s Interventional Division
The US$415 million cash acquisition is expected to strengthen Boston Scientific‰Ûªs peripheral interventions business and accelerate growth in peripheral atherectomy and thrombectomy categories.
QT Vascular initiates Chocolate cases in Singapore
QT Vascular has announced that it has started clinical cases with the Chocolate percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon catheter in Singapore. Five cases were performed at National University Hospital and Changi General Hospital.
Surefire system vs. end hole catheter clinical trial eliminates patient variables
Preliminary observations from the trial were presented at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies US (GEST US meeting, 1–4 May, San Francisco, USA) and...
US FDA clearance for Discovery IGS 740 mobile angiography system
GE Healthcare has announced receiving Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the Discovery IGS 740, a new rail-free mobile angiography system with a 41x41-cm detector.
Interventional radiology techniques and results for the management of neuroendocrine liver...
Interventional radiology techniques are widely performed and useful in liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumours, but the level of scientific proof is paradoxically low, especially...
First clinical cases with new Magellan 6F robotic catheter announced
The initial clinical experience is to be presented at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies US meeting (GEST US,1‰ÛÒ4 May, San Francisco, USA), a press release says.
Johannes Lammer and Peter Taylor retire
Two internationally renowned physicians and influencers of opinion, interventional radiologist Johannes Lammer and vascular surgeon Peter Taylor, have retired from active practice. Both Lammer and Taylor retired in early April.
Is antegrade gastrostomy insertion in very low weight infants feasible?
A study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR‰Ûªs) 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (San Diego, USA) by Sam Stuart from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK, suggests that antegrade gastrostomy insertion in infants who are less than 5kg in weight, is technically feasible and safe.
TriVascular announces pricing of initial public offering
TriVascular, manufacturer of the Ovation Prime Abdominal Stent Graft System has announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 6,500,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of US$12.00 per share.
Cook launches high flow Cantata microcatheter and Alight guidewire
Cook has introduced two new solutions for targeting and treating challenging anatomy ‰ÛÒ the high-flow 0.027‰Û ID Cantata microcatheter and the 0.016‰Û Alight guidewire.
COSY trial shows highly reduced radioembolization procedure time and radiation dose
Surefire Medical has announced that the COSY clinical trial (Coiling vs. Surefire infusion system in Y90) showed significant reductions in fluoroscopy time, procedure time,...
Sirtex and Guerbet announce collaboration in clinical studies in liver cancer
Sirtex and Guerbet have announced that the two companies are entering into a collaboration to advance research in primary and secondary metastatic liver cancer.The...
Cancer specialists to head to Berlin to attend ECIO
The world’s leading radiologists, oncologists and surgeons will head to Germany in April for the European Conference on International Oncology (ECIO, 23-26 April, Berlin,...
Successful biopsies and reduced procedure times using ultrasound-guidance
Ultrasound-guided biopsies are more accurate and safer with the Smart Fusion (Toshiba) ultrasound technology, a press release from the company states. Toshiba showcased Smart Fusion at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting (22‰ÛÒ27 March, San Diego, USA).
Stent-grafts more effective than balloon angioplasty for treatment of arteriovenous graft...
The final, two-year data from the RENOVA trial that compared the use of the Flair stent-graft (Bard) to the use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for treatment of arteriovenous graft stenosis showed that stent grafts proved as safe as angioplasty and more effective.
Identifying pre-procedure predictors of success is critical to furthering renal denervation
With the main results of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial due to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s annual meeting (ACC14, 29‰ÛÒ31 March 2014, Washington, USA), Krishna Rocha-Singh writes about the important factors that need analysis regarding the trial results in particular and renal denervation in general.
Radioembolization offers new, safe treatment for metastatic breast cancer
The largest study of its kind to date shows that minimally invasive radioembolization may slow metastatic disease progression in liver when no other treatment...
Metactive debuts embolization technology with presentation at SIR
Nonclinical data presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting demonstrates immediate occlusion of a large, saccular cerebral aneurysm and full sealing and endothelialisation of the aneurysm neck at one month.
Keep calm and put your video glasses on
Loping gazelles and talking toys effectively reduce anxiety in patients by tuning out their surroundings, finds new research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 39th Annual Scientific Meeting (23‰ÛÒ27 March, San Diego, USA).
New implant shows promise for painful osteoporotic spine fractures
The results from a randomised controlled trial that used the Kiva System (Benvenue) suggest that the vertebral augmentation device offers a new treatment option for individuals with compression fractures.
Interventional radiologists receive honours from SIR Foundation
Ziv J Haskal, Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology editor-in-chief, will receive the Leaders in Innovation Award. The foundation will also bestow Young Investigator, Research and Philanthropy Awards during the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting (22‰ÛÒ27 March, San Diego, USA).
Hansen to take Magellan Robotic System to SIR’s 39th Annual Scientific...
Hansen has announced that it will present its Magellan Robotic System and its new 6F Robotic Catheter at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting (23‰ÛÒ27 March, San Diego, USA). The company will be conducting product demonstrations and exhibiting the system at Booth 800.
Transradial access for uterine artery embolization could be “a game changer”
A study, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, highlights the benefits of the transradial approach to treat uterine fibroids and investigators find that this technique could be a ‰ÛÏgame changer‰Û for image-guided minimally invasive treatments.
Teleflex announces restated indications for use for EZ-IO vascular access system
The US FDA has issued clearance allowing a modification of the weight range for the EZ-IO 25mm needle set so that is can be used in patients who are 3kg or over.
UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Vascular Disease condemns new figures...
Thousands of patients may be facing unnecessary leg amputations, owing to variations in practice around the UK. A new report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Vascular Disease draws on new data from Freedom of Information requests to NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups to draw attention to the variation around the country in amputation rates and implementation of the best clinical practice.
Freedom from reintervention after TEVAR significantly lower in trial that used...
A study that compared the durability of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in two similar clinical trials, one that used early-generation and another that used later-generation stent-grafts, found a significantly lower freedom from reintervention for patients who received the newer stent grafts.
FDA approves uterine fibroid embolization indication for Embozene
CeloNova has announced the US FDA 510(k) clearance expanding the indication for Embozene microspheres to include the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Radiation protection a “key theme” at ECR
The European Congress of Radiology (ECR) saw the launch of the EuroSafe Imaging campaign, an initiative promoting appropriateness in medical imaging, maintaining doses within diagnostic reference levels and emphasising the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle.
A catheter to curb your appetite?
A retrospective study reports that individuals who underwent embolization of the left gastric artery for gastrointestinal bleeding experienced a 7.9% decrease in body weight, three months after the procedure. Could embolization of the left gastric artery be used in the treatment of obesity?
BSD Medical reports on continued sales momentum for MicroThermX
BSD Medical has reported continued sales momentum by Terumo on the distribution of the MicroThermX Microwave Ablation System. BSD‰Ûªs exclusive agreement with Terumo covers distribution of the MicroThermX in more than 100 countries, including Europe, Western Asia and Africa.
Safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation in renal cell carcinoma in...
The outcomes from our study on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous cryoablation, published recently in CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology, are the result of...
Sealing is believing: How effective sealing could be key to successful...
Thomas Nolte, vascular surgeon and director of Vascular Center, Herz und GefaíöÌÙzentrum, Bad Bevensen, Germany, recently commented on the importance of sealing in the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Drug-eluting balloons are cost-effective, but outlook depends on the stakeholder
Thomas Zeller, University Heart-Center Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany, told delegates at LINC that drug-eluting balloons may be cost-effective through prevention of target lesion revascularisation at one year of follow-up.
Renlane renal denervation system gets CE mark
Cordis has announced receiving the CE mark for its Renlane renal denervation for the treatment of patients with resistant hypertension and has completed the first successful cases in Europe.
Fully percutaneous EVAR obtains positive results in randomised controlled trial
Data from the PEVAR randomised trial have been published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery and demonstrate a 94% procedural technical success for the totally percutaneous procedure.
Covered stents offer better results than angioplasty in battle against in-stent...
Results from the RELINE trial show that the Viabahn covered stent (Gore) conferred significantly better protection against target lesion revascularisation and had a significantly higher primary patency than percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Covidien introduces new hydrophilic guidewire
Covidien has introduced the HydroFinity hydrophilic guidewire for use in catheter placement and other procedures to treat vascular diseases.
Europe-wide interventional radiology curriculum aims to iron out training differences across...
Anna Maria Belli, professor of Interventional Radiology and consultant radiologist, St George‰Ûªs Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK and CIRSE president 2013‰ÛÒ2015 spoke to Interventional News about the Europe-wide interventional radiology curriculum and syllabus that CIRSE recently presented. The curriculum was created by a task force, chaired by Belli, and covers the specific areas with which a well-trained interventional radiologist should be familiar.
New crossing catheter launched in Europe
Medtronic has announced the European launch of a new peripheral angioplasty balloon, TOTAL across that targets challenging lesions in the lower-extremity, including below-the-knee arteries associated with critical limb ischaemia.
No revascularisation needed for 83.2% of patients treated with Zilver PTX...
The most recent ZILVER PTX trial data, presented at the Controversies and Updates in Vascular Surgery (CACVS) congress (23‰ÛÒ25 January 2014, Paris, France), demonstrate sustained positive results for the paclitaxel-eluting stent (Cook Medical) vs. angioplasty or provisional bare metal stent placement in patients with peripheral arterial disease.
Drug-eluting balloons superior to angioplasty for treatment of in-stent restenosis above...
One year results from the prospective, multicentre, randomised, core lab-adjudicated FAIR trial comparing drug-eluting balloon to standard percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis showed positive outcomes for the drug-eluting balloon.
Vela proximal endograft system launched in USA
Endologix has announced the US launch of its new Vela proximal endograft system, a clinical solution for endovascular repair in a broad range of aortic neck anatomies.
Successful implantation of CGuard carotid embolic system
InspireMD has announced that its new CGuard carotid embolic protection system has been successfully implanted in recent procedures, including a patient treated during the 17(th) Annual Symposium on Interventional Cardiology & Angiology held in Hamburg, Germany on 1 February 2014.
World’s largest venous access trial commences in the UK
Interventional News has learned that the UK CAVA trial, a four-way randomised controlled trial of long-term venous access devices for the delivery of chemotherapy (Ports versus tunnelled central lines versus peripherally inserted central catheters) has begun. The trial seeks to determine which device offers the best outcomes for long-term chemotherapy delivery.
Boston Scientific launches OffRoad re-entry catheter in USA
Boston Scientific has announced the US launch and first use of the OffRoad re-entry catheter system. The system provides a new option to treat chronic total occlusions in the femoropopliteal arteries.
Gore launches lower profile Gore Excluder components in Australia and New...
WL Gore has announced the Australia and New Zealand launch of an expanded treatment range, including lower profile components for the Gore Excluder AAA Endoprosthesis used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms.
FDA clearance for Phoenix Atherectomy System
AtheroMed has announced receiving US FDA approval to market the Phoenix Atherectomy System that allows physicians to continuously remove diseased material as it is debulked from patients with peripheral arterial disease, using a low profile atherectomy catheter.
Trivascular completes enrolment in the Ovation post-market registry
Trivascular has announced the completion of enrolment in the OVATION post-market registry, a 500-patient, 30-centre European study. The registry evaluates the safety and performance of the Ovation and Ovation Prime abdominal stent graft systems, with patient follow-up out to five years.
FDA approves Valiant Captivia System to treat aortic dissections
Medtronic has received US FDA approval for use of the Valiant Captivia Thoracic Stent Graft System in the treatment of type B aortic dissections.
MORE study data provide insight into predicting SIRT treatment outcomes
Investigators from the MORE (Metastatic colorectal cancer liver metastases outcomes after radioembolization) study have released new findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2014 Gastrointestinal...
Prostatic artery embolization safe and effective, suggests large study presented at...
University of SÌ£o Paulo physicians have treated 120 patients and 97% have reported improvement in symptoms and quality of life. Follow-up with patients ranges from three months to more than five years, with an average of 15 months. Symptoms recurred in 14% of patients, leading to re-embolization, surgery or medication therapy.
Interventional community eagerly awaits full dataset after SYMPLICITY HTN-3 setback
Medtronic recently announced that its sham-controlled renal denervation study, SYMPLICITY HTN-3, failed to meet its primary efficacy. Now, Covidien has announced that it is "exiting" the OneShot Renal Denervation Program. Interventional News learns from leaders in the field that the watchword is: ‰ÛÏwait for the publication‰Û.
No reintervention or thrombosis seen with Esprit drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold...
Six-month results from the prospective, single-arm, multicentre, European ESPRIT I trial being presented at the 26th annual International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET, 18‰ÛÒ22 January, Miami, USA) suggest that the Esprit drug-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular) appears to be effective in treating iliac and femoral lesions.
STROLL three-year data show stenting favourable for patients’ quality of life...
The most recent results of the multicentre, non-randomised, single-arm prospective STROLL trial were presented at the 26th annual International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET, 18‰ÛÒ22 January, Miami, USA). The trial is studying the safety and efficacy of the S.M.A.R.T. stent (Cordis) in patients with obstructive superficial femoral artery disease.
Cryoablation provides pain relief for patients with metastatic tumours
Cryoablation kills tumours and provides pain relief to patients whose cancer has spread to the bone and soft tissue, suggests research being presented at...
Ten-year Spanish experience shows SIRT achieves disease control in over 80%...
The Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN), Pamplona, Spain, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary of using Yttrium-90 (Y-90) microsphere radioembolization for the treatment of liver...
Effectiveness of percutaneous cryoablation for stage IA/B renal cell carcinoma approaches...
A prospective single-arm, five-year study has found that CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation for renal cell carcinoma offers very high efficacy, approaching that of the gold...
Launch of Hepatic Oncology: a journal dedicated to the management of...
Hepatic Oncology is published by Future Medicine Ltd, and joins its portfolio of oncology journals providing healthcare practitioners and research professionals with a unique...
Texas Children‰Ûªs Hospital announces new chief of Interventional Radiology
The Department of Pediatric Radiology at Texas Children‰Ûªs Hospital has announced that Kamlesh U Kukreja has been named the new chief of Interventional Radiology. Kukreja, whose appointment was effective 1 January has also been appointed as assistant professor of Radiology at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).
SYMPLICITY HTN-3 fails to meet primary efficacy endpoint
Medtronic‰Ûªs first blinded, randomised, controlled renal denervation pivotal trial in the USA fails to meet its primary efficacy endpoint. However, it did meet the primary safety endpoint.
Barrel vascular reconstruction device gets CE mark approval for use in...
Reverse Medical has announced receiving CE mark approval for the Barrel vascular reconstruction device and its first use in a European clinical case. The Barrel vascular reconstruction device is intended for use with occlusive devices in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
Charles T Dotter: Persuasive teacher who led me to be an...
Charles T Dotter was an extraordinary man with a creative, innovative mind and a great capacity for developing new devices, techniques and treatments. He radically changed the treatments of vascular diseases and became the father of interventional radiology, writes Josef R̦sch.
In historic 2014, future of image-guided interventions to be discussed in...
16 January 2014 is the 50th anniversary of the first recorded angioplasty. A unique meeting, scheduled to take place in July 2014 (23‰ÛÒ24), in Portland, USA, the birthplace of angioplasty, aims to look at the future of image-guided interventions from all perspectives in the historic anniversary year of Charles T Dotter‰Ûªs pioneering intervention. Interventional News celebrates with a special feature that relives that landmark 1964 event, with an article by John Kaufman
Third edition of clinical recommendations on the use of uterine artery...
The latest recommendations, jointly issued by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR), has recently been published and are intended both for the National Health Service and the private sector.
Interventional oncologists begin running US National Cancer Institute cooperative group trial
An important opportunity has opened up for interventional oncologists as WCIO leaders take the helm of the E1208 trial. Michael C Soulen writes that...
Siemens launches Artis one angiography system for universal use at RSNA
The new system covers the majority of angiographic procedures and is highly flexible for improved patient access. There is a new heads-up display with on-screen menu a press release from the company says.
Surefire Medical completes patient enrolment in COSY trial
The trial evaluates eliminating coiling by using the anti-reflux Surefire Infusion System in radioembolization procedures in liver cancer.
Surefire Medical has announced that it has...
FDA ok for MVP-5 micro vascular plug system for peripheral vessel...
The MVP-5 system (Reverse Medical) is indicated to obstruct or reduce the rate of blood flow in the peripheral vasculature, in 3‰ÛÒ5mm vessels. The company also announced the first US clinical case along with the US FDA 510k clearance.
Fenestrated Anaconda achieves high procedural success in complex aneurysms
The Fenestrated Anaconda custom AAA Stent Graft System (Vascutek) achieves high procedural success in short-necked abdominal and pararenal aortic aneurysms, according to results from UK and Dutch experiences presented at the VEITHsymposium in November.
XXS trial to compare primary angioplasty with stenting in arteries below...
Gunnar Tepe told delegates at the VEITHsymposium in November that the XXS trial would compare the results of the Xpert stent (Abbott) with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in complex lesions of small arteries below the knee in critical limb ischaemia patients.
Aquilant Interventional distributes Angel catheter in the UK and Ireland
Following the exclusive distribution agreement that Aquilant Interventional signed with BiO2 Medical (the Texas-based manufacturer of the Angel Catheter) earlier in 2013, the former company has begun acting as distributor of the Angel catheter for the UK and Ireland.
High device costs, few trained interventionalists remain barriers to interventional radiology...
India has a population that is second only to China, so the number of patients who require interventional radiology treatment are in the millions. However, a major challenge that we face in interventional radiology practice in India is to make it available to the many who cannot afford the cost of the hardware necessary for treatment, Mathew Cherian writes.
Direxion Torqueable Microcatheter gets FDA nod and CE mark approval
Boston Scientific has announced receiving US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and CE mark approval for the Direxion Torqueable Microcatheter, which is designed to suit a range of peripheral embolization procedures.
Angio-Seal augmentation of the preclose technique “safe and effective”
Researchers from Oxford suggest that augmentation of the preclose technique (using Proglide from Abbott Vascular) with the Angio-Seal vascular closure device (St Jude Medical) is a safe and effective adjunct for haemostasis that increases the success of percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair.
Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis gets CE mark
The first successful implantations have been carried out in Italy and the United Kingdom, providing endovascular repair to iliac arteries.
EndoShape receives 510(k) clearance for Medusa vascular plug
EndoShape has announced that it has received 510(k) marketing clearance for its Medusa vascular plug. The US Food and Drug Administration cleared the catheter-delivered device for arterial and venous embolization in the peripheral vasculature.
FDA approval to enrol first US renal denervation study for patients...
SYMPLICITY HTN-4 to potentially expand access for additional patients at risk for cardiovascular complications related to uncontrolled hypertension.
First patient enrolled in the EVAS Forward global registry
The global registry is one of a number of clinical studies that make up the broader EVAS Forward clinical programme aimed at establishing clinical and economic evidence for endovascular aneurysm sealing (EVAS).
Six-month data from LEVANT 2 trial show higher primary patency with...
LEVANT 2, the first clinical trial in the USA to study the use of drug-coated balloons (CR Bard‰Ûªs Lutonix) for femoropopliteal artery disease, found the procedure is promising for safety and efficacy at six months.
An EVAR revolution may have truly arrived
An endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) revolution may be here, Andrew Holden, associate professor of Radiology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, told delegates at the CIRSE annual meeting (14‰ÛÒ18 September, Barcelona, Spain).
REDUCE-HTN data show significant and sustained blood pressure reduction with Vessix
New data presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference in San Francisco, USA, demonstrate an excellent safety profile for Boston Scientific‰Ûªs renal denervation system.
Terumo Interventional Systems expands specialty line of peripheral guidewires for smaller...
On 29 October, Terumo Interventional Systems announced the launch of the 0.018‰Û Glidewire Advantage peripheral guidewire during the 25th Annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) Conference in San Francisco, USA.
Vascutek initiates voluntary recall of Anaconda
On 21 October, Vascutek issued a Field Safety Notice initiating a voluntary recall of the Anaconda Bifurcate Body Stent Graft System. An issue with a component of the device, the release wire in the delivery system, identified through Vascutek‰Ûªs post-market surveillance system, is currently being investigated.
FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to Lipiodol injection for management of...
Guerbet has announced that it has been granted Orphan Drug Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD)...
Surefire Medical launches Mt infusion system for small vessel interventional procedures
Surefire Medical announced the launch of a new, enhanced infusion system‰ÛÓthe Surefire Infusion System mT‰ÛÓdesigned to treat vessels as small as 2mm to 3.5mm in interventional direct-to-target embolization procedures.
Selection of patients with true resistant hypertension vital before offering renal...
Uncontrolled hypertension is not the same as resistant hypertension. Experts at the third UK Symposium on Renal Denervation (16 October, London, UK) urged physicians to universally apply ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in order to help distinguish between the two and work within a multidisciplinary team to suitably select patients before offering the minimally invasive catheter-based procedure.
MAJESTIC trial to evaluate Innova drug-eluting stent system in superficial femoral...
The MAJESTIC trial, designed to evaluate the safety and performance of the Boston Scientific‰Ûªs peripheral drug-eluting stent system, is projected to enroll 55 patients across 15 centres in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Four-year ZILVER PTX trial data show paclitaxel coating confers 41% reduction...
Data from the ZILVER PTX randomised controlled trial, presented at the 2013 Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA) meeting, demonstrates 75% primary patency in the superficial femoral artery at four years for patients treated with Cook Medical‰Ûªs paclitaxel-eluting stent. This compares to 57.9% patency for patients with provisional bare metal stent placement in the study.
Long-term STROLL data show Smart stent use in periphery is associated...
David Safely presented the three-year health related quality of life data from the STROLL clinical trial during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA) 2013 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, USA.
Promise of predictable renal denervation with dehydrated ethanol
Interventional News spoke to Tim A Fischell, professor of Medicine, Michigan State University, USA, about the first use of a novel, endovascular approach using chemical neurolysis via periadventitial injection of dehydrated ethanol to perform renal artery denervation. Catheter-based renal denervation is a novel treatment option for patients with resistant arterial hypertension.
NHS England makes selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) available via new...
NHS England is inviting specialist hospitals to take part in a new, innovative commissioning approach called ‘commissioning through evaluation’, which is aimed at increasing...
Recruiting the best and brightest to interventional radiology
The relative anonymity of interventional radiology to medical students and the impact this might have on recruiting medical students has resulted in concerted action from interventional radiology societies, write Nicholson Chadwick, Alok Bhatt and Geogy Vatakencherry.
Personalised oncology is here to stay
A review, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (JVIR) in August 2013, serves as an introduction to personalised oncology concepts and provides a summary of relevant concepts. Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh, lead author on the paper spoke to Interventional News about the implications for interventional radiologists.
TVA Medical’s catheter-based haemodialysis access system demonstrates success in clinical study
Preliminary data presented at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) annual scientific meeting (Barcelona, Spain) demonstrated that TVA Medical‰Ûªs vascular catheter-based FLEX System can create autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AV fistulas) for haemodialysis patients with 94% procedural success.
Society of Interventional Radiology issues global call for scientific abstracts
It is now possible for members and non-members to submit abstracts online for the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR‰Ûªs) annual scientific meeting, to be held 22‰ÛÒ27 March 2014 in San Diego, USA.
FDA nod for Medtronic’s Complete SE vascular stent for use...
On 24 September, Medtronic announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Complete SE (self-expanding) vascular stent specifically for use in the superficial femoral artery and proximal popliteal artery.
FDA issues final guidance on mobile medical apps
On 23 September, the US Food and Drug Administration issued final guidance for developers of mobile medical applications, or apps, which are software programs that run on mobile communication devices and perform the same functions as traditional medical devices. The guidance outlines the FDA‰Ûªs tailored approach to mobile apps.
AngioDynamics highlighted new offerings at CIRSE 2013
AngioDynamics featured its key innovative products and technologies, including the Angiovac cannula and circuit, Bioflo peripherally inserted central catheters, the Nanoknife system, Nevertouch direct...
Paclitaxel-conferring devices, whether stents or balloons, best for long-term results, meta-analysis...
Konstantinos Katsanos told Interventional News: ‰ÛÏSixteen randomised controlled trials (with >2,500 patients) were analysed with a Bayesian probabilistic approach. Immediate technical success proved to be better with use of covered nitinol stents, while paclitaxel-eluting stents and paclitaxel-coated balloons offered the best long-term results with the least future events.‰Û
New directions for transarterial chemoembolization
There are many new directions for research in the field of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). After the key development of drug-eluting beads, a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms of TACE is mandatory to take the procedure further, writes Alban Denys.
EXPAND trial shows no benefit for primary bare metal stenting over...
An international prospective, randomised, multicentre trial that compared stenting using SE Astron Pulsar and Pulsar-18 (both from Biotronik) vs. angioplasty alone, failed to show statistically significant improved outcomes for stenting.
Informed consent should be obtained by interventional radiology specialists
Informing patients about the important details of interventional radiology procedures before getting permission to conduct an intervention, is an important task that should be carried out by a specialist, a new study recommends.
Positive results for first-in-man study with bioconvertible caval filter
Twelve patients who were available for follow-up had good results at one year with the bioconvertible Sentry inferior vena cava filter (Novate), data presented at CIRSE 2013 shows.
Cook reveals four-year trial data on Zilver PTX at CIRSE 2013
The freedom from target lesion revascularisation data, presented by Michael Dake, Stanford, USA, at CIRSE (14‰ÛÒ18 September, Barcelona, Spain) shows that the drug-eluting stent provides longer-term results and reduces re-intervention rates by 45%.
Terumo to showcase MicroThermx at CIRSE
Terumo will showcase BSD‰Ûªs MicroThermx microwave ablation system at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) annual conference.
Cone-beam CT could mitigate risk of non-target embolization in the prostatic...
"This study is important because the most feared, but rare, complication of non-target embolization could be mitigated with the use of cone beam CT. This offers the interventional radiologist an opportunity to identify possible sources of non-target embolization prior to performing the actual procedure," lead author Sandeep Bagla told Interventional News.
Promising preliminary results for prostatic artery embolization in younger men
Nigel Hacking, consultant radiologist, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Southampton, UK, spoke to Interventional News about using polyvinyl alcohol foam embolization particles (Cook) for prostatic artery embolization in younger men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Three-year data from SYMPLICITY HTN-1 show significant and sustained blood pressure...
Eighty eight treatment-resistant hypertension patients were available for 36-month evaluations following treatment with the Symplicity renal denervation system. These 88 patients demonstrated sustained reductions in blood pressure year-over-year with an average reduction of -32/-14mmHg [p<0.01].
Benefits of thermal ablation in the lung in conjunction with other...
Thomas Vogl, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, spoke at ECIO (19–22 June, Budapest Hungary) about novel lung ablative techniques and...
Exablate gets Health Canada approval for the treatment of uterine fibroids...
The third generation ExAblate system, using non-invasive MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is now available for Canadian patients.
ThermoDox HEAT study results to be presented at ILCA 2013
Celsion Corporation announced that Ronnie TP Poon, professor of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong and lead Asia Pacific principal investigator for the company’s phase...
Tumour measurements predict survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
For the two-thirds of lung cancer patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease, tumour size is not used currently to predict overall survival times....
Boston Scientific completes enrolment in SuperNOVA trial
The SuperNOVA trial is a global, single-arm, prospective, multicentre trial evaluating the long-term (12 month) safety and effectiveness of the Innova stent system.
MVP Micro Vascular Plug gets FDA 510k clearance for peripheral embolization
Reverse Medical corporation has announced FDA clearance for US commercialisation of their MVP microvascular plus system for peripheral artery embolization, and the first US clinical cases. The MVP system indication for use is to obstruct or reduce the rate of blood flow in the peripheral vasculature.
Older liver cancer patients respond to radioembolization as well as younger...
Data from the multicentre ENRY evaluation of 325 patients, suggest that radioembolization may be a well tolerated and effective option for an increasing population...
Noted interventional radiologists join Surefire Medical’s scientific advisory board
Surefire Medical has announced that Gordon McLennan, Cleveland Clinic, USA, and Fred Moeslein, University of Maryland Medical Center, USA, have joined the company’s scientific...
Interventional radiology offers solutions to manage complications after bariatric surgery
Interventional radiologists can play an important role in managing complications post surgery because surgical re-intervention is always linked with a higher risk of complications. Also, in some procedures, interventional radiologists have the necessary skills and training not just to manage complications after bariatric surgery, but to offer the primary treatment themselves, writes Mario Corona
Are bioabsorbable stents the ideal REMEDY?
‰ÛÏCurrently, the treatment of in-stent restenosis remains a difficult and unresolved issue. We wanted to see if the placement of a ‰Ûªtemporary‰Ûª bioabsorbable stent can provide a solution [to this problem], as such stents disappear over time and can no longer induce intimal hyperplasia formation,‰Û Goverde told delegates at EuroPCR.
Cook completes patient enrolment for study to treat arterial occlusions using...
The new access technique could be used in treating peripheral arterial disease, including for patients with critical limb ischaemia. Cook Medical has completed patient enrolment in a study investigating the approach.
Cook Medical distributing Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent in USA, Europe and...
Cook Medical is shipping its Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent to medical centres in the USA, Japan, Europe and other major markets again. The shipments follow a brief period of unavailability due to a voluntary recall by Cook related to an issue with the stent‰Ûªs delivery catheter that has been resolved.
NICE recommends selective internal radiation therapy for treatment of primary and...
BTG announced on 30 July that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued guidance recommending the use of selective internal...
Cryoneurolysis “potential treatment” to alleviate refractory neuralgia
A prospective study has revealed that cryoneurolysis could be a potential treatment for patients with neuralgia when conventional treatments fail. The minimally invasive treatment at the site of focal neuralgia statistically significantly decreased pain scores in patients.
InSightec gets Chinese Food and Drug Administration nod for ExAblate
InSightec announced that its ExAblate system received approval from the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids.
Evidence gap on renal denervation closing while procedure widely used, German...
An abstract presentation during EuroPCR 2013 (21‰ÛÒ24 May, Paris, France) focused on assessing the number and quality of published clinical trials underpinning the wide use of renal denervation in Germany.
Interventional radiologists can transfer skills used in the periphery to treat...
A study, published online on 8 July in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, found that peripheral interventional radiologists who use CT perfusion imaging for patient selection had good neurologic outcomes when they treated stroke patients.
Abbott to acquire IDEV Technologies to expand global peripheral technology portfolio
Abbott has entered into an agreement to purchase IDEV Technologies, according to a press release. Per the terms of the agreement, Abbott will acquire all outstanding equity of IDEV Technologies for US$310 million net of cash and debt.
Interventional radiology gains subspecialty status in Canada
The Canadian Interventional Radiology Association (CIRA) has recently announced that the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has approved interventional radiology as a subspecialty.
Surefire infusion system safe and effective for delivery of Y90
Case reports published in the Journal of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology have found that by using the Surefire Infusion System, radioembolization could be successfully...
Carotid stenting safe for diabetic patients, Italian registry shows
Outcome data from CASSIA, a ‰ÛÏreal world‰Û registry, demonstrate that carotid artery stenting appears to be safe and effective in terms of clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes and other risk factors.
Particle size for prostate embolization: Is smaller better?
Tiago Bilhim, interventional radiology, Saint Louis Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal, presented the results of a randomised prospective study which compared 100åµm with 200åµm polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA) for prostatic artery embolization at the Society of Interventional Radiology Annual Meeting (13‰ÛÒ18 April, New Orleans, USA).
Merit Medical announces multiple regulatory approvals
Merit Medical Systems has announced that it has received multiple regulatory approvals from regulatory bodies in the USA, Europe, Japan and China.
Diffusion-weight magnetic resonance imaging in carotid artery interventions
Following carotid intervention, the number of detectable diffusion-weight magnetic resonance imaging (DWMRI) lesions is an order of magnitude greater than adverse clinical event (stroke/death). This lends credence to the use of DWMRI as a surrogate endpoint allowing comparisons of interventional strategies in studies with reduced sample size, wrote Sumaira Macdonald.
FDA clearance for its AlluraClarity interventional X-ray system
Royal Philips has announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its AlluraClarity live image guidance system in the USA.
Sirtex to distribute Surefire Medical’s infusion system in Australia and Asia-Pacific...
Sirtex Medical and US-based Surefire Medical has announced a sales and marketing partnership to distribute Surefire’s range of innovative infusion systems and specialty catheters for the...
SARAH study enroling patients throughout France for the treatment of primary...
Launched by the Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, France, in December 2011, SARAH (Sorafenib versus radioembolization in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma), a French national collaborative randomised controlled trial...
SIR publishes a definitive review of literature “most relevant to the...
The Society of Interventional Radiology has announced, on 11 June 2013, the release of ‰ÛÏUpdates in interventional radiology 2013,‰Û which is intended to be a concise reference of the current literature most relevant to the specialty.
European Parliament approves changes to European health and safety legislation for...
The Alliance for MRI announced on 11 June that the European Parliament has approved derogation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in its draft report on the revised directive on protecting workers from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Doxorubicin-eluting microspheres limit progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Investigators from Thomas Jefferson University published a study in the February edition of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology comparing the incidence of progression of hepatocellular carcinoma when treated with either doxorubicin-eluting beads or ethiodol-based regimens using either cisplatin/adriamycin/mitomycin-c (CAM) or adriamycin alone. Daniel B Brown writes about the outcomes and implications of this study.
Bard announces the enrolment of the first patient in Lutonix below-the-knee...
According to a company release, the first patient has been enrolled in the Lutonix below-the-knee clinical trial which is intended to compare the safety and effectiveness of the Lutonix 014 drug-coated percutaneous transluminal angioplasty dilation catheter vs. a standard angioplasty balloon for the treatment of critical limb ischaemia.
First US study to investigate the use of the EnligHTN...
St Jude Medical has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the initiation of the EnligHTN IV Renal Denervation Study.
ArtVentive Medical announces the receipt of CE mark for occlusion system
ArtVentive Medical Group has announced that it has received the CE mark for the ArtVentive EOS peripheral vascular endoluminal occlusion system.
GreenLight XPS laser therapy equally safe and effective as TURP
Results from a large randomised trial supported the use of a 180 watt laser therapy as a viable treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostate implant demonstrates strong safety and efficacy benefits with for benign...
According to a press release, UroLift met all of its study endpoints in the LIFT multicentre, randomised controlled study. The LIFT study demonstrated that patients experienced rapid and significant symptom relief, improved urinary flow rates, preserved sexual function and that UroLift is well tolerated under local anaesthesia.
MVP microvascular plug for peripheral embolization gets the CE mark
Reverse Medical announced on 14 May 2013 the initial clinical use of their MVP microvascular plug system for peripheral artery embolization. The device has been granted CE mark approval to obstruct or reduce the rate of blood flow in the peripheral vasculature.
High-intensity focused ultrasound device showcased at AUA Annual Meeting
SonaCare Medical, at the American Urological Association‰Ûªs Annual Meeting (4‰ÛÒ8 May 2013, San Diego, USA) launched their high-intensity focused ultrasound surgical ablation system‰ÛÓSonatherm.
James Cook University Hospital to install X-ray and interventional imaging systems
The James Cook University Hospital, part of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has ordered an Artis zee multi-purpose interventional imaging system and three Ysio digital X-ray systems from Siemens Healthcare.
BioMed Central announces launch of the Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound
Open access publisher BioMed Central has announced the launch of the Journal of Therapeutic Ultrasound, which is in partnership with the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound.
Radiosurgery treatments for lung cancer using Varian Medical Systems Technologies presented...
Detailed experiences of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) treatments using Varian’s TrueBeam medical linear accelerator and Calypso “GPS for the Body” tumour-tracking technology were...
Medtronic reports initial implants of novel stent graft for aortic aneurysms...
Medtronic‰Ûªs Valiant Mona LSA branch stent graft system for the repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms has been tested in the USA as part of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiative to encourage early-stage clinical research for new devices in the USA.
Cost effective prostate cancer treatment underused in the UK
The study, which was presented at the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) 19 to 23 April 2013, Geneva, Switzerland, used the latest cost effectiveness model...
Cook Medical announces CE mark approval for PVA foam embolization particles
PVA foam embolization particles to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia from Cook Medical have received the CE mark, according to a press release. The product was showcased at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST) 1‰ÛÒ4 May 2013 in Prague, Czech Republic.
FDA approves FibroScan for non-invasive liver diagnosis
Echosens has announced that FibroScan device received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is preparing to market its technology in the USA.
Prostatic artery embolization is a safe and effective alternative to TURP,...
In a presentation of early data from a prostatic artery embolization cohort, Sandeep Bagla, Inova Alexandria Hospital, Alexandria, USA, spoke about prostatic artery embolization as a favourable alternative to current treatments.
Stenting dramatically improves treatment access for dialysis patients
The RENOVA (Post-approval study for the Flair endovascular stent graft) results showed that stent grafts keep access sites open significantly longer in haemodialysis patients than angioplasty alone, according to a presentation at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs Annual Meeting.
Increased risk of hepatotoxicity in transarterial chemoembolization patients with poor hepatic...
David N Tran, UCSF, San Francisco, USA, spoke on the topic of chemoembolization at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs Annual Meeting (13‰öÕ18 April 2013, New Orleans, USA), he discussed transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in liver transplant candidates with and without marginal hepatic reserve.
The Royal Liverpool Hospital installs the SonoSite Edge ultrasound system
The Royal Liverpool University Hospital‰Ûªs interventional radiology department has recently invested in two SonoSite Edge hand-carried ultrasound systems to assist diagnosis and treatment of venous disease.
Relay Plus Thoracic Stent Graft receives Japanese PMDA approval
On the 1 April 2013 Bolton Medical announced that the Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) had approved the Relay Thoracic Stent Graft with Plus Delivery System.
Cook Medical initiates voluntary global recall of Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent
On 24 April 2013, according to a press release, based on its investigation into complaints that the delivery system of the device had separated at the tip of the inner catheter, Cook Medical has initiated a nationwide/global voluntary recall of its Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent.
Cook Medical introduces new fully-retractable embolization coil
The new Retracta coil, which was showcased at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) meeting in New Orleans, is designed to provide the physician with more controlled delivery of embolization coils.
Drug-coated stents prevent leg amputation
Robert A Lookstein, New York, USA, presented a study at the Society of Interventional Radiology annual meeting, which showed the benefits of drug-eluting balloons in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.
Elekta receives FDA 510(k) clearance for Versa HD Radiation Therapy System...
Elekta recently received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which allows the company to begin shipping and installation of all...
Medwaves announces the first successful use of hot and cold thyroid...
In many cases, treatment of nodular goiter has had mixed results from hot and cold thyroid. A hot thyroid nodule is a benign tumour...
Nordion to host European-based educational and scientific meetings for liver cancer...
Nordion is to host two upcoming educational and scientific meetings to support the growth and expansion of TheraSphere treatment in Europe. On 11–12 April,...
BSD Medical announces distribution agreement with Terumo Europe for the MicroThermX...
BSD Medical announced today that the company has signed an exclusive, long-term, multi-million dollar distribution agreement with Terumo Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of...
Nordion to host interactive TheraSphere educational session at the Society of...
Nordion a leading provider of products and services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, will host an educational session called “TheraSphere test...
Endurant abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft shows sustained durability in complex...
Analysis of the Engage registry found similarly strong outcomes with the Endurant abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft in endovascular treatment in short and standard neck lengths.
AngioDynamics pledges US$500,000 to the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation
On 2 April 2013, the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation‰Ûªs (SIR) Discovery campaign received a US$500,000 pledge from AngioDynamics.
Argon Medical Devices announces launch of Option Elite and the acquisition...
Argon Medical Devices has launched the Option Elite retrievable inferior vena cava filter. The Optin Elite has been designed by Rex Medical and is intended to provide the clinician with enhanced for ease of delivery and retrievability.
First patients in Europe treated with the Cook Medical Advance Micro...
Cook introduces its dedicated over-the-wire micro balloon offers expanded treatment options for the treatment of arterial lesions.
First centre in Hong Kong treats patients with CyberKnife and TomoTherapy...
Accuray announced that the Hong Kong Adventist Oncology Center, the first centre locally to offer both the CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery and TomoTherapy systems, hosted its...
Toshiba Medical Systems establishes new subsidiary in South Korea
Toshiba Medical Systems have announced that they acquired 70% of TI Medical System‰Ûªs stock, a leading picture archiving and communication system company in South Korea.
New magnetic resonance imaging method fingerprints tissues and diseases
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a new method of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Researchers said that the MRF represents a multiple parameter magnetic resonance imaging scan which reduces scanning time and collects a library of fingerprints, according to the authors.
ONCOassist oncology app has received the CE mark
ONCOassist (Portable Medical), a smartphone app that “allows oncologists to make complex decisions” has received the CE mark. The ONCOassist app is classed as...
The Iowa Clinic installs first Toshiba Aquilion RXL
Toshiba‰Ûªs new 16-detector row, 32-slice computed tomography system, Aquilion RXL, has reportedly been installed in The Iowa Clinic where other Toshiba imaging systems are already in use.
Siemens partner with University Hospital Southampton to manage imaging department
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK, and Siemens Healthcare have announced an Imaging Infrastructure Support Service partnership. The contract means that Siemens will provide the imaging systems to the imaging department as well as maintaining the systems and providing training.
Study investigates inferior vena cava filter use variations between hospitals in...
The frequency of inferior vena cava filter use to prevent migration of blood clots to the lungs in patients with acute venous thromboembolism appears to vary widely and be associated with which hospital provides the patient care, according to a study of California hospitals published online first by JAMA Internal Medicine.
Boston Scientific announces its support activities for Awareness of Colorectal Cancer...
On 13 March 2013 Boston Scientific announced it is supporting several public education initiatives throughout March to highlight the prevalence and prevention of cancers...
Merit Medical receives CE mark for prostatic artery embolization for Embosphere...
Merit Medical‰Ûªs Embosphere microspheres have received the CE mark for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia which affects approximately 50% of men over 65. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for a clinical trial.
Siemens introduces Luminos Fusion at ECR 2013
At the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, Austria, (7‰ÛÒ 11 March 2013), Siemens introduced a new system for the mid-range price segment that can do both full-digital fluoroscopy and radiography.
Philips introduces three new imaging systems for radiology departments at ECR...
Philips showcased at the European Congress of Radiology 2013 its Multiva MRI systemi, the DuraBiagnost digital radiography systemii, the AlluraClarityiii, and the MicroDose SI.
Toshiba announces partnership with VUmc for dementia research
Toshiba announced on 8 March 2013 a scientific co-operation with VU medisch centrum (VUmc) for research into dementia and neuro-degenerative conditions.
Nordion launches updated TheraSphere website for liver cancer physicians, patients and...
Nordion announced that it has launched a new and improved TheraSphere website, providing liver cancer patients and physicians with customised TheraSphere resources that include medical...
Study data suggests 95% cure rate for men with prostate cancer...
The Diagnostic Center for Disease, Florida, USA, in conjunction with PanAm HIFU, announced data results on 5 March 2013 showing a 95% cure rate...
Surefire Medical infusion system can prevent embolics entering non-target vessels for...
Surefire Medical’s new infusion system maximises delivery of drugs directly to the tumour site while minimising potential damage to non-target organs, according to a...
Boston Scientific launches Rubicon Support Catheter in 0.035″ and 0.018″ diameters
The Rubicon Support Catheter has been made available in the USA in diameter sizes 0.035" and 0.018", which are intended to improve the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.
TACE procedure in Japan and Korea was favourable for overall survival...
A study led by Masafumi Ikeda, National Cancer Center Hospita, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa Chiba, Japan, and published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology,...
Coding Strategies offers new radiology and oncology HCPCS resource guides
On 1 March 2013, Coding Strategies, who produce consulting and education for physician and outpatient medical coding, compliance and ICD-10-CM for specialty-specific content, launched...
SIR 2013 sessions to promote interventional radiology‰Ûªs role across a wide...
Registration for the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs (SIR) 38th Annual Scientific Meeting is (13‰ÛÒ18 April 2013, New Orleans, USA) is open. The deadline for advanced registration is 8 March 2013.
Myths about interventional management of vascular malformations: general approach and diagnosis
Ahmad Alomari, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children‰Ûªs Hospital, Boston, USA, wrote to dispel common myths about the management and diagnosis of vascular malformations.
Bolton Medical receives the CE mark for the Treovance abdominal stent...
Bolton Medical‰Ûªs Treovance device has received the CE mark and will be launched internationally for the endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with a proximal neck length of up to 10mm.
Surefire Medical receive the CE mark for its infusion system and...
The Surefire Infusion System ST/LT and the Surefire Specialty Catheters have received the CE mark and regulatory approval in New Zealand where distribution will begin, according to the company. The infusion system and catheters have received US FDA approval.
Toshiba to introduce new CT scanners at ECR 2013
The Toshiba family of Aquilion CT scanners has recently been expanded to include the new Aquilion ONE/ ViSION Edition, a faster version of the Aquilion ONE, according to a company release.
Lower rates of post-embolization syndrome and fatigue with smaller drug-eluting beads...
Siddharth A Padia, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, USA, and colleagues, stated that, although transarterial chemoembolization is a standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma,...
Covidien completes patient enrolment in iliac stent clinical study series
VISIBILITY Iliac and DURABILITY Iliac studies are intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in treating iliac arterial disease.
Presentation at ISET discusses new indications for retrievable inferior vena cava...
Anne Roberts, in a presentation at ISET, spoke to delegates about the indications for retrievable inferior vena cava filters. During her talk, Roberts included FDA approved devices and those that have not yet received approval.
ALN launches Vena Cava Filter with Hook in the USA
The ALN Vena Cava Filter with Hook, which has received the CE mark and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, is expected to be launched in the USA, according to a company release.
Benefits of computed tomography outweigh cancer risks in young adults
The underlying medical conditions facing young adults who undergo computed tomography (CT) exams represent a significantly greater health risk than that of radiation-induced cancer...
Deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women should be treated more aggressively,...
In a presentation at ISET 2013, researchers said that pregnant women are not receiving the most effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis although it is unlikely to harm their baby.
Siemens presents new technology for Artis Q and Artis Q.zen angiography...
Siemens Healthcare has developed a new X-ray tube and detector technology for its Artis Q and Artis Q.zen angiography systems intended to improve minimally invasive therapy.
The PRESERVE study: Randomised controlled trials may not be required for...
In a presentation at ISET, Matthew Johnson presented on past trends in inferior vena cava implementation and removal, clearance information from the FDA and the PRESERVE study.
Pregnancy following uterine artery embolization is a viable option for women...
Bruce McLucas said that women who desire future fertility could be considered for uterine artery embolization. He reported the outcomes of his patient cohort who became pregnant after the procedure.
Varian Medical Systems receives FDA 510(k) clearance for the Edge radiosurgery...
Varian Medical Systems has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the company’s Edge radiosurgery suite, a new dedicated system for performing advanced radiosurgery using real-time...
Interventional treatment with radioactive beads could help colon cancer patients live...
Patients who received minimally invasive treatment with yttrium-90 (Y-90) radioactive beads to treat colorectal cancer that had spread to the liver lived almost a...
Self-expanding peripheral device receives CE mark for superficial femoral and proximal...
Medtronic has internationally launched their lower-extremity indication for complete self-expanding vascular stent.
BSD Medical announces the sale of MicroThermX Microwave Ablation Systems in...
BSD has sold MicroThermX systems in Turkey after a distribution agreements with ADA Medikal.
Are flow reversal techniques beneficial in carotid artery stenting procedures?
Claudio Sch̦nholz, Medical University of South Carolina, USA, discusses flow reversal techniques for cartoid artery stenting using the Gore Flow Reversal System.
PEARL registry results suggest rheolytic thrombectomy combined with adjunctive therapy is...
Bathing dangerous blood clots in special medication, breaking them up with jets of saline and vacuuming them out of the body is a fast, effective method of treating deep vein thrombosis according to data presented at ISET.
Predicting the removal of optionally retrievable caval filters
"A few well-designed studies (even small retrospective ones) are needed to elucidate convincingly the causes of low removal rates and translate their findings into improvements in patient care," writes Bertrand Janne d‰ÛªOthÌ©e, University of Maryland Medical Center, USA.
Covidien receives CE mark for EverFlex Self-Expanding Peripheral Stent with Entrust...
The One-Handed Stent Delivery System, according to a company release, offers controlled delivery, greater accuracy and ease of use.
Nordion to host educational symposium at the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium 2013
The agenda at the Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, San Francisco, California, USA, includes new hepatocellular carcinoma clinical data and an update on TheraSphere Phase III clinical trials.
University College London Hospital, in conjunction with Siemens, hosts a PET...
A study course day outlined clinical and research applications of PET MR imaging technology. University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recently hosted the day in conjunction with Siemens Healthcare. Siemens Healthcare application and product specialists also attended to outline the key benefits of PET MR and detail features of the fully integrated MR and PET scanner, the Biograph mMR.
Cook Medical showcases new balloon catheter at LINC
Cook Medical has introduced expanded treatment options for performing below-the-knee procedures with the over-the-wire micro balloon.
FDA approval for new Gore Excluder AAA Endoprosthesis components
Expanded treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysms provide more patients with access to minimally invasive endovascular repair, according to a company release.
Covidien completes acquisition of CV Ingenuity
Covidien has announced the completed acquisition of CV Ingenuity and their drug-coated balloon platform technology.
Drug-eluting stent favourable for treatment of patients with peripheral vascular disease
Sumaira Macdonald presented data from trials on drug-eluting stents vs. standard angioplasty for peripheral vascular disease at BSIR 2012.
Ramsay Diagnostics extends mobile imaging fleet with new MR system
Siemens Healthcare‰Ûªs Mobile Magnetom Avanto imaging services has been made available to the NHS and private patients across the UK through Ramsay Diagostics‰Ûªs mobile imaging team.
Refined balloon pulmonary angioplasty procedure improves the clinical status of CTEPH...
A study from Japan readdresses the use of balloon pulmonary angioplasty for inoperable CTEPH patients.
One-year results from the Symplicity HTN-2 show sustained reduction in blood...
Published data demonstrated that the Symplicity renal denervation system provides blood pressure reduction in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension sustained to 12 months.
St Antonius Hospital and Philips announce breakthrough during clinical study with...
Preliminary data from the clinical study showed that the dose reduction achieved in the X-ray guided endovascular procedures performed on 50 patients using Philips‰Ûª ClarityIQ technology is in line with the expected X-ray dose reduction of 75%.
Drug-eluting balloons significantly reduce late lumen loss in femoropopliteal artery disease...
Michael Werk, Martin Luther Hospital, Berlin, Germany, and colleagues have recently published results of the PACIFIER (Paclitaxel-coated balloons in femoral indication to defeat restenosis) trial in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.
Direct stent puncture technique: new strategy to treat femoropopliteal in-stent occlusion
‰ÛÏThe direct stent puncture technique is a new tool for recanalising in-stent occlusions that appears to be free of complications and can be particularly advantageous in patients who are not candidates for surgical bypass,‰Û writes Luis Mariano Palena.
Upgraded version of Accu2i pMTA microwave ablation device gets FDA clearance
Microsulis Medical has received FDA clearance for its upgraded Accu2i pMTA applicator.
The initial version of the single, high-power, high-frequency 2.45GHz saline-cooled needle was cleared for...
Alliance for MRI welcomes derogation by European Parliament committee on existing...
The European Parliament committee guarantees continued patient access to magnetic resonance imaging.
WallFlex Biliary RX Fully Covered Stent study enrols first patient
The multicentre, prospective, randomised study will compare the WallFlex Biliary RX Fully Covered self-expanding metal stent (Boston Scientific) to plastic stents for the treatment of benign bile duct strictures caused by chronic pancreatitis.
Insights of the FEMME trial for uterine fibroids
In an interview with Interventional News, Jon Moss, consultant interventional radiologist, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK, spoke about the intended outcomes for the FEMME trial, a study set to measure the effect of embolization vs. myomectomy on the quality of life of women with uterine fibroids.
Thermal ablation devices: Where we are and where we need to...
Operator expertise and tumour biology are more important in cancer treatment than the device used, writes Christopher L Brace for Interventional News.
British Society of Interventional Radiology 2012 prize winners
At the annual meeting of the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) the achievements of interventional radiologists and others in the field were recognised with awards including The Best Overall Presentation.
Philips and Unfors RaySafe AB collaborate to develop the next generation...
"Through this new agreement, we aim to make further significant advances by integrating real-time dosimetry within the interventional X-ray system itself, which has the potential to further improve radiation dose management for those performing and managing these complex procedures,‰Û said Magnus Kristoferson, chief executive officer of Unfors RaySafe AB.
Merit Medical to acquire Thomas Medical Products, a unit of GE...
Thomas Medical designs and manufactures catheter-based vascular access delivery devices for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in electrophysiology, cardiac rhythm management, interventional cardiology and interventional radiology applications.
FDA clears FlightPlan for Liver imaging tool for liver embolization procedures
GE Healthcare announced at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA, Chicago, USA, 25–30 November) 98th annual meeting the FDA clearance for its advanced imaging...
CyberKnife VSI System now in India
Accuray Incorporated has announced that Medanta – The Medicity Cancer Institute, and the Roentgen-BLK Super Speciality Hospital both recently acquired and started treating patients...
TomTec receives FDA 510(k) clearance for its new Image-Com 5.0 software
The Image-Com 5.0 combines 2D and 3D imaging in one single viewer.
Presenting symptoms, uterine anatomy and patient preferences: key factors to select...
At CIRSE, in a presentation on uterine artery embolization for fibroids, James B Spies, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington DC, USA, discussed suitability of patients for the treatment.
SAPPHIRE Worlwide registry highlights a higher risk of adverse events in...
Christopher Metzger, Wellmont CVA Heart Institute, Kingsport, USA, national co-principal investigator of the registry, presented periprocedural results of 15,000 carotid artery stenting patients at the TCT conference in Miami.
S.M.A.R.T. Vascular Stent System receives FDA approval for use in superficial...
FDA approval was supported by the STROLL investigational device exemption clinical trial, which showed 87.4% freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularisation at one year.
Endeavour Capital acquires Access Scientific
Access Scientific manufactures the Powerwand extended dwell, power-injectable midline IV catheter inserted by means of the Wand‰Ûªs proprietary Accelerated Seldinger Technique.
Thermedical receives FDA 510(k) clearance for new ablation system
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given clearance to Thermedical to market its innovative technology for the coagulation and ablation of soft...
Transcatheter therapies for liver cancer: which ones are best and when?
Michael C Soulen professor of Radiology and Surgery at Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA, and chairman of the WCIO Board of Directors discusses the recurring theme of alternative embolotherapies for hepatic malignancies
Acessa receives FDA approval for treating uterine fibroids
Acessa is used in a minimally invasive same-day surgery procedure where a slender handpiece is used to deliver radiofrequency energy to the fibroid.
Delcath receives regulatory approval for the Generation Two Hepatic Chemosat Delivery...
Delcath Systems has announced the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) division of the Australian government has approved the Generation Two Hepatic Chemosat Delivery system for melphalan...
Thermedical announces FDA 510(k) clearance for new ablation system
New MLSC-backed ablation system to treat large tumours with radiofrequency receives FDA clearance
New 3D stent could potentially improve long-term device integrity
Data from the MIMICS trial have shown that the BioMimics 3D stent (Veryan) demonstrated an excellent safety profile and promising clinical performance at both six and 12 months in the treatment of patients with femoropopliteal lesions. Thomas Zeller presented the results at the VIVA conference.
Blue Medical Devices announces CE mark for Drug-Eluting Balloon Prot̩g̩ NC
CE mark for non compliant, high pressure Drug-Eluting Balloon Prot̩g̩ NC
Obsolete practices are still in use but radiology doses are not...
Results of IAEA‰Ûªs Radiation Protection for Patients programme in Asia Pacific Region says there is radiation dose reduction but room for improvement
“Wait as long as you can to intervene”
At CIRSE Derrick Martin discussed different approaches, including interventional procedures, to managing pancreatic necrosis
Terumo Interventional Systems announces launch of Pinnacle Precision Access System
Terumo Interventional Systems announced nationwide availability of its new Pinnacle Precision Access System, a vascular access system designed for smooth, efficient, and reliable vascular access.
IO-Central.org: The site for updates and discussions regarding interventional oncology
Daniel Brown, professor of Radiology, chair of the IO Central committee, describes the main features of IO-Central.org, a site designed to provide evidence-based content with real-time updates in interventional oncology.
AngioDynamics completes acquisition of Vortex Medical
Vortex Medical is a privately-held company focused on the development of innovative medical devices for venous drainage and the removal of thrombus from occluded blood vessels.
Ultrasound renal denervation efficient in lowering blood pressure in resistant hypertension
Circumferential ultrasound heating is potentially a more uniform and effective method for performing renal denervation than radiofrequency systems, Marc Sapoval, Paris, France, told delegates at the CIRSE annual meeting.
Leaders in the field honoured at CIRSE
At the annual meeting of CIRSE, during an awards ceremony, the achievements of several world renowned interventional radiologists were recognised‰ÛÓincluding a new award that recognised excellence and innovation in interventional radiology
Six-month results from DEBELLUM trial of drug-eluting treatment for peripheral arterial...
Six-month results from the DEBELLUM trial have confirmed the efficacy of drug-eluting balloons to reduce restenosis following treatment for peripheral arterial disease vs. a conventional angioplasty balloon.
Covidien launches enhanced Wholey guidewire system
The atraumatic design of the new guidewire enables it to be torqued to facilitate navigation through tortuous arteries and avoid unwanted side branches.
Sirtex Medical launches SIR-Spheres microspheres in Latin America
Sirtex Medical has announced the treatment of the first patients in Latin America with its SIR-Spheres microspheres used in the treatment of inoperable liver...
FDA clears Surefire Medical Angiographic Catheters
The US Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) clearance to Surefire Medical for its line of Surefire Angiographic Catheters. Surefire Medical will launch these...
Is this a setback for drug-eluting balloons in peripheral interventions?
Interventional News has learned from industry sources at the CIRSE annual meeting that Bayer HealthCare is looking into discontinuing the production of the Cotavance drug-eluting balloon using the Paccocath technology.
Philips Healthcare donates 10 million Swiss francs to ETH Zurich for...
A thriving partnership between Philips and ETH Zurich sees new developments in imaging technologies for diagnosis.
British Society of Interventional Radiology update on 2012 Annual Conference
The British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) has released topline details of the programme for its 2012 Annual Conference (14‰ÛÒ16 November, Bournemouth, UK).
Siemens to open UK training facility for syngo.via imaging system
Syngo.via is a multi-modality advanced visualisation solution that automatically prepares cases for reading and reporting according to condition-specific requirements.
Siemens to open UK training facility for syngo.via imaging system
Syngo.via is a multi-modality advanced visualisation solution that automatically prepares cases for reading and reporting according to condition-specific requirements.
FDA clears Laureate hydrophilic guidewire
In February 2012, Merit Medical, maker of the Laureate guidewire received a warning letter from the FDA regarding modifications in the manufacturing process for which the FDA required additional information. Merit complied by filing a new 510(k) submission.
Philips and Biocompatibles team-up to advance image guided transarterial embolizations in...
At CIRSE 2012 (Lisbon, Portugal, 15–19 September), Philips and Biocompatibles announced a collaboration to advance the use of image guidance to control the delivery...
Leading interventionalists hail new certificate at CIRSE 2012
Key members of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) have praised a new dual certificate for diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology, saying it recognises interventional radiology as a ‰ÛÏa new form of medicine‰Û. Interventional News spoke to Brian Stainken, John Kaufman and Marshall Hicks, at CIRSE 2012.
Really, how safe is renal denervation?
Electrophysiologist Clemens Jilek, presented at CIRSE 2012, how the technique of renal ablation could affect the renal artery and how renal denervation could be improved.
Bayer HealthCare introduces the Jetstream Atherectomy System in Europe
The Jetstream Atherectomy System can be used to treat peripheral arterial disease in a wide range of vessel diameters, from the superficial femoral artery to below the knee, and features continuous active aspiration.
Adapt carotid stent is a “safe and effective alternative” to carotid...
In a late-breaking abstract session at CIRSE 2012, Marc Bosiers presented the results of the ASTI trial, which showed the Adapt carotid stent to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with carotid artery stenosis who are at high-risk of carotid endarterectomy. Interventional News also made a round-up of other late-breaking studies on renal denervation and arterial embolization.
Covidien launches Viance Crossing Catheter and Enteer Re-entry System
The devices, launched at CIRSE 2012, are used for the treatment of chronic total occlusions in peripheral arteries.
FDA clears 4Fr Nanopuncture Powerwand for vascular access
The 4Fr Nanopuncture Powerwand (Access Scientific) can be used both for the administration of fluids/medications and for withdrawing blood for diagnostic tests.
Biotronik launches Pulsar 35 Self Spanding Stent and Paseo 14 PTA...
The Pulsar 35 stent and Paseo 14 PTA balloon catheter are designed to be used in the treatment of lower limbs.
Interventional radiology in the USA now a primary specialty in medicine
On 11 September, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) recognised the unique interventional radiology skill set with the new dual certificate in interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology.
Catheter Connections and Merit Medical sign distribution agreement for DualCap technology
Under the agreement, Merit Medical will distribute the DualCap technology for IV connector disinfection and protection in the fields of interventional radiology and interventional cardiology.
US Advocate Health Care and GE Healthcare join to reduce patient...
Advocate‰Ûªs radiation dose reduction programme includes a plan to install the GE DoseWatch software on all its diagnostic and radiation therapy computed tomography scanners. The technology allows for precise management of dose data.
Is there a difference in radioembolization outcomes between glass and resin...
Is one device more effective than the other, with respect to radioembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma with or without portal vein thrombosis, metastatic colorectal cancer...
Oncolytic virotherapy could dramatically expand scope of locoregional therapy
Steven C Rose spoke to Interventional News about why he believes that interventional radiologists should be excited about the potential value of oncolytic viruses. He will also present on oncolytic virotherapy in cancer treatment at CIRSE 2012 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Use of standardised checklists improves patient safety in interventional radiology
A recent clinical investigation from The Netherlands, published in the journal Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (CVIR), has revealed that the use of a validated comprehensive patient safety checklist in interventional radiology in a tertiary referral centre led to a significant decrease in process deviations and procedure postponements.
Surefire Infusion System for embolization procedures receives CE mark approval
Surefire Medical has received CE mark approval for its Surefire Infusion System, a next generation device for chemo- and radioembolization procedures. The company has...
UK’s NICE publishes guidance for ultrasound testing to diagnose liver cancer
On 29 August, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excelence (NICE) published guidance supporting the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with SonoVue (Bracco)...
What all interventional radiologists should know about spherical particles
At the GEST 2012 US meeting in New York, USA, James B Spies, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA, outlined the basic properties of spherical particles.
The System: how interventional radiology teams can work together to improve...
The System, a collaborative film by the British Society of Interventional Radiology (BSIR) and the Health Foundation, an independent charity, traces the way in which a combination of factors are shown to converge during a biliary intervention procedure carried out on a patient.
MRI findings shed light on multiple sclerosis
Researchers in Italy have found that changes in brain blood flow associated with vein abnormalities are not specific for multiple sclerosis and do not contribute to its severity, despite what some researchers have speculated.
Failures and complications after uterine fibroid embolization
David N Siegel, chief, Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Northshore Island Jewish Health System, New York, USA, spoke on the rare failures and complications that can occur post-uterine fibroid embolization in some patients.
Delcath submits new drug application for its chemosaturation system to FDA
Delcath Systems has announced that it has submitted a new drug application to the FDA seeking approval for the company’s proprietary chemosaturation system for...
Can human stem cells be transplanted percutaneously to treat symptomatic degenerated...
A study from USA has shown that human mesenchymal stem cells delivered percutaneously under imaging guidance to porcine models of degenerated intervertebral discs were present and imageable on the day of and three days following transplantation.
Do pre-specified ASPECTS scores predict good outcome for acute ischaemic stroke...
Interim results from the START trial, presented at Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS, San Diego, USA) 9th Annual Meeting, show advancement in predicting which patients suffering from ischaemic stroke will benefit from endovascular therapy.
Stents with closed cells better that those with open design, study...
Results from the Carotid Stenting Trialists‰Ûª Collaboration (CSTC) that were presented at the European Stroke Conference (ESC, Lisbon, Portugal) revealed that patients treated with stents that had a closed cell design were significantly less likely to suffer a periprocedural stroke or die when compared with patients treated with stents with an open design.
FDA limits use of Wingspan stent in patients with intracranial stenosis
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced changes to the labeling, including to the indications for use of the Wingspan stent (Boston Scientific/Stryker), which limit its use to a narrow, select group of patients diagnosed with intracranial stenosis.
FDA approves Abbott’s Omnilink Elite Vascular Balloon-Expandable Stent System for treatment...
The FDA approval is supported by positive clinical data from the MOBILITY study, which demonstrated that Omnilink Elite is safe and effective even in difficult-to-treat patients with severely calcified lesions.
UK’s NICE releases guidance on the management of lower limb peripheral...
The guideline makes a number of key recommendations that aim to resolve the considerable uncertainty and variations in practice that currently exist in this area due to rapid changes in diagnostic methods, endovascular treatments and vascular services which are associated with the emergence of new sub-specialties in vascular surgery and interventional radiology.
Vascular Solutions launches SuperCross FT Microcatheter
SuperCross FT has been designed to address the majority of complex interventional procedures in which a flexible tipped microcatheter is needed.
Gelfoam, an essential embolic
Miyuki Sone, from the National Cancer Center, Japan made the case for gelfoam remaining an essential embolic material in the future at GEST 2012 US. She told delegates: ‰ÛÏGelatin sponge is flexible in size, has characteristic resorption and recanalisation and is accessible and inexpensive.‰Û
Optical coherence tomography safe in carotid artery stenting procedures
Researchers in Italy found that optical coherence tomography had a technical success rate of 97.3% and no complications occurred for patients who underwent carotid artery stenting procedures.
Siemens MRI system receives FDA clearance
The Magnetom Spectra system employs Tim (Total imaging matrix) 4G technology. This modern array structure allows for high spatial and temporal resolution.
Study based on “real world” US database sheds light on inferior...
Emily A Wood, Division of Vascular Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, USA, spoke at the European Venous Forum Annual Meeting (28‰ÛÒ30 June, Florence, Italy) on the results of a study that set out to quantify the incidence of inferior vena cava filter perforations of the inferior vena cava and surrounding structures and to assess the outcomes of filter perforations.
FDA clears first ever bi-directionally retrievable vena cava filter from Crux...
The Crux Biomedical vena cava filter can be retrieved from the femoral or jugular veins, a key consideration when access to one or the other vein is limited.
Surefire Medical receives FDA clearance for High-Flow Microcatheter
Surefire Medical has announced that it has received 510(k) FDA clearance to market the Surefire High-Flow Microcatheter, the next generation of the company’s novel...
Spiral Flow Grafts enhance treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease
The medium term results of a first-in-man structured registry have shown that Spiral Flow Grafts enhance treatment for patients with peripheral artery disease. The study is due to be published in the October issue of the Annals of Vascular Surgery.
The difference between technician and oncologist will take interventional oncology where...
Radiation oncologist, Lizbeth Kenny from Queensland, Australia, showed the way to interventional oncologists at the ECIO meeting (25–28 April, Florence, Italy).
Kenny, medical director, Central...
Gore receives CE mark for new sizes of Gore Excluder Endoprosthesis
The new 23mm and 27mm diameter sizes provide physicians with the ability to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms in a wider range of anatomies eligible for minimally invasive endovascular repair.
“Both interventional radiologists and radiation oncologists would benefit from an alliance”
Adam, London, UK, who has been president of every major radiology and interventional radiology association in Europe, including CIRSE, the European Society of Radiology...
NanoKnife System safe to treat liver tumors adjacent to blood vessels
A study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows promising results in the treatment of liver tumours adjacent to...
Medtronic wins US Patent Case against Gore involving stent grafts
The patent in question involved a method of making stent grafts to treat aortic aneurysms. The judge in the Eastern District Court of Virginia, USA, determined that Medtronic‰Ûªs stent grafts did not infringe Gore‰Ûªs US Patent No. 5,810,870.
Delcath to offer second generation haemofiltration cartridge in US expanded access...
Delcath Systems has announced that the company has amended its investigational new drug application and its expanded access programme to include the use of...
FlexStent Iliac Self Expanding Stent System gets CE mark approval
The FlexStent Iliac Self Expanding Stent System (Flexible Stenting Solutions) is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic atherosclerotic disease of the common and/or external iliac arteries.
“It is important to pursue imaging response assessment”
Robert J Lewandowski, associate professor of Radiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA, who was part of the GEST 2012 US scientific programme committee, gave Interventional...
First study to examine retrograde tibiopedal vascular access commences
Clinical investigators are for the first time examining the retrograde tibiopedal interventional approach, an endovascular technique that has the potential to reduce the rate of leg amputations by as much as 50% in patients with critical limb ischaemia. Cook Medical is sponsoring the Tibiopedal Access for Crossing Infrainguinal Artery Occlusions study.
Large US multicentre study confirms safety and efficacy of SIR-Spheres
SIR-Spheres microspheres are well-tolerated and effective internal radiotherapy for unresectable, heavily pre-treated colorectal cancer liver metastases, according to results from a new study of more...
FDA selects Medtronic stent for innovative programme
FDA‰Ûªs early feasibility pilot programme will help test and refine new approaches described in a previous draft guidance, released in 2011, which seeks to encourage and facilitate early feasibility studies of innovative medical devices in the United States.
Poor physician compliance with guidelines for IVC filter placement, says study
The single-centre New York-based study also calls for ironing out the current discrepancies between guidelines advocated by professional societies.
Bayer launches Medrad Mark 7 Arterion Injection System
This is the latest in the Medrad Mark series of angiographic injectors used to diagnose cardiovascular disease.
ReCor presents data for Paradise hypertension renal denervation system
At six months follow-up, the Paradise data showed that office systolic blood pressure was reduced by an average of 33mm Hg in 8 patients.
Live TheraSphere administration at World Congress on Interventional Oncology
Nordion has announced that organisers of the World Congress on Interventional Oncology (WCIO) 2012 hosted a live administration of the company’s TheraSphere Yttrium-90 (Y-90)...
Does the choice of embolic agent matter in fibroid embolization?
Jim Spies, Washington DC, USA, told delegates at the SIR meeting that the successful long-term outcome of uterine fibroid embolization was defined by symptom control, no recurrent growth of fibroids and the absence of re-interventions.
Is catheter-based lysis superior to intravenous lysis and surgery for massive...
In the Hot Topics Debate session at the SIR annual scientific meeting in San Francisco, USA, William T Kuo and John F Angle spoke for the motion ‰ÛÏcatheter-based lysis is superior to intravenous lysis and surgery for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism‰Û. Scott O Trerotola and Suresh Vedantham spoke against the motion and argued that there were no data to support catheter interventions for pulmonary embolism.
US PYTHAGORAS data shows Aorfix is promising for patients with extremely...
Data suggest that Aorfix (Lombard) has the potential to provide a less invasive treatment option for abdominal aortic aneurysm patients with highly angulated neck anatomy.
IDEV introduces SurePath guidewires
IDEV has announced the US introduction and launch of a new line of interventional guidewires manufactured with a proprietary alloy combining strength with flexibility.
Magellan Robotic System gets FDA 510(k) clearance for peripheral vascular interventions
The Magellan Robotic System (Hansen Medical) is intended to facilitate navigation to anatomical targets in the peripheral vasculature and subsequently provide a conduit for manual placement of therapeutic devices.
The benefits of radioembolization
At the European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) meets International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) session in Florence, Bruno Sangro, Pamplona, Spain, spoke on the...
ViewRay receives FDA 510(k) clearance for MRI-guided radiation therapy system
ViewRay has received US FDA 510(k) premarket notification clearance for its MRI-guided radiation therapy system. The ViewRay system features a combination of radiotherapy delivery and...
Offering varicocoele embolization is mainly influenced by local policy, expertise
The percutaneous embolization of varicocele, which requires selective catheterisation of the internal spermatic vein(s) followed by its (their) occlusion with either a sclerosant or solid embolic devices, came in for discussion at the GEST 2012 US meeting.
Bariatric gastric artery embolization can modulate “hunger hormone” levels
Charles Kim, Durham, USA, and colleagues, have identified some of the sequelae of gastric artery embolization for systemic suppression of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. The researchers have used a porcine model.
For women, varicocoele embolization represents the most effective and least invasive...
Pelvic congestion syndrome is a well described, but frequently overlooked cause of chronic pelvic pain often associated with pelvic and/or limb varicosities. Antonio Basile, Catania, Italy, explains why varicocoele embolization represents a less invasive treatment for women.
SPACE trial points to combination therapy as the key
The SPACE trial captures the potential synergy between TACE with drug-eluting beads and sorafenib, writes Riccardo Lencioni, Pisa, Italy.
Cordis launches Powerflex Pro .035‰Û PTA dilatation catheter in Europe
The Powerflex Pro .035‰Û percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) dilatation catheter is used in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease in the lower extremities.
Endovascular first or surgical bypass for critical limb ischaemia?
Surgical bypass has been the traditional method of revascularisation in patients with critical limb ischaemia. The expanding toolbox and improving skill set among endovascular specialists is now challenging the long-standing surgical standard of therapy and creating controversy as to which is the best approach, says Mahmood Razavi.
Pulsar Stent shows positive outcomes in 4EVER clinical study
The six-month results from the prospective, multicentre, single-arm 4EVER study demonstrate efficacy and safety of the Pulsar Stent System (Biotronik) in 120 superficial femoral artery patients.
SIR publishes ‰ÛÏUpdates in Interventional Radiology‰Û
‰ÛÏUpdates in Interventional Radiology,‰Û the first in a series of annual literature reviews of minimally invasive medicine, was recently released by Society of Interventional Radiology Press.
PACIFIER trial results presented at EuroPCR
The one-year results demonstrated that the IN.PACT Pacific drug-eluting balloon (Medtronic) had a statistically significant advantage in preventing the superficial femoral artery from renarrowing versus conventional, uncoated balloons.
St Jude Medical’s EnligHTN renal denervation system demonstrates significant reduction in...
Use of EnligHTN resulted in a 28 point reduction of systolic blood pressure on average after one month.
PACIFIER trial results presented at EuroPCR
The one-year results demonstrated that the IN.PACT Pacific drug-eluting balloon (Medtronic) had a statistically significant advantage in preventing the superficial femoral artery from renarrowing versus conventional, uncoated balloons.
Covidien completes acquisition of superDimension
superDimension is a private company based in Herzliya, Israel, that develops minimally invasive interventional pulmonology devices.
Enrolment completed for REDUCE study of Paradise Ultrasound Transcatheter Renal Denervation...
Thomas A Mabin,Vergelegen Medi-Clinic, South Africa, principal investigator, will present the current results of the study on the treatment of resistant hypertension on 17 May at EuroPCR.
10 top tips with microwave ablation: David Breen at ECIO 2012
At ECIO 2012, David J Breen, Department of Radiology, University of Southampton School of Medicine, UK, shared with delegates 10 top tips for optimising...
Toshiba introduces next generation Aquilion LB
Toshiba has announced the launch of the next generation Aquilion LB scanner. According to a company release, the Aquilion LB proves to be one...
Anticipated highlights of WCIO 2012
The World Conference on Interventional Oncology (WCIO) will promote dialogue on available and emerging minimally invasive oncologic therapies at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and...
Round up of ECIO 2012
The European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) held its third congress from 25–28 April in Florence, Italy. Interventional management of hepatocellular carcinoma and training in...
FDA releases alert on potential dangers of unproven treatment for multiple...
On 10 May 2012, the FDA issued an alert to healthcare professionals and patients about injuries and death associated with the use of an experimental procedure using balloon angioplasty devices/stents to treat chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI).
Enabler-P Balloon Catheter System shows promise to advance endovascular treatment of...
A first-in-man experience of the Enabler-P Balloon Catheter System (EndoCross) shows that a successful procedure was achieved in 86% of the overall study population.
News from GEST 2012 US: First-ever live transmission of prostatic artery...
GEST 2012 US delegates had the chance to witness ‰ÛÏfirst-hand‰Û via a live transmission from the University of SÌ£o Paulo Medical School and Sirio Libanes, SÌ£o Paulo, what is being hailed as the first-ever live transmission of a prostatic artery embolization procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
CT-Guide Needle Guidance System for liver interventions gets FDA clearance
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given 510(k) clearance to ActiViews to market its CT-Guide Needle Guidance System for liver interventions.
CT-Guide navigation...
Trovagene announces validation programme for trans-renal K-RAS mutation detection in pancreatic...
On 30 April, Trovagene announced that it has successfully completed the analytical development of digital PCR assays for the detection of the most prevalent...
Varian, Siemens form radiotherapy and radiosurgery collaboration
On 25 April, Varian Medical Systems and Siemens Healthcare announced the signing of a strategic global partnership to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic solutions...
Society of Interventional Radiology inducts new Fellows
The Society of Interventional Radiology inducted 20 new Fellows during its 37th Annual Scientific Meeting (San Francisco, USA, 24‰ÛÒ29 March 2012).
Nordion announces Europe-focused phase III clinical trial for TheraSphere liver cancer...
The study will evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of TheraSphere vs. sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosisOn 24 April,...
Microsulis Medical to present microwave ablation technology at ECIO
Microsulis Medicalhas announced that itwill host a satellite symposium titled “2.45GHz microwave ablation: top tips to improve outcomes in the liver and lung” at...
Early results of prostatic artery embolization are encouraging
Francisco Carnevale, SÌ£o Paulo, Brazil, speaks to Interventional News on the advantages of prostatic artery embolization as a minimally invasive treatment for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostatic artery embolization is an outpatient procedure
Jọo Martins Pisco, Lisbon, Portugal, one of the pioneers of the procedure, tells Interventional News about his personal experience with prostatic artery embolization.
Overview of advanced coils and plugs
Steven C Rose, San Diego, USA, gives an overview on several notable developments in coil-type embolization.
A sneak peek into some highly anticipated sessions at GEST 2012...
GEST 2012 US is around the corner and Marc Sapoval, Jafar Golzarian and Ziv Haskal, course directors of the meeting, gave Interventional News a heads up about some of the key highlights scheduled for demonstration and discussion in New York, USA, from 3‰ÛÒ6 May 2012.
The European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) goes annual
The European Conference on Interventional Oncology (ECIO) has announced that the meeting will become an annual event as of 2012.
The 4th European Conference on...
Symplicity Renal Denervation System receives Health Canada licence
Medtronic has announced that it has received a Health Canada licence for its Symplicity Renal Denervation System to reduce treatment-resistant high blood pressure in patients unresponsive to three or more anti-hypertensive medications.
Stryker launches Restep deep vein thrombosis compression sleeve
Restep provides hospitals with a single-source opportunity for deep vein thrombosis compression sleeves and allows hospitals an opportunity to lower costs by minimising their number of suppliers.
Microsulis Medical establishes strategic relationship with AngioDynamics
Microsulis Medical has announced a multi-faceted strategic relationship with AngioDynamics, a leading provider of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices for vascular access, surgery, peripheral...
Visual-ICE Cryoablation System gets FDA clearance
The US Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) clearance to Galil Medical to market its Visual-ICE Cryoablation System. The new system, recently showcased at...
Terumo introduces Azur Detachable 35 Peripheral Framing Coil
Azur (Terumo) is indicated for peripheral embolization procedures where a scaffolding structure is needed, such as: hypogastric artery embolization; peripheral arteriovenous malformations and fistulas; endoleaks; visceral aneurysms; and venous applications.
UK‰Ûªs NICE encourages research on percutaneous venoplasty for multiple sclerosis
NICE‰Ûªs guidance advises the procedure should be only performed on multiple sclerosis patients in the context of clinical research.
SIR-Spheres microspheres safe to treat metastatic liver tumours in patients who...
SIR-Spheres microspheres (Sirtex) are safe and provide clinical benefit for patients with colon cancer liver metastases who have previously received liver-directed and systemic chemotherapy,...
Terumo Interventional launches NaviCross Peripheral Support Catheters
The NaviCross Support Catheters are used for treatment of peripheral artery disease and critical limb ischaemia.
Cook Medical launches new biopsy needle products at SIR
Daniel J Sirota, vice president and global leader of Cook Medical‰Ûªs Interventional Radiology and Critical Care divisions told Interventional News that the Osteo-Site Ratchet had a unique feature‰Û¥the sound of the procedure had been engineered out.
Percutaneous IRE feasible and safe for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma
The results of a study presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 37th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, USA, provide hope for individuals...
Cryoablation controls metastatic breast cancer with less pain and no major...
Percutaneous cryoablation could potentially be used as a last line of defense to halt individual spots of remaining metastatic breast cancer by freezing and...
Interview with Louis Martin: SIR Gold Medal 2012
Louis Martin has been awarded with one of the SIR‰Ûªs Gold Medals 2012. He spoke to Interventional News on his career achievements, memorable cases in interventional radiology and his most interesting research findings.
EVAR associated with lower mortality in ruptured aneurysm patients
Analysis of over 38,000 abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures presented at the SIR annual meeting shows EVAR results in fewer deaths and shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.
RETRIEVE trial results of the Crux Vena Cava Filter presented at...
In the study, the technical success rate of filter deployment was 98% and filter retrieval success was also 98%.
Renal denervation ‰ÛÏrepresents a great opportunity to make a difference‰Û
Horst Sievert, Frankfurt, Germany, told delegates at the ISET meeting in Miami, USA why he believes that renal denervation could become as important as percutaneous coronary intervention or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Awards and honours at SIR
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has awarded John Kaufman with the Dr Charles T Dotter Lecture for his extraordinary career achievement and contributions to the specialty. The SIR has also given Gold Medals to Dimitrios Kelekis and Louis Martin for their contributions in advancing the quality of medicine and patient care. Interventional News spoke to them‰Û_
Older patients with ruptured aneurysms more likely to get EVAR than...
A US-based comparison of the outcome parameters associated with endovascular repair (EVAR) and open repair in the emergency setting (for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm) from 2001‰ÛÒ2009 found that older patients with ruptured aneurysms were more likely to receive EVAR than open repair.
The heart should not rule the head when it comes to...
Ross Naylor, Leicester, UK, gave to Interventional News the insights into an editorial he recently wrote in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery suggesting that the rationale behind the American Heart Association liberalising guidelines for carotid stenting is flawed.
Carotid stenting in asymptomatic patients: To do or not to do?
David Sacks, president of the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Carotid Stent Facilities (ICACSF), shares his views on carotid stenting for asymptomatic patients.
Patient safety coalition protests FDA‰Ûªs approval of device used for treating...
In a letter to FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg, coalition of patient, consumer, and public health groups maintain that the device should have been classified as high risk and subject to stricter testing because it is implantable and life sustaining, and would result in serious injury or death if it does not work correctly.
Cook Medical receives Japanese approval for its Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent
The Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent is the first stent available in Japan approved for treatment of peripheral artery disease in the superficial femoral artery.
The Sage Group publishes analysis of coding and reimbursement for peripheral...
The report provides an analysis of the current coding and reimbursement system for peripheral artery disease in the USA as well as an overview of the new ICD-10 system due to start in October 2013.
Early ASTI results show carotid stenting with embolic protection safe in...
The Adapt carotid stent, when used in conjunction with the FilterWire EZ embolic protection device, produced a low and acceptable rate of major adverse events through 30 days postprocedure, according to results presented by Dierk Scheinert at the LINC conference in Germany.
RESILIENT three-year data favourable for primary stenting strategy
Results from the RESILIENT trial, published in the February issue of Journal of Endovascular Therapy, demonstrated that there is sustained benefit of femoropopliteal stenting over angioplasty out to three years. However, an accompanying commentary, asks if these results are enough to warrant a change in practice that could result in a dramatic increase in treatment costs.
FDA clears NeverTouch Direct Procedure Kit to treat varicose veins
The NeverTouch Direct (AngioDynamics) offers physicians the ability to treat varicose veins with fewer procedure steps by eliminating the need for a long guide wire or guiding sheath.
NDS Surgical Imaging appoints new chief technology officer, and announces new...
NDS Surgical Imaging has appointed Peter M Steven to the role of chief technology officer after retirement of Ron Hansen.
Complete SE stent shows durable vessel patency in treating atherosclerotic lesions...
Results from the Complete SE SFA study of the Complete self-expanding stent (Medtronic) demonstrated a primary patency rate of 73.1%, a major adverse event rate of 11% and a target lesion revascularisation rate of 9.4% at 12 months of patient follow-up.
AngioDynamics to acquire Navilyst Medical for $372 Million
Navilyst Medical is a global medical device company with strengths in the vascular access, interventional radiology and interventional cardiology markets.
Eurocor announces first insights of the Freeway stent study at LINC
The multicentre, open, prospective randomised trial investigates the prevention of restenosis by stenting with a nitinol stent followed by a drug-eluting balloon (DEB) (Freeway) vs. stenting with a nitinol stent with plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) post dilatation in the treatment of superficial femoral artery or popliteal artery.
Restenosis rates similar after comparison of carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery...
A new analysis from a two-year follow up of participants in the CREST (Carotid revascularization endarterectomy versus stenting) trial show that carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy are equally effective at halting carotid restenosis in stroke prevention.
Clinical data for DURABILITY II study presented at ISET 2012
Jon Matsumura, Wisconsin, USA, presented one-year results for DURABILITY II, a clinical study set to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the EverFlex stent (Covidien) for peripheral artery disease, at the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy (ISET) in Miami, Florida.
DEFINITIVE Ca++ trial shows positive results on treatment of popliteal disease
The DEFINITIVE Ca++ study assessed the safety and effectiveness of Covidien‰Ûªs SilverHawk LS-C and TurboHawk peripheral plaque excision systems when used in conjunction with the SpiderFX embolic protection system (ev3) to treat moderate to severely calcified lesions in the femoropopliteal artery.
Hansen Medical to showcase Magellan robotic system and NorthStar robotic catheter...
The Magellan robotic system and NorthStar robotic catheter are intended to be used to facilitate navigation to anatomical targets in the peripheral vasculature and subsequently provide a conduit for manual placement of therapeutic devices.
Ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis study shows positive results in acute pulmonary embolism...
Robert J Kennedy, Florida, USA, presented at ISET data on thrombus resolution and haemodynamic recovery using ultrasound accelerated thrombolysis in acute pulmonary embolism.
Fibromuscular dysplasia registry results presented at ISET
More than 90% of fibromuscular dysplasia sufferers are women, according to a registry presented at ISET 2012. High blood pressure and headache were found the most common symptoms.
Patients report controversial multiple sclerosis treatment improves their lives
More than 65% of multiple sclerosis patients treated for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) report quality of life improvements three months after treatment, according to a study presented at ISET 2012.
ORION trial reports positive clinical outcomes for the Epic stent in...
The Epic stent (Boston Scientific) demonstrated a low nine-month major adverse events rate of 3.4% in the intent-to-treat population, which was significantly lower than the pre-specified performance goal of 17% (p<0.001) based on historical published outcomes for iliac stenting.
Embolization procedure may stop nosebleeds, research at ISET 2012 shows
A minimally invasive embolization procedure, in which polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles are injected into the blood vessels to the nose, may be an effective therapy to decrease or stop nosebleeds.
ADVANCE completes patient enrolment to study the Treovance abdominal stent-graft
Physicians at five hospitals across Europe have enrolled 30 patients to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Treovance abdominal stent-graft (Bolton Medical) with Navitel delivery system for use in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
UK medical charity draws attention to the regulation of health apps
d4‰ÓÛa UK medical charity‰ÓÛ has published a regulation guidance document to help draw further attention to the issue of health app regulation and provide practical guidance to both users and manufacturers of apps for the UK‰Ûªs healthcare market.
Evidence and potential drawbacks of renal denervation
Willem P Th M Mali and Peter J Blankestijn, The Netherlands, told delegates at CIRSE 2011 what the evidence on renal denervation says so far, what studies ought to examine in the future, and what the potential downsides of the catheter-based treatment could be.
Renal denervation first in ‰ÛÏTop 10 Medical Innovations for 2012‰Û list
The Cleveland Clinic Medical Innovations Summit for cardiovascular technologies has identified the Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2012. Topping the list is catheter-based renal denervation to control resistant hypertension, followed by spiral CT scans for early detection of lung cancer.
Quality of care and costs for peripheral artery disease sufferers differ...
Although minimally invasive treatments for patients with peripheral artery disease result in shorter hospital stays and the potential to save US Medicare millions of dollars each year, a new study reveals that the quality of care and cost depend on who is providing the treatment.
FDA gives 510(k) clearance to Soteira‰Ûªs Shield Kyphoplasty system
The Shield Kyphoplasty system is designed to give the physician control of cement placement during vertebral augmentation procedures.
First HeliFX aortic securement system procedures completed successfully in the USA
The innovative helical anchor technology enables independent endograft fixation to the aorta, and is designed to mimic the hand suturing performed during open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Transradial artery access on the rise affects global market for vascular...
According to a new report by Life Science Intelligence the global market for vascular closure devices will exceed US$800 million by 2015. However, this growth will be limited by an increased use of transradial artery access and manual compression procedures.
Cook Medical awarded new contract with Novation for supply of central...
The contract includes access to Cook‰Ûªs comprehensive central venous catheters product offering, including Spectrum minocycline and rifampin impregnated catheters.
Vertebroplasty patients have similar mortality rates to those with untreated symptomatic...
Is it time for more controversy with vertebroplasty? A new study finds worse mortality rates for vertebroplasty patients when compared with those of patients with untreated asymptomatic fractures, and similar if compared with patients with untreated symptomatic fractures.
Bioconvertible inferior vena cava filter could eliminate retrieval and complications
A first-in-man feasibility study demonstrated that the Novate inferior vena cava filter (Novate Medical) remained in its filtering configuration for a minimum of 60 days and no device-related problems or pulmonary embolism were reported. Data were presented by David Rosenthal, Atlanta, USA, at the VEITHsymposium in New York.
Hansen Medical showcases Magellan robotic system and NorthStar catheter at MEET...
The Magellan robotic system and NorthStar robotic catheter are intended to be used to facilitate navigation to anatomical targets in the peripheral vasculature and subsequently provide a conduit for manual placement of therapeutic devices.
Banner Health purchases 64 AV300 non-contact vein illumination units
The AV300 (AccuVein) helps healthcare professionals locate veins for blood draw, IV infusion and blood donation by projecting a safe pattern of light on a patient‰Ûªs skin that reveals the position of underlying veins.
GE healthcare unveils new category of interventional imaging systems
At RSNA 2011, GE Healthcare revealed the Discovery IGS 730, the first Interventional X-ray system designed to capture the advantages of both floor- and ceiling-mounted systems for predictable and precise positioning capabilities, enabling access to patients ‰ÛÏlike never before‰Û
NICE opens consultations on two medical devices set to benefit patients...
On 21 November, NICE, the healthcare guidance body, announced that it provisionally supports two innovative medical technology devices and has opened separate consultations on PleurX and the Pipeline Embolization Device.
Covidien‰Ûªs embolic protection device gets FDA nod
SpiderFX is the only device in the USA indicated for use in the lower extremities, a company release says.
Researchers use CT to recreate Stradivarius violin
‰ÛÏCT scanning offers a unique method of noninvasively imaging a historical object,‰Û said Steven Sirr, a radiologist at FirstLight Medical Systems. ‰ÛÏCombined with computer-aided machinery, it also offers us the opportunity to create a reproduction with a high degree of accuracy.‰Û
Largest single patient population study to date on IVC placement success...
This study, which is important for individuals with IVC filters and their doctors, supports existing guidelines developed by the Society of Interventional Radiology.
Should interventional radiologists admit their own patients?
Dierk Vorwerk and Andy Adam had slightly differing views on the question: ‰ÛÏShould interventional radiologists get the necessary training to be completely in-charge of patients, including having ownership of beds and wards?‰Û They shared their outlook at the CIRSE annual meeting in Munich, Germany.
Zilver PTX safe for patients with de novo and restenotic lesions...
Results of a study on the safety of the Zilver PTX (Cook Medical) in the treatment in the femoropopliteal segment above-the-knee showed an 89% event-free survival rate, an 86.2% primary patency rate, and a 90.5% rate of freedom from target lesion revascularisation at twelve months.
VIASTAR one year data show trend towards higher in-stent restenosis with...
‰ÛÏAt one year, bare metal stents had a 66.6% restenosis rate and Viabahn had a 31.6% restenosis rate,‰Û Johannes Lammer said at the VEITHsymposium in New York.
Gore receives FDA approval for Conformable Gore Tag thoracic endoprosthesis
According to Gore & Associates, the device is the only FDA approved ePTFE thoracic endoprosthesis designed for endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta.
Society of Interventional Radiology releases maintenance of privileges position statement for...
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) released a position statement on the maintenance of credentials for image-guided interventions that lays out guidelines for the continuation of non-coronary percutaneous artery interventional procedures privileges in the hospital setting‰ÛÓsaying that outcomes are a more important measure of quality than procedure volume alone.
Covidien announces definitive agreement to acquire Barrx Medical
Barrx Medical is leader in the treatment of Barrett‰Ûªs esophagus syndrome using bipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.
Toshiba announces European roll-out of AIDR 3D adaptive iterative dose reduction...
Toshiba has announced that all new, and already installed, Aquilion One, Premium and Prime scanners, should be entitled to get the AIDR 3D algorithm to reduce radiation dose exposure an noise in imaging procedures without the need for substantial upgrade costs.
Magellan robotic system: first use in peripheral vascular disease
The Magellan robotic system (Hansen Medical) allows precise catheter navigation of peripheral vessels with a proprietary technology that enables independent distal tip control and sheath, as well as robotic manipulation of a standard guidewire from a centralised, remote workstation.
Cotavance drug-eluting balloon reduced five-year target lesion revascularisation rates by 59%...
‰ÛÏThe results demonstrate clear long-term benefits for patients with the Cotavance paclitaxel eluting balloon (Medrad) for reducing the number of target lesion revascularisation procedures and extending the time before a revascularisation might be needed in peripheral artery disease patients,‰Û said Gunnar Tepe, trial‰Ûªs principal investigator.
PolarCath dilatation system reduces restenosis rates by 47% in peripheral stenting...
The COBRA trial enrolled 76 patients with 90 superficial femoral artery lesions who were randomised to CryoPlasty therapy with the PolarCath system (Boston Scientific) or conventional balloon angioplasty for post-dilation of nitinol stents used to treat superficial femoral artery blockages.
FDA clears Supera Veritas 6Fr stent delivery system
The Supera Veritas (IDEV Technologies) is currently approved in USA, Europe, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong for the treatment of biliary strictures produced by malignant neoplasms.
Acculis microwave tissue ablation system presented at imaging nurses meeting in...
Microsulis Medical presented its Acculis microwave tissue ablation (MTA) system at the recent Medical Imaging Nurses Association (MINA) national meeting in Adelaide, Australia.
Key findings from the BSIR UK inferior vena cava filter registry
Raman Uberoi, Oxford, UK, shared vital information from the world‰Ûªs largest prospective collection of data on the practice of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement at the annual British Society of Interventional Radiology meeting in Glasgow, UK.
Interventional radiology of the occluded fistula
Scott O Trerotola, Philadelphia, USA told Interventional News that fistula declotting has become a mainstay of interventional radiology practices in the USA. He recently received a BSIR honorary membership at the annual meeting in Glasgow, UK.
Five-year results of THUNDER announced at TCT
These data represent the first five-year evaluation of target lesion revascularisation rates with Medrad‰Ûªs Cotavance balloon catheter compared to standard balloon angioplasty in peripheral arterial disease patients.
FAST-CAS: Does it combine the benefits of carotid artery stenting and...
New research suggests that a new approach to carotid revascularisation, flow-altered short transcervical carotid artery stenting, might combine the benefits of stenting and endarterectomy.
IR faces ‰ÛÏring of fire‰Û: Call for improved clinical judgement and...
Jon Moss, Glasgow, UK, delivered the CIRSE 2011 Andreas Gruentzig lecture. He advocated greater clinical judgement and warned that there was a ‰ÛÏring of fire‰Û in interventional radiology with several procedures being carried out without strong evidence backing them.
Five-year results of THUNDER announced at TCT
These data represent the first five-year evaluation of target lesion revascularisation rates with Medrad‰Ûªs Cotavance balloon catheter compared to standard balloon angioplasty in peripheral arterial disease patients.
Maquet Cardiovascular completes acquisition of Atrium Medical
Atrium will now operate as an independent, self-contained business unit of Maquet Cardiovascular and retain its current brand name.
Boston Scientific Carotid Wallstent found safe in study of high surgical...
Results from the CABANA post-approval study demonstrated that carotid artery stenting with Carotid Wallstent and FilterWire EZ (Boston Scientific) is a safe alternative to carotid endarterectomy in patients with carotid artery stenosis who are at increased risk for surgery.
Gene discovery paves way for new methods to treat abdominal aortic...
An international team led by Matt Bown, vascular surgeon, University of Leicester, identified for the first time a single gene that is linked to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).
First patient enrolled into SYMPLICITY HTN-3
SYMPLICITY HTN-3 is a randomised, controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of renal denervation with the Symplicity renal denervation system (Medtronic) in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.
FDA grants 510(k) clearance for Introcan Safety 3 closed IV catheter
The Introcan Safety 3 (B Braun) is designed to help protect clinicians and patients from needle stick injuries as the device cannot be bypassed or activated inadvertently.
Avinger launches Kittycat 2 catheter and Juicebox in USA and EU...
Kittycat 2 offers extra length to reach diseased peripheral arteries. The Juicebox is an accessory to Avinger‰Ûªs pioneering catheters, simplifies procedures by providing battery-powered rotation to the distal tip of the catheter.
Novel technology offers simultaneous training for multidisciplinary teams in surgical/interventional operating...
Orcamp (Orzone) is equipped with two leading simulators: Vist-C (high-fidelity procedural VR simulator) and SimMan 3G (a realistic, adult full-body patient simulator) which allow complex training components for all team members enabling multidisciplinary team based training.
Biotronik launches first 20 mm‰ÛÒ200 mm stents on 4F platform for...
The stent has an improved radial force, flexibility and fracture-resistance, this is especially important in the superficial femoral artery where stiffer, previous-generation stents have, according to the data, offered only moderate results.
Endovascular treatment for diabetic foot syndrome shows nearly 83% freedom from...
A new study suggests that endovascular treatment of diabetic foot syndrome using mixed coronary and peripheral materials and techniques leads to high immediate success and limb salvage rates compared to historical series.
Guideline for peripheral arterial disease updated in the USA
The guideline includes expanded criteria for using the ankle-brachial index for earlier diagnosis, increased efforts to ensure all patients have access to smoking cessation services, improved use of clot-preventing medications, as well as a more focused definition of effective interventions for avoiding limb amputations and treating aortic aneurysms.
Percutaneous cryoablation shows promise in renal tumours
A study presented at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) 2011, Munich, Germany, shows that percutaneous cryoablation may be an alternative therapy in patients with renal tumours who are poor candidates for surgery.
St Jude Medical announces first use of renal denervation technology
St Jude‰Ûªs renal denervation catheter and generator system are used as part of a feasibility study to treat resistant hypertension.
Zilver PTX gets unanimous recommendation from FDA Advisory Committee
The Zilver PTX (Cook Medical), is a drug-eluting stent developed to treat peripheral artery disease in the superficial femoral artery.
Aptus Endosystems appoints former CEO of Boston Scientific as new board...
James R Tobin served as president and CEO of Boston Scientific from March 1999 to July 2009 when the company‰Ûªs revenues grew from more than US$2 billion to over US$8 billion.
Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation accepts St. Jude Medical Foundation contribution
St. Jude Medical Foundation has pledged US$100,000 for funding of SIR‰Ûªs Discovery Campaign, an initiative which seeks to further the growth of minimally invasive medicine into new areas of discovery.
Awareness of peripheral artery disease low among those with highest risk
Only 26% of adults age 50 and older are familiar with peripheral artery disease, according to the American Heart Association.
Avinger‰Ûªs Ocelot catheter is CE marked
Ocelot is a peripheral catheter system used with real-time Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for the treatment of peripheral artery disease.
ACHILLES study meets primary endpoint
‰ÛÏThe ACHILLES study reached its primary endpoint, angiographic binary restenosis and demonstrated the superiority of the Cypher stent (Cordis) over angioplasty in native infrapopliteal artery lesions,‰Û said Konstantinos Katsanos (Rion, Greece) at the CIRSE 2011 conference in Munich, Germany.
Intensive medical treatment shows better outcomes than stenting in high-risk patients...
Researchers from the US National Institutes of Health SAMMPRIS study (stenting vs. aggressive medical management for preventing recurrent stroke in intracranial stenosis) found that 14.7% of patients treated in the stenting group experienced a stroke or died within the first 30 days after enrolment, compared with 5.8% of patients treated with medical therapy alone.
REST assured: Fibroid embolization improves quality of life in the long-term
‰ÛÏUterine artery embolization is an effective uterus-sparing procedure which is successful in the majority of patients. It has advantages and disadvantages over surgery. REST provides five-year data to help patients decide which treatment is best suited to them.‰Û Jon Moss, principal investigator of the REST trial, told Interventional News.
BIOLUX P-I study completes patient enrolment
This clinical study is investigating the safety and performance of the Passeo-18 Lux drug-eluting balloon catheter (Biotronik) for peripheral artery disease.
Ziehm Vision presented its cost effective mobile C-arm at CIRSE 2011
Ziehm Vision RFD offers outstanding imaging and ensures uninterrupted use with unlimited fluoroscopy times, making it a reliable alternative to stationary imaging systems for hybrid operating rooms.
Medrad Interventional launches mechanical thrombectomy set
The AngioJet PE Thrombectomy set used with the AngioJet Ultra system provides an endovascular treatment option for removal of thrombus from main and lobar pulmonary arteries larger than 6mm.
HI-IQ launches Peer Benchmarking Database for interventional radiologists
The Peer Benchmarking Database provides actual operational and clinical data from interventional radiology practices across the USA that can be used to improve services, helping to detect service line growth trends and see new services as they develop.
Medrad starts patient enrolment in the EURO CANAL study for critical...
EURO CANAL is a prospective randomised study that will explore the efficacy and safety of Medrad‰Ûªs Cotavance paclitaxel coated balloon angioplasty catheter compared to standard balloon angioplasty in patients with peripheral artery disease and documented symptomatic critical leg ischaemia.
Angioslide launches new 300 mm long Proteus device for treatment of...
Proteus technology combines a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon and embolic capture of particles in one device.
New bioresorbable hydrogel embolic
Researchers from USA have prepared by inversion emulsion method a biodegradable and non-cytotoxic microsphere, made from carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan, which can be suitably suspended in the contrast solution and easily injected through a microcatheter.
Cook Medical to launch new stent for iliofemoral veins in Europe
Zilver Vena, the only stent designed specifically to meet the challenges of iliofemoral venous stenting, will be launched commercially on a large-scale at CIRSE 2011 for use in Europe by Cook Medical.
Inferior vena cava filters checklist
Matthew S Johnson, director of Interventional Oncology, Indiana University Health, USA, makes key recommendations on the implantation of inferior vena cava filters.
FUME trial shows embolization as good as myomectomy
The results of the FUME trial show that uterine artery embolization and myomectomy result in significant and equal improvements in the quality of life of patients at two years. Anna Maria Belli, London, UK, spoke to Interventional News on these results.
DSM and PendraCare develop Primum guiding catheters
PendraCare‰Ûªs Primum guiding catheter takes advantage of the ultra low friction hydrophilic coating DSM technology to ensure more accurate tip positioning in vascular, neurological, urinary and other applications.
FDA clears new Toshiba‰Ûªs imaging system
The HDR-08A imaging system offers a more intuitive user interface and advanced image processing, increasing the dynamic range of fluoroscopy.
NICE encourages research for percutaneous venoplasty to relieve multiple sclerosis symptoms
The UK‰Ûªs National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published a draft guidance on 24 August 2011 to encourage further research into percutaneous venoplasty ‰Û¥ a procedure which could relieve symptoms for some people with multiple sclerosis.
Toshiba introduces new Aplio ultrasound imaging series
The Aplio 300, 400 and 500 series feature the 4D option Fly Thru as well as Smart Fusion that enables the user to merge CT or MRI images with the ultrasound scan in real-time.
New ‰ÛÏY‰Û stent flow-diversion technique for bifurcation aneurysms
A study from Turkey shows that successful and stable aneurysm occlusion can be achieved by a new endovascular treatment using two stents in a ‰ÛÏY‰Û configuration.
Sibling history may be a predictor of the risk of venous...
People with siblings who have had potentially life-threatening leg blood clots are 50 times more likely to get the same condition compared to people with healthy siblings, study shows.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology increases impact factor
The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs impact factor increased nearly 15% in 2010, according to new data released in the 2010 Journal Citation Reports published by Thomson Reuters.
FDA clears AngioViz vascular vision software
AngioViz (GE Healthcare) allows easy comparison of parametric images from different digital subtraction angiography acquisitions, allowing physicians understand the impact on flow dynamics of various interventional treatments.
First patient enrolled in Lutonix drug-coated balloon pivotal trial
LEVANT 2 is the first drug-coated balloon IDE trial to be approved by the FDA, and is being conducted to support a pre-market application for US approval of the Moxy balloon (Lutonix) for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease.
Innova imaging systems dose lower than other systems under live fluoroscopy,...
Studies have shown that, when operating under live fluoroscopy, Innova imaging systems (GE Healthcare) doses are 22-75% lower than other flat panel detector systems.
Biotronik enters USA with first peripheral stent implant in BIOFLEX-I IDE...
The trial is set to evaluate the performance of the Astron stent in treatment of common or external iliac lesions, and the Astron Pulsar‰Ûªs performance in femoropopliteal lesions treatment.
Endologix and LeMaitre Vascular enter early termination agreement for European distribution...
Under the terms of the agreement, Endologix will pay LeMaitre US$1.3 million to begin selling direct on 1 September 2011. Previously, LeMaitre held distribution rights in certain European countries for Endologix‰Ûªs Powerlink system, and related products, through 30 June 2013.
Japanese study shows vertebroplasty provides long-term pain relief for osteoporotic compression...
The study, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, also showed that radiologic follow-up observation revealed that new vertebral compression fractures occurred in approximately one-third of the patients.
82% women preserve uterus after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic adenomyosis...
A study, published in the June edition of CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology, shows that uterine fibroid embolization resulted in long-term preservation of the uterus in the majority of cases of women with therapy-resistant adenomyosis studied in the cohort.
Boston Scientific completes clinical trial enrolment for Adapt Monorail carotid stent...
The ASTI post-market clinical follow-up trial is designed to evaluate the Adapt Monorail carotid stent system in combination with the FilterWire EZ embolic protection system for treatment of carotid artery disease in patients at high risk for carotid surgery.
FDA clears CT-Guide needle guidance system for lung interventions
The CT-Guide needle guidance system (ActiViews) is an accessory for CT scanners and is designed to assist physicians during CT-guided interventional procedures.
IDEV Technologies launches lower profile Supera Veritas stent delivery system
The new 6 French (6Fr) Supera Veritas allows a smaller access site and multiple approach options when treating patients with peripheral artery disease.
Medtronic gets FDA nod to study renal denervation in a randomised...
Patient enrolment in US clinical trial with the Symplicity Catheter System for treating resistant hypertension to start soon.
FDA clears iliac leg graft for the treatment of abdominal aortic...
Zenith Spiral-Z AAA Iliac Leg Graft (Cook Medical) is indicated for use in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms that require graft support in the iliac artery.
First patient treated with DFine‰Ûªs STAR system
The patient was treated in a clinical trial to evaluate targeted radiofrequency ablation therapy for spinal tumours.
USA: EVAR performed in an emergency setting showed steady rise
From 2001 to 2006, there was a steady and significant increase in the number of EVAR procedures performed for emergency admissions, Prasoon Mohan told delegates at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 36th Annual Meeting in Chicago, USA.
Six month data from DEFINITIVE LE show atherectomy effective in treating...
‰ÛÏEarly data regarding atherectomy with the SilverHawk device (Ev3) indicate that diabetic patients do as well as non-diabetic patients when treated with atherectomy‰Û said James F McKinsey, chief of Vascular Surgery, Columbia University, New York, USA, at the Charing Cross Symposium in London.
FDA clears Jetstream Navitus for treatment of peripheral vascular disease
The Jetstream Navitus (Pathway Medical Technologies) offers greater flexibility, unsurpassed cutting effectiveness and improved guidewire performances. This catheter is a highly effective option for treating calcium blockages and chronic total occlusions in the peripheral vascular disease patient population.
IDEV completes enrolment for SUPERB clinical trial
SUPERB is an FDA approved IDE trial evaluating the use of IDEV‰Ûªs Supera stent system for treatment of peripheral artery disease in the superficial femoral artery.
Spectranetics introduces first advanced system for simulation of peripheral vascular arterial...
The new simulation system is intended to augment traditional procedural training for physicians on plaque removal procedures by permitting hands-on practice with Spectranetics‰Ûª industry leading tools and techniques to cross, prepare, and remove peripheral arterial occlusions in virtual case scenarios both above the knee and below the knee.
Interventional radiologists urged to ‰ÛÏget heavily involved with‰Û research
Renal denervation decreases resistant hypertension, the results last and the therapy could also find use in managing other diseases. Marc R Sapoval tells interventional radiologists to be part of research in this area, as it could represent ‰ÛÏover 80% of your future practice‰Û
Mechanical thrombectomy making rapid strides
Martin Radvany, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital Baltimore, USA, spoke to Interventional News about the new devices available for the treatment of embolic stroke.
Long lesion study demonstrates Supera stent efficacy in superficial femoral and...
IDEV recently announced that data from a long lesion study of 182 patients with significantly diseased superficial femoral arteries and popliteal arteries showed high patency rates and no stent fractures after treatment with the Supera Veritas peripheral vascular stent system.
Boston Scientific launches Mustang PTA balloon catheter globally
On June 20, Boston Scientific announced the global launch of its Mustang PTA balloon catheter, a highly deliverable 0.035 inch percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheter designed for a wide range of peripheral angioplasty procedures.
Alliance for MRI welcomes derogation for MRI in revised directive on...
The derogation for MRI is required as the revised exposure limits still curtail the use of MRI in areas such as MRI-guided surgery, imaging vulnerable patients and children.
First patient enrolled in Jetstream G3 Calcium study to treat patients...
The Jetstream G3 is a minimally invasive catheter-based system that removes atherosclerotic disease and thrombus in the peripheral vasculature. It actively and simultaneously aspirates excised debris, reducing procedure time and cost.
Opinion: Toolbox for endovascular treatment of venous conditions is improving, but...
Mahmood Razavi, director, Center for Clinical Trials and Research, Heart and Vascular Center, St Joseph Hospital, Orange, California, USA, writes that the limitations of catheter-directed thrombolysis led to the development of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices as well as lytic-assisted devices
Tributes for William A Cook
Interventional radiologists such as Barry Katzen, Matthew S Johnson and Jim Benenati, join senior staff from Cook including John Brumleve, and Joe Roberts, to pay tribute to the well-respected entrepreneur, who died in April this year
The role of thrombolysis devices discussed at the CX Innovation Showcase
A session on thrombolysis saw discussion on the characteristics of three different thrombectomy devices in the CX Innovation Showcase at this year‰Ûªs CX Symposium.
When to say “no” to uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization is one of the few procedures in the interventional field which has been tested by many randomised trials and is backed by strong level I evidence. Yet, sometimes, it is equally important to be able to recognise that this procedure is not for everyone. It is good to know when to say "no", Jafar Golzarian, professor of Radiology and Surgery and director of the Division of Interventional Radiology & Vascular Imaging, tells Interventional News
In memoriam: William A Cook (1931-2011)
Bill Cook passed away at the age of 80 on 15 April 2011, after courageously fighting congestive heart failure for several years. With his passing the interventional community lost a great friend whose vision of interventional treatment contributed to the rapid growth and development of our field. Frederick S Keller, Dotter Institute, Oregon, USA, writes this tribute for Interventional News
CCSVI remains controversial: SIR debate shows divergent views among interventionalists
An SIR session titled "The Sterile Gloves Are Off" featured a heated debate on the proposition "The level of evidence linking chronic cerebrospinal venous insuffiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis is inadequate and the clinical benefits of endovascular treatment are suspect"
SIR panel sets CCSVI research agenda
A multidisciplinary panel has published its discussions of research priorities evaluating chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) interventions and says "not yet" to a large-scale multicentre trial. At the SIR meeting in Chicago, USA, several key questions surrounding the unproven syndrome of CCSVI were also highlighted
Opinion: Toolbox for endovascular treatment of venous conditions is improving, but...
Mahmood Razavi, director, Center for Clinical Trials and Research, Heart and Vascular Center, St Joseph Hospital, Orange, California, USA, writes that the limitations of catheter-directed thrombolysis led to the development of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy devices as well as lytic-assisted devices
The role of thrombolysis devices discussed at the CX Innovation Showcase
A session on thrombolysis saw discussion on the characteristics of three different thrombectomy devices in the CX Innovation Showcase at this year‰Ûªs CX Symposium.
Volcano to supply intravascular ultrasound technology to Covidien for integration with...
Volcano announced the signing of a supply agreement with ev3, a Covidien company, under which Volcano will supply its proprietary intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) technology for use in ev3‰Ûªs plaque excision systems. IVUS integration offers advantages in immediate assessment of the plaque to better guide therapy.
Spectranetics to initiate the EXCITE ISR study of laser treatment for...
The study will compare the safety and efficacy of excimer laser atherectomy utilising the Spectranetics‰Ûª Turbo-Tandem and Turbo Elite products in conjunction with balloon angioplasty.
Cordis launches Sleek OTW PTA catheter to be used in patients...
The Sleek OTW catheter has a unique balance of excellent pushability with a small crossing profile that helps physicians reach small arteries below-the-knee and into the foot to restore blood flow to the lower limb.
SuperNOVA international clinical trial begins patient enrolment
SuperNOVA is an international, prospective, single-arm, non-randomised trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Innova self-expanding bare-metal stent system (Boston Scientific) in patients with stenosis of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) or proximal popliteal artery (PPA).
Opinion: Interventionalists should know about the less common vascular diseases
Joe F Lau and Jeffrey W Olin gave an overview to Interventional News of complex imflammatory, non-inflammatory, genetic and compressive diseases encountered by physicians who perform percutaneous endovascular procedures.
Opinion: Management of postpartum haemorrhage
Ian Gillespie, consultant interventional radiologist, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK, explained to Interventional News how early involvement of interventional radiology should be considered before radical surgical intervention in the management of postpartum haemorrhage.
Microembolization is the Achilles‰Ûª heel of carotid artery stenting
‰ÛÏCarotid artery stenting is associated with a higher microembolic burden than carotid endarterectomy. The rate and procedural stage of highest risk depends on the embolic protection device used,‰Û said Sumaira Macdonald, consultant vascular radiologist and honorary clinical senior lecturer, Newcastle, UK, at the annual iCON meeting in Phoenix, USA.
Miniaturisation of EVAR heralds percutaneous era
An exciting opportunity awaits interventional radiologists with the miniaturisation of EVAR devices. The new-generation devices have shown a trend towards being lower in profile and some are designed for an entirely percutaneous approach.
Pipeline embolization device receives FDA Premarket Approval
Pipeline (Covidien) is a new class of embolization device designed to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm in order to provide a complete and durable aneurysm embolization while maintaining patency of the parent vessel.
Cook Group founder William A Cook dies at 80
William Alfred Cook, founder of the Cook Group global network of companies and a pioneer in the development of life-saving minimally invasive medical device technology, died on 15 April 2011 in his Bloomington home of congestive heart failure.
GE Healthcare and STERIS extend collaboration
GE Healthcare has renewed its collaborative relationship with STERIS. This collaboration provides physicians with a unified system for imaging and surgical procedures in integrated and hybrid operating rooms.
Straub Medical AG receives class-III CE mark approval for Rotarex S...
Aspirex S catheters are intended to be used for the removal of fresh thrombotic or thromboembolic material and Rotarex S catheters are intended for removal of thrombotic, thromboembolic and atherothrombotic material from fresh, subacute and chronic occlusions.
Bolton Medical enrols first patient in the European ADVANCE clinical trial
The ADVANCE study assesses the safety and performance of the Treovance abdominal stent-graft in subjects with infrarenal aortic aneurysms.
Antioxidant formula prior to radiation exposure may prevent DNA injury
A unique formulation of antioxidants taken orally before imaging with ionising radiation minimises cell damage, noted researchers at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, USA.
Therapeutic renal denervation takes blood pressure to new lows‰ÛÓand results last
‰ÛÏAfter six months, 39% of patients receiving the endovascular denervation treatment had reached the recommended blood pressure level and, overall, 50% of patients showed a measurable benefit of the intervention,‰Û said Marc R Sapoval at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 36th Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago, USA.
Pelvic arterial embolization for postpartum haemorrhage saves lives, preserves uterus
Eighty six per cent of 225 patients who underwent pelvic arterial embolization for primary postpartum haemorrahage showed positive results, according to Ji Hoon Shin, Seoul, South Korea.
AngioScore launches new longer AngioSculpt devices for treatment of peripheral artery...
These new devices incorporate longer (40 mm) balloons and scoring elements in diameters 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5mm. These new sizes are expected to be particularly useful in treating lesions typically encountered in the treatment of complex peripheral artery disease below the knee.
Interventional radiologists advance multiple sclerosis research: venous angioplasty treatment safe
Early study of 231 patients details safety of using angioplasty to widen internal jugularand azygos veins; doctors hope results encourage more research to explore minimally
invasive treatment options for those with multiple sclerosis.
No scalpel: minimally invasive breakthrough for men‰Ûªs enlarged prostates improves symptoms
Prostatic artery embolisation study shows symptom improvement comparable to ‰ÛÏgold
standard‰Û transurethral resection of the prostate‰ÛÓwithout surgical risks of sexual
dysfunction, urinary incontinence, blood loss, retrograde ejaculation.
The growing power of data
‰ÛÏThe special challenge of our specialty today is to prove the value of interventional radiology through data. We must show that image-guided interventions are safer, more effective and more cost-efficient than alternative therapies,‰Û Jeanne Laberge, interventional radiologist of renown, told Interventional News.
When interventional radiology had no name
Ernest J Ring, founder, SIR Foundation, is an admired leader in interventional radiology. A grant named after him is designed to provide research support to junior interventional radiology faculty members early in their academic careers. He spoke to Interventional News about receiving the ISET 2011 Career Achievement Award and more...
Opinion: Off-label use of devices and drugs by interventional radiologists
Tony Nicholson, consultant, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, UK, spoke to Interventional News about the implications of off-label usage of devices and drugs by interventional radiologists.
Interventional radiologists in the USA receive approval to serve as authorised...
Since February 2011, interventional radiologists are authorised users for Y90 therapy. A course organised by the Society of Interventional Radiology in Scottsdale, USA, ‰Û÷Y90: Are YoU Ready?‰Ûª offered a challenging, rigorous curriculum to 106 attendees. Interventional News found out more from the participants.
Significant reduction in pain showed the Mynx Vascular Closure device compared...
Over twice as many patients undergoing closure by Angio-Seal closure as those undergoing Mynx closure reported the most painful part of the surgical procedure to be vascular closure deployment (88% vs. 34%, p<0.001), study showed.
FDA clears Asap thrombus aspiration catheter
The catheter features large aspiration lumen to facilitate quick aspiration and tapered tip for smooth catheter transition.
Symplicity HTN-2 trial critiqued
Iris Baumgartner, angiologist, Bern, Switzerland, raised some concerns with regards to the Symplicity trial at the annual LINC meeting, Leipzig, Germany.
Renal denervation reduces treatment-resistant hypertension, Symplicity HTN-2 trial shows
New data presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions show that renal denervation significantly reduces blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.
Expensive technologies should yield better patient-relevant outcomes
Krishna Rocha-Singh, Prairie Vascular Institute, Springfield, USA, questioned the clinical relevance of the DESTINY, ACHILLES and YUKON trial designs at the annual LINC meeting in Leipzig, Germany.
Are drug-eluting stents showing a benefit in the periphery?
Three trials, ACHILLES, YUKON and DESTINY, presented recently have found that drug-eluting stents score over angioplasty, or bare metal stents, in the periphery. Interventional News does a round-up of these studies.
Overview of Interventional Radiology in China
Gao-Jun Teng, professor and chair of the Department of Radiology at Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China, gave an overview of the Interventional Radiology practice and advancements in China.
Overview of Interventional Radiology in India
Sanjiv Sharma, professor and head of the Department of Cardiac Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, gave to Interventional News a general overview of the Interventional Radiology practice and advancements in India.
ContextVision introduces new mammography and interventional radiology systems at ECR 2011
The Mammo PlusView addresses current limitations of x-ray image diagnosis for the detection of breast cancer, while the GOPView iRV helps achieve superior, real-time images with the ability for dose reduction during interventional fluoroscopy procedures.
Angiodynamics launches DuraMax chronic dialysis catheter
This catheter features proprietary ‰ÛÏcurved tip catheter technology‰Û designed to reduce arterial insufficiency, provide superior over the wire performance, and improve ease of use during catheter insertion.
FDA approves Renegade HI-FLO Fathom Pre-Loaded system for peripheral embolization procedures
The Boston Scientific‰Ûªs system will primarily be used by interventional radiologists for minimally invasive procedures to treat uterine fibroids and liver cancer.
FDA approves Renegade HI-FLO Fathom Pre-Loaded system for peripheral embolization procedures
The Boston Scientific‰Ûªs system will primarily be used by interventional radiologists for minimally invasive procedures to treat uterine fibroids and liver cancer.
Favorable clinical results of Nellix technology for EVAR
Initial results from the Nellix international multicentre clinical trial reported successful aneurysm exclusion in all patients, and no late aneurysm or device-related adverse events or secondary procedures.
Novel three-in-one angioplasty balloon achieves first commercial deployment successfully
The IQCath (Hotspur Technologies) enables, for the first time, performance of three complex vascular procedures with one single catheter, potentially reducing procedure time, expense and radiation exposure for patients and medical professionals.
Cook Medical releases REFORM clinical trial data
The data reflects the clinical performance and patency of the company‰Ûªs dedicated balloon-expandable stent to treat renal artery disease.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology gets new look to reflect...
A new editor, editorial board and cover will highlight the new direction and international focus for the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs flagship publication.
High power microwave tissue ablation technology at ECR 2011
The Accu2i pMTA system (Microsulis) can address tissue masses over 5cm in size in just six minutes, and is therefore between 3 to 10 times faster than other systems. Clinicians have used the device primarily in the treatment of liver and lung disease.
Flexible Stenting Solutions receives IDE approval for femoropopliteal study of FlexStent
The IDE allows Flexible Stenting Solutions to begin enrolment of up to 227 patients at up to 40 clinical sites in the United States for the OPEN trial.
UK pilot study finds reverse flow protection during carotid artery stenting...
Research presented at the British Society of Interventional Radiology meeting 2011 has shown that the reverse flow system may offer a method of decreasing the frequency of minor strokes occurring during carotid artery stenting.
‰ÛÏInterpretation‰Û still colours data on carotid artery stenting
Michael R Jaff told delegates at the CX@LINC 2011 symposium that it never ceases to amaze him how physicians do not agree on the interpretation of results even when presented with the highest levels of scientific evidence.
Two-year patency results reported for superficial femoral artery procedures showed zero...
‰ÛÏThe Supera stent has been shown in independent testing to be extremely crush and fracture resistant compared to standard nitinol stents. Combined with the flexibility of the interwoven design, it is very well suited for use in the challenging superficial femoral artery,‰Û said Sven Braunlich at LINC 2011.
Xience Prime receives CE mark for treatment of critical limb ischaemia...
Data generated on Xience V drug eluting stent from the DESTINY trial supported the stent‰Ûªs CE mark. Marc Bosiers, principal investigator of the trial, concluded that the use of everolimus eluting stents can potentially provide significantly better outcomes for patients with critical limb ischaemia in the lower leg.
Deadly lung cloths can be treated faster with a tiny ultrasound...
Traditional therapy to avoid potential pulmonary embolisms can take many hours or even days to loosen blood clots; research showed that the ultrasound method allows drugs to dissolve the blockage faster.
Stents help stroke victims when other treatments do not, research shows
Mortality or severe disability would have occurred in approximately 80 to 90% of patients involved in research conducted at the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute of Miami if stents had not been used to restore blood flow after serious strokes.
Multiple sclerosis treatment lessens fatigue
An experimental procedure to open blocked blood vessels in the chest and neck may get some relief from fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. Research at ISET showed.
Medtronic completes acquisition of Ardian
The acquisition augments Medtronic‰Ûªs existing interventional therapies and complements the company‰Ûªs expertise in catheter design and ablation technologies.
Society of Interventional Radiology offers course on the treatment of liver...
The course Y90: Are You Ready? incorporates the requisite training and testing for official SIR validation of an interventional radiologist attendee as qualified to apply for Authorised User (AU) status for intra-arterial Y90 in the treatment of hepatic malignancies.
Boston Scientific completes enrolment in the ORION clinical trial evaluating the...
The next generation EPIC stent is a self-expanding nitinol stent designed to sustain vessel patency, while providing enhanced visibility and accuracy during placement.
Interventional radiology event sheds light on how to improve quality of...
Radiology services for patients look set to be improved. An interventional radiology workshop held in late November 2010 by Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS medical director for England set out how disparities in interventional radiology services across the country can be ironed out.
Worldwide voluntary field removal of AngioScore‰Ûªs AngioSculpt PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter
The catheter in question is 0.018‰Û over the wire with balloon sizes, 4.0x20mm, 5.0x20mm, and 6.0x20mm
Terumo launches Azur detachable 35 hydrocoil system
Terumo Interventional Systems has announced the full commercial availability in the United States of the Azur Peripheral HydroCoil 35 platinum coil embolization system.
Korean court system finds Taeyeon kyphoplasty device infringes a Medtronic kyphoplasty...
Court orders destruction of Taeyeon Medical kyphoplasty product stock and manufacturing equipment.
Korean court system finds Taeyeon kyphoplasty device infringes a Medtronic kyphoplasty...
Court orders destruction of Taeyeon Medical kyphoplasty product stock and manufacturing equipment.
Medtronic announces new curette for treatment of vertebral compression fractures in...
Medtronic has announced the European launch of the new Kyphon Express Curette for scraping or scoring bone in the spine, including during treatment of vertebral compression fractures with minimally invasive Kyphon balloon kyphoplasty.
Results from CIRSE multicentre registry reinforce safety of St Jude Medical...
Registry results confirm the excellent sealing performance of Angio-Seal vascular closure devices in interventional radiology procedures.
GE Healthcare innovations for interventional procedures enable greater planning, guidance and...
Visitors to the Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting in Chicago, Nov. 28-Dec. 2, saw the company‰Ûªs latest innovations designed to enhance visualisation and improve workflow and dose efficiency, enabling interventional radiologists to see their way clearly when performing procedures addressing vascular diseases.
First US patient treated with the Accu2i percutaneous microwave tissue ablation...
Innovative and safe system is used to destroy liver tumour
IDEV Technologies announces first US procedure with Supera Veritas Transhepatic Biliary...
The commercial launch of the stent delivery system is planned for early 2011.
Medtronic signs agreement to acquire Ardian
Medtronic and privately-held Ardian announced that they have entered into a merger agreement whereby Medtronic will acquire Ardian.
‰ÛÏRenal denervation is a huge door, just beginning to open for...
Jon G Moss, professor, Department of Radiology, North Glasgow University Hospitals, Glasgow, UK spoke to Interventional News on the opportunities that renal denervation might represent to practitioners of a specialty whose territory other specialties regular poach on.
Symplicity HTN-2 shows renal denervation reduces treatment-resistant hypertension
New data presented at the American Heart Association scientific sessions show that renal denervation significantly reduces blood pressure in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.
Eurocor launches drug-eluting balloon technology specifically designed for peripheral interventions
Eurocor GmbH announced have launched Freeway, the latest second-generation, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon technology designed for the treatment of critical limb ischaemia associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Medtronic signs agreement to acquire Ardian
Medtronic and privately-held Ardian announced that they have entered into a merger agreement whereby Medtronic will acquire Ardian.
Philips and Maquet showcase new hybrid operating room solution at Medica...
New solution combines the equipment needed to perform open and endovascular cardiac procedures within the same room
New uterine fibroid embolization study goes against the grain in finding...
Boston Scientific‰Ûªs spherical embolisation agent is able to provide adequate uterine fibroid infarction. Richard Shlansky-Goldberg presented the data at a satellite symposium organised by the company at CIRSE 2010.
Early data from Viastar study shows promising results for heparin-bonded Viabahn...
Bare stent technology has been tested in short superficial femoral artery lesions (TASC A and B) has been shown to be superior to percutaneous angioplasty in two randomised controlled trials.
STAG TRIAL – Is primary stenting better than angioplasty for iliac...
Endovascular placement of stents has been proposed as a more effective treatment than angioplasty, a safe and simple treatment excluding additional costs associated with the use of stents.
‰ÛÏRevolutionary‰Û evolution in below-the-knee technologies
In the last five to seven years, there has been a bewildering array of new below-the-knee technologies. But the proof of benefit of these long balloons, drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons is still awaited.
New UAE study finds Contour SE comparable to Embospheres
Spherical PVA has been shown to give adequate uterine fibroid infarction when the appropriate size and endpoint was used in this prospective randomised trial.
Boston Scientific announces global launch of Journey Guidewire
Boston Scientific Corporation has announced the global launch of its Journey Guidewire, an innovative 0.014‰Û guidewire designed for use in challenging, small vessel peripheral angioplasty procedures.
InSightec launches ExAblate One and ExAblate OR systems at CIRSE 2010
New and advanced ExAblate systems offer superior treatment for a multitude of commercial and research indications in women‰Ûªs health and oncology
Terumo medical corporation announces first US patient implant in landmark pilot...
Terumo will evaluate the safety and efficacy of its MISAGO peripheral self-expanding stent system for use in the superficial femoral artery.
AtheroMed announces launch of EASE clinical trial to evaluate peripheral arterial...
AtheroMed will enroll 90 patients as part of it EASE study to allow an evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of the Phoenix Atherectomy catheter.
IR videos, a few clicks away
Physicians discuss the internet‰Ûªs influence in IR and how video output on the web should be monitored.
“Microwaves will overcome some of the problems of radiofrequency”
Luigi Solbiati, Department of Radiology of the General Hospital, Busto Arsizio, Italy, speaks on microwave versus RF ablation.
Retrievable IVC filters in the eye of a storm
The US FDA has issued an alert which finds that IVC filters pose a risk if left in the body. The Society of Interventional Radiology has issued a response. Two prominent IRs tell Interventional News what they think ought to be done.
Vena cava filters can cause ‰ÛÏpotentially life-threatening complications‰Û, according to online...
Bard Recovery and G2 cava filters found to fracture in various ways; including erosion through the vena cava wall, migration, obstruction and additional clotting.
Medtronic completes enrolment for clinical study of Complete SE vascular stent
Milestone shows progress on indication-specific trials for treating peripheral arterial disease.
Does renal denervation represent a new treatment option for resistant hypertension?
Data presented today from Ardian‰Ûªs Symplicity HTN-1 study demonstrate that significant reductions in blood pressure can be achieved using renal denervation via the Symplicity catheter system.
First mention of IR in UK white paper on NHS
The new system in the UK, which will involve direct commissioning by GPs, offers great opportunities for IR, said Andy Adam, president of the Royal College of Radiologists and one of the editors-in-chief of Interventional News.
On Sorafenib and the resurrection of other systemic therapies
Despite unsuccessful attempts in the past 30 years costing patients their lives and the health care system large sums of money, we are again on the cusp of another wave of clinical trials designed to test various systemic therapies, which for the most part had largely been abandoned.
Longest stent graft ever introduced in Europe for SFA endoluminal bypass
Longer length Gore Viabahn gets CE mark.
Microsulis launches most powerful needle for microwave tissue ablation at ECIO
Breakthrough UK liver cancer treatment successfully introduced to international audience.
Covidien completes acquisition of ev3
Covidien has announced that it has completed the acquisition of ev3 for an aggregate consideration of approximately $2.6 billion, net of cash and short-term investments acquired.
Interventional radiologys role in extreme situations
At the 35th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), Kieran Murphy, co-ordinated a session on IR in extremis.
Global Statement defines key components of interventional radiology subspecialty
"Brief statement" sets out universal IR guidelines and principles.
Trends in embolisation
The turnout and enthusiasm displayed at GEST USA 2010 clearly showed that embolisation has come of age.
SIR president rallies IRs to safeguard embolisation
At GEST USA 2010, James Benenati calls for IRs to get credentialing criteria in place
Standards of practice for peripheral and visceral embolisation published
Standards intended as the "basis for clinical privilege" in radiology.
IR societies come together to make a ‰ÛÏGlobal Statement Defining Interventional...
SIR president hopes definition will help IR gain recognition as a ‰ÛÏreal‰Û specialty or subspecialty worldwide.
Terumo to evaluate Misago self-expanding stent system in USA and Japan
This marks the company‰Ûªs first clinical trial in the USA for a premarket approval (PMA) device. A unique feature of the clinical trial is that it will simultaneously enroll patients in USA and Japan.
Gore DrySeal Sheath used in first patient to aid in minimally...
Revolutionary device delivers consistent performance, better control, and minimised blood loss during endovascular procedure
Medtronic receives FDA approval for new indication for Complete self-expanding vascular...
The stent is now indicated for treatment of peripheral disease in the iliac arteries
Cook Medical enrols first renal artery disease patient in groundbreaking clinical...
European trial explores treating renal artery blockages with a balloon expandable renal stent with a unique polymer-free paclitaxel coating
Cook Medical’s advanced TEVAR technology for new conformable stent- graft gets...
Physicians have treated more than 1,250 patients worldwide with the Zenith TX2 TAA Endovascular Graft with Pro-Form
Vertebroplasty provides effective pain relief for patients with osteoporosis
Patient selection is key for vertebroplasty - a minimally invasive treatment performed by interventional radiologists in individuals with painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures that fail to respond to conventional medical therapy - to be effective and successful, according to a study of more than 1,500 persons who were followed over seven years
Evidence grows for drug-eluting stents in below-the-knee lesions
Results rival bypass surgery and are superior to balloon angioplasty alone, finds study presented at SIR annual meeting
Unilateral UAE effective for unilateral fibroid disease with supply from only...
New study evaluates effectiveness of elective unilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women whose fibroids are limited to one side of the uterus and supplied by only one uterine artery
Can multiple sclerosis be treated by endovascular means?
Michael Dake, Stanford, California, USA told delegates at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 35th Annual Scientific Meeting in Tampa, USA, about the initial observations recorded after endovascular treatment of venous stenotic lesions implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS).
Embospheres, Embozene, Bead Block or gelfoam: Which is the most effective...
A small study comparing efficacy of four well-known embolic agents for UFE raises interesting questions and finds that outcomes with cheaper gelfoam were similar to those with Embospheres and Embozene in terms of infarction rates. Bead Block was shown to be less effective.
MR-guided focused ultrasound another option to treat uterine fibroids
New interventional radiology tool could help women avoid myomectomy and hysterectomy
GE Healthcare displays latest innovations in interventional radiology at 2010 SIR
Excellent image quality and industry-leading dose efficiency to powerful clinical visualisation tools displayed
Research pertaining to MDS Nordion’s TheraSphere presented at SIR annual scientific...
The company has said that the Yttrium-90 radioembolization treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),was the topic of several presentations at the 2010 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) 35th Annual Scientific Meeting.
Invatec‰Ûªs Mo. Ma offers safe and effective cerebral protection when used...
The data collected in the ARMOUR trial have led to FDA clearance, thus allowing broader physician access to the Mo.Ma proximal cerebral protection device, in the treatment of high-surgical-risk patients with carotid artery disease
Uterine fibroid embolization shows fertility rates comparable to myomectomy
First global study finds comparable fertility rates for minimally invasive UFE and
gold standard surgical myomectomy for women who want to have children after
treatment
Cook Medical expands next-generation NavAlign system for IVC filter placement with...
The new NavAlign femoral delivery system, to be launched today in booth #406 at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting, complements the already available jugular access version
CREST puts carotid stenting back in the game
With the International Carotid Stenting Study (ICSS) results giving carotid endarterectomy a definite thumbs-up and hammering a few nails in the coffin for carotid artery stenting, the results of the purist trial CREST have long been awaited for either confirmation, or disagreement of results.
SIR highlights medical advances, new discoveries at 35th Annual Scientific Meeting
Interventional radiologists will share scientific advances and new discoveries in treating a host of diseases at the Society of Interventional Radiology‰Ûªs 35th Annual Scientific Meeting 13‰ÛÒ18 March,2010 at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa,USA.
Stent grafts top ‰ÛÏGold Standard‰Û balloon angioplasty for dialysis patients
New England Journal of Medicine publishes first study to show minimally invasive interventional radiology approach for end-stage kidney disease patients is ‰ÛÏsuperior‰Û in treating blocked access
4th Annual Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST) Conference Moves Stateside...
GEST Founders and Directors Jafar Golzarian, Ziv Haskal and Marc Sapoval to welcome international audience to the first US edition of the original embolization meeting
Siemens Healthcare wins biggest single order contract in the Middle East
Iraqi Ministry of Health orders diagnostic imaging equipment worth around $70 million
Report on first clinical results of drug-eluting balloon technology ...
Drug-eluting balloons show better rates of reducing restenosis than standard PTA
AngioDynamics announces the commercial launch of Centros, the next generation split-tip...
AngioDynamics and renowned interventional nephrologist Stephen Ash are bringing to market an evolution of split-tip dialysis catheters, Centros, featuring Curved Tip Catheter Technology
Proposed study for liver cancer previewed at interventional oncology meeting
Riccardo Lencioni, principal investigator, previews new liver cancer study hqTACE in a proposed international clinical trial currently under FDA review.
Interventional treatment short-circuits hypertension
A new minimally invasive therapy using radiofrequency ablation to short circuit nerves in the kidney arteries shows promise in treating uncontrolled hypertension
Women more likely than men to avoid amputation after minimally invasive...
Women who are at risk of lower-leg amputation fare even better than men when they have minimally invasive treatment to open up the blocked arteries
Boston Scientific announces enrollment of first patient in benign stricture study...
Boston Scientific Corporation has announced that the first patient has been enrolled in a clinical trial to evaluate its WallFlex biliary RX fully covered stent for the treatment of benign bile duct strictures
Opinion: Do no harm- The management of renal artery stenosis
Professor Janet Powell, Imperial College, London, UK, finds that the harms of revascularisation for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis appear to outweigh the benefits.
Interventional radiologist slams European renal artery stenting trials
Thomas A Sos, a well-known interventional radiologist from New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Weill-Cornell, New York, USA, critiqued the STAR and ASTRAL trials at the recently held VEITHsymposium, in New York.
Is the DESTINY of drug-eluting stents below the knee?
Preliminary results at six-month follow-up, presented by Marc Bosiers at the VEITHsymposium showed that drug-eluting stents had a higher primary patency rate in below-the-knee critical limb ischaemia lesions in comparison with bare metal stents
CREST set to report results early this year
The question of how to treat asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients took centre stage at the VEITHsymposium, in New York, USA, in November 2009.
ev3 announces completion of voluntary recall
ev3 announced that a voluntary Class I recall of the TrailBlazer Support Catheter was completed in December 2009, and all affected units are in the company’s possession.
AngioDynamics launches micro-introducer kits with a new stiffened introducer option
New options provide physicians with a comprehensive product line from a single source
Cordis launches Aquatrack
High performance hydrophilic guidewire seeks to be ‰ÛÏbest in class‰Û for use in complex percutaneous interventions
When seconds count: interventional radiology treatment for pulmonary embolism saves lives
Catheter-directed therapy should be considered a first-line treatment option for massive blood clots in the lungs, according to study of nearly 600 patients in Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
Simulated training for ultrasound-guided procedures improves patient safety
Using mannequins to teach doctors-in-training how to do ultrasound-guided procedures is an effective way to improve their skills without compromising patient care and safety, according to a new study from Henry Ford Hospital.
Siemens Healthcare unveils syngo.plaza at RSNA 2009
New agile PACS solution designed to enhance clinical image reading and streamline workflow
Boston Scientific announces FDA clearance and CE mark for WallFlex fully...
Complete portfolio of the company‰Ûªs WallFlex stent family of self-expanding metal stents now available in US, Europe and other international markets
Medtronic introduces imaging service to enhance endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms
Medtronic has announced the introduction of an imaging and visualisation service for endovascular specialists who use the company‰Ûªs portfolio of stent grafts to treat aortic aneurysms.
‰ÛÏWargame‰Û identifies key barriers to wider uptake of IR
Results from a simulation role play inviting two hospital trusts to overcome the barriers to wider adoption of interventional radiology have just been made available to NHS Trusts as a tool to assist in managing change.
Is vertebroplasty really no more than an expensive placebo?
Specialists across the spine world have been hotly debating whether pain-relief obtained from vertebroplasty is merely the result of a ‰ÛÏplacebo‰Û effect.
Opinion: Potential benefits of bilateral femoral puncture for uterine artery embolization
Early in our experience at Georgetown University, we recognised that UAE is one of the few interventional radiology procedures that routinely requires the embolization of two vessels on opposite sides of the body.
First device designed to preserve blood flow to iliac arteries during...
Minimally invasive treatment for aortic disease is safe, effective alternative to open surgery
Society of Interventional Radiology highlights interventional oncology therapies in webinar
Image-guided interventional oncology (IO) therapies‰Û features updates on percutaneous and transcatheter treatment of liver tumours, kidney and lung tumour ablation; society offers a variety of cancer resources
Ilegx – Working together to save legs
‰ÛÏAccurate diagnosis, control of ischaemia, and control of infection are essential in order to reduce the number of avoidable amputations,‰Û said Michael E Edmonds, consultant in diabetes, London,UK, and one of the three programme directors of ilegx.
Johannes Lammer wins CIRSE Gold Medal for 2009
Johannes Lammer was awarded the CIRSE gold medal at the opening ceremony on September 19, 2009, Lisbon, Portugal. ‰ÛÏI am truly honoured to receive this medal from CIRSE,‰Û said Lammer in his acceptance speech.
Cook launch first SFA open-door registry
Cook Medical is collaborating with physicians around the world to develop the SFA Open-Registry using OpenDoor, the first-ever transparent clinical data management suite.
Johannes Lammer wins CIRSE Gold Medal for 2009
Johannes Lammer was awarded the CIRSE gold medal at the opening ceremony on September 19, 2009, Lisbon, Portugal. ‰ÛÏI am truly honoured to receive this medal from CIRSE,‰Û said Lammer in his acceptance speech.
Medtronic launches the KYPHON Express System as battle between vertebroplasty and...
Recent studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that the benefits patients derive from vertebroplasty is merely a placebo effect, although some spine interventionalists have criticised the design of these studies.
Cryoplasty has no place in diabetic patients
Cryoplasty seems comparable to conventional balloon angioplasty in the femoropopliteal artery of diabetic patients, and the technique is also associated with significantly more clinically driven repeat procedures, said researchers at CIRSE 2009, Lisbon, Portugal.
Cook launch Europe’s first drug-eluting stent for the SFA
Against the backdrop of the disappointing STRIDES trial data, COOK Medical launched the first drug-eluting stent for use in the superficial femoral artery in Europe.
Setback for drug elution in the periphery as STRIDES follows SIROCCO
Johannes Lammer, Vienna, Austria, principal investigator of the STRIDES trial sponsored by Abbott Vascular, presented the six- and 12-month results at CIRSE 2009, September 19-23, Lisbon, Portugal.
Cryoplasty appears to have no place in diabetic patients
"Cryoplasty is comparable to conventional balloon angioplasty in the femoropopliteal artery of the diabetic patients, and the technique is also associated with significantly more clinically driven repeat procedures", said S Spiliopoulos, Patras, Greece.
UEMS‰Ûödecision puts European IR in charge of its destiny
The recent vote by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) shows how interventional radiology has moved from a technical discipline to a true clinical discipline, which marks a real milestone, the official birth of a new medical specialty in Europe.
New Zilver PTX drug-eluting stent from Cook Medical could greatly reduce...
World‰Ûªs first drug-eluting stent for a widespread form of peripheral arterial disease now available throughout the EU.
Invatec launch of REEF HP PTA balloon catheter in Europe at...
The REEF HP PTA ballloon catheter is specifically designed for AV shunts and hard-to-dilate peripheral lesions.
Invatec announces worldwide launch of FiberNet, the smallest distal embolic protection...
System has lowest profile and highest level of performance, says a company release.
Invatec launch the Maris Plus self-expanding peripheral stent system at CIRSE
Invatec has launched their latest self-expanding peripheral stent system, Maris Plus at CIRSE 2009.
Invatec launch the Maris Plus self-expanding peripheral stent system at CIRSE
Invatec has launched their latest self-expanding peripheral stent system, Maris Plus at CIRSE 2009.
Opinion: A young interventional radiologist’s perspective
After years of painstaking lobbying and efforts from CIRSE, we are celebrating the official recognition of interventional radiology as a distinct medical subspecialty. Embracing the recent UEMS‰Ûª decision, Greece will also become one of the few European countries to officially offer 1-2 years of subspecialty training in interventional radiology.
New micro-bland embolization technique highlighted at CIRSE
CeloNova BioSciences has announced that Franco Orsi made two presentations at the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology Society of Europe (CIRSE) conference about "micro-bland embolization" which has demonstrated excellent clinical results in treating liver cancer.
Angiotech pharmaceuticals announces commercial launch of the Option inferior vena cava...
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals recently announced the commercial launch of the Option inferior vena cava (IVC) filter in the US, following FDA 510(k) clearance in June and a limited pre-launch in July.
NICE appraisal committee finds sorafenib ‰ÛÏnot recommended‰Û for advanced HCC
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has just issued a second appraisal consultation document on the first line use of sorafenib for advanced and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
Interventional radiology resources cover peripheral arterial disease
Society of Interventional Radiology offers publications, patient information brochures
Opinion: A review of current embolic agents
Embolotherapy has become an increasingly popular procedure in the field of interventional radiology. The industry has been very active in developing sophisticated embolic agents, Jean-Pierre Pelage and colleagues, share their view.
Venous stenting has unexpected major role in reflux disease
Investigators say research presented at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Denver, USA, is the basis for a new paradigm in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
Stenting has unexpected major role in venous reflux disease
Investigators say research presented at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Denver, USA, is the basis for a new paradigm in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.
Interventional radiology is robust and active Down Under
The 2009 Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA) scientific meeting was held at Hamilton Island, Queensland from July 5‰ÛÒ10.
Terumo Europe announces the initiation of e-MISAGO Registry and Misago stent...
Terumo Europe recently announced the initiation of e-MISAGO, one of the largest registries in the peripheral endovascular field. At the same time, the product range of Misago peripheral self-expanding stent has been expanded to cover wider indications.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology increases impact and international...
Society of Interventional Radiology flagship publication ranks in top half of 90 imaging publications; Society offers journal-only access to professionals outside North America
Vascular Solutions launches the Trespass angiographic catheter
The catheter is intended for use in delivering radiopaque media to selected sites of the vascular system and for pressure and anatomical measurements.
Opinion: A transition in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma
Irrespective of the forthcoming 5-year data, percutaneous cryoablation has already carved a permanent place on the list of RCCa treatment options, writes Christos Georgiades, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Opinion: A transition in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma
Irrespective of the forthcoming 5-year data, percutaneous cryoablation has already carved a permanent place on the list of RCCa treatment options, writes Christos Georgiades, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital.
RaySearch wins breakthrough order for proton treatment planning system
RaySearch Laboratories AB has entered into a partnership and licensing agreement with Westdeutsches Protonentherapiezentrum Essen gGmbH (WPE).
