Biotronik has announced the expansion of the Fortress reinforced introducer sheath line, which is now available in 7- and 8Fr-compatible sizes in the USA and countries that recognise European CE mark approval.
The Fortress introducer sheaths are intended to provide access and facilitate percutaneous introduction of guidewires, catheters and other devices into the femoral, popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries while maintaining haemostasis during diagnostic and interventional procedures. The sheath is reinforced with a polymer-embedded stainless steel coil to ensure excellent kink and deformation resistance.
“In complex vascular procedures, we as interventionalists need the right tools that simplify our workflows and lower risks for patients,” said Torsten Fuß, head of Internal and Intensive Care Medicine at the Elblandklinikum Radebeul in Radebeul, Germany. “The Fortress 7Fr and 8Fr introducer sheath sizes have a very smooth dilator-to-sheath transition, reducing friction when going over the bifurcation. It is easier to insert compared to other introducers on the market and has excellent pushability in typically challenging access presentations like preoperated and calcified groins.”
The new line extension sizes not only preserve the existing benefits of Fortress introducer sheaths but are designed to offer compatibility with 7Fr and 8Fr devices for endovascular procedures, including the use of covered stents and atherectomy devices. With the addition of these new sizes, the Fortress introducer sheath is now available in a full size range from 4Fr to 8Fr.
“The Fortress introducer sheaths have proven a favourite with interventionalists due to their ease of use and excellent kink resistance,” commented Alexander Uhl, president Vascular Intervention at Biotronik. “The expansion of Fortress introducer sheaths to 7Fr and 8Fr-compatibility allows physicians to use Fortress with a broader range of procedures such as most atherectomy devices and covered stents.”
