Cordis Announces Nationwide Introduction of Breakthrough Devices to Treat Artery Blockages in Leg
FRONTRUNNER® XP CTO and OUTBACK® LTD™ Re-Entry Catheters
May
Help Patients Avoid Amputation
WARREN, N.J., May 31, 2006 -- Cordis Endovascular, division of
Cordis Corporation, today announced the nationwide introduction of two
breakthrough devices, FRONTRUNNER® XP CTO and OUTBACK® LTD™ Re-Entry
Catheters to treat artery blockages in the lower leg, a common finding in
patients with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. Both devices
facilitate the placement of a guidewire in minimally invasive procedures
such as angioplasty and stenting of chronic total occlusions (CTO). A CTO
is a complete or nearly complete blockage of an artery that can lead to
surgery or lower leg amputation.
Previously, many patients with CTOs did not have access to
less-invasive procedures, like angioplasty or stenting, to open blockages.
In order to treat CTOs with less-invasive methods, a doctor must first
cross through the blockage. The FRONTRUNNER® XP CTO and OUTBACK®
LTD™ Re-Entry Catheters allow physicians to break through complete
blockages allowing treatment with stents or balloons. By using these
catheters, patients may avoid having to undergo difficult surgeries or even
amputations.
"With the nationwide availability of these devices, many patients with
diabetes or peripheral artery disease may now be able to avoid having
amputations due to serious blockages in their legs," said Dr. Dennis
Donohoe, Wordwide Vice President, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Cordis
Corporation. "These devices provide patients with another treatment option
to open severe blockages through less invasive means."
CTOs can obstruct circulation in vital peripheral arteries, causing
severe pain, skin ulcers, infections and the potential need for amputation.
More than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes are at risk of
amputation of a lower limb. In addition, patients without diabetes who have
peripheral vascular disease may also develop CTOs. Approximately 9 million
people in the U.S. have peripheral vascular disease, and only 725,000
people are diagnosed annually and less than half receive either surgical or
endovascular treatment.
About Cordis Endovascular
Cordis Endovascular is a recognized leader in endovascular research and
development. It has the resources to make breakthrough treatments possible
along with the reputation for delivering trusted, quality products and
value that is expected by our customers. Cordis Endovascular is a worldwide
supplier of interventional and diagnostic medical products including
nitinol and stainless steel stents, vena cava filters, balloon catheters
and accessories. It is committed to serving the cardiology, radiology and
vascular surgery communities through the development of groundbreaking
technologies for the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Cordis
Endovascular constantly seeks solutions to the human anatomy's most
challenging problems, such as carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysm,
superficial femoral artery disease and venous thrombotic disease.
About Cordis Corporation
Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson company, is a worldwide leader
in developing and manufacturing interventional vascular technology. Through
the company's innovation, research and development, physicians worldwide
are better able to treat the millions of patients who suffer from vascular
disease.
Source: Cordis Corporation |
