US-based medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific has introduced its next generation intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter, called OptiCross, in the US, Europe and Japan following regulatory approvals.
OptiCross is designed to be compatible with the Boston Scientific iLab ultrasound imaging system and can be used in coronary procedures of complex nature.
It is claimed to offer better deliverability and higher resolution imaging of inside coronary arteries, which will inturn help interventional cardiologists to gain additional information and take important treatment decisions.
Boston Scientific imaging vice president and general manager Isaac Zacharias noted that the OptiCross catheter demonstrates the company's commitment to advancing intravascular imaging technology and represents the first of a series of related innovations expected to launch in the next 18 months.
"An increase in complex PCIs, coupled with a growing focus on data-driven improvements in outcomes, show that IVUS technology should play a more important role," Zacharias added.
The IVUS system features 5 French guide catheter compatibility, a shorter, tapered tip, a bi-segmented catheter shaft and a redesigned catheter hub for ease of connection.
The advantages of IVUS-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were emphasized at TCT 2012 and the outcomes of the ADAPT-DES IVUS sub-study were presented at EuroPCR in May.
