FDA Approves Biosphere Medical Hydrolic Infusion Catheter
BioSphere Medical, Inc. announced in December, 2001 that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for its new product, the EmboCath Hydrophilic Infusion Catheter. The company believes that the new catheter will offer physicians a more targeted and controlled method for delivery of embolic material compared to standard angiographic catheters. The new catheter is meant to be a cost-effective alternative to currently available high-end micro-catheters commonly used in embolotherapy procedures. BioSphere Medical plans to make the new product available by the first quarter of 2002 and will distribute it through its direct field sales organization in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.biospheremed.com/presset.html.
Medtronic Launches RF Contactr(TM) Dual-Curve Catheter
Medtronic, Inc. has just released the Medtronic RF Contactr, in the United States and Europe. The new product is an ablation catheter designed to facilitate the curative treatment of certain heart rhythm problems without major surgery. The catheter features a tip that can deflect 90[degrees] allowing access to hard-to-reach areas. The catheter can be maneuvered from outside the body to a cluster of cells within the heart. The outpatient procedure targets supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs)-abnormally fast heart rhythms originating in the upper chambers of the heart-that produce symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. This procedure is credited with a 90% to 98% success rate in curing most types of SVTs. The Medtronic Contactr dual-curve catheter is designed to provide optimal tip placement, tissue contact, and control to precisely target vital tissue and achieve results safely and efficiently. Its standard proximal curve and unique distal deflection are controlled independently. Distal tip sizes available include the 4 mm (7 French) and 5 mm (8 French) electrode lengths. For more information about the Medtronic RF Contactr, contact: Rachael Scherer, (763) 505-2694, [email protected], or Scott Papillon, (763) 505-2632, [email protected].
Now Medical Huber Plus Safety Infusion Set
Now Medical recently introduced the Huber Plus Safety Infusion Set, to be used with implanted vascular ports. Except for its safety ensemble, the Huber Plus has all of the same standard components as regular, non-safety huber needles. Because its safety feature is positioned on the outside of the needle, the product allows the same flushing protocol and flow rates as non-safety huber needles. In order to provide the most control during insertion, practitioners grasp the tubing at the base of the fin between the middle finger and thumb, with the index finger positioned above the wings. Once removed, the wings lock, serving as mini sharps containers for safer transport and disposal. For more information about how to use the Huber Plus or to order, contact Jack Osborne at (610) 455-0258.
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