Collaboration on Carotid Stenting

A collaboration in the area of carotid stenting is the result of a series of agreements between Boston Scientific Corp. (Natick, MA, USA) and Endotex Interventional Systems, Inc. (Cupertino, CA, USA). The agreements provide for Boston Scientific to make an equity investment in Endotex, which will grant Boston Scientific an exclusive option to acquire the company. In addition, the two companies will collaborate on clinical trials that combine the Endotex carotid stent (Nexstent) with Boston Scientific's Filterwire embolic protection device. Boston will also serve as the primary distributor for Endotex in international markets.

Endotex develops and manufactures less-invasive medical devices for use in the vascular system. Its principal focus is on Nexstent, a self-expanding carotid stent made of nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy. Boston Scientific has helped pioneer a less-invasive carotid stent with its Carotid Monorail Wallstent, constructed of chromium alloy and now in a clinical trial. Combining Endotex's Nexstent with Boston's carotid stenting technologies may bolster Boston's position in the stent market. Boston's Filterwire device is used to capture embolic material dislodged during cardiovascular interventions, which could otherwise travel through the bloodstream to the heart or brain.

"Boston Scientific believes that carotid stenting with embolic protection will become a viable option for patients with carotid disease,” said Paul LaViolette, president, Boston Scientific Cardiovascular.”Our assessment of Endotex's stent suggests that its rolled sheet design may provide a novel alternative for those clinicians who prefer nitinol stents.”




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