Improved Delivery of Aortic Stent Grafts

A new system is designed for the delivery of an endoluminal stent graft (ELG) for the minimally invasive treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

The Visiflex delivery system, developed by Endologix (Irvine, CA, USA), is designed to provide improved catheter flexibility in ELG delivery. The system has an integrated radiopaque band marker on the outer sheath and molded component parts that are expected to enhance catheter visibility and facilitate smoother withdrawal in difficult anatomies. The Visiflex delivery system has received the European CE Mark and has also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The new delivery system is designed to be used with the Powerlink ELG system, also developed by Endologix, which features a one-piece bifurcated design to facilitate its use and eliminate the risk of limb detachment. A one-piece cobalt-chromium alloy cage reduces the risk of kinking in tortuous anatomy. The device requires only a small incision in one leg and percutaneous access in the other leg for delivery.

"The new Visiflex delivery system represents one of the measures we are taking to keep on the cutting edge of technology as we continue to expand commercial adoption of the Powerlink System,” said Paul McCormick, president and CEO of Endologix. "While our delivery catheter has been recognized as a key strength of the Powerlink system since initial market introduction, the Visiflex delivery system offers the potential to substantially heighten this awareness among physicians with even greater ease of use.”

AAA is a weakening of the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, resulting in a balloon-like enlargement. Once AAA develops, it continues to enlarge, and if left untreated becomes increasingly susceptible to rupture. The overall patient mortality rate for ruptured AAA is approximately 75%.



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