New Angioplasty Catheters for Below-the-Knee Arteries

Two new catheters target the interventional treatment of atherosclerotically narrowed or occluded leg arteries below the knee.

The Amphirion Plus percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheter has an over-the-wire diameter of 0.3556 mm and possesses a wide inflation pressure range, which reaches up to 2026.5 kPa or 20 atmospheres (rated burst pressure) for all sizes--from 2 mm to 4 mm in diameter and through 120 mm in length. In addition to a versatile working range and size offering, the device’s fast inflation-deflation time provides an efficient angioplasty solution for common below-the-knee cases. The Amphirion Deep PTA Balloon Catheter, on the other hand, targets lesions in arteries below the ankle.

The design and features of the two devices reflect the distinct anatomical characteristics of the vessels that each one targets. Together, they represent a comprehensive solution for below-the-knee interventions, with the former targeting lesions between the knee and the ankle (where the blood vessels tend to be relatively straight and very often include calcifications), and the latter targeting lesions below the ankle (where the blood vessels tend to be more tortuous and smaller in diameter). The Amphirion catheters are products of Medtronic (Fridley, MN, USA), and have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The Amphirion Plus Balloon features outstanding pushability and crossability characteristics and exceptional inflation-deflation performance,” said Nezar Falluji, MD, an interventional cardiologist at St. Joseph Cardiology Associates (Lexington, KY, USA), who performed the first case with the new device worldwide. “Its innovative design has made the Amphirion family of PTA balloons excellent tools in the management of critical limb ischemia and below-the-knee intervention.”

PAD below the knee often causes critical limb ischemia (CIL), in which poor blood circulation in the calf, ankle, foot, and toes can lead to ulcerated sores, amputation, and premature death. Risk factors include a history of smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Its clinical impact on health varies by anatomical location.

Related Links:
Medtronic
St. Joseph Cardiology Associates