Designed and manufactured by IMDS, these devices feature breakthrough technology to target maintained perfusion during procedures, improved trapping experience and optimized trans-radial compatibility.
BIOTRONIK today announces the launch of the latest innovations in guide extension catheters: FlowGuide and Guidion Short. These new devices have been developed to offer enhanced support and to facilitate the delivery of devices during complex vascular interventions. The catheters introduce key elements, such as perfusion holes in the distal shaft of the FlowGuide catheter, and a transradial access and trapping friendly design for both new products. Through our collaboration with IMDS, the FlowGuide and Guidion Short catheters expand BIOTRONIK’s portfolio of high-performance devices dedicated to complex PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) such as the TrapIT, NHancer Rx, and ReCross. Developed and manufactured by IMDS (Interventional Medical Device Solutions), they are distributed by BIOTRONIK in selected countries.
The nine circumferential perfusion holes* in the distal shaft of the FlowGuide catheter are designed to maintain optimal blood flow to distal vessels and side branches1, thereby reducing the risk of pressure damping and procedure induced-ischemia1. The FlowGuide catheter is optimized for procedures performed via trans-radial access1, as it features a shorter2 15 cm distal shaft and a flexible section of the push rod called the Guide Zone. These two features offer, in conjunction, conformability and ease-of-use, even when facing curved vessel configurations. Additionally, the catheter is equipped with a 1.3 mm radiopaque soft tip and a radiopaque marker in the transition zone, both serving as useful angiographic landmarks.
The Guidion Short catheter, which offers the same platform innovation as the FlowGuide catheter, without perfusion holes, is intended for procedures in which avoiding antegrade flow may be desired e.g. for CTO procedures. The shorter distal shaft and radiopaque marker in the transition zone simplify the use of over-the-wire (OTW) devices by facilitating trapping, whilst keeping the guide extension in place. Its seamless compatibility with the TrapIT device makes it ideal for chronic total occlusions (CTO) procedures.1
“The FlowGuide and Guidion Short catheters are devices that respond to unmet needs in the cath lab, that we formerly had to accept or simply learn to deal with,” says PD Dr. Stylianos Pyxaras, Klinikum Fürth, Germany. “Maintaining a sufficient amount of coronary perfusion while using a guide extension catheter that in addition reduces challenges when transitioning a stent or balloon into the distal shaft is of added value, as is the crossability needed during challenging PCI. The innovation that both tools introduce in daily practice is promising, thanks to their practicality from the operators’ perspective, but more importantly, for their potential to optimise patient care.”
“We’re excited to introduce the FlowGuide and Guidion Short catheters into our class-leading complex coronary intervention portfolio, says Stuart Perks, Vice President Marketing at BIOTRONIK Vascular Intervention. “IMDS have again demonstrated their technical expertise and innovation, by introducing a novel technology platform that forms the structural backbone of these products and translates into meaningful benefits for users.”
FlowGuide and Guidion Short extension catheters are commercially available from BIOTRONIK in selected CE-mark accepting countries.
References:
*Optimal perfusion performance dependent on the relative position of the perfusion holes.
1. IMDS data on file.
2. FlowGuide and Guidion Short catheters: 15 cm, Others: 25 cm (Guideliner V3, Guidezilla II, Telescope).
FlowGuide, Guidion, TrapIT, NHancer and ReCross are trademarks or registered trademarks of IMDS. Guideliner, Guidezilla and Telescope are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
More information:
Learn more about FlowGuide and Guidion Short guide extension catheters.
