Originally Published EMDM
March/April 2004
Technology News
Segmental Compression Technology Enters Catheterization Labs |
| Designed for crimping and loading stents with living tissues in catheterization labs, the HV100 comprises a sterilizable base and disposable segmental crimping mechanism. |
Segmental compression technology is at the heart of a line of equipment that fully or partially automates catheter and stent production processes. The proprietary crimping mechanism developed by
Machine Solutions Inc. (MSI; Flagstaff, AZ, USA) provides an even, repeatable radial compression for stent-crimping and balloon-folding applications. MSI has adapted the technique to a new device that crimps and loads living-tissue products. It will have its international premiere in March at MEDTEC in Stuttgart, Germany.
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has made great strides in recent years. It will continue to progress as patients demand the use of less-invasive techniques. Current minimally invasive stent placement procedures also will drive innovation, says James P. Kasprzyk, director of global marketing. “Several leading clinical investigators in Europe rely on labour-intensive hand loading to place stents with living-tissue components attached,” he says. The HV100 crimping mechanism offers an alternative.
The device precisely reduces the diameter of large stents that have living tissue attached to them. To preserve tissue integrity, the instrument operates partially submerged in a saline solution. The stent is crimped and loaded into a delivery system in the catheterization lab prior to the procedure. Precise stent and tissue reduction is critical to the success of the operation. It also ensures that the stent expands evenly when it has been placed in the patient.
The HV100 provides consistent, repeatable radial compression and can be operated by a single person. Its small footprint makes it suitable for use in laboratory and bedside settings. The base unit is sterilizable, while the segmental compression mechanism is designed for a single use.
MSI’s initial customers likely will match the size of the disposable mechanism with their living-tissue stent products and package them together, says Kasprzyk. “We anticipate that this will be similar to the way in which stent and catheter companies currently sell accessory products such as inflation devices and y connectors.” The sterilizable base will be sold directly to catheterization labs, he adds, probably by device OEMs.
Norbert
Sparrow
Copyright ©2004 European Medical Device Manufacturer
