InfraReDx has received FDA clearance for its InfraReDx LipiScan catheter imaging system used to see inside a blood vessel to assess the fat content of plaque that builds up on coronary artery walls. The device uses infrared imaging to determine how much fat and other substances are in the plaque on arterial walls by measuring light reflected back from the walls of an artery into which a catheter with a fiber-optic laser was inserted. The device is cleared for physicians who evaluate patients with coronary heart disease symptoms during a heart test known as cardiac angiography.

 Medtronic Inc. has received CE marking approval for the Defender embolic protection filter to be used during minimally invasive procedures in carotid arteries and saphenous vein grafts. The filter acts as a basket during the stenting procedure, allowing sufficient blood flow while trapping embolic debris. Without this protection, the debris can flow into other portions of blood vessels and lead to stroke.