Abbott announced the European approval and launch of its TREK(TM) Coronary Dilatation Catheter for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The TREK system represents a new approach to balloon catheter design, and provides physicians with a high-performing option for treating challenging lesions and difficult-to-reach blockages. Abbott received CE Mark for the TREK system earlier this year. The TREK family is a completely re-engineered line of balloon catheters, incorporating many advanced design and technology changes.

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Abbott announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has approved its XIENCE V (R) Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System for the treatment of coronary artery disease. Japan is the second largest drug eluting stent market in the world after the United States, with approximately 200,000 stent procedures performed each year. The company plans to launch XIENCE V in Japan in the upcoming weeks, immediately following final reimbursement authorization.

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A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicated that the use of Abbott Laboratories‘ XIENCE™ V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in patients with coronary artery disease resulted in a 50% reduction in vessel renarrowing. It also showed an observed 42% reduction in major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at one year in the patients using XIENCE V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System, as compared to the TAXUS® Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System.