Medtronic, Inc. has announced the U.S. market launch of the Sprinter Legend (semicompliant) and the NC Sprinter (noncompliant) balloon dilatation catheters on a rapid exchange delivery system. Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Sprinter Legend balloon catheter provides the latest innovations in balloon technology and is equipped to address difficult lesions in coronary angioplasty procedures. The Sprinter Legend balloon catheter features the lowest pre-dilatation profiles, making it suitable for use in challenging lesions, as well as allowing for the use of two balloons simultaneously in a small, guide catheter.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the 510(k) clearance Interrad Medical, Inc.’s SecurAcath(TM) PICC with Subcutaneous Securement System. The novel method for catheter securement uses a small anchor which is deployed in the subcutaneous tissue just under the skin to hold an indwelling catheter firmly in place. The catheters, currently in use, are secured on the surface of the skin of the patient using adhesive devices. The SecurAcath system also reduces the time for catheter maintenance, bringing down the costs related to it. The risk of infection related to catheter is also lowered by improved cleaning of exit site and minimizing the motion.