Medtronic Launches Fortrex Balloon Catheter in U.S.

Medtronic has launched its Fortrex over-the-wire percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon catheter in the U.S., the Irish devicemaker announced Wednesday.

The catheter works by applying pressure to break up blockages and open vessels, the company says. The treatment is meant for patients undergoing hemodialysis for renal disease and kidney failure.

Unlike other balloon catheters, the Fortrex doesn’t lose its shape, which allows it to continually apply pressure on the lesion blocking AV access, says Dr. Brian L. Dunfee, interventional radiologist, Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne, Fla. — Jason Scott