Cordis Introduces Fire Star Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter

Cordis, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, announced the European launch of its Fire Star Rx PTCA dilatation catheter, which features the lowest pre-dilatation balloon profile in the market, the company said. The device will be introduced in other regions later in the year, it added.
 
The Fire Star Rx (Rapid Exchange) PTCA (Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty) is designed to facilitate angioplasty procedures to re-open narrowed or blocked areas in arteries, usually prior to the placement of a stent, Cordis said. It is also suitable for use in highly stenosed lesions (arteries severely narrowed by build-up of plaque) and bifurcations (divisions of arteries into two branches), the company said.

The Fire Star Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter also offers a controlled balloon expansion for accurate dilatation of arteries, Cordis said. It has a soft and tapered tip to facilitate crossing stent struts and calcified lesions, while its shaft construction minimizes the risk of “kinking,” or twisting back on itself. The device has a lubricating coating and is available in various lengths and diameters, Cordis said.