Covidien received FDA clearance for its new Fortrex over-the-wire percutaneous transluminal angioplasty balloon catheter that helps treat blocked arterovenous access sites in dialysis patients . The device, at .035″ (.089 cm) in width, is narrow enough to be used in the peripheral vasculature and can help maintain access during hemodialysis.

Some of the features of the device according to Covidien’s announcement:

-Optimized balloon delivery: Fortrex™ PTA balloon’s low tip entry profile and robust, flexible shaft design combine to enable tight tracking to the wire and successful navigation in tortuous vessels.

-Predictable and targeted treatment: The balloon material and design permit shape retention at rated burst pressure, ensuring focused pressure on the lesion for controlled, targeted and predictable treatment.

-Procedural efficiency: The combination of balloon material and wall thickness enables reliable balloon rewrap and reinsertion along with a top tier deflation time, all of which contribute to the efficiency of the procedure

Source:Covidien