Maquet Cardiovascular has received the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval and CE mark certification for its new Sensation Plus 50cc 8 Fr intra-aortic balloon (IAB) catheter to treat patients with left ventricular failure and other cardiac conditions.

When the IAB inserted into the patient’s aorta counterpulsates with the heart, it augments coronary blood flow to increase myocardial oxygen supply and decrease myocardial oxygen demand.

The new IAB catheter is equipped with two Stat Lock IAB stabilization devices which allow the catheter to be secured to the patient’s leg without sutures, thus eliminating the risk of suture needle sticks.

Maquet Cardiovascular Marketing and Clinical Services vice president Deb Joseph said they believe that the new Sensation Plus IAB catheter meets the benefits of fiber optic technology; faster initiation of therapy, easier patient management and a crisp, clean arterial pressure wave form with increased hemodynamic support and aids clinicians to provide patients with improved care.