Irish medical technology firm Medtronic has introduced OptiSphere resorbable embolic platform for embolization of hypervascular tumors in the US.
The embolization spheres, which are manufactured by Teleflex subsidiary Vascular Solutions, are designed as a resorbable embolic alternative treatment option to permanent embolics.
Hypervascular tumors, which are present as malignant or benign, can be observed in various anatomical structures.
Physicians will treat these tumors with various therapies, in addition to using embolization, microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation procedures.
An alternative solution to treat hypervascular tumors, the resorbable microspheres will start to degrade at four weeks post-procedure with significant degradation observed at nine weeks.
The spherical shape of OptiSphere ensures smooth embolic delivery. The product line provides flexibility with two volume options and five size ranges that can be combined in a single procedure to achieve the desired occlusion.
In April 2014, OptiSphere secured 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration.
Medtronic Restorative Therapies Group’s pain therapies interventional business general manager Jeff Cambra said: "Medtronic continues to seek opportunities to expand the therapies we offer to patients and the physicians who treat them.
“We consider this launch to be a win for both sides of the healthcare pathway, as OptiSphere addresses patient concerns of having permanent implanted spheres left behind while enabling physicians to offer an innovative treatment option in their facilities."
Teleflex scientific affairs director Jake Isenburg said: “The development of unique resorbable implants, particularly in the field of embolization, has become one of our core technical competencies at Vascular Solutions and Teleflex.”
Teleflex produces solutions for use in the fields of vascular and interventional access, surgical, anesthesia, cardiac care, urology, emergency medicine and respiratory care.
Based in Dublin, Medtronic provides medical technologies, services and solutions for physicians, hospitals and patients in around 160 countries.
With around 84,000 employees across the world, the firm is focusing on collaborating with stakeholders from various regions of the world to expand solutions of the healthcare sector.
Image: Medtronic operational headquarters. Photo: courtesy of Medtronic.