Medical devices maker Spectranetics has received an FDA approval for the new advanced GlideLight Laser Sheath that is used for removal of cardiac leads.
The company claims GlideLight delivers more precise control to reduce the force for safe lead extraction and requires 55% less force compared to its current laser sheath, the SLS II.
Cleveland Clinic Director of Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices Bruce Wilkoff said mechanical force is a leading cause of complications during lead extraction, and reduced force improves the control for safely removing leads.
"It is particularly important to have control when breaking up tough binding sites," Wilkoff added.
The company plans a limited market release of GlideLight in order to gain early experience before broader controlled launch.