Volcano Corp, a developer and manufacturer of cardiovascular devices, has entered into a distribution agreement with AngioScore for its AngioSculpt PTCA Scoring Balloon Catheter for coronary indications in Japan. With the agreement, Volcano continues to expand suite of devices that include both PCI guidance and therapy.
Under the terms of the exclusive, five-year distribution agreement, Volcano will distribute the entire line of AngioSculpt PTCA Scoring Balloon Catheters and any new, modified or next generation PTCA products.
Volcano claimed that the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter represents the next generation in angioplasty catheters. Its nitinol element provides anti-slipping properties while circumferentially dilating plaque, providing a precise and predictable dilatation across a wide range of lesion types. The AngioSculpt provides the versatility and effectiveness of a new technology together with the simplicity and deliverability of a high-performance balloon catheter.
Scott Huennekens, president and CEO of Volcano, said: “This relationship between Volcano and AngioScore combines two technologies: Visualization with Volcano’s intravascular imaging products to build a lesion specific strategy; and tailored therapy with the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter to deliver a targeted treatment for that specific type of lesion.
“The concept of precision-guided therapy using intravascular imaging has already taken hold in Japan where the technique is used in more than 70% of all PCI procedures. Our distribution of the AngioSculpt device gives us access to both parts of the equation imaging and therapy.”
Thomas Trotter, president and CEO of AngioScore, said: “We are excited about teaming with Volcano, particularly with the Volcano Japan sales organization. Over the past 18 months, Volcano has built one of the largest direct sales organizations in Japan of any company developing intravascular imaging devices.
“Volcano’s leadership in education related to disease progression, and their valued presence in the cath lab, will help make the most of their product portfolio, which now includes the AngioSculpt PTCA Scoring Balloon Catheter.”