Enhanced Plaque Removal in Peripheral Artery Disease

The SilverHawk LS-M and the SilverHawk MS-M catheters utilize a tiny rotating blade to shave plaque from artery walls and a reservoir nosecone to collect the excised plaque from the patient. The two new catheters include micro efficient compression (MEC) technology, which includes precision laser-drilled vent holes in the tip of the catheter. The micro vent holes release fluid pressure, providing more space for the collection of tissue in the tip of the device. The new technology has the potential to reduce overall procedure time, by enabling physicians to increase tissue collection during plaque removal procedures in large vessels above the knee. In vitro bench test results have demonstrated up to a 30% increase in tissue capture per insertion compared to other SilverHawk devices. The new devices are part of the SilverHawk plaque excision system, manufactured by ev3 (Plymouth, MN, USA).

"The SilverHawk LS-M and MS-M will allow physicians to treat patients more efficiently in plaque removal procedures for patients suffering from PAD,” said Jim Corbett, chairman and CEO of ev3. "The design of these devices, along with unique MEC Technology, is expected to be the workhorse for above the knee procedures. We are committed to providing the necessary tools for physicians to continue to move patient treatments forward and are excited to be able to provide this latest advancement in PAD care.”

PAD is a condition that occurs when plaque accumulates in the arteries and blocks blood flow in the legs. These blockages can result in severe leg pain, very limited physical mobility, and ultimately, can lead to amputation.


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