Strong but Flexible Stent Treats Renal Artery Disease

The device works by delivering a cobalt chromium-alloy stent premounted on a balloon tip catheter via percutaneous (femoral) access of the vascular bed. The stent is then advanced over a guidewire positioned across the lesion and deployed from the delivery catheter by inflation of the premounted balloon.

The system includes the balloon expandable L605 cobalt chromium-alloy stent, premounted on a rapid exchange (RX) stent delivery system; it is available in diameters ranging from 4 mm to 7 mm (including half sizes) and lengths of 12 mm, 15 mm, and 18 mm. Two radiopaque markers located underneath the balloon mark working length. Proximal shaft markers aid with delivery catheter position, relative to a renal guiding catheter tip. A third marker--located approximately 30 cm from the center of the balloon--aids in locating the guide wire exit lumen, facilitating catheter removal and exchange. The RX Herculink Elite Renal Stent System is a product of Abbott Vascular (Temecula, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The notable low restenosis rate and beneficial impact on blood pressure support renal artery stenting as an important treatment option that can have a major impact on patient care,” said Charles Simonton, MD, vice president of medical affairs and chief medical officer of Abbott Vascular. “FDA approval of RX Herculink Elite is an important milestone that reflects Abbott's commitment to developing and providing patients with the very best therapies to advance endovascular care.”

Renal artery stenosis is the narrowing of one or both arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. The majority of cases are caused by atherosclerosis, where plaque accumulates in the arterial walls and causes them to stiffen and narrow, leading to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. This can result in hypertension that is persistent, severe, and difficult to control with medication alone. Over time, patients can develop kidney failure and are at increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

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