The Globes is reporting that AngioScore Inc., an Israeli company that has developed a new angioplasty catheter “with a component that prevents balloon slippage,” has secured $30 million from a group of VC firms. Company’s flagship product, the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter, has received the European CE Mark in September 2004 for use in the coronary and peripheral arteries, and its Pre-Market Approval (PMA) application for the FDA has been approved in January 2007.
Here’s what the company says about its angioplasty device:
The AngioSculpt® Scoring Balloon Catheter technology was developed to address the clinical and user limitations of conventional balloon angioplasty (POBA) and significantly improve the clinical performance in both peripheral and coronary artery applications. POBA works to dilate the target lesion by compressing the plaque and stretching the arterial wall. This mechanism of action creates pressure and injury (barotrauma) that can lead to irregular tears and splits (dissection) throughout the area of dilatation. POBA dissection rates have been reported as high as 30% or more.
The AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter is comprised of a semi-compliant angioplasty balloon surrounded by a unique nitinol scoring element which works in tandem with the balloon to deliver a “scoring” effect to the target lesion upon balloon inflation. As the balloon inflates, the radial forces are concentrated along the surfaces of the nitinol scoring element. This results in luminal expansion that is precise, predictable, and controlled. Barotrauma is reduced resulting in lower dissection rates. Device slippage, which is commonly seen with POBA and may result in “geographic miss,” is eliminated with the AngioSculpt.
Product page: AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter …
Product Video …
Press release: AngioScore Announces Completion of $30 Million Financing …
