Endologix out of Irvine, California has announced that the company’s Powerlink bilateral stent graft has been implanted in an initial patient in the first FDA-approved study of the device. The delivery of the Powerlink aortic aneurysm repair device is done using the firm’s IntuiTrak system, and unlike some other endovascular stent grafts currently on the market, Powerlink does not require full bilateral femoral cutdowns to introduce and position the device, so everything is done percutaneously.
Features of the Powerlink System from the product page:
Unibody Bifurcated Design. Powerlink stent graft’s one-piece design eliminates many of the challenges associated with multi-piece systems by reducing much of the guidewire manipulation required to assemble a modular system in vivo, thereby simplifying the deployment procedure. Additionally, in the follow-up period there is no risk of limb detachment.
Fully-supported. The main body and limbs of the Powerlink stent graft are fully supported by a cobalt-chromium alloy stent to reduce the risk of kinking.
Self-expanding. The proprietary design expands to the proper size of the target aorta and provides radial force for proper sealing.
Long main body with single-wire construction. The long main body of the stent cage facilitates anatomical fixation in the aorta. The single wire construction of the main body provides a track record of durability.
Unique, minimally invasive techique. The Powerlink System’s unique delivery mechanism requires only a small surgical incision in one leg, whereas other Endoluminal stent-grafts typically need surgical exposure of the femoral artery in both legs to introduce their multiple components. This unique delivery mechanism permits the Powerlink System to be used in patients with one compromised access path.
Press release: Endologix Announces First Patient Treated in PEVAR Clinical Trial…
Product page: Powerlink stent graft…