Devax, from Irvine, California, has received CE approval for its AXXESS Biolimus A9 eluting coronary bifurcation stent. Stenosis of the coronary bifurcation is relatively common due to atherosclerosis developing at branch points because of turbulence and high shear stress. According to studies by Devax, lesions located at vessel bifurcations increase the frequency of major adverse cardiac events by as much as 40% compared to lesions in straight vessel segments. From the press release:
The Devax AXXESS System technology is a proprietary self-expanding Nitinol stent specifically designed for the treatment of coronary and vascular bifurcation lesions. The conical shape of the stent is designed to conform to the bifurcation anatomy and provide full access to both branches for additional interventional procedures. Devax has licensed the drug Biolimus A9 and bioabsorbable coating from Biosensors International Group.
Below the fold is an animation of the stent being placed and links to further info:
Press release: Devax Receives CE Mark for the AXXESS™ Drug Eluting Bifurcation Stent
Product page: Devax AXXESS