St. Jude Medical released in Japan its brand new ILUMIEN OPTIS, a combination of fractional flow reserve (FFR) and intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in one system. The ILUMIEN OPTIS provides two very different views, a 3D visual reconstruction of the vessel walls with OCT and pressure based one with FFR, of a stenosis, allowing physicians to make quick decisions about which size stents to use. The system uses St. Jude’s PressureWire guidewire to perform FFR and a Dragonfly JP imaging catheter for OCT. It comes with new stent placement planning software that combines data from both modalities for more effective stenting.
St. Jude expects to launch ILUMIEN OPTIS in the U.S. and Europe some time during the first half of this year.
The PressureWire™ Aeris™ Wireless FFR Measurement System collects detailed analyses of blood flow blockages in the coronary vessels to help determine which specific blockages are causing the patient’s blood flow to be ineffective. The FFR pressure guidewire is directed through the coronary arteries and across the narrowed vessel, taking measurements as the guidewire is pulled back through the narrowed part of the artery.
The OCT technology in the new ILUMIEN OPTIS system uses the Dragonfly™ JP Imaging Catheter to capture near-infrared light imaging and measure important vessel characteristics otherwise invisible or difficult to assess with older intracoronary imaging tools. New high resolution setting and real-time, three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction with the ILUMIEN OPTIS provide a 360-degree panoramic view of the vessel, which makes it easier for physicians to visualize the anatomy they are treating.
The FFR and OCT measurements captured by the ILUMIEN OPTIS system allow physicians to more easily differentiate plaque build-up and determine if the narrowed arteries are causing ischemia, or a restriction in blood flow, ultimately assisting in stent placement. Three-Dimensional representation enables better visualization in preparation for stenting and evaluation of the stent’s position once placed. These advanced functionalities have previously only been available off-line. Three-Dimensional vessel reconstruction offers a better picture, and real-time analysis streamlines workflow, potentially helping physicians diagnose their patients more quickly.
Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces Launch of 3-D Vessel Reconstruction Technology in Japan
