St. Jude’s ILUMIEN OPTIS PCI Optimization System with FFR, OCT Cleared in EU

St. Jude Medical‘s new ILUMIEN OPTIS PCI Optimization System, a tool for assessing the state of coronary arteries before stent placement, has received European approval to begin distribution on the continent.

The ILUMIEN platform combines Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) for measuring intra-arterial pressure with intravascular Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for a visual look inside arteries. The new OPTIS PCI system features a new, faster laser that delivers twice the resolution of previous models and additional guidance algorithms that aid with stent placement.

From St. Jude:

“OCT technology has become increasingly important to help diagnose and treat patients with coronary artery disease. The ILUMIEN OPTIS system is a significant advancement in intravascular imaging technology allowing physicians to comprehensively assess more vessel in less time and more easily plan their PCI procedure. The three-dimensional format of the ILUMIEN OPTIS system provides a more true-to-life perspective of the arteries, which allows for individual decision making and precise guidance of stent placement to optimize coronary interventions, said Dr. Giulio Guagliumi, Cardiovascular Department of Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy.

The OCT technology in the new ILUMIEN OPTIS system uses the Dragonfly™ Duo Imaging Catheter to capture near-infrared light imaging and measure important vessel characteristics otherwise invisible or difficult to assess with older imaging technology. When used with the ILUMIEN OPTIS system, the Dragonfly Duo catheter offers faster, longer pull-backs, which allow the physician to assess more of the patient’s artery in less time.

The wireless PressureWire™ Aeris™ technology that is integrated into the platform measures pressure differences in blood flow within the coronary arteries leading to the heart, and determines the severity of any narrowings or blockages. The FFR pressure guidewire is directed along the vessel, taking measurements as the guidewire is pulled back through the artery. Knowing which specific blockages are causing the patient’s blood flow to be ineffective helps guide the interventional cardiologist in determining which lesions warrant stenting, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced health care costs.

Flashback: St. Jude’s ILUMIEN OPTIS Combination FFR/OCT System for Stent Placement Unveiled in Japan

Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces European Approval of 3-D Vessel Reconstruction Technology to Aid Physicians in Stent Placement…