Embolx Announces FDA Clearance for Next Generation Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter

Embolx, a new medical device company out of Silicon Valley, develops microcatheters for arterial endoembolization procedures, and now their next-generation Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter will be available in the US. The new family of microcatheters shows significant improvement over previous devices, and offers physicians enhanced performance features to make it easier to navigate through small vascular structures.

The Embolx Sniper’s balloon occludes the vessel to alter blood flow-dynamics using a method called pressure-directed embolization (see video below). It is currently used for the treatment of cancerous tumors in the liver and other organs, enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia), and uterine fibroids. This therapy allows the delivery of drugs and embolic agents to only targeted treatment areas, while protecting surrounding healthy tissues.

“Our next generation devices incorporate experience from more than 1,000 Sniper balloon occlusion microcatheters used to date,” said Michael Allen, president and CEO of Embolx. “Now, interventional radiologists can do everything they would do with standard microcatheters, but with the added benefits of balloon occlusion. This is a big step forward and provides physicians with the most advanced transarterial delivery system for tumor and prostate treatment.”

The Sniper comes in three lengths – 110 cm, 130 cm and 150 cm – enabling access to femoral and radial arterial sites. Improvements in the microcatheter’s atraumatic tip allow for smooth entry and easy visualization thanks to the radiopaque material. The Sniper is also compatible with conventional diagnostic catheters, guidewires, and embolic agents, so physicians don’t require additional accessories.

Here’s a video explaining pressure-directed embolization:

Product page: Sniper Balloon Occlusion Microcatheter…

Via: Embolx…