WL Gore and Associates stent-graft system receives first EU use

WL Gore and Associates has welcomed the first European clinical use of a stent-graft device using a newly approved lower profile delivery system.

The Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis with Propaten Bioactive Surface has been implanted by clinicians at the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in Italy using the system in order to percutaneously treat peripheral artery disease.

Dr Enrico Vecchiati, who performed the surgical procedure, said the reduced profile of the device makes it easier for use in cases in which it is important to keep the access site small.

"If we consider that the product includes the heparin-bonded surface, we can expect greater patient outcomes combined with easy endovascular approach and delivery," he added.

According to the manufacturer, the CE Mark-approved stent-graft represents the only product of its kind in Europe.

The Viabahn Endoprosthesis unit itself has been available for sale in the EU since December 2008 and is the successor to the older Hemobahn Endoprosthesis model.