Abbott commences new Absorb clinical trial

Abbott has announced the commencement of a new international clinical trial evaluating the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold for the treatment of critical limb ischemia.

The Absorb BTJK study will aim to assess the safety and efficacy of the medical device in the treatment of below-the-knee critical limb ischemia, by assessing up to 90 patients at as many as ten sites around Europe and New Zealand.

Absorb is able to restore blood flow by opening blocked vessels and providing support for approximately two years, after which point the device will dissolve.

This can help to prevent a medical condition that can often lead to limb amputation due to a lack of blood flow to the extremities, while foregoing the need for a permanent metallic implant.

Dr Charles Simonton, divisional vice-president for medical affairs and chief medical officer at Abbott Vascular, said: "Our efforts to apply this technology to the treatment of vascular diseases beyond coronary artery disease underscore our continued commitment to developing innovative products to improve vascular care for patients."

Last month, the company announced that its new Healon EndoCoat ophthalmic viscosurgical device, for use in cataract extraction procedures, has been granted European CE Mark approval.