Cook Medical helps to develop new biliary technique

Cook Medical has highlighted a new biliary technique that can now be performed using its newly launched full biliary biopsy set.

The company recently partnered with interventional radiologist Dr Kam Mangat in developing a new method for establishing access for drainage procedures and perform biopsies of biliary blockages, in order to treat obstructive jaundice.

This technique utilises Cook's EchoTip needles to provide visibility under ultrasound, the Aprima Access set for entry into the biliary tree, the Flexor sheath for positioning against the stricture, and biopsy forceps for use in tissue sampling.

It was shown that this method can deliver more accurate tissue diagnoses, while physicians can use the transluminal biliary biopsy forceps set to perform two procedures in one go.

Dan Sirota, vice-president of the interventional radiology and critical care divisions at Cook Medical, said: "We've always had a strong appreciation for the level of patient care provided by interventional radiologists."

Earlier this month, the company launched a new trial assessing the performance of its Zilver Vena venous self-expanding stent in treating symptomatic iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction.