Medtronic launches new Total Across crossing catheter

Medtronic has announced the launch of its new Total Across crossing catheter in Europe after receiving CE Mark approval for the device.

The product is designed for the treatment of peripheral artery disease and can be used to improve blood flow through narrowed or occluded lower-extremity arteries, including those in the especially challenging below-the-knee vessel bed.

It is intended to support a guidewire, including the crossing of a target lesion, during the access of peripheral arteries with obstructive disease, and to allow for wire exchanges. The catheter features a spiral-cut stainless steel hypotube construction and 2-French tapered tip.

The Total Across device has demonstrated its efficacy in clinical trials and is also under regulatory review in the US.

Tony Semedo, senior vice-president at Medtronic and president of the company's endovascular therapies business, said: "We are excited to be introducing this new device in Europe and look forward to bringing it to the US in the near future."

Earlier this week, the company announced a cash dividend increase of eight percent for the fourth quarter of the 2014 fiscal year.