Covidien reports positive data from Durability Iliac study

Covidien has announced positive data from Durability Iliac, a new study assessing the benefits of the EverFlex and Protege GPS self-expanding stent systems.

Nine-month results from the trial have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of these devices for the treatment of lesions of the common and external iliac arteries, with a 100 percent success rate and the primary endpoint being met with no major adverse events at 30 days.

The stent systems demonstrated strong patency rates even in difficult-to-treat calcified lesions in patients with iliac disease, while also improving blood flow, reducing pain and helping patients to regain mobility and improve healing.

Dr Mark Turco, chief medical officer for vascular therapies at Covidien, said: "The iliac indication for the EverFlex stent will provide physicians and patients with a broader solution for treating peripheral vascular disease."

The products are nitinol stent systems that expand to a predetermined diameter to restore blood flow.

Covidien announced these findings in the same week that it confirmed its financial results for the fourth quarter of its 2014 fiscal year, during which it greatly exceeded expectations, delivering year-on-year sales growth of seven percent.