Biotronik launches Pantera Pro coronary balloon catheter in Europe

Biotronik has announced the European launch of its new Pantera Pro semicompliant coronary balloon dilatation catheter, which offers superior reach and enhanced crossability.

The new balloon received CE Mark approval in January and has been designed specifically to improve access to difficult lesions and challenging patient anatomies, thanks to its slim shoulder design and hydrophilic coating.

Based on the initial dilatation procedures performed using the device, physicians have indicated that Pantera Pro performs better in 68 percent of cases than other semi-compliant balloons.

This is the latest addition to the growing Biotronik coronary balloon portfolio, following on from the recent launches of the Pantera Leo non-compliant and the Pantera Lux drug-coated balloons.

Dr Alexander Uhl, vice-president for marketing at Biotronik's vascular intervention division, said: "The first users of Pantera Pro have discovered this workhorse balloon demonstrates excellent pushability and crossability, even in tight lesions."

Last month, the firm reported data from a recent clinical trial of its Passeo-18 Lux drug-coated balloon, showing its effectiveness in treating de novo and restenotic femoropopliteal lesions.