Cook Medical presents promising data on aortic dissection treatment

Cook Medical has published initial data from a study that illustrates the promise of its new endovascular treatment system for aortic dissection.

Early results from the Stable clinical trial suggest that Cook's system – which uses an uncovered stent to provide support for an endograft sealing the torn aortic section – could be a safe and effective treatment option.

Presently, aortic dissections pose a life-threatening risk to patients, requiring highly invasive surgical procedures that involve opening the chest cavity and implanting a graft.

Phil Nowell, vice-president and global leader of Cook Medical's aortic intervention strategic business unit, said the new data represents an "important step forward" for the currently unapproved treatment.

"Open surgery to repair dissection can take a devastating toll on a patient and we hope the Stable trial final results support an endovascular solution," he added.

Mr Nowell was promoted to the position of vice-president of Cook's aortic intervention unit earlier this month, having led the division since February 2008.