Medtronic announces EU launch of Euphora balloon catheter

Medtronic has announced the European launch of its new Euphora Semicompliant Balloon Dilatation Catheter, for the treatment of coronary lesions.

The device has received European CE Mark approval and features a number of key design advancements, including a delivery system with PowerTrac technology, ultra-slim balloon material, a tapered proprietary inner shaft design and an optimised mini-wrap.

It has also been designed with significantly improved insertion and retraction force, enhanced crossability and environmentally-friendly packaging design.

Pre-dilatation with a semicompliant balloon helps physicians determine lesion characteristics, stent selection and facilitates stent access to the lesions, which is a particularly crucial step in complex cases.

Jason Weidman, vice-president and general manager of the Medtronic coronary business, said: "The Euphora family of balloons is a giant leap forward in balloon technology and builds upon our successful multi-brand strategy, which includes offering premium products at premium prices to help meet different customer needs."

This expands the company's interventional portfolio of medical devices and is the latest in a series of 12 new product introductions planned over the next two years.