Boston Scientific to launch new Expect Slimline Needle

Boston Scientific has announced that its new Expect Slimline Needle has received US Food and Drug Administration and European CE Mark approval.

The device is now globally available for endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) procedures and is used to collect tissue samples to diagnose and stage malignancies in organs adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract.

On contract with four leading group purchasing organisations, the needle has been designed to incorporate extensive customer feedback. It features an innovative handle design to maximise precision, comfort and control when acquiring tissue samples during diagnostic procedures.

This will be an important new tool in carrying out EUS-FNA procedures, which are associated with improved survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer, as they enable more informed, stage-appropriate disease management.

David Pierce, president for endoscopy at Boston Scientific, said: "As the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopic devices, we have made it a priority to broaden our product portfolio continually to provide physicians with a variety of device solutions to meet their needs."

This comes in the same week that the company announced the expansion of the launch of its S-ICD System into parts of Asia.