Covidien launches Halo60 ablation catheter for Barrett’s oesophagus

Covidien has announced the launch of a new ablation catheter system for the endoscopic treatment of Barrett's oesophagus.

The Halo60 ablation catheter, manufactured by the company's recently acquired subsidiary Barrx Medical, is smaller than previous additions to this product line and delivers energy in such a way as to remove diseased tissue while facilitating growth of healthy cells.

It can be used either in conjunction with the existing Halo90 focal device and the Halo360Plus endoscopic ablation system or independently.

Covidien has already introduced the new product in the US, Canada, Australia and certain European nations, with further launches planned later this year.

Robert Haggerty, vice-president for global marketing at Barrx, said: "The Halo60 system is an exciting development for patients with Barrett's oesophagus and for the gastroenterologists and endoscopic surgeons who care for these patients."

Last month, the company announced that its Solitaire FR revascularisation device is to be used in a new international trial for ischemic stroke, designed to support the system's application for US regulatory approval.