New device is first-of-its-kind for internal iliac aneurysm repair without blocking blood flow through the iliac artery
William Cook Australia has taken another major step forward in the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.
The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft, a new product using Cook's groundbreaking Zenith anchored endograft technology, has received CE Marking approval in Europe, allowing its distribution in the European Union and other countries that recognise the CE Mark.
The Zenith Branch Graft is the world's only endovascular graft specifically designed to treat aortic aneurysms while preserving blood flow to the internal iliac artery.
This milestone is a further example of Cook's unmatched commitment to providing physicians with the industry's only comprehensive set of endografts and accessories for treating aneurysms and other disorders along the entire length of the aorta.
Matt Thompson, professor of vascular surgery at St George's NHS Trust, comments: "The launch of the branch graft technology for the internal iliac artery represents further evolution of minimally invasive techniques for the treatment of abdominal aneurysms.
"Many aortic aneurysms involve the internal iliac arteries.
"Until the evolution of branch technology, these blood vessels were blocked off, which occasionally resulted in severe pain on walking.
"The alternative was to offer these patients conventional surgery, which has three times the mortality of the endovascular procedure.
"Introduction of the branch technology will allow these patients to be treated with endovascular techniques with the advantages of reduced mortality and quicker recovery".
Used in conjunction with the proven Zenith AAA Graft and Zenith Iliac Leg Grafts, the Zenith branch graft allows treatment of the iliac aneurysm without the need for iliac embolisation.
By preserving the blood flow to the iliac artery, the graft reduces the potential for blockage-related problems.
"As many as one in five patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms also present with iliac aneurysms.
"The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft brings cutting-edge clinical developments to a cohort of patients who may not have otherwise been candidates for iliac aneurysm repair," said Barry Thomas, global leader of Cook's endovascular therapy products division.
"We expect the Zenith Branch Graft to provide an important clinical option to European physicians treating aneurysm patients who cannot be treated using standard, off-the-shelf endograft components.
"We hope to make this exciting technology available in the USA in the very near future".
The Zenith Branch Endovascular Graft is an investigational device not approved for sale in the USA.
