Boston Scientific Corporation has begun a phased launch of its PROMUS Element Everolimus-Eluting Platinum Chromium Coronary Stent System in China.

It comes after the firm received approval for the stent from the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration.

The device features the company's third-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) technology, incorporating an innovative platinum chromium alloy.

Dr Runlin Gao, of the Cardiovascular Institute and Fu Wai Hospital in Beijing, says the unique platinum chromium alloy "addresses many of the limitations found in older stent alloys".

He adds: "In my clinical experience, I have found it to offer performance advantages in flexibility, visibility and deliverability. It will be an important additional treatment option for the growing incidence of coronary artery disease in China."

Boston Scientific is keen to expand into China, as it represents one of the world's fastest-growing DES markets and second in terms of size to the US.

It estimates the number of coronary drug-eluting stents implanted there in 2011 will be approximately 560,000, with annual market growth exceeding 20 per cent.

Source:

Boston Scientific Launches Promus Element™ Stent System In China (17/10/11) 

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