A new platinum-chromium stent for treating coronary artery disease is being put through its first trials in the US.

The Christ Hospital is the first to test Boston Scientific's new OMEGA Platinum Chromium Bare-Metal Coronary Stent System.

A 68-year-old, the first patient in the clinical trial, is reportedly doing well, according to Fox19.com

Dr Dean Kereiakes, principal investigator for the study and medical director of The Lindner Center for Research and Education and The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Center, explained that the OMEGA stent is an alternative to Boston's other FDA-approved bare metal and drug-eluting stents.

"Although drug-eluting stents currently dominate the market, there are certain patients with coronary artery disease who are not candidates for this type of treatment," he said.

"We are testing the new alloy and design of the OMEGA bare metal coronary stent for improved deliverability and functionality as an alternative for these patients."

The OMEGA Stent System received CE Mark approval in March 2011 and is part of Boston's platinum-chromium stent series, which includes the ION Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent System and the PROMUS Element Everolimus-Eluting Stent System.

It has already been used in the UK at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and Boston expects to win FDA approval next year.

The OMEGA is offered in 48 sizes, ranging in diameter from 2.25 mm to 4.50 mm and lengths of 8 mm to 32 mm.

Sources:

The Christ Hospital first to test new stent (06/12/11)

Boston Scientific Announces European Approval and Launch of OMEGA™ Platinum Chromium Stent System (07/03/11)
Source:

Boston Scientific Announces First Implantations of OMEGA(TM) Platinum Chromium Coronary Stent System in the UK (23/03/11)


Boston Scientific Begins Clinical Trial Enrollment for OMEGA™ Platinum Chromium Stent System (05/10/11) 

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