A drug-eluting stent system which incorporates a platinum chromium alloy has been launched and implanted in patients in Europe for the first time.

Developed by Boston Scientific, the TAXUS Element Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System features an innovative stent design and advanced catheter delivery system.

The company is rolling out the technology across Europe after it received CE Mark approval last month, with a specific indication for the treatment of diabetics.

Dr Corrado Tamburino, Chair of the Cardiology Department at Ferrarotto Hospital in Catania, Italy, performed the first implants and was pleased with the results.

"I have found the TAXUS Element Stent to offer performance advantages in flexibility, visibility and deliverability over prior-generation stents," he said.

"The platinum chromium alloy and new stent design used in the Element platform, together with the proven TAXUS drug and polymer, represent a significant advance in coronary stenting."

Boston Scientific officials expect the third-generation stent system to receive official approval in the US and Japan in mid-2011 and late 2011 respectively.

The company also received the CE Mark for its PROMUS Element Everolimus-Eluting Stent System - which again includes a platinum chromium alloy - in October 2009.

Source:

Boston Scientific Announces European Launch and First Implants of Platinum Chromium TAXUS Element Stent System (10/06/10)

© Adfero Ltd