New Device to Prevent Pulmonary Embolisms Introduced at CIRSE Meeting

Munich, Germany, September 10, 2011 -- A revolutionary new blood filter to prevent the occurrence of a life threatening pulmonary embolism (PE), was introduced at Munich’s Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe , (CIRSE) symposium. A PE occurs when blood clots migrate from the lower limbs of the body to the pulmonary arteries.

It is estimated that as many as 200,000 deaths occur each year in Europe due to the occurrence of a PE. Current treatments to prevent the occurrence of a PE include the administration of oral anticoagulants or in cases where drug therapy is contraindicated, placement of a filter in the vena cava. Vena cava filters (VCF), first introduced in the late 60’s are designed to trap potentially fatal blood clots.

The Crux Biomedical Vena Cava Filter with BDR (bi-directional retrieval) represents a significant design innovation in IVC filter technology. The unique, self centering design of the Crux VCF is the first device to provide bidirectional placement and retrieval, thus providing the physician more choice in the implantation and retrieval of the device.

Crux Biomedical initiated a clinical trial of its new VCF at 24 centers of excellence in the United States, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. It has successfully completed patient enrollment and anticipates clearance to launch its new device internationally later this year. CIRSE is the world’s largest meeting for the field of Interventional Radiology. It is held annually and attracts some 5,000 participants.