Medtronic releases stent graft product
Medtronic has begun the U.S. market launch of the AneuRx AAAdvantage stent graft on the new Xcelerant Hydro Delivery System, which features a hydrophilic coating designed to aid navigation of the device through tight and tortuous arteries by reducing friction with the artery wall.

In addition, the FDA has approved its latest generation of packaging materials for the launch of the product.

The Minneapolis-based Medtronic said its Xcelerant Hydro Delivery System will be used with the AneuRx AAAdvantage stent graft, which was introduced in the United States in March 2006.  In testing, the Xcelerant Hydro Delivery System was shown to generate 68 times less friction than the previous delivery system, which does not have the hydrophilic coating, according to Medtronic.

The Xcelerant Hydro Delivery System features a uniquely integrated sheath that is tapered on both ends, designed to facilitate insertion and retraction of the delivery catheter by minimizing the time that the surface area of the sheath is in contact with the artery wall, Medtronic said.
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