“We were compelled to act when we identified an opportunity to simplify complex portal vein access procedures for our customers,” said George Leondis, President & CEO of Argon Medical. “We are excited to launch our new Traveler products for this purpose and see the positive impact they have on portal access procedures and outcomes in accordance with our mission.”
The series includes three versions, Traveler16, Traveler21, and Traveler38, that are now available in the United States and Canada. Traveler16 is available as a 16Ga needle, Traveler38 is available as a 0.038” stylet, and Traveler21 is available as a 21Ga Chiba needle.
The series, according to Argon Medical, supplements its 2021 launch of Scorpion which also supports TIPS procedures. The Scorpion Portal Vein Access Series includes Scorpion and Scorpion X which are available as a 0.040” curved nitinol stylet or a 17Ga curved nitinol needle, respectively. The Scorpion series has the ability to navigate tortuous liver anatomy with a 360-degree range of motion, has directional handles that allow for precise directional control of the stiffening cannula and needle or stylet to enter the portal vein and change direction when advancing through the parenchyma. It can also independently steer the curved needle or stylet and the curved stiffening cannula to maneuver through the vasculature and parenchyma and to change trajectory if necessary, according to the company.
The Traveler Series takes the innovation of the Scorpion Series and includes additional features to help make it easier for physicians to access the portal vein compared to other sets available on the market.
“Firstly, the metal cannula is very robust, and the shaping tool allows it to be curved to great degrees without compromising component integrity,” said Dr. Donna D’Souza, an interventional radiologist at the University of Minnesota, in a press release announcing the series. “Secondly, the puncture needle is longer and seems sharper, making it easier to pass through severely fibrotic liver parenchyma and reach the portal vein, even when there is very distorted anatomy.”
The series’ launch is the first of multiple new products expected from Argon Medical in 2023.
Original Article: (https://www.mddionline.com/manufacturing/argon-medical-launches-traveler-portal-vein-access-series)
