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Management of implanted leads for pacemakers and defibrillators is agrowing concern among physicians and patients since an increasing number ofpatients receive these devices at a relatively young age. Leads, or insulatedwires that connect devices to the heart, may become non-functional orinfected. When this occurs the primary treatment option is to remove theleads. Because scar tissue can bind the leads in several places along theirlength, specialized tools are needed to complete the removal process.
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Spectranetics' LLD EZ provides a flexible solution to address the removalof leads from scar tissue holding them in place. LLD EZ employs a braided meshthat expands to secure leads along their hollow inner lumen permittingphysicians to apply steady traction on the lead. The locking mechanism can bereversed, or unlocked, if the physician needs to remove the device from thelead or reposition it. The LLD EZ provides versatility to remove a wide rangeof pacing and defibrillation lead sizes.
"Controlling the entire lead length throughout the removal process isimportant for achieving safe and complete removal. The LLD technology gives methis control; it's a feature that other tools don't offer," said Dr. LaurenceEpstein, Chief of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services, Brigham and Women's Hospital inBoston. "The design of the LLD EZ makes it easy to incorporate this tool intomy cases."
LLD EZ also features an enhanced tip design and sleek profile tofacilitate tracking and passage of the device through tight curves and beyondlumen damage. The specialized tip is radiopaque, enabling verification of tiplocation under fluoroscopy. Additionally, a new low-profile handle designpermits easy loading of extraction sheaths. Spectranetics' Lead Locking Devicetechnology is often used in conjunction with Spectranetics' Laser Sheath, orSLS II, which employs "cool" ultraviolet light known as excimer laser todissolve the scar tissue binding the leads.
"Increasingly, lead removal is the best decision for many of my patientswhen lead issues are encountered. The LLD EZ fits the majority of leads makingdevice selection easy," said Dr. Roger Carrillo, a cardiothoracic surgeon atMount Sinai Medical Center in Miami. "With the sleek tip design, the LLD EZsimplifies navigation and manipulation."
Spectranetics' LLD EZ is currently available in the United States andCanada and is a variant of the Company's LLD E device, which receivedclearance from the Food and Drug Administration in March 2005. For additionalinformation or to purchase the LLD EZ, please visithttp://www.spectranetics.com.
About Spectranetics
Founded in 1984, Spectranetics manufactures and sells the only excimerlaser approved in the United States, Europe and Japan for use in minimallyinvasive cardiovascular procedures. This technology treats complexcardiovascular conditions by photo-ablating multiple lesion types into tinyparticles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. The Company'sdisposable catheters use high-energy "cool" ultraviolet light to vaporizearterial blockages in the legs and heart, as well as scar tissue encapsulatingpacing and defibrillation leads. For more information, visithttp://www.spectranetics.com.Stacey Holifield/Kate Finigan Schwartz Communications, Inc. (781) 684-0770 [email protected]
SOURCE Spectranetics Corporation
