Pulsar-18 stent shows pivotal trial results

6th July 2017

BIOTRONIK

Enaie Azambuja

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Datasheet

BIOTRONIK has announced the results of the BIOFLEX-I clinical study and availability of Pulsar-18 for the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Pulsar-18 is the only superficial femoral artery (SFA) self-expanding stent approved by the FDA with a 4-French (4F) delivery system, enabling simpler, safer and more efficient procedures than larger diameter delivery systems.

Procedure times are reduced because the 4F system more easily crosses lesions, lowers access site complication rates and requires less compression time without the need for a closure device.

Twelve-month data from the BIOFLEX-I study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the self-expanding stent for blocked SFAs, the main arteries in the lower limb. In lesion lengths up to 190 mm, clinical findings demonstrated:

99.7% freedom from major adverse events (MAEs) at 30 days
87.6% freedom from clinically-driven target lesion revascularisation (TLR) at 12 months
66.8% primary patency at 12 months

The study results were presented during a late-breaking session at the 2017 Complex Cardiovascular Catheter Therapeutics Advanced Endovascular and Coronary Intervention Global Summit (C3).

"SFA blockages are often challenging to navigate and treat because of the length of the artery and frequent presence of diffuse disease. Reduced blood flow to the limb can lead to amputation, so it is critical that patients are treated quickly and effectively," said BIOFLEX-I US Principal Investigator Mark Burket, MD, FACC, FSCAI.

"Because of Pulsar-18's flexibility, small delivery system and thin struts, the stenting procedure takes less time, reduces complications and allows for earlier patient discharge."

With low Chronic Outward Force and thin struts (140 μm), Pulsar-18 may reduce vessel injury and inflammation, provide faster endothelialisation and lower the risk of restenosis. The BIOFLEX-I study found improved clinical and quality of life metrics, including ankle-brachial index (ABI), six-minute walk and walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ).

"More than 8.5 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease. This patient population deserves innovative treatment options that help them return to their normal activity as quickly as possible," said Marlou Janssen, President of BIOTRONIK, Inc. "BIOFLEX-I clinical data confirms Pulsar-18 provides physicians with an effective solution that reduces procedure time and improves outcomes."

Pulsar-18 received FDA approval on March 23, 2017 and is available in the United States though BIOTRONIK's distribution partner Getinge. Clinical follow-up for the prospective, international, multicenter, two-arm investigational device exemption (IDE) trial will total 36 months.