Argon Medical Devices Introduces Traveler Portal Vein Access Series, Shockwave Medical Launches Shockwave L6 Peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter

Argon Medical Devices, a manufacturer of medical device solutions, recently introduced its Traveler Portal Vein Access Series for transjugular liver access in diagnostic and interventional procedures.^[0] The products, which are intended for accessing the portal vein through the liver during Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedures, are available in stylet and needle offerings to meet physician preference.^[0]

The Traveler Series includes Traveler16, Traveler21, and Traveler38, which are now available in the United States and Canada.^[1] Traveler16 is a 16Ga needle, Traveler38 is a 0.038” stylet, and Traveler21 is a 21Ga Chiba needle.^[1]

George Leondis, President and CEO of Argon Medical, said, “Our mission is to improve the lives of patients and caregivers through the innovation, manufacturing, and delivery of best-in-class medical devices. Thus, we were compelled to act when we identified an opportunity to simplify complex portal vein access procedures for our customers. 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.”^[0]

Shockwave Medical also recently announced the full U.S. commercial availability of the Shockwave L6 Peripheral Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) Catheter following clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).^[2] The device is purpose-built to modify calcification in otherwise difficult-to-treat lesions in large peripheral vessels, including the iliac and the common femoral arteries.

Frank Arko, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center, Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, commented, “The Shockwave L6 catheter pushes the boundaries of what IVL can help physicians achieve for patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. The characteristics of the new catheter allow physicians to optimize IVL therapy in large peripheral vessels, which represent over 20% of peripheral interventions performed in the U.S. each year. The Shockwave L6 catheter may also be beneficial when IVL is utilized to facilitate transfemoral access for large bore procedures like TAVR, TEVAR and EVAR to minimize the risks of rupture and dissection.

0. “Argon Medical launches Traveler portal vein access series” interventionalnews.com, 16 Mar. 2023, https://interventionalnews.com/argon-medical-launches-traveler-portal-vein-access-series/

1. “Argon Medical Launches Traveler Portal Vein Access Series …” www.mddionline.com, 16 Mar. 2023, https://www.mddionline.com/manufacturing/argon-medical-launches-traveler-portal-vein-access-series

2. “Shockwave Medical announces US launch of new peripheral IVL …” vascularnews.com, 16 Mar. 2023, https://vascularnews.com/shockwave-medical-announces-us-launch-of-new-peripheral-ivl-catheter/