BIOTRONIK has unveiled the Micro Rx™ catheter, a groundbreaking rapid exchange microcatheter designed to streamline guidewire support during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Developed exclusively by BIOTRONIK and manufactured by IMDS (Interventional Medical Device Solutions), this innovative device marks a significant addition to the company's robust portfolio of interventional solutions in the United States.

The Micro Rx catheter boasts a reinforced distal shaft featuring a core wire nestled between two layers of braids, ensuring optimal push transfer during procedures. Its tapered tip, equipped with the market's smallest leading edge, delivers superior penetration force. Furthermore, the catheter incorporates a meticulously engineered Proximal-End-Stop, facilitating seamless integration with guide extension catheters for enhanced support. 

Available for commercial use in the United States and slated for release in Canada in March 2024, the Micro Rx catheter promises to revolutionize coronary interventions.

Dr. Ashish Pershad, MD, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, lauded the Micro Rx catheter's performance based on his firsthand experience. "It provides good support and has a low profile allowing for great tip control for coronary guidewires in complex lesions. Not having to switch out your OTW catheter after you cross a difficult lesion is a huge convenience in an era where 190 cm wires are the norm in most cath labs," he said.

Recognizing the complexities inherent in navigating challenging vascular anatomies, such as tortuous vessels and highly stenosed lesions, the Micro Rx catheter prioritizes user-friendly intervention, eliminating the need for trapping. This approach aims to mitigate the risk of vascular trauma during procedures, ultimately reducing patients' exposure to the catheterization lab environment and associated risks. Moreover, it holds the potential to empower operators to effectively treat non-chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and navigate through intricate anatomies with greater success.

Ryan Walters, President at BIOTRONIK USA, underscored the collaborative efforts behind the development of the Micro Rx catheter. "IMDS has dedicated its expertise to addressing the challenges encountered in PCI, culminating in a state-of-the-art solution that benefits both physicians and patients. We are honored to introduce this innovation to the US market," he said.

The Micro Rx catheter, a trademark of IMDS, is distributed by BIOTRONIK in selected countries. Its launch marks a significant milestone in the advancement of coronary interventions, promising enhanced efficacy and improved patient outcomes in the field of interventional cardiology.