Abbott announced the launch of the sixth-generation Emboshield NAV6 Embolic Protection System for use in carotid artery stenting procedures. Carotid artery stenting provides a minimally invasive treatment alternative to conventional open carotid artery surgery for patients who are at high risk for surgery. Embolic protection systems are used during the stenting procedure to prevent particles of dislodged plaque from flowing to the brain, potentially causing an ischemic stroke. The Emboshield NAV6 is now available in the United States and Europe.

The Emboshield NAV6 builds upon the strong heritage of the Emboshield product family, while improving deliverability and ease of use for physicians. Abbott's proprietary BareWire technology allows for wire movement independent of the Emboshield NAV6 filter, giving physicians an increased level of control during carotid stenting procedures.

"The innovative design of the Emboshield NAV6 offers marked improvements to an already good embolic protection system. It provides excellent steerable wire options to independently reach challenging lesions, a short basket length, significantly improved visibility, an easier-to-use retrieval system, and optimal pore size and distribution," said D Christopher Metzger of the Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, Tenn. "These improvements make the NAV6 system an outstanding embolic protection device."

Safety and efficacy endpoints for the Emboshield NAV6 were met in Abbott's Protect clinical trial, which was designed to examine carotid artery stenting with Abbott's Emboshield systems in patients at high risk for endarterectomy (surgery). In addition to demonstrating continued improvements in outcomes for carotid stent procedures, the Protect study data showed a low 1.8 per cent composite rate of All Stroke and Death at 30 days in 220 patients. This rate is well within American Heart Association (AHA) 30-day All Stroke and Death rate guidelines for carotid endarterectomy of 6 per cent for symptomatic and 3 per cent for asymptomatic patients with carotid artery disease. The Protect study results were presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics conference in Washington in October 2008.

"As a member of the Protect multispecialty Executive Committee, I have been impressed with the continuing downward trend in stroke rates with protected carotid stenting for patients at high risk for carotid endarterectomy from the earliest clinical trials with first-generation devices 10 years ago," said Jon S Matsumura, professor of surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. "These results are related to several factors, including process of care improvements that skilled physicians are developing, and to the continuing improvements in device technology. Abbott's Protect study represents state-of-the-art skills and technology for carotid artery stenting."

"Abbott is the worldwide market leader in carotid artery stenting. Since the first carotid stent approval in 1999, more than 100,000 patients have been treated with Abbott's carotid stents and embolic protection systems throughout the world," said Charles Simonton, divisional vice president, Medical Affairs, and chief medical officer, Abbott Vascular. "The innovative Emboshield NAV6 is an important addition to our portfolio of solutions for treating carotid artery disease, which is a leading cause of stroke."

Abbott has developed a broad portfolio of technologies to help physicians provide better treatment for their patients with peripheral artery disease. The company is committed to making investments in endovascular therapies and educational programmes and to designing and conducting endovascular clinical trials.