Biotronik, a leading manufacturer of cardio- and endovascular medical devices, announced the European market launch of a new generation of Galeo guide wires. The new generation of coronary workhorse guide wires was inspired by the original Galeo design, and received CE mark in July 2015.

The initial procedures with the updated Galeo guide wire were performed in 5 countries, based on which more than 120 product uses were evaluated. Dr. Daniel Weilenmann, Head of Interventional Cardiology at the Kantonsspital, St. Gallen, Switzerland, stated, “The guide wire is an essential tool for interventional cardiologists in daily practice and it determines the success of a procedure. The new generation Galeo guide wire with its hydrophobic coating clearly enhances the tactile feel, granting me a better sense of what is happening inside the vessel. Additionally, Galeo’s torque response greatly improves steerability and deliverability through complex vascular anatomies which makes it much easier to control the guide wire during the procedure, improving the chances for an optimal outcome. Thus this new Galeo guide wire with its exceptional torque and flexibility will certainly be the work horse guide wire for many interventional cardiologists.”

The new generation of Galeo guide wires reintroduces key design features from the original model to ensure superior trackability and torque. A hydrophobic coating over the entire distal section of the guide wire improves tactility in situations that call for a stable feel inside the vessel. For optimal torque response, Galeo features a one-piece-construction core wire, meaning there is a direct connection between the core wire and the distal coil, which keeps the core wire centered while navigating torturous anatomy. This combination of features improves torque response and provides precise steerability. A range of tip stiffnesses and levels of support are available, establishing Galeo as a workhorse guide wire capable of taking on the most challenging clinical cases.

“The first users of this new generation Galeo have experienced firsthand the 1:1 torque response and peerless trackability that are the hallmarks of this product line,” commented Dr. Alexander Uhl, vice president marketing, Biotronik Vascular Intervention. “We have listened to physicians’ feedback and created a true workhorse guide wire to round out our unsurpassed portfolio of coronary intervention solutions.”

Galeo is a coronary workhorse guide wire designed to provide 1:1 torque response and enhanced trackability. The one-piece-construction of Galeo’s core wire provides optimal torque. The “Controlled Transmission Platform” helps keep the core wire centered within the coil while navigating torturous anatomy for improved steerability. A hydrophobic coating over the entire coiled distal end of the guide wire enhances tactile feel within the vessel. Galeo guide wires are 190 cm in length, and can be quickly and reliably expanded by a further 150 cm with the Galeo Extension Wire.