Opto Circuit's wholly owned German subsidiary, Eruocor GmbH, has launched Freeway, the latest second generation, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon technology designed for the treatment of critical limb ischaemia associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Freeway is a drug (paclitaxel)- eluting balloon dilatation catheter developed by scientists at Eurocor. It is in phase III clinical trials for the treatment of occluded or stenotic superficial femoral or popliteal arteries.

Freeway, the latest drug-eluting technology from Eurocor, uses the same technology as Eurocor's DIOR paclitaxel-coated coronary balloon but applies it to a new patient population – those with critical limb ischaemia as a result of PAD. Eurocor's DEB technology utilises a shellac film impregnated with paclitaxel, which is released whenever the balloon is expanded. This inhibits the proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and may prevent restenosis by preventing microtubule formation and inhibiting cell division and migration.

Professor Dr Karl-Ludwig Schulte of Evangelisches Krankenhaus Konigin Elisabeth in, Berlin, said, “The introduction of Freeway arms us with yet another vital tool in the fight against peripheral arterial disease. It opens a new window of opportunity to treat many patients who may otherwise lose a limb.”

Pre-clinical studies with Freeway have shown a reduction in neoointimal injury and a uniform drug distribution within the arterial wall. Early clinical experiences sugest the technique reduces rates of restenosis in patients undergoing angioplasty of femoro-popliteal arteries, with no additional adverse events. Phase III trials evaluating the prevention of restenosis in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease are underway and will be reported soon.