WAYNE, NJ--(Marketwire - June 10, 2011) - MAQUET Cardiovascular LLC, a leading provider of cardiovascular technologies, today announced the initiation of a new prospective trial that is designed to compare the endothelial function of saphenous vein grafts using the MAQUET VASOSHIELD Pressure Controlling Syringe with graft preparation methods using a standard syringe in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
When a vessel is prepared for use as a bypass graft, it is frequently flushed with a standard syringe to check for leaks. If flushing pressure is not controlled, the vessel may be overdistended, potentially damaging the intimal layer. This type of endothelial damage may be prevented by use of a device that controls the pressure exerted on the vessel during preparation. The VASOSHIELD Pressure Controlling Syringe features three settings that allow the user to control the maximum pressure used during preparation, thereby protecting the conduit from inadvertent damage.
“Accurately assessing and controlling the pressure in conduits using a standard syringe can be difficult,” said Vinod H. Thourani, M.D., Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Emory University, and principal investigator of the trial. “We expect this study to demonstrate that a reduced level of endothelial dysfunction can be induced by using controlled pressure during vessel distension at 150 mm Hg with the use of the MAQUET VASOSHIELD Pressure Controlling Syringe, which regulates the pressure setting during distension.”
The study will enroll 30 patients undergoing elective CABG surgery who require at least two saphenous vein bypass grafts. Obtained using endoscopic vessel harvesting (EVH) techniques, each graft will be randomly assigned to receive vessel distension by either the MAQUET VASOSHIELD device or a standard syringe. The study endpoints include histological evaluation of vein grafts, assessment of endothelial function and measurement of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, and endothelium-dependent relaxation and contraction.
“This study underscores MAQUET Cardiovascular’s commitment to supporting physicians with tools that optimize graft quality and improve the standard of care,” said Luca Lombardi, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of MAQUET Cardiovascular. “As a leader in the field, MAQUET continues to advance cardiac bypass procedures by investing in technologies and research that help improve patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.”
About MAQUET
As a trusted partner for hospitals and clinicians since 1838, MAQUET is a global leader in medical systems that advance surgical interventions, cardiovascular procedures and critical care. MAQUET develops and designs innovative products and therapeutic applications for the operating room, hybrid OR/cath lab, intensive care unit and patient transport within acute care hospitals, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Cardiovascular specialties include intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) therapy for cardiac assist; coronary artery bypass surgery; aortic and peripheral vascular surgery; and extracorporeal circulation. The Critical Care portfolio includes market-leading intensive care ventilators and anesthesia machines. MAQUET also equips Surgical Workplaces with critical infrastructure, such as flexible room design for OR and ICU; OR tables; lights and ceiling supply units; and OR integration for image data management.
MAQUET is a subsidiary of the publicly listed Swedish GETINGE GROUP. In 2010, MAQUET generated nearly half of the company’s annual revenue of $3.2 billion. The company has 12,000 employees worldwide, including 5,000 employees in 36 international sales and service organizations, as well as a network of more than 250 sales representatives. For more information please visit www.maquet.com and www.getingegroup.com.
MAQUET - The Gold Standard.
