NATICK, Mass., Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has begun the United States and European launch of its Victory™ guidewire, designed to facilitate crossing of resistant lesions and the placement and exchange of balloon catheters or other interventional devices within the peripheral vasculature.  The company expects to launch the product in other international markets later this year and in 2013, subject to regulatory approvals. 

An estimated 17.6 million Americans suffer from peripheral artery disease, which is characterized by blockage or narrowing in vessels of the peripheral vasculature, frequently associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality.  Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a serious condition affecting an increasing number of patients worldwide.  CLI patients have multi-vessel disease and challenging lesions, which, if left untreated, can lead to limb loss.  In the United States, an estimated 25 percent of patients with peripheral artery disease will require amputation within one year of onset of CLI.  Saving limbs through surgery or endovascular techniques improves the quality of life for patients.

"Resistant lesions can be a challenge and I often need various tools to access, cross and treat these types of lesions," said Derek Mittleider, M.D., Interventional Radiologist, Director, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Spectrum Medical Group.  "The Victory wire's high gram-load options and excellent torque-ability give me the extra push and steer-ability I need to get through these resistant lesions more easily, making these cases less challenging."

The Victory guidewires feature a broad matrix of high gram-load tip options ranging from 12g to 30g, designed to cross resistant lesions.  A unique stainless steel core technology enables this wire to have superior torque for optimal steering and control.  Hydrophilic coating provides enhanced lubricity to facilitate crossing resistant lesions.  The Victory guidewires come in both 0.014" and 0.018" diameters with four different gram-load options offering clinical versatility and a range of pushability.

"Physicians treating CLI patients typically require a variety of treatment options. Boston Scientific is committed to offering a wide variety of crossing solutions," said Jeff Mirviss, president of the Boston Scientific Peripheral Interventions Division.  "Victory guidewires complement our already broad portfolio of crossing solutions, inclusive of our market-leading angioplasty balloons, Rubicon™ Support Catheter and the TruePath™ CTO device. The Victory guidewires offer another option to cross these highly resistant lesions and potentially avoid the need for amputation."

About Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties.  For more information, please visit: www.bostonscientific.com.  

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SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation