NATICK, Mass., March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has begun the launch of its 0.035" and 0.018" Rubicon™ Support Catheter in the United States.  The device is designed to assist physicians with placement and support of guidewires that are used in peripheral vascular procedures to deliver stents and balloons to open blockages in the legs and other peripheral arteries.  Boston Scientific is also launching the 0.035" Rubicon Support Catheter in Europe to build on the momentum of the 0.018" size that was introduced in that region last fall.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately 27 million people worldwide.  It can cause pain or cramping in the legs and hips due to lack of blood supply while walking or climbing stairs.  In some cases, the condition can become so severe it can lead to critical limb ischemia and the need for amputation.  The Rubicon Support Catheter was designed to help clinicians more easily reach blockages. 

"The Rubicon Support Catheter offers an outstanding combination of features," said Louis Lopez, M.D., St. Joseph's Hospital, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  "It offers the pushability, low-profile and flexibility needed for navigating through the types of challenging, complex lesions that physicians face in the peripheral vascular space."

The Rubicon Support Catheter had previously been available from Boston Scientific in a 0.014" diameter only, and by launching the 0.035" and 0.018" sizes, Boston Scientific now offers physicians a full range of diameters to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease.  The Rubicon Support Catheter is also available in a variety of lengths including 65cm, 90cm, 135cm and 150cm. 

"Support catheters can help physicians treat more patients by facilitating the crossing of complex lesions," said Jeff Mirviss, president, Peripheral Interventions, Boston Scientific.  "By making a full range of diameters of Rubicon Support Catheters available, we are offering more choices to clinicians. The Rubicon Support Catheter is one of many new solutions that Boston Scientific has introduced to the market during the past two years and demonstrates our continued commitment to global leadership in Peripheral Intervention."

The Rubicon Support Catheter has received FDA 510(k) clearance and achieved CE Mark status. 

About Boston Scientific

Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world.  As a global medical technology leader for more than 30 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare.  For more information, visit www.bostonscientific.com and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

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Media Relations
Boston Scientific Corporation
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Boston Scientific Corporation
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SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation