NATICK, Mass., April 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced the launch of its new Kinetix™ Guidewire for use in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.  Guidewires are small flexible wires physicians use to deliver interventional devices such as drug-eluting stents.  The Kinetix Guidewire features a unique micro-cut nitinol sleeve designed for significantly improved torque control compared to conventional spring coil guidewires.  The Kinetix Guidewire represents the first major advance in coronary guidewire technology in nearly a decade. The Company will begin a phased launch of the Kinetix Guidewire immediately and expand to full product availability by next quarter.

Joseph DeGregorio, M.D., treated the first patient with the Kinetix Guidewire at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, marking the first procedure worldwide to employ this advanced coronary guidewire.

"The Kinetix Guidewire provided exceptional torque and flexibility," said Dr. DeGregorio.  "It's rare to find a workhorse guidewire that combines outstanding deliverability of the wire, support for device deliverability and an excellent safety profile.  The availability of Kinetix is welcome news for interventional cardiologists and their patients."

The Kinetix Guidewire builds on Boston Scientific's Synchro® Guidewires used in neurovascular interventions.  The micro-cut nitinol sleeve and a nitinol distal core are designed to provide increased torque transmission and flexibility while providing a soft distal tip that physicians often demand in a workhorse guidewire.  The responsiveness and maneuverability of the Kinetix Guidewire is designed to deliver excellent performance, safety and ease of use, benefiting both patient and physician.

"We're pleased to begin offering this innovative technology that should help physicians simplify coronary angioplasty procedures," said Hank Kucheman, Executive Vice President and President of Boston Scientific's Cardiology, Rhythm and Vascular Group.  "Kinetix reinforces our commitment to providing improved treatment options that promote better patient outcomes."

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products 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