Boston Scientific launches new guidewire for peripheral interventions

Boston Scientific has announced the launch of a new guidewire product designed to make it easier for physicians to perform peripheral interventions.

The Journey Guidewire has been released worldwide and is a 0.014-inch wire for use in difficult small-vessel peripheral angioplasty procedures, incorporating attributes such as a micro-cut nitinol sleeve, hydrophilic coating and nitinol distal core.

Guidewires help to make it easier for surgeons to place therapeutic devices such as balloon catheters, with previous products of this kind having been specified for use in coronary and neurovascular operations.

The new Journey wire offers benefits such as efficient transmission of torque energy, superior durability and better tactile response.

Joe Fitzgerald, senior vice-president and president of Boston Scientific's endovascular unit, said: "Journey enhances our below-the-knee portfolio, which includes a number of leading products to treat this challenging anatomy."

Last month, the company published trial data for its Taxus Express stent device, demonstrating its efficacy in improving the health of heart attack patients.