Avance

BioCardia has announced the US commercial availability of its Avance bi-directional steerable introducer sheath for introducing various cardiovascular catheters into the heart, including via the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum. The product became available in late September.

A press release reports that the Avance device addresses the shortcomings of currently available steerable introducers with its unique patent-protected “Morph DNA” technology creating a high performance steerable introducer for superior control during complex procedures. It adds that the Avance catheter is designed to have uniform bending characteristics in all directions by having the two tendon wires wrap helically around the catheter shaft, like the double helix in DNA.

The product is designed with a smooth tip-to-dilator transition which promotes ease of entry into the left atrium during transseptal access. Deflections of 180 degrees in both directions are designed to provide increased steerability, which may improve access to hard-to-reach sites.

BioCardia CEO Peter Altman, comments: “The Avance product incorporates a significant advance in catheter technology. Our team developed the rotating pull wire technology for our cell therapy procedures in the left ventricle of the heart and recognized that it could also significantly benefit patients by enhancing physician control in complex cardiac procedures.”

The Avance device will have a limited launch while the company seeks feedback from electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists on real-world use and explores options for manufacturing at scale.