In short
Covidien has launched the HALO90 ULTRA Ablation Catheter, the latest addition to the HALO family of catheters for the endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s Oesophagus, most recently covered on our pages with the March launch of HALO60, here. The product range originated with Barrx Medical, acquired by Covidien in late 2011 as covered on our pages here.
Pictured right is HALO 90 ULTRA pictured alongside its little brother the HALO 90.
By the way, in recognition of the Greeks’ contribution to the world of medicine, if not finance, we’re sticking with the European spelling of Oesophagus for the duration.
Background
Barrett’s Oesophagus is a precancerous condition caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease . Left untreated, the backward flow of stomach contents such as acid and bile into the Oesophagus can lead to injury and chronic inflammation of its lining. A proportion of patients are at risk of developing this so-called Barrett’s Oesophagus, which can lead to Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma, a lethal cancer with a five-year survival rate of approximately 15%.
All HALO products are based on patented technology that carefully controls the amount of energy delivered to the tissue to safely and effectively remove the diseased tissue and facilitate the re-growth of new, healthy tissue. Together, the products offer physicians a safe and convenient solution for the removal of Barrett’s esophagus.
The HALO90 ULTRA Ablation Catheter is designed to be used independently or in conjunction with the already commercially available HALO90 and HALO60 Ablation Catheters, both smaller focal devices, and the HALO360+ Ablation Catheter, a balloon-based endoscopic ablation system for treating larger, circumferential areas of Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Specific uses
A moderate percentage of patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus have segments of diseased tissue that are longer than 1-2 centimeters, consisting of nearly circumferential disease or with patches in the form of islands or tongues emanating upward from where the Oesophagus meets the Stomach. Featuring an electrode mounted on the end of an endoscope, the HALO90 ULTRA – so named because it is double the length of the original HALO90 focal device – is able to shorten Barrett’s Oesophagus focal ablation treatment times, as the device treats twice as much area per energy application as the HALO90 catheter.
Company comments
“The HALO90 ULTRA is an exciting development for patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus, as well as for those suffering from a condition commonly referred to as ‘watermelon stomach,’ where chronic bleeding occurs,” said Vafa Jamali, Vice President and General Manager, Covidien GI Solutions. “We are receiving positive feedback not only from clinicians who used the device in the Oesophagus, but also used it to cauterise the stomach bleeding, where patients otherwise undergo repeated blood transfusions.”
Regulatory status
The HALO90 ULTRA Ablation Catheter has received the CE Mark and is currently available in the U.S. and Europe.
Source: Covidien, Business Wire
published: May 22, 2012 in: Covidien, Gastroenterology, Launches / Withdrawals, Oncology