ELUTAX-SV, the new generation balloon catheter, is the first of its kind to integrate two layers for two purposes on the balloon surface.

Why Paclitaxel?

Paclitaxel was discovered in the sixties as a result of a U.S. National Cancer program; being isolated from the bark of the Pacific yew.


Paclitaxel is one of several cytoskeletal drugs that target tubulin. Paclitaxel-treated cells have defects in mitotic spindle assembly, chromosome segregation, and cell division. Unlike other tubulin-targeting drugs such as colchicine that inhibit microtubule assembly, paclitaxel stabilizes the microtubule polymer and protects it from disassembly. Chromosomes are thus unable to achieve a metaphase spindle configuration. This blocks progression of mitosis, and prolonged activation of the mitotic checkpoint triggers apoptosis or reversion to the G-phase of the cell cycle without cell division.


The ability of paclitaxel to inhibit spindle function is generally attributed to its suppression of microtubule dynamics, but recent studies have demonstrated that suppression of dynamics occurs at concentrations lower than those needed to block mitosis. At the higher therapeutic concentrations, paclitaxel appears to suppress microtubule detachment from centrosomes, a process normally activated during mitosis. Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin subunits of microtubules.

Why Dextran?

Dextran is used as protection layer increasing safety. The hydrophilic seal layer improves the balloon lubricity and allows to reach the distal lesions without losing its efficacy.

Paclitaxel-coated balloon catheters

CORONARY
PERIPHERAL
FISTULA