Philips announced the two-year results from the ILLUMENATE European randomized clinical trial (EU RCT) demonstrating the efficacy of Philips Spectranetics' Stellarex .035-inch drug-coated balloon (DCB) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in comparison to uncoated balloon angioplasty. Marianne Brodmann, M.D., of the Medical University of Graz in Austria, presented the data as a late-breaking trial at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA 17) Annual Conference, Sept. 11-14 in Las Vegas.

Marijuana use is associated with a three-fold risk of death from hypertension, according to research published recently in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The southern U.S. sees some of the highest numbers of chronic medical conditions, such as peripheral artery disease which can result in the loss of a limb. To help minimize amputations among their patient population, Capel Surgical Clinic & Vascular Center in Greenwood, Miss., uses advanced X-ray technology to restore blood flow in occluded arteries. Capel Surgical Clinic also uses the Ultimax-i FPD multipurpose system from Toshiba Medical, a Canon Group company, for interventional procedures, diagnostic angiograms and aortagrams.

Philips announced its presence at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA 17) Annual Conference in Las Vegas from Sept. 11 – 14, 2017, applying advanced technologies and deep clinical insights to address peripheral vascular needs. With the addition of its recent acquisition, Spectranetics, Philips will for the first time highlight its expanded portfolio of interventional X-ray systems, advanced catheters for measurement and therapy, clinical informatics and services, including its Philips Azurion image-guided therapy platform, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), Phoenix atherectomy system and Spectranetics' Stellarex drug-coated balloon.

A subset analysis of the DETOUR I clinical trial showed promising safety and effectiveness results of PQ Bypass’ Detour System for treating long-segment (>25 cm) blockages in the femoropopliteal artery. The data were presented as a late-breaking clinical trial session at Vascular InterVentional Advances (VIVA 17), Sept. 11-14 in Las Vegas. DETOUR I trial results were presented by Sean Lyden, M.D., chairman of the department of Vascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic.