First Procedures Performed With Gore's Viabahn VBX Stent Graft After CE Mark Approval

December 22, 2017—Gore & Associates announced the first implantations of the Viabahn VBX balloon expandable endoprosthesis in Europe to restore blood flow to peripheral arteries. The device is designed for use in the treatment of iliac occlusive disease and also during endovascular aneurysmal repair. The VBX stent graft recently received CE Mark approval and is indicated for endovascular grafting of peripheral vessels.

The first patients, who were treated at St. Franziskus Hospital in Münster, Germany, presented with iliac occlusive disease and complex aortic aneurysms treated with branched aortic endografts.

Giovanni Torsello, MD, Professor and Chief of the Department of Vascular Surgery, St. Franziskus Hospital, commented in the company's announcement, "We are continuing to elevate and enhance our cardiovascular care offerings with this new technology that more reliably treats peripheral arteries in a minimally invasive way. The VBX stent graft demonstrates a notable, unique combination of technical features beneficial in a broad range of vessels with complex anatomy. Flexibility and accuracy are clearly noticeable. In addition, the VBX stent graft provides precise delivery that we can rely on.”

According to Gore, the VBX stent graft was developed utilizing the small diameter, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene stent graft technology from the Gore Viabahn endoprosthesis. The VBX device is configured in diameters of 5 to 11 mm and lengths of 15, 19, 29, 39, 59, and 79 mm.

In January 2017, Gore announced that the US Food and Drug Administration approved the Viabahn VBX stent graft for treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions found in the iliac arteries, including lesions at the aortic bifurcation.