The "CTO" is the lowest profile balloon and is the highest pressure balloon on the market, with an RBP of 25 ATM !
The tip is a real tapered with no step and has an entry profile of: 0.015". Thanks to a new radiopaque marker placement technology: the possibility of kinking of the inner shaft and a resultant loss of pushability is reduced to almost 0%. This new technology enables to have even two markers on the 1.5mm balloon.
The "tongue design" is a new elongated cut design of the outer shaft. This long cut provides a progressive flexibility at the proximal balloon shoulder. It protects the shaft from kinking and gives an extra support (specially needed for total chronic occlusion)
The monorail exit is almost parallel (only 4°). The reduction of the "S curve" of the wire at the monorail exit enhances significantly the pushability. Thanks to the extra-flat monorail exit all sizes are compatible for kissing balloon technique in a 6F guiding Catheter!
The CTO offers an extremely good resistance to pinholes within very calcified lesions. Tests show a 30% better resistance compared to competitors.
GRIP
During EuroPCR '04, the second generation "Grip" is being launched.
A specially designed PTCA balloon for in-stent restenosis, difficult ostial lesions and extremely calcified lesions.
The balloon has four lines of knobs that stabilises and avoids the melon seeding effect within a slippery lesion. The balloon enables an extremely precise angioplasty in any kind of lesion. The monorail exit design and the resistance to pinhole are the same as the CTO balloon. Currently available sizes are: 2.5/3.0 /3.5/4.0 in diameter and 8/12/16mm length.
