The longest stent-graft on the market has gained CE Mark approval for sale as a treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions.

The 25cm Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis is designed to cover more of the lesion in the SFA, reducing the need for multiple devices.

The redesigned device from W.L. Gore Medical (Gore) uses a precision laser-trimming technology to remove excess material, resulting in a contoured proximal edge that improves device apposition to the vessel wall, thereby potentially improving flow dynamics.

The flexibility of the new endoprosthesis enables it to better traverse complex areas of the SFA and conform more closely to its structure.

The device incorporates the Propaten Bioactive Surface technology, which preserves the heparin bioactive sites at the device surface so that they remain free to interact with blood.

"With all the new advancements to the Gore Viabahn device over the last 12 months, we are pleased to be able to expand this product's offerings across Europe to include a longer length device," said Ben Beckstead, Product Specialist with the Gore Peripheral Vascular Business.

"Since the SFA anatomy does vary greatly from case to case, it is important for Gore to be able to provide physicians with the tools and confidence they need to successfully treat their patients."

Jacques Bleyn, Vascular Surgeon, Antwerp Blood-Vessel Center, Antwerp, Belgium, notes: "In 1996, the Hemobahn-Viabahn device was the first SFA stent-graft that had good patency rates and it came already in 15cm length. Because long SFA occlusions can be treated endovascularly with the Gore Viabahn device, Gore took this best SFA device and made it better: heparin bonded and a new length of 25cm."

Based in Arizona, USA, W.L. Gore Medical produces medical devices for use in vascular, cardiac and general surgery.