Endologix today announced the first implant of its Alto abdominal stent graft in Canada following recent approval from Health Canada. Alto was also recently approved for commercial sale in Argentina.
According to a company press release, the Alto abdominal stent graft system is the latest generation in polymer-based therapies for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients. The device utilises a low-profile delivery system and, unlike standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) devices, features an exclusive conformable sealing ring that moulds in situ to the patient’s specific aortic neck anatomy, the announcement reads.
“We are excited to extend the global reach of Alto, which is now available in Europe, New Zealand, Canada, and Argentina, as well as the USA,” said Matt Thompson, chief medical officer of Endologix. “Alto fulfils an unmet clinical need, offering a highly differentiated endovascular treatment option for patients with AAA and offers the ability to treat the largest proportion of patients within the approved indications for use.”
The first case in Canada was performed on 4 May by Ghislain Nourissat at Hôpital Saint-François-d’Assise in Quebec. Alto was used for this patient within the approved indications for use despite the presence of hostile neck anatomy and narrow access vessels.
“As an early adopter of polymer technology, I have seen how Alto’s custom sealing technology provides a precise patient-specific seal for a diverse range of anatomies,” Nourissat said. “With this technology, as well as its low profile and short neck indication, I believe Alto has the potential to become the standard in EVAR.”
