Aptus Endosystems has entered into an agreement with Maquet (Getinge Group) for distribution of its products in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Maquet’s Vascular Systems and Cardiac Surgery group will market and sell the Aptus Heli-FX EndoAnchor System and the Heli-FX Thoracic EndoAnchor System for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), respectively.
The Heli-FX EndoAnchor System, developed and manufactured by Aptus, consists of a catheter-based delivery system and implantable helical screws (EndoAnchors) that lock the endograft to the aortic vessel. The EndoAnchor is designed to provide enhanced seal and fixation, similar to the stability achieved by hand suturing during open surgical repair of an aneurysm.
The Heli-FX System can be used upon implantation of the endograft to enhance its inherent fixation and sealing mechanisms. The system can also be used to repair endovascular grafts that have developed endoleaks, migrated away from the implant site, or are at risk of developing these complications, which are frequently seen after EVAR.
Arindam Chaudhuri at the Bedford Hospital NHS Trust in Bedford, UK, performed the first case under the new distribution agreement. “The Heli-FX EndoAnchor System is a valuable addition in treating patients with aneurysmal disease,” said Chaudhuri. “Patients with complex anatomy, particularly hostile necks/landing zones, who have a more difficult time achieving a durable long lasting repair, now have a technology that can potentially improve their long term outcomes.” The recent case performed by Chaudhuri involved treating a patient with a highly angulated proximal neck. Nine EndoAnchors were implanted prophylactically to augment seal and fixation.
“We are delighted that our first clinical experience has gone well,” said Ken Boyle, director of Sales and Marketing for Maquet Cardiovascular UK & Ireland. “Our team is actively engaged on Heli-FX and there is rapidly growing interest in this promising new technology.”
“We are very pleased to work with Maquet,” said James Reinstein, president and chief executive officer of Aptus Endosystems. “The size and ability of the Maquet organisation brings heightened interest in our technology, ensuring that more of the patients that need EndoAnchors do in fact receive them.” Reinstein further stated the two companies are discussing additional geographies for expansion of this mutually beneficial relationship.
