Covidien plc
(
COV
) announced that it has completed enrolling patients for two of
its studies - Visibility Iliac and Durability Iliac. The studies
will be analyzing the efficacy and safety of using either balloon
expandable or self-expandable stents in treating iliac artery
disease.
The common and external iliac arteries, located in the lower
abdomen, deliver blood to the arteries in the legs. The vessels
might get clogged with plaque, and lead to severe complications
if left untreated. According to the American Heart Association,
about 8 million people across the U.S. ail from peripheral
arterial disease (PAD).
A total of 150 patients have been enrolled in the iliac studies,
which are being conducted across 23 centers in the U.S. and
Europe. Half of the patients are being treated with Covidien's
Visi-Pro balloon expandable stent system under the Visibility
Iliac study, while the other half is being treated with either
the EverFlex self-expanding stent system or the Protégé GPS
self-expanding nitinol stent and delivery technology under the
Durability Iliac study. Initial effects of the stents will be
monitored for 9 months and the patients will be observed for a
total of 3 years.
Covidien is a leading global health care products company with an
impressive history of developing and manufacturing high-quality
products in a cost-effective manner. We believe that clinical
success of the studies will help this international health care
products major enhance its vascular offerings to treat PAD.
Revenues from Covidien's vascular products grew 7% year over year
in the first quarter of 2013. Sales were backed by solid growth
across neurovascular and peripheral vascular offerings. The
company has received the CE Mark approval for its EverFlex
Self-expanding peripheral stent with Entrust Delivery System in
Jan 2013.
Covidien also scooped up Calif.-based CV Ingenuity, which
specializes in the production of devices used for the treatment
of PAD, in Jan 2013. Its product offerings are utilized to heal
natural vessels, clear vascular blockages and prevent restenosis.
The company's key product, a Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) platform
with a unique tunable rapid-release system, is still in the
investigational phase.
Covidien carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Companies from the
medical sector, such as
DynaVox Inc.
(
DVOX
),
Nuvasive, Inc.
(
NUVA
),
Cyberonics Inc.
(
CYBX
), with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), appear impressive.
COVIDIEN PLC (COV): Free Stock Analysis
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CYBERONICS INC (CYBX): Free Stock Analysis
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DYNAVOX INC-A (DVOX): Free Stock Analysis
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NUVASIVE INC (NUVA): Free Stock Analysis
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