Boston Scientific introduces new stent systems in India

US surgical products maker Boston Scientific today said it was introducing two drug eluting stent systems in India.

The company said it had received from the Drugs Controller General of India approval in 2010 to market the Element Systems.

Boston Scietific said both the new stents - the Peomus ElementT Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System and Taxus ElementT Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System - incorporate platinum chromium (PtCr) alloy, and advanced catheter delivery system, and represent the company's third-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) technology.

India is one of the fastest-growing DES markets in the world, with the number of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) implanted annually estimated at more than 150,000.

"A key component of our growth strategy involves expanding our footprint in emerging markets like India, where we are making significant investments in sales, distribution and clinical infrastructure," said Ray Elliott, President and chief executive officer, Boston Scientific.

Boston Scietific said that the PtCr Element Stent series features a novel platinum chromium alloy and innovative stent design, which combine to offer greater radial strength, flexibility and visibility while reducing stent recoil.

It said the stent geometry helps create consistent lesion coverage and drug distribution while improving deliverability, which is enhanced by an advanced catheter delivery system. The higher density platinum chromium alloy provides exceptional visibility while enabling the use of thinner struts compared to prior-generation stents without compromising strength.

Hank Kucheman, Boston Scientific's executive vice president and group president, cardiology, rhythm and vascular, said "The Promus and Taxus Element Stent Systems give physicians in India a choice of two proven drug and polymer combinations - used in millions of patients worldwide - on an entirely new platform. The PtCr Element System highlights our commitment to DES market leadership and continued innovation for physicians and their patients."

In the US, the ION Stent System and Promus Element Plus Stent System are investigational devices, limited by applicable law to investigational use only and not available for sale.