Surgery
ELANA - A Novel Laser-Assisted Neurovascular Surgery Technique
By Spectranetics Corporation
Nov 8, 2005, 15:37

Spectranetics Corporation announced today that its strategic partner Elana BV has obtained Communautes Europeennes (CE) mark registration for its laser-assisted neurovascular surgery technique that incorporates a Spectranetics excimer laser and a laser catheter manufactured by Spectranetics.

"The ELANA technique has the potential to assist many patients at risk for stroke where few or no treatment alternatives exist," said John G. Schulte, Spectranetics' president and chief executive officer. "We are delighted with the approval received by Elana BV to begin marketing in Europe, and look forward to supporting their efforts to educate physicians about the potential benefits of this surgical technique."

ELANA (Excimer Laser-Assisted Non-occlusive Anastomosis) is the only known technique that enables surgeons to create a vascular bypass without occluding the recipient vessel, allowing continued blood supply during the procedure. To make the connection for the bypass graft (anastomosis), a platinum implant is attached to the outside wall of the recipient vessel. The end of the bypass graft then is stitched to the wall of the recipient vessel, using the implant as a guide. Next a laser catheter is inserted through the bypass graft to the wall of the recipient vessel, and laser ablation is used to create a hole in the artery wall; the laser catheter removes the disc, enabling blood flow to the recipient vessel.

The ELANA clinical research was performed at four European sites and involved more than 300 cases. Additional clinics are expected to be added soon. The ELANA technique will be commercialized by Elana BV (www.elana.com) and has been used for patients with a giant aneurysm or a skull base tumor and insufficient collateral circulation.

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