PROTEGE RX INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. 1. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System (Table 1) is a self-expanding Nitinol stent system intended for permanent implantation. The self-expanding stent is made of a nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol) and comes pre-mounted on a 6 Fr, 0.014” rapid exchange delivery system. The stent is cut from a Nitinol tube in an open lattice design, and is designed with tantalum radiopaque markers at the proximal and distal ends of the stent. Upon deployment, the stent achieves its predetermined diameter and exerts a constant, gentle outward force to establish patency.
The Delivery System, as shown in Figure 1, is comprised of an inner shaft and outer sheath, which are locked together with a Tuohy-Borst valve (1). The inner shaft terminates distally in a flexible catheter tip (2) and originates at the proximal end of the catheter. Two tantalum radiopaque markers, one marker distal (3) and one marker/retainer proximal (4) to the constrained stent (9), are on the inner shaft. Delivery systems with tapered stents have an additional radiopaque marker that reveals where the stent diameter transition begins. Tapered stents are mounted onto the delivery catheter with the smallest diameter toward the distal end of the catheter. The outer sheath connects proximally to the Y-connector (5). The self-expanding stent is constrained within the space between the inner shaft and outer sheath. This space is flushed prior to the procedure through the side port of the Y-connector (6).
Stent positioning at the targeted lesion is achieved prior to deployment utilizing the tantalum radiopaque markers (7, 8) on the constrained stent. For stentdeployment, the Tuohy-Borst valve is turned counter-clockwise to unlock the outer sheath.
The outer sheath retraction is achieved by pulling the Y-connector (5) toward the proximal grip (10) resulting in stent deployment.
TABLE 1 – Device Range Unconstrained Stent Stent Length Configuration Lumen Diameter Diameter (mm) FIGURE 1 – PROTÉGÉ® RX Delivery Catheter 2. INDICATIONS
The PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System, when used in conjunction with the ev3 Inc. embolic protection systems, is indicated for the treatment of patients at highrisk for adverse events from carotid endarterectomy who require percutaneous carotid revascularization and meet the criteria outlined below:
1. Patients with carotid artery stenosis (> 50% for symptomatic patients by ultrasound or angiography or > 80% for asymptomatic patients by ultrasound or
angiography) of the common or internal carotid artery, AND
2. Patients must have a reference vessel diameter within the range of 4.5 mm and 9.5 mm at the target lesion.
3. CONTRAINDICATIONS
Use of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System is contraindicated under these circumstances:
• Patients in whom anticoagulant, antiplatelet therapy or thrombolytic drugs is contraindicated.
• Patients with vascular tortuosity or anatomy, which precludes the safe introduction of the sheath, guide catheter, embolic protection system, or stent
• Patients with known hypersensitivity to nickel-titanium.
• Patients with uncorrected bleeding disorders.
• Lesions in the ostium of the common carotid artery.
4. WARNINGS Only physicians who have received appropriate training and are familiar with the principles, clinical applications, complications, side effects and hazards commonly associated with carotid interventional procedures should use this device. 4.1 General
Refer to the instructions supplied with all interventional devices to be used in conjunction with the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System for theirintended uses, contraindications and potential complications.
The clinical data contained within this document reflects data generated using the PROTÉGÉ GPS™ Carotid Stent System but has been determined tobe applicable to the PROTÉGÉ RX Carotid Stent System in bench and animal testing.
The safety and efficacy of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System in the carotid indication has not been demonstrated with embolic protection devicesother than with the ev3 Inc. SPIDER OTW Embolic Protection Device. The SpideRX™ Embolic Protection Device has been demonstrated compatible withthe PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System in bench and animal testing.
The long-term performance (> 1 year) of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System has not been established.
As with any type of vascular implant, infection secondary to contamination of the stent may lead to thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, or rupture.
Stenting across a major bifurcation may hinder or prevent future diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
In patients requiring the use of antacids and/or H2-antagonists before or immediately after stent placement, oral absorption of antiplatelet agents (e.g.,aspirin) may be adversely affected.
The appropriate antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy should be administered pre- and post-procedure as suggested in these instructions. Specialconsideration should be given to those patients with recently active gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
When multiple stents are required, stent materials should be of similar composition.
The safety and effectiveness of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System have NOT yet been established in patients with the characteristics noted below.
General Characteristics • Low to moderate risk for adverse events from carotid endarterectomy. • Pregnant patients or patients under the age of 18. • Patients in whom femoral access is not possible. • Chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation that is not treated by Coumadin®. • Prior stenting of the target carotid artery. • Documented intolerance to both heparin and Angiomax. • Allergy or contraindication to aspirin, or to clopidogrel AND ticlopidine, or to nickel or titanium. • Active bleeding diathesis requiring blood transfusion within 1 month prior to procedure. • Myocardial infarction (total CK > 3 times lab normal and MB above the normal limit) within 72 hours prior to procedure. • Coronary artery bypass graft or vascular surgery within 30 days prior to procedure. • Major residual neurological deficit (stroke scales: Barthel < 60, NIH > 15 or Rankin > 3) at pre-procedure neurological exam. • Transient ischemic attack or amaurosis fugax within 48 hours prior to procedure. • Cerebral vascular accident or retinal artery occlusion within 1 month prior to procedure. • Allergy to radiographic contrast that cannot be pre-treated. • Abnormal blood counts with platelets < 50,000 or > 700,000 mm3 or white blood cell count < 3000 mm3. • Current radiation treatment for cerebral carcinoma or sarcoma presenting with occluded or sclerosed vessels. • Patients who exhibit persistent acute intraluminal thrombus of the proposed lesion site, post thrombolytic therapy. • Perforation at the angioplasty site evidenced by extravasation of contrast medium. • Patients contraindicated for PTA. Angiographic Characteristics • Peripheral vascular disease that precludes safe sheath insertion. • Total occlusion of target carotid artery. • Ostial common carotid artery stenosis requiring treatment. • Multiple carotid stenoses in the same vessel that cannot be covered by one stent. • Ipsilateral intracranial stenosis that requires treatment. • Presence of any intracranial tumor(s), arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or aneurysm requiring treatment. The safety and effectiveness of concurrent treatment of lesions in patients with bilateral carotid artery disease have not been established. 4.2 Specific
This device is intended for single use only. DO NOT resterilize and/or reuse it, as this can compromise device performance and increase the risk ofcross contamination. Do not use if packaging is damaged.
Do not use the product after the “Use Before Date” printed on the package.
Maintain the patient’s Activated Clotting Time (ACT) at > 250 seconds throughout PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System usage to prevent thrombusformation on the device.
Maintain continuous flush while removing and reinserting devices on the guidewire. Perform all exchanges slowly to prevent air embolism or traumato the artery.
Implanting a stent may lead to dissection of the vessel distal and/or proximal to the stent and may cause acute closure of the vessel, requiringadditional intervention (carotid endarterectomy, further dilatation, or placement of additional stents).
The stent may cause thrombus, distal embolization or may migrate from the site of implant down the arterial lumen. Appropriate sizing of the stent tothe vessel is required to reduce the possibility of stent migration. In the event of thrombosis of the expanded stent, thrombolysis and PTA should beattempted.
In the event of complications such as infection, pseudoaneurysm or fistulization, surgical removal of the stent may be required.
Overstretching of the artery may result in rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
Never withdraw or move an intravascular device against any resistance until the cause is determined. Advancing with such resistance may lead toembolization of debris, and vessel and/or device damage.
Frequently observe the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System under fluoroscopy during stent deployment.
Exercise caution when advancing or withdrawing the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System through any previously placed devices.
Allow for and maintain adequate distance between the embolic protection device and the stent delivery system or deployed stent to avoid potentialentanglement.
Ensure optimal positioning of the stent prior to deployment. Once deployment is initiated, the stent cannot be repositioned or recaptured. Stentretrieval methods (use of additional wires, snares and/or forceps) may result in additional trauma to the carotid vasculature and/or the vascular accesssite. Complications may include death, stroke, bleeding, hematoma or pseudoaneurysm. 5. PRECAUTIONS Carefully inspect the sterile package and device prior to use to verify that neither has been damaged during shipment. Do not use damaged equipment.
Do not remove the stent from its delivery system as removal may damage the stent. The stent and delivery system are intended to perform as a system. Ifremoved, the stent cannot be put back on the delivery system.
The delivery system should not be used in conjunction with other stents.
Ensure the stent system is fully flushed with heparinized saline prior to use.
Venous access should be available during carotid stenting to manage bradycardia and/or hypotension by either pharmaceutical intervention or placementof a temporary pacemaker, if needed.
Advancement and deployment of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System should only be performed under fluoroscopic observation.
If resistance occurs during movement through the sheath, carefully withdraw the stent system.
If resistance is felt when initially retracting the outer deployment sheath, do not force deployment. Carefully withdraw the stent system without deployingthe stent.
If more than one stent is required to cover the lesion, or if there are multiple lesions, the distal lesion should be stented first, followed by stenting of theproximal lesion.
If use of sequential stents is necessary, the sequential stents must be overlapped; however, the amount of overlap should be kept to a minimum.
Use caution when crossing a deployed stent with any adjunct device.
5.1 MRI Compatibility
Through non-clinical testing, the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent has been shown to be MR Conditional1 at field strengths of 3 Tesla or less and amaximum whole body average specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3 W/kg for 20 min of MR. The PROTÉGÉ GPS Carotid Stent should not migrate in thisMR environment. Non-clinical testing has not been performed to rule out the possibility of stent migration at field strengths higher than 3 Tesla. In this testing, the stent produced a temperature rise of less than 0.54°C at a maximum whole body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3 W/kgfor 20 minutes of MR. The effect of heating in the MRI environment for overlapping stents or stents with fractured struts is not known. MR image quality may be compromised if the area of interest is in the exact same area or relatively close to the position of the stent.
1MR Conditional as defined in ASTM F2503-05
6. ADVERSE EVENTS 6.1 Observed Adverse Events
The PROTÉGÉ® GPS™ Carotid Stent System was evaluated for the treatment of internal and/or common carotid artery stenoses in high-risk patientsvia the Carotid Revascularization with ev3 Inc. Arterial Technology Evolution (CREATE) Trial. A total of 419 patients were enrolled in the CREATEPivotal Trial. The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the PROTÉGÉ® GPS™ Carotid Stent System andSPIDER™ Embolic Protection Device in the treatment of common and/or internal carotid artery stenoses for subjects that are at high-risk for carotidendarterectomy.
Table 2 presents the serious adverse events that were reported within the first 30 and 365 days for registry patients enrolled in the CREATE Pivotal Trial. Table 3 presents the cause of all patient deaths.
The numbers and types of adverse events observed were anticipated given the high co-morbid state of these patients.
TABLE 2 – Serious Adverse Event Summary ( < 30 Days, < 365 Days) < 30 Days (N=417) < 365 Days (N=395)* Description of Event
Restenosis (≥ 70% stenosis as measured by ultrasound)3
Restenosis (≥ 50% stenosis as measured by ultrasound)4
Patients may have had multiple events and therefore can be counted in more than one category / subcategory of event. Counts represent the number of patientswho have experienced one or more events.
* Patients were excluded if they missed the one-year visit, withdrew or were lost-to-follow-up and did not have any reported adverse events.
Events are categorized by body system and are defined as follows:
1 Death (study-defined): The Clinical Events Committee (CEC) adjudicated all deaths to determine if the death was considered a study adverse event (i.e.,
device-related, procedure related, and/or a study endpoint). Study-defined deaths do not include 14 deaths adjudicated as non-study related by the CEC including accident, cancer, respiratory failure, renal failure, cardiac death, and unknown death. 2 Non-stroke neurological: includes visual/speech disturbances, confusion, seizure, weakness and TIA. 3 Restenosis: re-narrowing of lesion as defined in the protocol by a > 70% stenosis as determined via duplex ultrasound scan 4 Restenosis rates: representing > 50% stenosis in the target lesion as determined by duplex ultrasound are also reported, as this definition is commonly
employed for surgical revascularization outcomes.
5 Target Lesion Revascularization (TLR): any repeat invasive procedure, including angioplasty, stenting, endarterectomy, or thrombolysis, performed to open
or increase the luminal diameter inside or within 10 mm of the previously treated lesion. 6 Access site complications: bruising, hematoma and bleeding. 7 Vascular: peripheral arterial disease, artery perforation and deep vein thrombosis. 8 Hemodynamic: includes hypotension and hypertension (that are not procedural complications), syncope and dizziness. 9 Bleeding: includes non-access site bleeding, anemia up to 30 days, GI bleed up to 30 days and subarachnoid hemorrhage. 10 Blood dyscrasia: includes anemia later than 30 days and thrombocytopenia. 11 Respiratory: includes pneumonia, embolism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory failure. 12 Gastrointestinal: includes nausea, ulcer, bowel obstruction and GI bleed later than 30 days. 13 Genitourinary: includes urinary tract infection, hematuria, urosepsis and prostatic hyperplasia. 14 Infection: includes laryngitis, puncture site infection, sepsis, endocarditis and bacteremia from IV site. 15 Metabolic: includes diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, metabolic acidosis, renal insufficiency and renal failure. 16 Musculoskeletal: includes pain, fractures and joint replacements. 17 Other: Subconjunctival hemorrhage and clot in left eye secondary to fall (n=1), stent misplacement (n=1), filter perforation through delivery catheter (n=1),
psychiatric admission for major depression (n=1), drug side effect (n=2). TABLE 3 – Cause Of All Death (< 30 Days, < 365 Days) < 30 Days < 365 Days Cause of Death Pivotal N=8 Pivotal N=35 6.2 Potential Adverse Events
Based on the literature, and on clinical and commercial experience with carotid stents and embolic protection systems, the following alphabetical listincludes possible adverse events associated with the use of these devices: •
Allergic reactions to procedural medications, contrast dye or device materials
Arterial occlusion or thrombosis at puncture site or remote site
Bleeding from anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications
Cerebral ischemia or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Detachment of a component of the device system
Emergent or urgent endarterectomy surgery (CEA)
Groin hematoma, with or without surgical repair
Infection and/or pain at the puncture site
Renal failure/insufficiency (new or worsening)
Stent embolization, migration or misplacement
Vessel dissection, flap, perforation, or rupture
Any device-related adverse event occurring involving the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System should be reported immediately to ev3 Inc., CustomerService: 1-800-716-6700. 7. CLINICAL STUDIES The Carotid Revascularization with ev3 Inc. Arterial Technology Evolution (CREATE) Pivotal Trial was a prospective, non-randomized, multi-center, single- arm clinical trial. The trial was performed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the PROTÉGÉ® GPS™ Carotid Stent System and the SPIDER™ Embolic Protection Device when used to treat high-risk symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with internal and/or common carotid artery stenoses. A total of 419 patients were enrolled at 31 clinical sites in the United States. Of these 419, twenty-five underwent staged stenting of both carotid arteries. For these subjects, both lesions were enrolled into the CREATE Pivotal Trial, bringing the total lesion count to 444.
An overview of the CREATE Trial is presented in Table 4. TABLE 4 – Overview of CREATE Trial Products Evaluated
Over-the-wire PROTÉGÉ® GPS Carotid Stent System and over-the-wire
Study Design
Non-randomized, multi-center, single-arm, prospective clinical trial
Patients Enrolled Number of Sites Primary Endpoint
30-day composite of myocardial infarction (MI), ipsilateral stroke, procedure-related contralateral stroke or death AND ipsilateral stroke from 31 to 365 days post-implantation
Secondary Endpoints
- Ipsilateral stroke, procedure-related contralateral stroke, or death within 30 days of implantation; and ipsilateral stroke from 31 to 365 days post- implantation.
- Target lesion revascularization through 1 year
- Target vessel revascularization through 1 year
- Primary patency at 1 year (defined as < 70% stenosis as measured by duplex scan)
- Technical Success (defined as successful delivery and retrieval of the filter and stent deployment with final residual stenosis < 50%)
The primary endpoint rate for the treatment is significantly less than the
Study Hypothesis
upper limit of an objective performance criterion (uOPC) of 16%. Patient Follow-up
25-45 days post procedure: neurological evaluation by neurologist or NIH-approved surrogate, adverse event assessment, ultrasound
150-240 days post procedure: Telephone follow-up including evaluation of Barthel Index and Rankin Sore, adverse event reporting, current anticoagulation/antiplatelet regimen
335-425 days post procedure: neurological evaluation by neurologist or NIH-approved surrogate, adverse event assessment, ultrasound
Core laboratories provided independent assessments of angiographic and ultrasound data. Monitors reviewed all data to ensure appropriate reporting of adverseevents and adherence to the study protocol. A Clinical Events Committee (CEC) consisting of non-investigators adjudicated adverse events reports for studysubjects. A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) monitored study progress and adverse events to ensure patient safety.
Statistical Methods The statistical analysis of the CREATE Pivotal Trial demonstrated that the ev3 Inc. carotid artery stent system primary endpoint is significantly less than an objective performance criterion (uOPC). The upper bound of the confidence interval around the primary endpoint observed was expected to be less than the uOPC of 16%. ev3 Inc. estimated the rate for the carotid artery stent system would be similar to the rate observed in the SAPPHIRE study at one year of 9.8%. Conservatively, an 11% rate was estimated for the primary endpoint. The sample size estimation was determined by assuming an exact confidence interval for this primary endpoint. The following assumptions were made to determine sample size: •
Although the estimated endpoint rate for the ev3 carotid stent is 9.8%, a conservative estimate for sample size assumed a rate of 11%.
The Type II error rate β = 0.20, which is equivalent to 80% power
where p is the observed primary endpoint rate for the PROTÉGÉ GPS™ Carotid Stent System. A one-sided upper 95% confidence bound that is less than 16% isequivalent to rejecting H0 at the 0.05 level of significance and concluding the primary endpoint rate is significantly less than the uOPC of 16% (p-value < 0.0001). Exact methods were used to form the confidence bound.
Eligibility Criteria Summary
Male and female patients who presented for percutaneous treatment of an internal and/or common carotid artery intervention were considered for enrollment. To beincluded, the patients were required to be at least 18 years old and considered to be at high risk for carotid endarterectomy.
Patients were considered symptomatic if their target stenosis was associated with ipsilateral transient or visual TIA evidenced by amaurosis fugax, ipsilateralhemispheric TIAs or ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 6 months prior to enrollment. Patients who were characterized as symptomatic were also required to have atarget lesion stenosis (as defined in the NASCET trial) > 50%. Asymptomatic patients were required to have a target lesion stenosis > 70%.
High-risk criteria are included in Table 5. TABLE 5 – High Surgical Risk Criteria Clinical Criteria1 Anatomic Criteria1
1. Contralateral carotid artery occlusion
2. CCS angina class 3-4 or unstable angina
2. High cervical lesion (above the angle of the jaw)
5. Myocardial infarction < 6 weeks pre-
5. Previous cervical radiation treatment,
tracheostomy/stoma, or radical neck dissection
6. Coronary artery disease with > two-vessel
7. Cervical immobility due to fusion or arthritis
7. Severe pulmonary disease: home oxygen,
8. Bilateral carotid stenoses, both requiring
8. Permanent contralateral cranial nerve injury
1 The subjects were required to meet at least ONE or more high-risk criterion in EITHER the clinical or anatomical section. Description of Patients Evaluated Table 6 summarizes patient follow-up compliance in the CREATE Pivotal Trial. TABLE 6 – CREATE Pivotal Patient Follow-up Compliance
Baseline demographics and lesion characteristics are presented in Table 7. TABLE 7 – Baseline Demographics and Lesion Characteristics (All Patients Treated) Patient Characteristics Pivotal (N=419)
History of Other Treatment to Target Artery
Pre-vessel Diameter (minimum lumen diameter) Mean
Anatomical Risk Factors Bilateral Carotid Stenosis
Clinical Results Summary The primary endpoint of the CREATE Pivotal Trial was a composite of MI, ipsilateral stroke, procedure-related contralateral stroke or death within 30 days of implantation and ipsilateral stroke within one year of implantation (also referred to as MACCE). Reported primary endpoint events in the CREATE Pivotal Trial included four myocardial infarctions; 16 ipsilateral strokes, 14 of which were classified as major; three procedure-related contralateral strokes, eight deaths and three ipsilateral strokes between 31 and 365 days. Of these events, 14 of the 34 were classified as device-related by the Clinical Events Committee. Figures 2 and 3 contain primary endpoint Kaplan-Meier Survival Estimates overall and by symptom group. In Table 8, each component of the overall MACCE definition is listed with its corresponding occurrence. When the overall 30-day MACCE number was calculated, it was done in a hierarchical fashion and only the worst event that occurred in any subject was counted. The individual components of MACCE were actually counted per occurrence. Kaplan-Meier Analysis of Time to Primary Endpoint (All Patients) Survival Distribution Function Months Post Index Procedure FIGURE 2 – Primary Endpoint Overall Pivotal Cohort All Patients Kaplan-Meier Analysis of Time to Primary Endpoint (Symptomatic vs. Asymptomatic Subjects) Survival Distribution Function Months Post Index Procedure FIGURE 3 – Primary Endpoint by Symptom Group Asymptomatic Patients Symptomatic Patients TABLE 8 – Safety and Efficacy Measures (All Patients Treated) Safety and Efficacy Measures Pivotal (N=419) Primary Endpoint Secondary Endpoints MANE**
* 30-day MACCE is done via a hierarchical calculation. Only the worst event that occurred in any subject is counted. The individual components of MACCE are
** Major Adverse Neurological Events (MANE) includes 11 elements of the primary endpoint except myocardial infarction.
In the CREATE Pivotal Trial, 29 of the 370 subjects followed to one year were observed to have at least one primary endpoint. This leads to an overall primaryendpoint rate of 7.8% (29/370 = 7.8%). This estimate of the primary endpoint rate was performed only on subjects with recorded endpoints, excluding subjects with missing endpoint information. Using exact confidence methods, the upper 95% confidence limit for the primary endpoint rate was 11.3%. The corresponding p-value for the above null hypothesis is less than 0.0001. Thus, the null hypothesis that the primary efficacy of the carotid stent system is equal to or greater than16% is rejected and the primary endpoint event rate is significantly less than 16% (p-value < 0.0001). 8. CLINICIAN USE INFORMATION Only physicians who have received appropriate training and are familiar with the principles, clinical applications, complications, side effects and hazards commonly associated with carotid interventional procedures should use this device. WARNING: The PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System is supplied STERILE and intended for single use only. DO NOT resterilize and/or reuse it, as this can compromise device performance and increase the risk of cross contamination. Do not use if packaging is damaged. WARNING: Do not use the product after the “Use Before Date” printed on the package. 8.1 Materials Required
Confirm the compatibility of the PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System with all interventional devices before actual use. •
6F hemostatic introducer sheath or 8F guiding catheter compatible with the vascular anatomy.
5 or 10 cc syringe filled with heparinized saline
CAUTION: The PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System is not compatible with any guidewire larger than 0.014” (0.36 mm). 8.2 Periprocedural Care
Pre-procedure anticoagulation and antiplatelet requirements were specified in the clinical trials. A baseline dose of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) of 325mg was required the day prior and the day of the procedure. For patients on regular Coumadin® therapy, the dose could be reduced to 81 mg.
Several options were given with respect to the loading dose of antiplatelet medication:•
Clopidogrel 75 mg for three days prior to the procedure and the day of the procedure or
Clopidogrel 450 mg the day before the procedure and 75 mg the day of the procedure or
Ticlopidine 1000 mg the day before the procedure and two 250 mg doses the day of the procedure.
Patients were required to take 325 mg ASA and either 75 mg of clopidogrel each day or 250 mg of ticlopidine twice a day for three months following the procedure. For patients on regular Coumadin® therapy, the post-procedure ASA dose could be reduced to 81 mg. WARNING: The appropriate antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy should be administered pre- and post-procedure as suggested in these instructions.
Special consideration should be given to those patients with recently active gastritis or peptic ulcer disease.
8.3 Pre-procedure
Refer to Section 8.2 of these instructions for the suggested pre-procedure pharmacological treatment regimen. The placement of the stent in astenotic or obstructed carotid artery should be done in an angiography procedure room. Angiography should be performed to map out the extent of thelesion(s) and the collateral flow. If thrombus is present, do not proceed with stent deployment. Access vessels must be sufficiently patent orsufficiently recanalized to proceed with further intervention. Patient preparation and sterile precautions should be the same as for any angioplastyprocedure. 8.4 Stent Size Determination
Measure the diameter of the reference vessel (proximal and distal to lesion). Measure the length of the target lesion to determine the length of stent required. Refer to Table 9 for stent diameter sizing. Choose a stent length at least as long as the targeted stricture. There is no foreshortening of the stent length during deployment. NOTE: Ensure tapered stent diameters are properly sized to lumen diameters. TABLE 9 – Stent Diameter Sizing Stent Diameter Lumen Diameter WARNING: The PROTÉGÉ® RX Carotid Stent System is contraindicated for use with lesions in the ostium of the common carotid artery. 8.5 Preparation of Stent Delivery System
• Open the shelf box to reveal the pouch containing the stent and delivery catheter. • After careful inspection of the pouch, looking for damage to the sterile barrier, carefully peel open the outer pouch and extract the tray with contents. • Set the tray on a flat surface. Carefully pull the lid off the tray and remove the stent/delivery system. Examine the device for damage. If it is suspected that
the sterility has been compromised or the device is damaged, do not use the device.
• Examine the distal end of the catheter to ensure the stent is contained within the outer sheath. Do not use if the stent is partially deployed. • If a gap exists between the catheter tip and outer sheath, open the Tuohy-Borst valve and gently pull the inner shaft in a proximal direction until the gap is
closed. Lock the Tuohy-Borst valve after the adjustment.
• Flush delivery system with heparinized saline immediately before backloading guidewire. Do not power inject. Apply constant, steady pressure to syringe to
ensure delivery system is fully flushed.
– System is fully flushed when saline exits the distal end of the outer sheath and the RX port while applying constant steady pressure. – Attach a 5-10 cc syringe filled with heparinized saline to the Y-connector side port. – Loosen Tuohy-Borst valve (counter clockwise) and inject saline until it seeps from the proximal end of the Tuohy-Borst valve. – Close Tuohy-Borst valve by turning clockwise. – Continue to flush system by injecting saline until it comes out between the distal end of the outer sheath and tip. – Cover distal end of outer sheath with fingers and continue to inject until the saline exits the RX Port. – Just prior to loading onto the guidewire, submerge the catheter distal section into saline.
8.6 Introduction of the Stent Delivery System
• Gain access at the femoral artery using an introducer sheath or guide catheter with a hemostatic valve. • Insert a 0.014” guidewire of appropriate length across the target stricture via the introducer sheath. • Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for placement of the ev3 Inc. Embolic Protection Device. • Per physician discretion, pre-dilate the lesion using standard PTA techniques. Remove the PTA balloon from the patient while maintaining lesion access with
the guidewire/filter embolic protection device.
CAUTION: During dilation, never expand the balloon such that bleeding or dissection complications could occur. Advance the device over the embolic protection device through the hemostatic valve and sheath introducer until it exits through the RX Port. Use one hand to hold the proximal end of the guidewire and the other hand to advance the delivery system through the hemostatic valve and guide catheter or introducer sheath to the site of the stricture. NOTE: If resistance is met during delivery system introduction or advancement, the system should be withdrawn and another system used. CAUTION: Always use an introducer sheath for the implant procedure to protect both the vessel and puncture site. 8.7 Stent Deployment
• Advance the delivery system until the radiopaque inner shaft markers (distal and proximal ends of the stent) are proximal and distal to the target lesion. For
tapered stents, ensure the middle radiopaque inner shaft marker is positioned at the location in which the artery begins to widen.
• Loosen the Tuohy-Borst valve to unlock the system. • Initiate stent deployment by retracting the outer sheath (Y-connector) while holding the inner shaft (proximal grip) in a fixed position. During release of the
stent, the whole length of the flexible deployment system should be kept as straight as possible. A slight back tension on the delivery catheter using the backhandgrip is recommended to ensure that the deployment system is stationary and straight. Deployment is complete when the outer sheath passes the proximal inner shaft stent marker and the stent is released from the retainer.
NOTE: When more than one stent is required to open the lesion, place the more distal stent first. Overlap of sequential stents is necessary but the amount of overlap should be kept to a minimum. 8.8 Post Stent Deployment
• While using fluoroscopy, withdraw the entire delivery system as one unit, over the guidewire/embolic protection device, into the catheter introducer sheath
and out of the body. Remove the delivery device from the guidewire/embolic protection device.
NOTE: If resistance is met during delivery system withdrawal, advance the outer sheath until the outer sheath contacts the catheter tip and withdraw the system as one unit. • Using fluoroscopy, visualize the stent to verify full deployment. • If incomplete expansion exists within the stent at any point along the lesion, post deployment balloon dilation (standard rapid exchange PTA technique) can NOTE: The stent cannot be expanded past its predetermined diameter. • To dilate the stent, select an appropriate size rapid exchange PTA balloon catheter and dilate with conventional technique. The inflation diameter of the PTA
balloon should approximate the diameter of the reference vessel.
• Remove the PTA balloon from the patient. • Recover the embolic protection device. • Remove the guidewire/embolic protection device and sheath from the body. • Close entry wound as appropriate. • Discard the delivery system, guidewire/embolic protection device and sheath.
NOTE: Physician experience and discretion will determine the appropriate drug regimen for each patient. 9. PATIENT INFORMATION A Patient Brochure, which includes information on carotid artery disease and the carotid stent implant procedure, is available from ev3 Inc. upon request. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800-716-6700 to obtain copies.
Patients will also be provided a Stent Implant Card that is filled in during the procedure, which will contain specific information about the PROTÉGÉ® RXCarotid Stent System. Patients should keep this card in their possession at all times for procedure/stent identification.
ev3 Corporate World HeadquartersCardio Peripheral Division
9600 54th Avenue NPlymouth, MN 55442-2111
USAPH + 1 763 398 7000FX + 1 763 398 7001
Protected under one or more of the following:
US Patent 6,814,746; 6,749,627; 6,623,518; 6,558,415;
6,358,274; 6,132,460; D458,679. Non-US patents pending.
2006 ev3 Inc. All rights reserved.
BALLOONS • CATHETERS • COILS • EMBOLIC PROTECTION • GUIDEWIRES AND SNARES • LIQUID EMBOLICS • STENTS • THROMBUS MANAGEMENT
GERIATRIC GYNECOLOGY Karen L. Miller, MD; Morton A. Stenchever, MD; Holly E. Richter, PhD, MD; Evelyn C. Granieri, MD, MPH, MSEd; William C. Andrews, MD, FACOG, FRCOG* Gynecologists play three roles in the health care of women aged 65 and over: surgeon,consultant and therapist for gynecologic disorders, and provider of primary and preventivehealth care. The research reviewed here addresse
Digital 240 Transducers Digital Fluid Damped Single Point Load Cell FEATURES • Fully Calibrated, filtered digital output • High A/D update rates (adjustable from 50 to 800 • Readings on request OR continuously output• Checkweigher function-reading acquired over period• Configurable filtering• Safeguarded access to calibration for approved• EMC compliant and surge p