The trial uses the PercuSurge distal protection device designed to reduce complications that arise when particles of dislodged plaque or emboli travel through the bloodstream to the brain during surgery. The trial's primary investigator is Sriram Iyer, M.D., Director of Peripheral Intervention, Lenox Hill Heart and Vascular Institute, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York. Carotid stenting appears to be the next frontier for stenting, and this combination could significantly reduce a major cause of strokes. By containing and removing embolic particles during stenting of the carotid arteries, we hope to be able to bring this same benefit to the area of stroke prevention. According to the American Heart Association, strokes affect approximately 600,000 people annually in the United States and are the third leading cause of death.
Strokes are also the leading cause of serious, long-term disability.
It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of strokes are a direct result of atherosclerotic disease. Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices. The company s products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. This press release contains forward-looking statements. Boston Scientific wishes to caution the reader that actual results may differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and may be affected by, among other things, risks associated with new product development, clinical trials, regulatory approval, commercialization of new technologies, competitive offerings and other factors described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.