Medtronic announced that the IN.PACT Admiral drug eluting balloon (DEB) (also known as the IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon (DCB) in non-European markets) has received CE (Conformité Européene) Mark for arteriovenous (AV) access to help maintain hemodialysis access in patients with end-stage renal disease.

IN.PACT Admiral DEB aids in preventing restenosis, by opening the artery and delivering paclitaxel, an anti-proliferative agent, to the vessel wall. A new 40 centimeter catheter shaft will also be made commercially available in Europe under the expanded indication, which is specifically designed for AV access. In the United States, IN.PACT Admiral DEB is approved to treat superficial femoral and popliteal arteries.

"IN.PACT Admiral DEB, a best-in-class therapy for the treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease, is now indicated in Europe for the treatment of AV access, providing a durable primary intervention that aids in extending time to re-intervention while preserving future treatment options," said Mr Brian Verrier, vice president and general manager of the peripheral business, within the Aortic and Peripheral Vascular division at Medtronic. "Improving lives and alleviating pain is a core piece of Medtronic's mission, and through IN.PACT Admiral DEB, we can help physicians treat patients with end-stage renal disease."