Argon Medical Devices, a leading provider of medical device solutions for interventional radiology, vascular surgery, interventional cardiology, and oncology, has announced the launch of the Intara™ Introducer Sheath and TLAB® Transvenous Liver Biopsy System.
The Intara Introducer Sheath is crafted to ensure seamless access to a patient’s peripheral or central blood vessels—excluding coronary and neurovascular areas—making it easier to insert both therapeutic and diagnostic instruments. This 10-french sheath is resistant to twisting and provides enhanced visibility to assist in the introduction, navigation, and delivery of devices for a variety of vascular procedures. Argon Medical expects that the Intara Introducer Sheath will simplify the operation of the TLAB Transvenous Liver Biopsy System, along with the Scorpion® and Traveler™ portal vein access kits, and enhance the placement of stents during the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure.
Dr. Dylan Satal, an interventional radiologist at Greensboro Radiology in Greensboro, North Carolina, stated, “The Intara Introducer Sheath is an upgrade to current market options. It provides increased flexibility, ease of use, and safety throughout the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure and stent placement.”
The TLAB Transvenous Liver Biopsy System is an extension of Argon Medical’s TLAB Transjugular Liver Biopsy System, adding FDA clearance for a unique approach to collecting biopsy samples from the liver via femoral access. The system includes a novel device that allows users to safely adjust the instrument’s shape to best fit the patient’s unique anatomy. This new addition is bolstered by a recent retrospective review involving 500 patients demonstrating the safety and efficacy of inferior vena cava liver biopsies compared to the traditional jugular approach. Authors of the review, including Dr. Jacob Cynamon, an interventional radiologist at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York, found that inferior vena cava liver biopsies via the femoral route reduced complication rates without liver injuries. Argon Medical developed the TLAB Transvenous Liver Biopsy System in collaboration with licensed patents from Montefiore, with Dr. Cynamon being one of the primary inventors.
The TLAB Transvenous Liver Biopsy System, which is authorized for use via both transjugular and transfemoral techniques, provides physicians with a valuable femoral access option. This approach not only enhances technical and histopathological outcomes but also reduces the time required for procedures and lowers the risk of complications. Having experienced the advantages of the transfemoral method ourselves, I genuinely believe this advancement will significantly benefit both patients and doctors involved in liver biopsy procedures,” stated Dr. Cynamon.
“We are thrilled to expand our liver care solutions with the launch of the Intara™ Introducer Sheath and the TLAB® Transvenous Liver Biopsy System,” stated George Leondis, President & CEO of Argon Medical. “Driven by a passion for innovation, we consistently focus on advancing and perfecting the tools that interventional specialists depend on to diagnose and treat liver diseases. Our commitment ensures that these medical professionals have access to state-of-the-art instruments, designed to improve precision, streamline procedures, and enhance patient outcomes, keeping us at the forefront of medical device excellence. Our goal is to provide medical professionals with advanced, reliable tools that improve patient outcomes and make procedures more efficient.” This dedication is reflected in our steady rollout of advanced products, such as the BioPince® Ultra Full-core Biopsy Instrument, Scorpion® Portal Vein Access Sets, and Traveler™ Portal Vein Access Sets, all of which are designed to improve procedural outcomes and patient care.”
“Liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer, are responsible for one in every 25 deaths globally. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent demand for more efficient, accessible, and precise diagnostic methods and treatment solutions to better manage and address these life-threatening conditions. We’ve taken into account the insights of medical experts in the field to shape the development of the Intara Introducer Sheath and TLAB Transvenous Liver Biopsy System. As we bring these new devices to market, we’re excited to see their expertise translate into positive outcomes for interventional specialists and the patients they serve,” said Tom Yunker, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Argon Medical.