San Francisco, Calif. — A new version of the Liberator Locking Stylet with Beacon® Tip Technology, a distinct radiopaque tip marker, was unveiled at Heart Rhythm 2011, the 32nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society, and is now available to physicians worldwide, officials at Cook Medical’s Lead Management division said today. Locking stylets play a fundamental role in lead extraction procedures by providing internal support to the cardiac lead targeted for removal. The addition of the new radiopaque tip marker should allow for users to better track the progress of the Liberator locking stylet as it is being positioned prior to engagement within the lead. Enhanced visualization of the Liberator locking stylet should help physicians achieve their goal of locking a stylet as close to the lead’s distal tip as possible so that lead control is maintained during subsequent extraction sheath manipulations.
The Liberator Locking Stylet now includes a tip made of two highly radiopaque materials, which have been selected to make the stylet visible under fluoroscopy throughout the procedure. The Liberator’s popular locking system and its twisted wire handle will remain unchanged, and the new tip marker has been incorporated into the existing Liberator design in a manner that does not effect the look of the device or the mechanical functionality.
“The Liberator has been a standard tool in the lead extraction process for nearly ten years. The newly updated Liberator locking stylet is designed to offer physicians greater procedural control by helping them optimize the position of the Liberator locking stylet within the lead” said Lou Goode, global leader of Cook’s Lead Management business unit. “This change reaffirms Cook’s commitment to responding to physician needs and providing quality tools for lead extraction procedures.”
About Cook Medical
Founded in 1963, Cook Medical pioneered many of the medical devices now commonly used to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body. Today, the company integrates medical devices, drugs and biologic grafts to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Since its inception, Cook has operated as a family-held private corporation. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter at @CookMedicalPR.