Medtronic starts cobalt stent trial:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Medtronic has begun enrolling patients into a multicentre US trial of its non-stainless steel Driver coronary stent. The study, which will involve around 300 patients, will assess the stent as a treatment for de novo and restenotic lesions in coronary vessels of 3-4mm in diameter. The device, formerly known as S8, is made of a cobalt-based alloy that is designed to be stronger and denser than conventional stainless steel stents, says Medtronic. The alloy may also allow for thinner struts, resulting in a lower profile and better deliverability without compromising radial strength and visibility, the company adds.