Newswise — TOLEDO, Ohio, August 19, 2014 – Jobst Vascular Institute is conducting pioneering research that looks at using stents to treat blocked veins. For years, stents – small mesh tubes – have been used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries; however none are specifically designed for use in veins. The Cook Medical VIVO clinical research study aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Zilver® VenaTM Venous Self-Expanding Stent in the treatment of vein obstructions.
Jobst Vascular Institute is the second center in the country to enroll a patient in the VIVO clinical research study.
“Veins differ greatly from arteries and require a different approach when treating blockages,” said Anthony Comerota, MD, one of two global principal investigators in the VIVO clinical research study. “While arteries are muscular and under high pressure as they deliver blood throughout the body, veins are low pressure vessels that return blood to the heart. When obstructed, they require stent characteristics different from those required by an artery.”
Vein obstruction or iliofemoral venous outflow obstruction is a blockage or narrowing of the major veins draining blood from the leg. It causes leg pain, throbbing, swelling and skin discoloration in the legs. It may also be associated with deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the leg. Patients are currently treated only with compression stockings or by elevating the leg. Some patients may be taking blood thinners.
“This is an important trial, which may expand the options for treating diseased veins,” said Comerota.
The Zilver® VenaTM Venous Self-Expanding Stent is an investigational device that is not approved for sale in the United States.
For more information about Jobst Vascular Institute, visit www.promedica.org/jobst.
About ProMedicaToledo, Ohio-based ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit healthcare organization formed in 1986. ProMedica has more than 15,000 employees and nearly 1,900 physicians with more than 600 healthcare providers employed by ProMedica Physicians. Its 12 hospitals and more than 300 facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women and pediatric services. ProMedica’s mission is to improve health and well-being, with a strong focus on wellness and clinical excellence, as well as innovative, community advocacy programs that address health-related issues such as hunger and obesity. For more information, please visit www.promedica.org.
About Cook MedicalA global pioneer in medical breakthroughs, Cook Medical is committed to creating effective solutions that benefit millions of patients worldwide. Today, we combine medical devices, drugs, biologic grafts and cell therapies across more than 16,000 products serving more than 40 medical specialties. Founded in 1963 by a visionary who put patient needs and ethical business practices first, Cook is a family-owned company that has created more than 10,000 jobs worldwide. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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