Devices

Boston Scientific Trial on Pulmonary Embolism Therapy

Boston Scientific has received IDE approval to begin enrolling in the HI-PEITHO clinical trial to compare its EkoSonic Endovascular System (EKOS) in combination with anticoagulation therapy to anticoagulation alone for treating acute, intermediate-high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE). The collaborative research study is being conducted by the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team Consortium and the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, according to the company.

“This first-of-its-kind international randomized controlled trial is intended to address current gaps in clinical guidelines and underscores our support of the highest level of research that may enable physicians to make data-based clinical decisions when choosing the best therapy for their patients with PE,” Boston Scientific says. The device uses ultrasound energy in combination with a thrombolytic drug to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow in patients with PE and peripheral arterial occlusions, it says.

The trial will enroll up to 544 patients, who will be followed for one year after treatment. It will assess whether treatment with the EKOS system in combination with anticoagulation is associated with fewer adverse events compared to anticoagulation alone, within seven days of randomization. The composite primary endpoint is defined as PE-related mortality, cardiorespiratory decompensation or collapse and non-fatal symptomatic and objectively confirmed recurrence of PE, Boston Scientific says.

Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton’s responses on vaccines, contraception and abortion medication during her 9/24 Senate confirmation hearing raise concerns that ideology could influence her decision-making if she takes over the agency, MSNBC senior medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta said Friday. Gupta was particularly critical of Overton’

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton emerged from her Senate confirmation hearing Thursday (see earlier story) without resolving questions about whether she has enough Republican support to advance — and with a rapidly narrowing window for confirmation before the midterm elections. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing provided few

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA has classified Boston Scientific's recall of its Imager II Angiographic Catheters as Class I because a manufacturing problem could cause catheter tips to degrade and detach, potentially resulting in life-threatening complications. The agency announced the Class I classification 9/25, updating an Early Alert it issued

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

FDA has approved Roche’s Gazyva (obinutuzumab) for reducing the risk of relapse in adults and children aged 2 and older with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent, childhood-onset idiopathic nephrotic syndrome who are in remission. The expanded approval covers the use of the CD20-directed antibody beyond its existing

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Gupta Raises Concerns About Overton’s Independence, Ideology

Overton Confirmation Remains Uncertain After Senate Hearing

FDA Classifies Boston Scientific Imager II Catheter Recall as Class I

FDA Approves Gazyva for Childhood-Onset Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome