In a move set to revolutionise heart disease treatment, Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) has announced the launch of the AVVIGO™️+ Multi-Modality Guidance System. This next-generation system combines advanced intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) technology, promising a significant leap forward in the precision and speed of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.

Cutting-Edge Features for Improved Patient Outcomes

The AVVIGO™️+ system introduces several groundbreaking features designed to streamline complex heart procedures. One of its standout innovations is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) software, known as Automated Lesion Assessment. This AI-powered tool automates key procedural steps and provides precise measurements of the coronary vessels, significantly reducing procedure time by acquiring IVUS images at faster speeds. This is the first IVUS system to incorporate AI, a step forward in medical imaging technology.

Additionally, the system enhances guidance during PCI by drawing a detailed physiology graph, providing a clear roadmap for treating diseased coronary arteries.

"Better Outcomes for Patients with Coronary Artery Disease"

Madan R. Krishnan, Vice President and Managing Director of Boston Scientific India Subcontinent, expressed his excitement about introducing this innovative tool to physicians in India. "We are pleased to introduce physicians in India to the next-generation AVVIGO™️+ Multi-Modality Guidance System," said Krishnan. "It provides fast, intuitive, and accurate vessel and lesion assessment capabilities for percutaneous coronary interventions. We believe this enhanced and automated tool will help them optimize these procedures to provide better outcomes for their patients with coronary artery disease."

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) and Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS)

The AVVIGO™️+ system employs FFR technology, which enables doctors to assess the severity of coronary artery blockages using pressure sensors. By comparing blood flow and pressure in blocked and unblocked coronary arteries, physicians can make informed decisions about treatment. This minimally invasive procedure gives clinicians a clearer understanding of the patient’s condition, allowing for precise and tailored treatment options.

In addition to FFR, the system also uses IVUS, a specialized diagnostic procedure that captures high-resolution images of the heart’s internal structures. Unlike traditional echocardiograms, which rely on sound waves from outside the body, IVUS involves inserting a thin catheter with an ultrasound probe directly into the heart. This allows for more detailed imaging, offering physicians deeper insights into the patient's condition.

Approval and Future Impact

The AVVIGO™️+ system received approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in July 2024. Its launch represents a significant step toward advancing cardiac care in India. Boston Scientific, known for its extensive range of catheters for coronary, peripheral, and cardiac conditions, continues to push the boundaries of medical technology with this new release.

As coronary artery disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, innovations like the AVVIGO™️+ system bring hope for faster, more accurate interventions and improved patient outcomes.