FDA approves Amplatzer Vascular Plug from St Jude Medical

The FDA has approved the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP 4) from St. Jude Medical for for use in transcatheter embolization procedures (minimally invasive procedures that involve the selective blocking of blood vessels) within the peripheral vasculature. Vascular plugs assist physicians in quickly blocking or rerouting blood flow by occluding (closing) abnormal blood vessels. AVP 4 is the latest addition to the Amplatzer Family of Vascular Plugs, which includes the AVP and AVP II devices in the U.S. The Amplatzer Family of Vascular Plugs are designed to provide optimal embolization of peripheral arteries and veins through single-device occlusion; full cross-sectional vessel coverage; and controlled, precise deployment.The device received a European CE Mark in July 2009.