SAN DIEGO, Volcano Corporation today announced it has received clearance to market the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire in Japan. In addition to accurately measuring intravascular pressure via Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire delivers superior handling with a frontline tip design, enhanced torque and more support.

"Japanese physicians are global leaders in advanced guide wire techniques and truly appreciate a wire that handles well in complex patient anatomy," said Junichi Osawa, President and Managing Director of Volcano Japan. "Reduced coil spacing at the tip of the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire improves tactile feel of the wire, allowing physicians to maneuver the wire easily. Physicians in the United States and Europe have strongly embraced the PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire because of its handling."

The PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire has a 90 percent improvement in torque compared to the SmartWire® II pressure guide wire. A larger core wire and SlyDx™ coating enabled improved trackability and smooth device delivery over the wire. Full market release of PrimeWire PRESTIGE® pressure guide wire in Japan is expected in the second quarter of 2011.

Source: Volcano Corporation