Ra Medical Systems announces the commercial launch in the United States of the DABRA System for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). This follows the system’s recent clearance by the FDA.

“My patients have a high rate of peripheral artery disease, many with a high likelihood of limb amputation,” says Dr Athar Ansari, from the California Heart & Vascular Clinic in El Centro, Calif, in a media release from Ra Medical Systems.

He recently treated the first post-FDA clearance patient using the system, performing the first ever DABRA case on arterial blockages via brachial artery access.

“It is a two-in-one—you cross the blockage and remove the plaque from the artery,” Ansari explains.

DABRA stands for Destruction of Arteriosclerotic Blockages by laser Radiation Ablation. Compared to other treatments for arterial blockages, Ra Medical Systems suggests in the release, the system has shorter procedure times, better patient outcomes and is less expensive.

Ultimately, the release continues, the system may reduce the costs that are associated with treating peripheral artery disease and ultimately lead to greater patient access to, and success with, interventional procedures.

“The DABRA system is a win-win-win for patients, physicians, and the healthcare system, offering all participants better clinical and economic outcomes in the treatment of peripheral artery disease,” states Dean Irwin, CEO of Ra Medical Systems, in the release.

“Our clinical study investigators say that DABRA is a game-changer, and we are thrilled that this week’s FDA clearance enables us to make it available to patients across the US,” he adds.

[Source(s): Ra Medical Systems, Business Wire]