Absorb, the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Abbott Vascular) available in EU, Latin America and Asia - 02-Oct-2012

Abbott has announced that Absorb, the world's first drug eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS), is now widely available across Europe and parts of Asia Pacific and Latin America. Absorb is a first-of-its-kind device for the treatment of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). It works by restoring blood flow to the heart similar to a metallic stent, but then dissolves into the body, leaving behind a treated vessel that may resume more natural function and movement because it is free of a permanent metallic stent. Absorb is made of polylactide, a naturally dissolvable material that is commonly used in medical implants such as dissolving sutures. CE Mark was granted in 2011. Absorb is now available in Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand, and parts of Latin America.It is not yet available in the United States.