FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter - an incremental improvement, not disruptive technology

Implications:    Cordis introduced the FIRE STAR™ Rx PTCA Dilatation Catheter to the European market.  This catheter reportedly has a lower profile than other devices on the market which enables it to cross highly stenotic or tortuous lesions.  There are no controlled studies showing device this offers any significant advantage for most angioplasty procedures.  The Fire Star device will likely become a part of the armamentarium of interventionalists but will not be the workhorse catheter unless a true outcome advantage can be demonstrated or the price is competitive with the devices currently available.

Analysis:  
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 While this device may be helpful in difficult situations, most angioplasties will not require this advantage.

 If priced the similar to other devices on the market, it may take market share. If more expensive, it will only be used when the other devices fail to cross.

 Either way, it is unlikely to significantly impact Cordis's economic situation.