Medtech titan Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) touted regulatory wins in the U.S. and the European Union for the Expect Slimline needle, designed to help biopsy tissue from organs near the gastrointestinal tract.

The device is intended for use with endoscopic ultrasound imaging in helping clinicians target and collect samples from organs such as the pancreas, liver and bile duct in order to diagnose cancer or other diseases. Such procedures may be particularly popular for patients with pancreatic cancer, in which close monitoring and tailored disease management are key.

The Expect Slimline is already on contract with 4 group purchasing organizations, Boston Scientific said.

The new needle is the latest generation of the company’s ultrasound aspiration needles, following the 2011 introduction of the original Expect device, which was followed by the Expect 19gauge Flex.

The new Expect Slimline has a smaller handle, new "gliding mechanism" to smooth out the tissue sampling process and ergonomically designed controls, according to the company.

"Endoscopic ultrasound is one of the fastest growing areas within gastrointestinal endoscopy and physicians are increasingly becoming more sophisticated in their techniques and applications," Boston Scientific endoscopy president David Pierce said in prepared remarks. "As the leader in GI endoscopic devices, we have made it a priority to broaden our product portfolio continually to provide physicians with a variety of device solutions to meet their needs. Bringing the Expect Slimline Needle to market in a very short period of time truly underscores our commitment to listening to customers."  

BSX shares were down 0.9% today, trading at $13.10 as of about 1:30 p.m. EST.