Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), with a freshly minted CE Mark in hand, said it launched its Endurant II stent graft for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms onto the worldwide market.
The device, used in endovascular aortic repair, is on track for pre-market approval from the FDA this year.
Its predecessor, the Endurant, won its PMA in December 2010, according to a press release.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur when that blood vessel’s wall grows weak and begins to bulge. A rupture usually results in sudden death, and the condition has garnered the name "the silent killer" because it rarely causes visible symptoms, according to a press release.
The Endurant II AAA stent graft reinforces weak spots in blood vessels without the need for open-heart surgery, using a technique called endovascular aortic repair.
MDT shares were up 2% to $39.46 as of about 11:10 a.m. today after closing at $38.65 yesterday.
Medtronic launched the system in Japan in Oct. 2011 alongside the Integrity coronary stent.