Novel Innovations for Portal Vein Access Procedures

Argon Medical Devices has launched two portal vein access sets intended for transjugular liver access in diagnostic and interventional procedures.

The SCORPION Portal Vein Access Series addresses the common challenges physicians encounter when placing a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) or conducting other portal vein access procedures. The Scorpion Series includes two sets, Scorpion and ScorpionX, which offer improved visualization, revolutionary navigation control, and enhanced durability to augment existing procedural techniques.

The Scorpion Portal Vein Access Series utilizes a patented curve-in-curve system to offer physicians 360-degree range of motion with the needle or stylet used to access the portal vein. Each curved component can work together or independently to accurately steer the device through the liver to the intended target. Existing systems utilize only a single curve limiting the steerability of the needle or stylet. The Scorpion Series’ novel design was created by Dr. Lowell Kahn, a Vascular and Diagnostic Interventional Radiologist located in Springfield, MA, in conjunction with Hatch Medical, L.L.C.

“Establishing access to the portal venous system is often the longest and most challenging part of many procedures. This is particularly true when the liver is diseased, making the anatomy irregular. I designed the SCORPION’s independently controlled dual curves to improve the physician’s ability to navigate through liver parenchyma and reduce the number of attempts necessary to establish access to the portal vein,” said Dr. Khan.

“Argon Medical is proud to add the Scorpion Series into our product portfolio. 2021 is our ‘Year of Innovation,’ and we continue to develop and deliver innovative products to the interventional market. Launching Scorpion demonstrates our desire and ability to innovate to improve the lives of our customers and the patients they treat.” said George Leondis, CEO of Argon Medical

The Scorpion Portal Vein Access sets are currently available in the United States. Scorpion is licensed by Argon Medical and is a trademark of Hatch Medical, L.L.C.