Minnow Medical is pioneering the development of an endovascular technology that combines mechanical and electrical energies that open stenoses and reduce atherosclerosis. Low pressure inflation of the balloon component of a percutaneous angioplasty catheter provides contact between the balloon and the artery wall. Subsequently, a precisely-controlled, non-ablative application of low-powered radiofrequency energy is delivered to the targeted plaque via micro-thin electrodes mounted on the balloon. Energy can be delivered multiple times with the same catheter to treat additional stenoses.

Lateral view of the Minnow Medical
Peripheral Vascular System.

The radiofrequency energy creates resistive heating within the targeted plaque.  By controlling the power and duration of the radiofrequency (RF) energy, the temperature of the targeted tissue is raised to effective ranges, at which the hydrogen bonds in the plaque's collagen molecules break. This results in a more compliant plaque that easily reshapes around the balloon catheter's open diameter, avoiding vessel stretching and injury.

Minnow Medical's researchers have confirmed the complementary effects of the Peripheral Vascular System’s mechanical and electrical energy on plaque, which opens stenoses, resulting in improved blood flow to the atherosclerotic artery. In the clinical setting, the technique of tailoring radiofrequency energy and low pressure balloon inflation causes an immediate reduction in plaque volume and may reshape the artery wall with minimal vessel injury (barotrauma).

Unique Catheter Technology

Currently in clinical studies for peripheral arterial disease, Minnow Medical's Peripheral Vascular Catheter System may demonstrate advantages over existing surgical and non-surgical endovascular therapies for both the patient and physician.

Patient Benefits

• A short, minimally invasive procedure that immediately restores blood flow at the lesion site
• Quick recovery and return to routine over a surgical-bypass procedure
• May lessen the need to implant a permanent stent which could limit future therapeutic options
• May be more cost effective, as it is a multiple use catheter for one procedure

Physician Benefits

• Easy to learn, very similar to angioplasty technique
• Cost-effective, multiple use catheter
• May minimize need for adjunctive therapy
• Expands therapeutic options for any required future procedures

Minnow Medical's Peripheral Vascular System is not for sale at this time. The claims for this device made on this website describe the expected clinical performance of the device and have not yet been confirmed through clinical trials.