
W.L. Gore & Associates announced the first patient case involving the revolutionary Gore DrySeal Sheath. The sheath aids in minimally invasive treatment for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) with the Gore Excluder AAA endoprosthesis and thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) with the Gore TAG thoracic endoprosthesis. The first successful procedures were performed by Thomas Daly, MD (Westmead Hospital, New South Wales), Alan Bray, MD (Newcastle Private, New South Wales) and Michael Denton, MD (Epworth Private Hospital, Victoria). According to Dr. Daly, who performed the first clinical case in Australia, during treatment of an emergent, symptomatic AAA, "the hemostasis achieved with the GORE DrySeal Sheath is unsurpassed by any other large diameter commercial sheath. Its versatility reduces patient blood loss while not compromising accessibility." The GORE DrySeal Sheath, which was recently released in Australia, is composed of an innovative hemostatic valve attached to the introducer sheath. The valve is pressurised to create a seal, thereby minimising blood loss and accommodating multiple wires and catheters simultaneously. The valve consists of a silicone outer tube and an inner film tube that create an effective hemostatic seal that easily adapts to the profiles of the inserted devices. The GORE DrySeal Sheath is available in profiles from 12 to 26 Fr, in 2 Fr increments, and has a working length of 28 cm. Gore Aortic Business Leader David Abeyta added, "The GORE DrySeal Sheath is the newest addition to Gore's world-class portfolio and is further evidence of Gore's commitment to the development of innovative solutions to address unmet clinical needs in the Australian endovascular market." (the end) Source: Gore Medical Products Divisionnike