Contego Medical announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted premarket approval (PMA) to its Neuroguard IEP system for carotid revascularization. This approval marks a significant step forward in reducing the risk of stroke during carotid artery procedures.
The Neuroguard IEP system incorporates Integrated Embolic Protection (IEP) technology, featuring a 40-micron filter integrated on a 6 French delivery catheter. The filter's size can be adjusted to fit individual patient anatomy, and its pores are designed to be three to four times smaller than traditional filters, enhancing protection against stroke and cognitive impairment.
Clinical Trial Success
Clinical studies, including the PERFORMANCE I and PERFORMANCE II investigational device exemption (IDE) trials, have demonstrated exceptionally low event rates with the Neuroguard IEP system. These trials reported zero major strokes, zero neurologic deaths, and zero stent thrombosis at both 30 days and one year post-procedure.
William Gray, System Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at Main Line Health and co-national principal investigator of the PERFORMANCE II trial, stated, "FDA approval confirms the results of the clinical studies... establishing a new standard of care for meaningfully reducing the risk of procedural and long-term stroke among patients with carotid artery disease."
Integrated Embolic Protection Technology
The Neuroguard IEP system's design addresses the threat of microembolization during carotid revascularization. The integrated filter is intended to capture embolic debris released during the procedure, reducing the risk of downstream complications such as stroke.
Ravish Sachar, Contego Medical’s chief executive officer and founder, noted, "The Neuroguard IEP system transforms how we approach patients with carotid artery disease by addressing the specific threats of microembolisation while simultaneously reducing procedural steps, ensuring patients receive the highest level of protection throughout the procedure."
Ongoing Evaluation
The PERFORMANCE III trial is currently underway, evaluating the Neuroguard IEP system with a next-generation direct transcarotid access and protection system (TCAR-IEP). This trial aims to demonstrate advanced stroke protection regardless of the vascular approach used.
Market Access and Reimbursement
In 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded coverage for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the carotid artery when performed with FDA-approved carotid stents and embolic protection devices. This decision, combined with the FDA approval of the Neuroguard IEP system, positions Contego Medical for continued growth in the carotid revascularization market.
