VirtuoSaph® Plus Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System from Terumo Provides Cardiac Surgery Team with Control, Consistency and Confidence

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Terumo Cardiovascular Systems has announced the introduction of the VirtuoSaph® Plus Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System following clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/DE70597)

The VirtuoSaph Plus system provides an endoscopic approach to vessel harvesting, and is used for coronary artery and peripheral artery bypass graft procedures.  The system offers the cardiac surgery team a device that, when used in conjunction with the 'Terumo Method' of vessel harvesting, consistently delivers bypass grafts with a new standard of care.  The Terumo Method, developed by Terumo's team of engineers and dedicated Clinical Specialists, is a comprehensive set of guidelines designed to aid vessel harvesters in their pursuit of consistently high conduit quality.

Proven features retained from the original VirtuoSaph system include a completely integrated design, open CO₂ insufflation and one step sealing and cutting capabilities.  Key new features of the VirtuoSaph Plus system include:

• Improved recyclable packaging features tray-in-tray design, offering easy access to the sterile tray and an ergonomic grip for better circulation of device
• Patented PTFE dissector rod, designed to reduce the force required to create a tunnel and now with extended working length, allowing dissection of longer vessels
• Precise control of spot cautery, with a safety switch available when needed
• First of its kind integrated bipolar cord, minimizing the number of connections and improving electrical conductivity
• Unique endoscope wiper now available on an all access 360 degree ring switch

"We find that use of the VirtuoSaph Plus system has given us an enhanced feeling of control. The longer PTFE dissector rod requires the use of less force and has reduced resistance during dissection.   We also value the time that Terumo's Clinical Specialists devoted to us and our CVOR team as we learned about the capabilities of this impressive new product," said Timothy McCoy, PA-C, at The Toledo Hospital.  He added, "Since we began using the VirtuoSaph Plus system we feel more confident that our team is providing our patients with high quality conduits that offer the patency our patients require for a positive outcome." 

Michael Moront, MD, also at The Toledo Hospital, agrees, adding "The improved ergonomics and well-engineered new design of the VirtuoSaph Plus system will result in improved conduit quality and better outcomes for our patients."

About Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation manufactures and markets medical devices for the global cardiac surgery market and is the U.S. distributor for Vascutek^® Vascular Grafts. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan with manufacturing operations in Ann Arbor; Elkton, Maryland; and Ashland, Massachusetts. It is one of several subsidiaries of Terumo Corporation of Japan which focus on cardiac and vascular specialties, including Terumo Heart, Inc., developer of a ventricular assist device and Vascutek, Ltd., manufacturer of a broad portfolio of vascular grafts. For more information, visit www.terumo-cvs.com.

About Terumo Corporation
Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation is one of the world's leading medical device manufacturers with $4.9 billion in sales and operations in more than 160 nations. Founded in 1921, the company develops, manufactures, and distributes world-class medical devices including products for use in cardiothoracic surgery, interventional procedures, and transfusion medicine; the company also manufactures a broad array of syringe and hypodermic needle products for hospital and physician office use. Terumo contributes to society by providing valued products and services to the healthcare market and by responding to the needs of healthcare providers and the people they serve.

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
6200 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(800) 262-3304

Terumo® and VirtuoSaph® are registered trademarks of Terumo Corporation.  Vascutek® is a registered trademark of Vascutek Ltd. in the UK and other countries.

Copyright © 2012 Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation.  All Rights Reserved.                  

SOURCE Terumo Cardiovascular Systems