Spectranetics Device Wins Approval

Spectranetics Corp. of Colorado Springs, Colo., has received FDA approval for its GlideLight Laser Sheath for cardiac lead removal. GlideLight requires 55 percent less force to advance than the company’s SLS II laser sheath, which, in turn, needs significantly less force to advance than mechanical telescoping sheaths. “Mechanical force is a leading cause of complications during lead extraction, and reduced force improves the control for safely removing leads,” said Dr. Bruce Wilkoff, director of cardiac pacing and tachyarrhythmia devices at Cleveland Clinic, and a nonpaid member of Spectranetics’ medical advisory board.