FDA approves new use for Boston Scientific embolic protection system

Natick medical device maker Boston Scientific Corp. said today that it has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for an additional use of its FilterWire EZ Embolic Protection System.

Boston Scientific said it now has permission to market the product for use in carotid artery stenting.

Two years ago, the FDA approved the product for use in coronary saphenous vein graft interventions, the company said.

The FilterWire EZ System is designed to efficiently capture plaque and other embolic material that may dislodge during stent implantation; such dislodged material can increase the risk for a stroke or a heart attack, the company said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)