Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
Published on: March 28, 2025
A new idea for a safer approach to the supra-aortic trunks: the Piton™ catheter
C Setacci1, R Moratto, P Sirignano
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Siena, Italy. setacci@unisi.it
Insights
Carotid artery disease significantly burdens health and economies, contributing to strokes. The Piton™ GC carotid guide catheter aids in treating this condition with interventional devices.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Carotid artery disease is a major cause of stroke, a leading cause of death globally.
- It accounts for 5-12% of strokes in patients eligible for revascularization.
- Atherosclerosis is a primary cause of stroke, responsible for about one-third of all cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the Piton™ GC carotid guide catheter.
- To highlight its role in facilitating the placement of interventional devices for treating carotid artery disease.
Main Methods:
- The Piton™ GC guide catheter is designed for vascular access.
- It aids in the delivery of devices like stents, balloons, and catheters.
- Facilitates treatment of obstructive vascular disease, including supra-aortic vessels.
Main Results:
- Carotid stenting is an alternative to endarterectomy, especially for high-risk patients.
- Early carotid stenting had complications, but advancements have improved safety.
- The Piton™ GC aims to improve the efficacy and safety of carotid stenting procedures.
Conclusions:
- The Piton™ GC guide catheter is a valuable tool in managing carotid artery disease.
- It supports advanced interventional treatments for stroke prevention.
- This device contributes to safer and more effective vascular interventions.
Abstract:
Carotid artery disease is among the most common causes of stroke, and stroke is the third leading cause of death in industrialized countries. Thus the personal health and socioeconomic burden of carotid artery disease is significant. Carotid artery disease accounts for approximately 5-12% of new strokes in patients amenable to revascularization therapy. Atherosclerosis is the main reason for stroke and accounts for approximately one third of all cases. Carotid stenting is nowadays considered a valid standard alternative to surgical carotid endarterectomy, especially in patients having a high perioperative risk. The first carotid balloon angioplasty was carried out in 1979 and the first carotid balloon-expandable bare metal stents were implanted 10 years later, in 1989. However, carotid stenting at that time was associated with major complications, due to extrinsic compression and subsequent to the steel stents used. The Piton™ GC (carotid guide catheter) is intended to facilitate the introduction and placement of interventional devices (e.g., guidewires, stent delivery systems, dilation balloons, angiographic- or micro-catheters, etc.) into the human vasculature to treat vascular obstructive disease, including but not limited to the supra-aortic vessels.
