IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endologix, Inc. (Nasdaq:ELGX), developer and marketer of innovative treatments for aortic disorders, announced today the United States launch of its new VELA™ Proximal Endograft System. The VELA Proximal Endograft is specifically designed for the treatment of proximal aortic neck anatomies during an endovascular aneurysm repair ('EVAR') procedure using the Endologix AFX® Endovascular AAA System. The proximal neck is the portion of the aorta that is above the aneurysm and below the renal arteries.
"VELA is a next generation proximal endograft, designed based on our dedication to innovation leadership in AAA and feedback we collected from leading physicians," said John McDermott, Chairman and CEO. "VELA's new delivery system and unique circumferential graft line marker provide physicians with enhanced visibility and greater control over the implant procedure. We believe these enhancements lead to better precision and predictability of graft placement when coupled with our proprietary ActiveSeal™ technology. These features make VELA an attractive clinical solution for endovascular repair in a broad range of aortic neck anatomies."
One of the first VELA procedures in the United States was performed by Julio Rodriguez, M.D. FACS, a Vascular Surgeon at the Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Rodriguez commented, "The VELA delivery system is very intuitive and the endograft has excellent visibility. Our early experience has been very positive and we are planning to use the VELA Proximal Endograft in a live EVAR procedure on February 12, 2014 at the iCON meeting in Phoenix, Arizona." iCON is the International Congress on Endovascular Interventions, a well attended medical meeting for vascular specialists from around the world.
About Endologix, Inc.
Endologix, Inc. develops and manufactures minimally invasive treatments for aortic disorders. Endologix focus is endovascular stent grafts for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). AAA is a weakening of the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body, resulting in a balloon-like enlargement. Once AAA develops, it continues to enlarge and, if left untreated, becomes increasingly susceptible to rupture. The overall patient mortality rate for ruptured AAA is approximately 75%, making it a leading cause of death in the U.S. Additional information can be found on Endologix's website at www.endologix.com.
Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including with respect to product launch activities of the VELA™ Proximal Endograft System, the ability of the Company to increase revenues with the VELA Proximal Endograft System, product performance and clinical outcomes with the VELA Proximal Endograft System, market acceptance of our products, including VELA and product development, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of Endologix. Many factors may cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results, including the success of sales efforts for existing products and related new products, product research and development efforts, changes to the regulatory environment for the medical device industry and other economic, business, competitive and regulatory factors. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Endologix undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Please refer to Endologix's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and Endologix's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for more detailed information regarding these risks and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.