Boston Scientific Corporation announced today the commercial launch of the AXIOS Stent and Electrocautery Enhanced Delivery System. It is designed to help physicians manage serious complications from pancreatitis using a minimally invasive endoscopic approach.

The system has been cleared to treat pancreatic pseudocysts, which represent two kinds of pancreatic fluid collection. This occurs in 5 to 16 percent of patients who have acute pancreatitis and 20 to 40 of those suffering from chronic pancreatitis.

Todd Baron, M.D., a professor of Medicine and director of Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy, University of North Carolina Hospital, has had experience using the new stent design and been very satisfied with the results. He says:

“The delivery system has improved our procedural efficiency by reducing procedure time and patient exposure to X-ray imaging. In addition, we believe that the large diameter stent design is helping to reduce the cost of care by decreasing hospital length of stay and the number of interventions needed to manage this complex disease.”

In a phone interview, Baron explained that using this device eliminates the traditional multi-step process to perform this type of procedure and puts it all in one simple, all-encompassing technology that is more efficient.

Endoscopic solutions like this are a less invasive treatment option compared to surgeries. This can mean shorter hospital stays, better physical and mental health of patients and lower cost.