Medical: FDA fast-tracks device to save limbs of injured soldiers

A device designed to save the limbs of injured soldiers has become the first of its kind to win U.S. marketing approval.

The device is made by a unit of Terumo Corp., based in Tokyo. The product gained Food and Drug Administration clearance after less than a week of review, following a request from the military.

The FDA said the device works by connecting the ends of a severed blood vessel, providing a bridge, or shunt, around the damaged area and restoring blood flow to the injured limb.
The shunt is made by Renfrew, Scotland-based Vascutek Ltd., which Terumo bought in November 2002.

Post: 4/10