BTG gets US FDA clearance for blood clot device

Specialist healthcare company BTG has been given clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration for its EKOS Control Unit 4.0, which is an ultrasonic device used to dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow.

The device is used in patients with pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and peripheral arterial occlusions.

BTG vice president and general manager Matt Stupfel said: "Currently the only device cleared for the treatment of pulmonary embolism, EKOS has been in a leadership position in the PE treatment market since the beginning.

"Now, BTG is further solidifying our leadership positon with the EKOS Control Unit 4.0. This new platform will allow for further device innovation to simplify treatment for clinicians and improve outcomes for patients."

Pulmonary embolism is a condition where one or more clots break off or travel from existing venous clots in the legs or arms and travel in the circulation, getting trapped in the lung, where they block the ability for blood to get to some areas of the lungs and receive oxygen.

At 1342 GMT, BTG shares were up 0.6% to 569.50p.