Gore Unveils Next Evolution for TIPS Procedures: Lasting Diameter Control

GORE® VIATORR® TIPS Endoprosthesis with Controlled Expansion builds
on a legacy of proven patency

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–W.
L. Gore & Associates, Inc. (Gore) announces the FDA approval and
U.S. launch of the GORE® VIATORR® TIPS Endoprosthesis with Controlled
Expansion for Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS)
procedures.

“I used the new GORE VIATORR TIPS Endoprosthesis with Controlled
Expansion in the first U.S. patient with life threatening hepatorenal
syndrome and impending liver failure, with nine cc of iodinated
contrast. She was discharged to hospice the next day, but three weeks
later, she is at home, free of ascites, jaundice, encephalopathy, and
with great renal function. She’s headed to Florida for six weeks,” said
Ziv Haskal, MD, Interventional Radiologist, Charlottesville, Virginia.
“The ability to tune the diameter of the GORE VIATORR TIPS
Endoprosthesis with Controlled Expansion will let me better serve
patients and expand the role of TIPS in patients with need.”

Early clinical experiences were shared at the Society of Interventional
Radiology’s 2017 meeting in Washington, D.C. on Monday, March 6.
Clinical findings will be revealed at the EASL International Liver
Congress in April.

The addition of controlled expansion capability builds on the legacy of
proven patency in de novo and revision TIPS procedures of the GORE®
VIATORR® TIPS Endoprosthesis. The GORE VIATORR TIPS Endoprosthesis
with Controlled Expansion features the same proprietary ePTFE graft
lining that minimizes transmural permeation of bile and mucin (common
causes of patency loss). With the new controlled expansion capability,
physicians can start at the smallest diameter (8 mm) and balloon up as
needed during implantation to optimize the diameter until the target
pressure gradient is reached. Diameter expansion was no more than 0.25
mm over a simulated 10-year period at physiological portal pressures
(benchtop data on file). Further, the new endoprosthesis now covers a
range of diameters between 8 and 10 mm in a single device, helping to
simplify inventory.

Gore is also releasing its new GORE TIPS Set, composed of the
specialized GORE TIPS Needle and GORE® TIPS Sheath. The set offers
features designed to improve control, accuracy, and visual feedback
during the most crucial and technically challenging steps of the TIPS
procedure and device implantation processes. The GORE TIPS Sheath
features an exclusive interlocking feature that secures the dilator hub
and sheath during advancement for maximum component stability. It offers
a transparent tapered sheath hub that provides a clear view of the
access sleeve position to help visually confirm a device is properly
loaded. The GORE TIPS Needle offers a sharp tip that aids more precise
puncturing, stiffness for responsive torque control, and an ergonomic
handle for a stable grip. A status band confirms needle tip sheathing.
The GORE TIPS Needle and GORE TIPS Sheath are available either as a set
or individually, providing inventory and purchasing flexibility.

For more information on the GORE VIATORR TIPS Endoprosthesis with
Controlled Expansion and the treatment of portal hypertension, please
visit http://www.goremedical.com/products/viatorr—controlled-expansion.

For more information on the GORE TIPS Set, please visit http://www.goremedical.com/products/tipsset

ABOUT W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES

W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated
to transforming industries and improving lives. Founded in 1958, Gore
has built a reputation for solving complex technical challenges in the
most demanding environments — from revolutionizing the outerwear
industry with GORE-TEX® fabric to creating medical devices that improve
and save lives to enabling new levels of performance in the aerospace,
pharmaceutical and mobile electronics markets, among other industries.
The company is also known for its strong, team-oriented culture and
continued recognition from the Great Place to Work® Institute.
Headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore employs approximately 10,000
Associates and generates annual revenues that exceed $3 billion. www.gore.com

MEDICAL PRODUCTS DIVISION

Gore Medical Products Division engineers devices that treat a range of
cardiovascular and other health conditions. With more than 40 million
medical devices implanted over the course of more than 40 years, Gore
builds on its legacy of improving patient outcomes through research,
education and quality initiatives. Product performance, ease of use and
quality of service provide sustainable cost savings for physicians,
hospitals and insurers. Gore is joined in service with clinicians and
through this collaboration we are improving lives. www.goremedical.com

Products listed may not be available in all markets.

GORE®, GORE-TEX®, and VIATORR® are trademarks of W. L. Gore &
Associates.

Contacts

Bliss Integrated Communication for Gore Medical
Victoria Aguiar,
212-584-5470
Vicky@blissintegrated.com
or
Liz
DeForest, 212-584-5477
Liz@blissintegrated.com