Abbott Unveils Next-Generation OCT Imaging Catheter Dragonfly OpStar™ at CIIE, Empowering Precision Coronary Intervention

On November 7, 2023, during the 6th China International Import Expo, Abbott, a global leading healthcare company, introduced the fourth-generation Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging catheter, Dragonfly OpStar.^TM"China Debut". The new generation of imaging catheters not only possess powerful and excellent deliverability, but also provide superior imaging results, further meeting the clinical needs of precise interventional therapy. It can easily handle various complex lesions, thereby continuously enhancing the overall upgrade of coronary intervention imaging technology, bringing more clinical benefits to Chinese patients.

Abbott Fourth GenerationOCTImaging CatheterDragonfly OpStar^TM "China Debut"

According to the "Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China 2022," due to the accelerating aging population, the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases in China are still rising, and the turning point for the reduction of disease burden has yet to appear. In the proportion of disease-related deaths among urban and rural residents, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death for Chinese residents. Among every five disease-related deaths, two are caused by cardiovascular diseases.¹In recent years, with the development of medical technology in China, there has been significant progress in addressing the challenges of treating cardiovascular diseases. Several cardiovascular technologies are now at a world-leading level or close to it.²Currently, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in China has risen to the top position in the world. With the increasing number of interventional procedures, how to improve the quality of surgery has become the key to further improving patient outcomes.

Currently, the vast majority of PCI treatments in China are still entirely guided by coronary angiography technology. Since this technology can only display two-dimensional images of blood vessels and the lumen contour, it presents significant challenges in guiding PCI treatments.³As the intravascular imaging tool with the highest resolution, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) can observe tissues and structures from within the blood vessels, fully presenting lumen information. This allows operators to better understand the pathological characteristics of coronary artery disease, facilitating personalized treatment based on the unique features of each patient.

Abbott's Fourth-Generation OCT Imaging Catheter Debuts at the CIIEDragonfly OpStar^TMBased on a completely new design with enhanced functionality, it retains the excellent performance of the previous three generations of catheters, such as high image quality and ease of use, while also delivering a series of key performance improvements: On one hand, it features an innovative design with a tapered tip of graduated intensity, a smaller-angle guidewire exit, and a fully braided push rod, which collectively improve the catheter’s ability to navigate tortuous and narrow lumens, significantly enhancing smoothness during推送. On the other hand, the catheter’s optical lens is manufactured using an integrated molding process, effectively reducing signal attenuation and increasing image brightness by 44%.⁴, thereby helping the operator understand more comprehensive lesion information and optimize treatment strategies. In addition,Dragonfly OpStar^TMWith the endoscope positioned closer to the tip for scanning more distal lesions, and an improved Marker design enabling precise and efficient positioning, operators can perform procedures more conveniently.

The Fourth GenerationOCTImaging CatheterDragonfly OpStar^TM

At this year's CIIE, Abbott also showcased its extensive product line and cutting-edge solutions in the vascular field, covering the entire care process for patients with cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases—from access, to decision-making, to treatment, to confirmation, and finally to closure. This includes the next-generation...Optical Coherence Tomography Intelligent Imaging and Functional Platform Ultreon™ 1.0⁵, which can rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to provide doctors with precise information and guidance, helping to enhance decision-making capabilities; CoroFlow, a new generation of cardiovascular physiological data processing software for evaluating key physiological parameters related to coronary ischemia and microcirculatory dysfunction.⁶, which can help the surgeon accurately determine the cause of angina and improve treatment outcomes.

All-New GenerationOpticsCoherent BreakLayer Intelligent Imaging and Function Platform Ultreon™ 1.0 (Right)

CoroFlowNew Generation Cardiovascular Physiology Data Processing Software (Left)

Jiang Tuo, Vice President of Abbott's Vascular Business and General Manager of Greater China, stated: "This year marks Abbott's fourth consecutive participation in the CIIE. We are truly honored to utilize this open and win-win platform to showcase a series of cutting-edge technologies in the vascular field. As a leader in the vascular domain, Abbott has always upheld its long-term commitment to the Chinese market, continuously introducing advanced and innovative cardiovascular diagnosis and treatment technologies to help achieve safer and more efficient diagnosis, treatment, and management of vascular diseases. In the future, we will also continue to focus on ensuring that more cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects can be implemented faster and better, improving the accessibility of medical services, and truly benefiting Chinese patients."

Tuo Jiang, Vice President of Abbott's Vascular Business Division and General Manager of Greater China

After 35 years of deep engagement in China, Abbott has witnessed and benefited from the country's increasing openness and rapid development. Abbott has consistently focused on the healthcare needs of the Chinese market, adhering to innovation and R&D to meet the growing medical and health management demands of Chinese consumers, patients, and healthcare professionals. Moreover, Abbott has been committed to enhancing the diagnostic skills of medical staff. The "Abbott Path to Excellence·PCIO Academy," established in 2021, provides clinical doctors with growth pathways in functional and imaging studies along with a standardized training system. To date, the Academy has conducted 84 core courses, with over 12,000 participants from various disciplines such as cardiology, vascular surgery, neurology, and interventional medicine, further promoting the advancement of precision interventional treatment in China. In the future, Abbott will continue to actively fulfill its commitment to the Chinese market, supporting safer and more efficient diagnosis and management of vascular diseases, making cutting-edge health technologies and high-quality medical resources more accessible, and advancing the early realization of "Healthy China."

1 China Cardiovascular Health and Disease Report 2022, Chinese Circulation Journal, June 2023, Vol. 38, No. 6

2 China Cardiovascular Health and Disease Report 2022, Chinese Circulation Journal, June 2023, Vol. 38, No. 6

3 Clinical use of intracoronary imaging. Part 1: guidance and optimization of coronary interventions. An expert consensus document of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions. European Heart Journal (2018) 39, 3281–3300

4 Comparison Results with the Previous Generation Product Dragonfly™ OPTIS™

5 This product has not yet been launched in China.

6 This product has not yet been launched in China.