Just ahead of the expected release of clinical practice guidelines on Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) by the influential National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), Tepnel Life Sciences PLC launched a DNA test for the early detection of FH, a genetic condition that predisposes individuals to high blood cholesterol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Boston Scientific's TAXUS Express2 Atom paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system is a drug-eluting stent (DES) specifically designed for treating small coronary vessels. The TAXUS Express2 Atom Stent System is the only DES approved by the FDA for use in vessels as small as 2.25 mm in diameter, Boston Scientific said. The Taxus Express 2 Atom received FDA approval in the fall of 2008.

St. Jude Medical said the FDA cleared its SJM Confirm implantable cardiac monitor (ICM), a compact device designed to help physicians diagnose abnormal heart rhythms.

The ClariTEE miniaturized transesophageal echocardiography probe facilitates episodic monitoring of cardiac function. It is a single-use device that can remain indwelling for up to 72 hours, allowing intensivists and anesthesiologists to periodically assess cardiac preload and left ventricular systolic function over a prolonged period of time.

Micrus Endovascular Corp. launched the Cerecyte and stretch-resistant versions of its DeltaPaq microcoil system for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.