Companies Reach Distribution Agreement for Vascular Closure Device

September 29, 2010 – An agreement was reached between AccessClosure and Benrikal Services for distributing vascular closure devices in the United States. AccessClosure will be the exclusive distributor for the Bengal Radial Compression Band, which helps close the radial artery after a cardiovascular procedure. The Bengal design combines a compression pad that delivers targeted pressure with a soft polymer gel that ensures patient comfort while the band is on the wrist. It was designed in partnership with Olivier F. Bertrand, M.D., Ph.D., FSCAI, an interventional cardiologist at the Quebec Heart-Lung Institute and associate professor, faculty of medicine at Laval University. "I designed this device to address unmet needs in radial closure. I wanted a simple tool that achieves quick and effective hemostasis, while protecting the ulnar nerve and providing a comfortable experience for the patient," Bertrand said. "I also wanted to simplify post-operative care for my nursing staff. In my practice, the Bengal requires less monitoring time as it can be removed immediately at the end of the hemostasis period." Vascular closure devices help to close an artery after cardiovascular procedures. Interventional cardiologists may choose to access the coronary arteries through the radial artery in the wrist instead of the traditional approach using the groin. Use of the radial technique has increased in the United States in the past several years, due in part to the evolution of the technologies that enable the procedure. For more information: www.accessclosure.com