Trimedyne Laser Catheter Will Be Sold in Europe

Trimedyne Inc. said it has received approval to begin marketing its laser catheter in five European countries. Michael Henson, Trimedyne president and chief executive, said the company will begin marketing the catheter in France, Spain, Holland, Norway and Switzerland by Oct. 1. The device, which uses a laser beam to vaporize fatty deposits in the leg arteries, can prevent bypass surgery or leg amputation in some patients being treated for arteriosclerosis.

The latest approvals bring to eight the number of countries that have given the Santa Ana-based company permission to market the catheter. The company received approval from West Germany, the United Kingdom and Sweden in May, Henson said.