Trimedyne to Market Catheters and Lasers From West Germany

Trimedyne said Monday it has agreed to distribute at least $20-million worth of lasers and catheters made by a West Germany company.

Under the agreement with Technolas Laser Technik of Munich, the Tustin-based medical technology firm will sell Technolas’ equipment under the Trimedyne trade name in the United States and in countries outside Western Europe.

Technolas manufactures lasers and catheters used to vaporize fatty deposits in clogged heart arteries. The Food and Drug Administration approved lasers for the treatment of clogged leg arteries in March, 1987, but the agency has yet to approve their use in treating cardiovascular disease.

Trimedyne said that Technolas has already tested its product on more than 200 patients with cardiovascular problems. The deal provides for Trimedyne to have access to clinical test data supplied by Technolas.

“This can help us shorten the time for FDA approval, assuming we use all or some of this data,” said Richard Demmer, Trimedyne’s executive vice president.

Trimedyne’s stock rose 37.5 cents Monday to close at $6.13.