Argon Medical Devices today announced that it has launched two unique portal vein access sets for transjugular access in diagnostic and interventional procedures.

Frisco, Texas-based Argon designed its Scorpion portal vein access series to address the challenge of placing a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The series includes the Scorpion and the Scorpion X that both have improved visualization, navigation control and enhanced durability to augment existing procedural techniques.

The Scorpion series uses a curve-in-curve system for a 360º range of motion with a needle or stylet used to access the portal vein. Each curved component can work together or independently to steer the device through the liver and to its intended target.

“Establishing access to the portal venous system is often the longest and most challenging part of many procedures. This is particularly true when the liver is diseased, making the anatomy irregular. I designed the Scorpion’s independently controlled dual curves to improve the physician’s ability to navigate through liver parenchyma and reduce the number of attempts necessary to establish access to the portal vein,” Dr. Lowell Kahn, who created the devices, said in a news release.

“Argon Medical is proud to add the Scorpion Series into our product portfolio. 2021 is our ‘Year of Innovation,’ and we continue to develop and deliver innovative products to the interventional market. Launching Scorpion demonstrates our desire and ability to innovate to improve the lives of our customers and the patients they treat.” CEO George Leondis said.