FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AngioScore, Inc., a developer of novel angioplasty catheters for use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, announced today that its flagship product, the AngioSculpt® Scoring Balloon Catheter, has received approval for the interventional treatment of peripheral artery disease from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW/PMDA).

AngioScore and USCI Japan, a prominent distributor of medical devices in Japan, have collaborated for several years to achieve this critically important milestone. Japan, which is second only to the United States in the number of cardiovascular procedures performed globally on an annual basis, represents a major market opportunity for AngioScore.

“Very few small medical device companies ever gain access to the Japanese market, given that nation’s high performance standards and stringent quality control requirements,” said Thomas R. Trotter, president and CEO of AngioScore. “Today’s announcement is the result of a multi-year joint effort with our marketing partner, USCI Japan, and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many people in both organizations.”

Michael Van Zandt, President and CEO of USCI Japan, said: “The AngioSculpt PAD approval highlights our two companies’ combined efforts to bring innovative therapies to Japanese physicians and patients, well-aligned with USCI’s future focus on peripheral vascular disease. This approval shows the MHLW/PMDA’s strong efforts to bring safe and effective technologies to Japan in a highly efficient manner.”

Trotter added: “This important approval is the second in Japan for an AngioSculpt catheter and follows the approval of our Coronary catheter in 2008. More than 60,000 AngioSculpt catheters have been shipped worldwide since 2005 with an outstanding overall performance record in the treatment of both coronary and peripheral artery disease.”

The AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter represents the next generation in angioplasty catheters. Its innovative nitinol element provides unique anti-slipping properties while circumferentially dilating plaque, providing a precise and predictable dilatation across a wide range of lesion types. The AngioSculpt provides the versatility and effectiveness of a new technology together with the simplicity and deliverability of a high-performance balloon catheter.

About USCI Japan

USCI Japan, Ltd. (www.usci.co.jp) is a USCI Holdings (www.usciholdings.com) member company with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. MC (www.welcome-mc.co.jp) and MedCare (www.medocare.net) are also USCI Holdings member companies. USCI Japan can be contacted at +81-3-3578-7780.

About AngioScore

AngioScore, Inc. (www.angioscore.com) is a privately funded endovascular company located in Fremont, California. AngioScore can be contacted at (510) 933-7900 or info@angioscore.com

Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Actual results and timing of events could differ materially from current expectations and forward-looking statements.