Arkansas Heart Hospital strives to always be at the forefront of medical innovation, and in October Dr. Ian Cawich achieved an exciting “first.” Dr. Cawich, along with physicians in two other U.S. sites, reported the successful treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) using the TIGEREYE™ next generation image-guided chronic total occlusion (CTO) crossing system. This peripheral artery disease treatment enhances imaging and precision for physicians and helps ensure the safest, most successful outcomes for patients.

TIGEREYE uses design elements like high-definition, real-time intravascular imaging and a user-controlled deflectable tip to assist steerability and create a smoother catheterization process. The imaging technology in TIGEREYE allows physicians, for the first time ever, to see from inside the artery during the procedure, where other devices force physicians to rely on X-ray and tactile feedback to guide the interventions. Dr. Cawich is seasoned in interventions for patients with PAD, so he recognizes the significance of this new device.

“While CTOs often present the most difficult and challenging cases we treat, TIGEREYE provides a significant leap forward in image quality, rotational speed and steerability critical to safely and effectively navigate difficult to cross CTOs. I was very pleased with the performance of the device and the successful outcomes I was able to achieve for my patients,” Dr. Cawich said.

Arkansas Heart Hospital is excited to see the success of the TIGEREYE device, and we’re proud to have Dr. Cawich on our team.  If you would like to learn more about peripheral artery disease treatment and our expert physicians, check out our vein and vascular institute here.