Birmingham-based medical device company Rampart IC is expanding its international reach once again.
The company has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Japan Lifeline, securing distribution to the Japanese market. The product should launch this year pending regulatory approval. Lifeline, which has significant expertise in the cardiovascular field, is a full-service manufacturer and distributor of medical devices in Japan. Japan is currently the second-largest medical device market in the world after the United States.
“We are excited and honored to work with Japan Lifeline on this important topic of occupational protection," said Tom Livingston, Rampart IC CEO. "We are aligned in our mission to protect interventional teams in Japan, one of the largest medical markets in the world. Our global partners are facilitating the adoption of Rampart because it is a solution for a universal problem. Dr. Bob Foster’s mission to create a safer cath lab experience for himself and his colleagues will benefit future generations of interventionalists worldwide. Our partners share our vision and mission to facilitate quality care for patients, without compromising the health and safety of the interventional team."
Rampart’s device was developed for interventional cardiologists but has found its way into several interventional specialties. Interventionalists and their teams spend extended time in catheterization labs, resulting in the occupation's rank as among the highest levels of radiation exposure in the world. Interventional cardiologists often face debilitating injuries resulting from the 20 to 30-pound lead aprons traditionally worn to reduce radiation exposure. The aprons can cause back issues or other chronic spinal problems that often require surgery. Rampart's device is an adjustable and portable system equipped with radiation-blocking panels that can protect physicians and any other personnel.
“Based on our long experience in the cardiovascular space, we believe that there is a great need to reduce the radiation exposure and physical burden of the medical professionals,” said Keisuke Suzuki, president and CEO of Japan Lifeline. “By expanding the number of facilities that adopt this product, Japan Lifeline will strive to support the medical professionals so that they can provide high-quality medical care to their patients with confidence.”
This marks the latest in a series of distribution deals that Rampart has secured. The company is now distributing to most European nations, several Middle Eastern nations, Australia and Brunei. Rampart is also in use at several U.S. institutions including UAB, Emory University Healthcare System, Sutter Health and Northwell.
