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Latest News and Updates

Stay informed with the most recent developments from our team, products, and industry.

First GAE in Cape Town using NexSphere
★ New

Historic First: Genicular Artery Embolization Performed in Cape Town Using NexSphere

In a landmark moment for interventional radiology in South Africa, the first Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) procedure in Cape Town was successfully performed in February 2026, utilising the NexSphere microsphere embolization platform. GAE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that targets the abnormal blood vessels supplying the synovial lining of the knee joint in patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. By reducing the hypervascularity and associated neovascularisation that drive chronic joint pain and inflammation, GAE offers meaningful symptomatic relief for patients who are not yet surgical candidates or who wish to avoid joint replacement surgery. The procedure was performed using NexSphere, a precision microsphere platform specifically designed to deliver controlled, predictable embolization. NexSphere microspheres are calibrated to ensure accurate vessel sizing and consistent occlusion depth, minimising the risk of non-target embolization — a critical consideration in the delicate vascular anatomy surrounding the knee. "This is an exciting clinical development for South Africa," said a Virtumed spokesperson. "GAE has an established evidence base internationally, and we are proud to support local specialists in bringing this option to patients who currently have limited non-surgical choices for managing knee osteoarthritis." The successful completion of this first case in Cape Town represents a significant milestone in expanding the interventional treatment landscape for musculoskeletal conditions in South Africa. Virtumed remains committed to enabling access to evidence-based, minimally invasive therapies and to supporting the clinicians who deliver them. Virtumed will be providing ongoing clinical support and education to centres wishing to establish a GAE programme, as demand for this procedure continues to grow nationally.

NIPRO Partnership

Virtumed Secures Registration and Reimbursement for Full Neurointervention Portfolio 

Virtumed has achieved a major milestone with the successful registration and reimbursement of the full iVascular neurointervention portfolio in South Africa, marking a pivotal step towards redefining stroke care in the region. The portfolio includes Inedit, Indeep, Intercept, and Instroke, a comprehensive suite of devices designed to support modern, minimally invasive treatment of acute ischaemic stroke. These tools are now fully approved for use and reimbursable, removing key barriers to access and enabling local hospitals to deliver rapid, effective intervention. "Stroke is the next frontier," said a spokesperson from Virtumed. "The burden is immense, and for too long, the approach has focused on managing consequences instead of enabling definitive care. This marks the first important step in changing that narrative." As part of its commitment to clinical excellence, Virtumed is organising its first South African operator training programme at Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, planned for Q3 this year. Vall d'Hebron is globally recognised as a centre of excellence in stroke care, treating more than 600 acute ischaemic stroke patients annually, with a system designed to deliver intervention within minutes of patient arrival. Through this initiative, Virtumed aims to upskill local specialists in the latest neurointerventional techniques and strengthen the country's capability to deliver fast, outcome-driven care for stroke patients.

International Event

Virtumed  Renews Commitment to the Japan–Africa Cardiology Symposium 

Virtumed  is proud to confirm its continued support for the Japan–Africa Cardiology Symposium, once again providing funding and logistical operations alongside our valued partners to ensure the success of this landmark training event for interventional cardiologists. Widely recognised as the leading symposium in South Africa for complex PCI, the 2024 edition of the conference delivered high-impact education on challenging topics such as chronic total occlusions (CTOs), bifurcations, and left main interventions. The presence of renowned Japanese interventionalist Dr Hayashi contributed significantly to the programme's depth, with attendees reporting exceptional skill-building outcomes and enhanced confidence in their post-symposium clinical practice. In particular, fellows in training commended the organising committee for providing both academic preparation for their final examinations and valuable exposure to the realities of private practice, broadening their clinical and professional outlook. Looking ahead, the 2025 symposium is poised not only to match the benchmark set in 2024, but to exceed it. Even ahead of the official invitation release, early commitments have already surpassed last year's attendance figures. The faculty has expanded as well, with three Japanese specialists confirmed and a Spanish operator joining the programme, adding new global perspectives to an already rich curriculum. Virtumed is honoured to continue backing an initiative that brings world-class training to African cardiologists, by cardiologists, and remains committed to investing in educational platforms that create measurable impact in real-world clinical settings across the continent.

JACS Sponsorship

Virtumed Commissions First AI-Powered Wireless QFR System in South Africa

Virtumed has proudly commissioned South Africa's first AI-powered, wireless Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) system, marking a significant advancement in interventional cardiology support tools available to local specialists. The new system enhances real-time clinical decision-making by providing computer-assisted FFR (Fractional Flow Reserve) analysis with high accuracy, entirely wirelessly. Unlike conventional wire-based FFR techniques, this QFR platform allows cardiologists to assess multiple vessels both before and after interventions, irrespective of vessel tortuosity or complexity. By eliminating the need for pressure wires and hyperaemic agents, the system not only reduces procedural risk and cost, but also improves patient safety. Its wireless configuration allows rapid deployment and repeat measurements, empowering cardiologists to make treatment decisions based on quantitative evidence without procedural disruption. Virtumed remains committed to bringing cutting-edge tools to South African clinicians that elevate standards of care and support outcome-based medicine.

New Product Launch

Virtumed Launches Naviscore: Next-Generation Coronary Scoring Balloon from iVascular

Virtumed has officially launched the iVascular Naviscore, an advanced coronary scoring balloon dilatation catheter that redefines lesion preparation in complex coronary interventions. Naviscore introduces a hybrid design, combining the cutting efficiency of axial filaments with the flexibility and safety of nitinol scoring wires. This innovative engineering delivers the benefits of both scoring and cutting balloons, offering enhanced control, superior crossability, and safer plaque modification in a single device. Key differentiators include: Axial filament orientation for controlled 90º plaque scoring and exceptional crossing performance Nitinol wire integration for flexibility, improved vessel navigation, and reduced perforation risk Low profile and minimal deformation even in challenging anatomy Hydrophilic coating to reduce arterial wall friction Smallest radial profile on the market, starting from just 1.5 mm 6x greater scoring surface compared to competing products 21x more plaque modification force than standard balloons 20 atm rated burst pressure (RBP) with a high-strength semi-compliant balloon Naviscore is designed for complex lesions, including long lesion lengths, severe calcification, and significant bifurcation, situations where traditional options may fall short. Dr Antoni Serra of Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, commented: "Naviscore is a very powerful device with more pushability than the other competitors, easier entry into lesions, and greater plaque modification. Naviscore should be the first-choice device for treatment of difficult and complex lesions thanks to its crossing capacity of severely calcified lesions on the first attempt and the effectiveness in opening the vessel." With Naviscore, Virtumed continues to lead in delivering the next generation of coronary intervention technologies to South African cardiologists.