Front Line Medical Technologies has announced the UK launch of COBRA-OS, which the company claims is the world’s smallest aortic occlusion device, designed to save lives by rapidly controlling critical bleeding. The COBRA-OS has received approval for sale in the UK based on its CE mark under Medical Device Regulation (MDR) as a class III medical device.
A press release notes that this milestone enables Front Line to bring its technology to a market that has consistently led the way in pre-hospital resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) implementation. The UK’s pioneering role in REBOA began in 2018 when London’s Air Ambulance performed the world’s first pre-hospital REBOA procedure, demonstrating the potential for this life-saving intervention beyond hospital walls.
“The UK represents a crucial milestone in our mission to advance aortic occlusion technology and improve trauma care outcomes,” said Asha Parekh, chief executive officer at Front Line Medical Technologies. “We designed this device to address critical time constraints in emergency settings, where rapid deployment and controlled occlusion can make a vital difference.”
Recent developments in the UK REBOA landscape, including a significant multicentre clinical trial in 2023, have sparked renewed discussions about optimal approaches to aortic occlusion in trauma care. Front Line states that the COBRA-OS’s ultra-low profile and simplified deployment process address key technical challenges in REBOA implementation, offering potential advantages for emergency medical teams operating in time-critical environments.
Front Line has partnered with medical device distributor Mermaid Medical to bring the COBRA-OS to healthcare providers throughout the UK. This collaboration also extends beyond the UK to include the Nordic countries.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our presence in the endovascular field and, together with Front Line Medical Technologies, reaffirm our shared commitment to improving patient outcomes,” said Sebastian Jørgensen, marketing director at Mermaid Medical Group. “By offering an expanded portfolio of advanced solutions to our valued partners in the UK, we mark an important milestone in our mission to support better care.”