Minimally Invasive Bi-Atrial Lesion Pattern Produces Positive Results In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 07 Apr 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Interim results from a study conducted in patients with atrial fibrillation demonstrated that a port access, paracardioscopic Ex-Maze procedure produced favorable outcomes and allowed patients to discontinue antiarrhythmic drugs. Andy C. Kiser, MD, presented the results in a poster session at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Chicago. Epicardial lesions to complete the bi-atrial pattern were created in all patients by coagulating cardiac tissue using the nContact Surgical VisiTrax™ device.

The 37 patients reported in the study had an average age of 61 years, a mean duration of atrial fibrillation of 7.4 years, and a mean left atrial size of 5.7 cm. Seventy eight percent of the patients had long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. Analysis of three month interim outcomes demonstrated normal sinus rhythm in 17/20 (85%) patients. For those patients who had reached six months, 7/7 (100%) patients experienced normal sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drugs.

"This is a truly minimally invasive approach that treats both the left and right atrium without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass," stated Dr. Kiser. "These interim closed-chest results are very promising, particularly, when intra-operative metrics, including spontaneous conversion to normal sinus rhythm and confirmed exit block, are met." Additional follow-up data from this group of patients is expected at future medical conferences.

About nContact Surgical, Inc.

nContact Surgical, Inc., a privately held medical device company with headquarters in Morrisville, NC, develops innovative products for the coagulation of cardiac tissue. In December 2006, nContact received FDA US marketing clearance for its coagulation system (VisiTrax™) for the coagulation of cardiac tissue using radiofrequency energy. Additional information is available at http://www.ncontactsurgical.com.

About Dr. Andy C. Kiser and the Ex-Maze Procedure

Dr. Andy C. Kiser, chief of thoracic surgery, FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and medical director of FirstHealth Arrhythmia Center Pinehurst, NC, developed the Ex-Maze procedure. He is also a founder of nContact Surgical. Additional information about Dr. Kiser is available at http://www.Ex-Maze.com.

Contact Surgical, Inc.