Unique Bi-Directional Irrigated Tip Cardiac Catheter For Treatment Of Irregular Heart Rhythms Now Available In The European Union

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 18 Jun 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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Patients in the European Union (EU) with arrhythmias, also known as irregular heart rhythms, may now benefit from treatment with a new state-of-the art catheter, designed to reduce char and thrombus formation during ablation and give physicians improved range of motion during procedures to eliminate abnormal heart rhythms.

The new EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter, manufactured by Biosense Webster, Inc., is a unique bi-directional catheter with an open irrigation tip available in the EU. The British Standards Institution approved the EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter for marketing in March 2008 and the company announced today it is now available throughout the EU.

"A one-to-one response to manipulation and the two curves-in-one functionality means that this catheter can map and ablate parts of the heart that are otherwise difficult to reach," said Professor Dipen Shah of the University Hospital in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Shah was the first electrophysiologist in Europe to use the new EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter. "The bidirectional steerability allows the achievement of excellent tissue contact not only by active tip flexion but also by active tip extension. In my opinion, this a significant improvement, particularly for complex ablation."

The THERMOCOOL® Irrigated Tip Catheter technology is designed to maintain safe tip-to-tissue temperatures, ultimately reducing the risk of coagulum and char from high-temperature ablation.

To better diagnose and treat certain arrhythmias, the EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter technology incorporates an ergonomically-inspired handle, a special design that aids comfort and provides the physician with a feeling of "direct connection" with the catheter tip and target ablation area. The EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter also acts as two curves in one catheter that provides physicians with greater continuity and procedural versatility.

Additionally, greater control of power delivery allows the physician to apply the energy needed to create a wider variety of lesion types. When paired with the Stockert RF Generator and the COOLFLOW® Pump, specifically designed to support the THERMOCOOL® Catheter, the supported EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter is unique for its versatility.

"As leaders in electrophysiology, we take pride in transforming insightful ideas from the electrophysiology lab into enhanced technologies that improve procedures and make a difference for patients," said Shlomi Nachman, President, Biosense Webster, Inc. This statement was further emphasized by David Shepherd, Vice-President, Biosense Webster EMEA, who said that "Each regulatory approval and product we create to respond to a physician or patient need inspires us to move to the next level in advanced medical care. The new EZ STEER™ THERMOCOOL® Bi-Directional Catheter is a prime example of that inspiration at work."

About Biosense Webster, Inc.

Biosense Webster, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, pioneered EP diagnostic catheters more than 30 years ago and continues to lead the industry as an innovative provider of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and mapping tools. As the leader in navigation systems, Biosense Webster, Inc.'s, technology includes the largest installed base of navigation systems worldwide in leading hospitals and teaching institutions. With proprietary products such as the CARTOMERGE™ Image Integration Software Module, the THERMOCOOL® Irrigated Tip Catheter and the LASSO® Circular Variable Mapping Catheter, the company is changing the way electrophysiologists diagnose and treat arrhythmias.

Biosense Webster, Inc.