Biosense Webster launches Thermocool SF irrigated ablation catheter
in the EU
14 May 2010
Biosense Webster, Inc. has announced the completion of the
first clinical cases with the new Thermocool SF Irrigated Ablation
catheter in the EU, following recent CE Mark approval.
The catheter is the most advanced Biosense Webster irrigated
ablation catheter for use by electrophysiologists in treating
cardiac arrhythmias, commonly referred to as irregular heart
rhythms.
The catheter is a 'next generation' irrigated ablation catheter
and builds upon the Thermocool irrigated catheter platform. Its
unique design and porous tip technology provides
electrophysiologists with uniform cooling across the entire catheter
tip and allows efficient cooling at half the flow rate.
"The Thermocool SF Irrigated Catheter is the latest advancement
in irrigated ablation catheter design with its groundbreaking and
unique porous tip technology," said Shlomi Nachman, Worldwide
President, Biosense Webster, Inc. "This innovation further builds
upon our clear leadership position in the electrophysiology market
and reinforces our long-standing commitment to electrophysiologists
and their patients. "We are extremely pleased this exciting new
product will be launched throughout the European Union over the
coming months."
Prof. Gerd Hindricks of the Heart Center at the University of
Leipzig Hospital commented: "The Thermocool SF catheter is a new and
exciting technology that represents a significant advancement in
irrigated ablation for electrophysiologists.
"My first clinical experience indicates that due to the strategic
placement of the holes around the entire surface area of the tip,
cooling efficiency and lesion induction may be improved to complete
Atrial Fibrillation ablation procedures in a safe, effective, and
timely manner."
"Procedure time & safety concerns are consistently cited by EPs
as the most significant barrier to increased use of ablation therapy
to treat cardiac arrhythmias," added Nachman. "All of our products
are being developed with the aim of addressing these concerns."
The ThermoCool SF(R) catheter is the latest in a series of
innovations from Biosense Webster. In recent months, the company has
launched its ground-breaking new 3D mapping platform, the CARTO 3
System in Europe and the NAVISTAR & Celsius RMT Thermocool Catheters
globally.