New Bi-Directional Cardiac Catheter Now Available For Use With Unique Navigational System To Treat Irregular Heart Rhythms

Patients across the United States with certain types of arrhythmias can now benefit from treatment with a new navigational ablation catheter, designed to give physicians improved range of motion, ease of use and technical finesse during procedures to eliminate abnormal heart rhythms. The Bi-Directional Catheter is now available for use with the Carto XP System, a unique navigational system that provides real-time feedback in guiding the catheter to the target.

The defining feature of this new bi-directional navigational catheter is its patented micro-tensioning system. With the micro-tensioning system physicians can, through a series of very small, continuous micro-movements, progressively dial in the precise force desired for deflection of the catheter. Because the micro-tensioning system can hold the deflection in place, there is no need for repeated locking and unlocking of the curve position. Physicians experience smooth deflection and a high degree of predictability.The Catheters incorporate 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 Bi-Directional Catheter also acts as two curves in one catheter that provides physicians with continuity and procedural versatility.”As an electrophysiologist, I appreciate having the flexibility of using the Catheter with or without the navigational system,” said Emile Daoud, M.D., Section Director of Electrophysiology, Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. “NAV is an advancement for the bi-directional ablation catheters offered and simplifies the task of reaching more anatomy and helps ensure procedural success for patients.” Dr. Daoud conducted the first worldwide case with the NAV Catheter.Common forms of arrhythmia, such as atrial flutter, occur when abnormal electrical circuits develop inside of the heart’s upper chambers, causing the heart to beat very quickly (about 150 beats per minute) and out of sync with lower chambers, or ventricles. By identifying and ablating (deactivating) the sources of the abnormal conduction, physicians can help restore normal function and protect patients from complications such as organ failure, heart failure and stroke.(Source: Ohio State University : June 2007.)