DIAMOND BAR, Calif., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- There is new hope today for the millions of Americans suffering from cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). The first fully automated ablation system supporting an open-loop irrigated catheter is now available in the U.S. The system incorporates the THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter and COOLFLOW(TM) Pump from Biosense Webster, Inc. (BWI), with the Stockert RF Generator. The THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter working together with this integrated system reduces char and thrombus formation during ablation. BWI, a leader in diagnostic and therapeutic catheters, will highlight the new system at Heart Rhythm 2006, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 27th Annual Scientific Sessions in Boston.
With the recent approval of the Stockert COOLFLOW(TM) Pump Interface, the system represents the first approach at fully automating operations between generator, pump and catheter. The unique THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter is designed to maintain safe tip-to-tissue temperatures, ultimately reducing the risk of coagulum and char from high-temperature ablation. The COOLFLOW(TM) Pump and the Stockert RF Generator work in tandem allowing the physician to deliver desired power at a constant rate while performing automatic Safety Checks throughout the entire procedure. Together, the system provides doctors with unprecedented ease of use and one-button functionality.
The enhanced THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter, which has sold over 100,000 units worldwide since its launch in 1999, will offer recognized benefits to doctors familiar with its functionality, as well as a reduced number of radiofrequency applications and shorter procedure times from more efficient use of energy. The COOLFLOW(TM) Pump, specifically designed to support the THERMOCOOL(R) catheter, delivers a constant flow of saline solution to the catheter tip, allowing it to maintain a safe temperature, typically below 42 degrees C. To prepare for ablation, the saline flow automatically increases and throughout the procedure the system performs Safety Checks, automatically cutting power supply from the generator if the temperature rises too high.
“Conventional ablation catheters can reach temperatures as high as 65 degrees C, representing a danger to patients,” said Peter Spector, MD, Director, Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Vermont College of Medicine. “The THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter and Integrated Ablation System enables doctors to reduce the risk of coagulation formation and to perform more efficient procedures.”
The THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter has a small 3.5mm tip electrode, but it rivals standard 8mm electrode tips in power delivery. Among its benefits, a small tip provides high-quality signal resolution, creates consistent lesion sizes, regardless of tip orientation and gives the physician enhanced maneuverability and flexibility.
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 its comprehensive menu of programmable ablation parameters, the supported THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter stands out as one of the most versatile catheters on the market.
“The new THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter, with its fully integrated ablation system, represents another addition to our versatile portfolio of products for ablation,” said BWI President Roy Tanaka. “EPs have come to rely on Biosense Webster for the ideas that make a difference to their practices and their patients. This novel technology speaks to our ability to take customer insight into the R&D lab and come back with innovative solutions that enhance both procedural execution and patient outcomes.”
Visitors to Heart Rhythm 2006, the Heart Rhythm Society’s 27th Annual Scientific Sessions can view the new THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter and Integrated Ablation System at the Biosense Webster, Inc. booth (#541).
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(TM) Image Integration Software Module, the THERMOCOOL(R) Irrigated Tip Catheter and the Lasso(R) Circular Variable Mapping Catheter, the company is changing the way electrophysiologists diagnose and treat arrhythmias.
About Heart Rhythm 2006
Heart Rhythm 2006 is the most comprehensive educational program for heart rhythm professionals, featuring over 200 educational sessions and over 130 innovative products and services. This year’s theme: Physicians -- Scientists -- Allied Professionals Shaping the Future of Heart Rhythm Management, recognizes the important collaborations between clinically oriented physicians, scientists and allied professionals whose combined efforts advance the care of patients with heart rhythm disorders. The Heart Rhythm Society’s Annual Scientific Sessions have become the must-attend event of the year, allowing the exchange of new vital ideas and information among colleagues from every corner of the globe.
Contacts: Kim Thompson Biosense Webster, Inc. (o) 909-839-8558 (m) 909-967-0039 Email: kthomps5@bwius.jnj.com Mitzi Saitzyk Cordis Corporation (o) 908-412-7544 (m) 201-248-3038 Email: msaitzyk@corus.jnj.com
Biosense Webster, Inc.
CONTACT: Kim Thompson of Biosense Webster, Inc., +1-909-839-8558, ormobile, +1-909-967-0039, kthomps5@bwius.jnj.com; or Mitzi Saitzyk of CordisCorporation, +1-908-412-7544, or mobile, +1-201-248-3038,msaitzyk@corus.jnj.com
