“The joint development project between Endosense and Siemens represents a very promising area of future advancement in the field of catheter ablation, as it will offer electrophysiologists a new platform for incorporating contact force sensing into clinical practice,” said Eric Le Royer, chief executive officer, Endosense. “An integrated, all-in-one system will deliver greater functionality and efficiency to EP labs, thereby moving Endosense another step toward our goal of improving and expanding catheter ablation for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. We look forward to collaborating with a respected, trend-setting company like Siemens to move this new platform forward.”
Endosense pioneered the field of contact force sensing in catheter ablation with its TactiCath1 force-sensing ablation catheter and accompanying TactiSys system. Launched in April 2010, the second generation of the novel device is now used by electrophysiologists across Europe for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). A growing body of evidence has reinforced the value of force sensing in improving patient outcomes of catheter ablation procedures. Endosense is building upon this data with its recently launched TOCCASTAR investigational device exemption (IDE) study.
“We believe optimization of catheter tip-to-tissue contact force bears huge potential to improve effectiveness and efficiency of electrophysiology (EP) ablation procedures. However, it is important to visualize this new parameter in relation to the 3D anatomy of the heart and, if available, planning data,” said Martin Ostermeier, Director Innovations of the Interventional X-ray business unit of Siemens Healthcare. “The goal of our joint project is to demonstrate the clinical benefits of Endosense’s TactiCath technology integrated into the advanced 3D imaging capabilities, the syngo DynaCT cardiac of our Artis zee family of cath-lab angiography systems for EP procedures.”
About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens Healthcare employs some 48,000 employees worldwide and operates around the world. In fiscal year 2010 (to September 30), the Sector posted revenue of 12.4 billion euros and profit of around 750 million euros. For further information please visit: http://www.siemens.com/healthcare.
About Endosense
Founded in Geneva in 2003, Endosense is a medical technology company focused on improving efficacy, safety and accessibility of catheter ablation for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The company has pioneered the use of contact force measurement in catheter ablation, with the development of its proprietary Touch+® sensor technology. Endosense’s flagship product is the TactiCath, the first force-sensing ablation catheter to give physicians a real-time, objective measure of contact force during the catheter ablation procedure.
BIOTRONIK is the exclusive distributor of the TactiCath in Europe, Latin America, Canada, Africa and the Middle East.
Endosense is backed by Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, Neomed, Gimv, VI Partners, Sectoral Asset Management, Ysios Capital Partners and Initiative Capital Romandie. For more information, visit www.endosense.com.
1 Caution: In the United States, the TactiCath is an investigational device. Limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use.
Contact:
ENDOSENSE MEDIA CONTACT/U.S.: Nobles Communications Laura Nobles, 310-795-0497 laura@noblescommunications.com or ENDOSENSE MEDIA CONTACT/EUROPE: Genevensis Communications Danièle Castle, +41 22 779 06 20 info@genevensis.com
