Think of improved ablation for treating AFib, coronary intravascular lithotripsy to combat coronary artery disease, and more.
Here, we’ve highlighted the top five catheter innovation news stories getting the most attention on Medical Tubing + Extrusion as we approach the midway point of 2023:
5. Shockwave Medical launches new coronary IVL catheter
Shockwave Medical announced the full commercial availability of its C2+ coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) catheter. Designed for treating severely calcified coronary artery disease, the C2+ catheter is now available in Europe and select other regions. The new device offers a 50% increase in pulses per catheter compared to its predecessor, allowing for the treatment of longer and more complex calcified lesions.
4. How Penumbra’s smart-sucking algorithms and catheters speed up clot removal
Penumbra has developed a system using intelligent aspiration technology and software algorithms to accelerate the removal of blood clots and reduce blood loss during the process. The company’s new product, the Lightning Flash mechanical thrombectomy system, differentiates between blood and clots, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the procedure. Cleared by the FDA in late 2022, the system uses dual algorithms for pressure and flow to enhance clot removal speed and control blood loss.
3. Medtronic reports positive study results for PulseSelect pulsed-field ablation system
Medtronic announced positive results from a secondary analysis of its PULSED AF study, evaluating the safety and effectiveness of its PulseSelect pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology for treating AFib. The study found that 87% of paroxysmal AFib and 82% of persistent AFib patients experienced less than 10% atrial arrhythmia (AA) burden, leading to improved quality of life and decreased healthcare utilization. Medtronic CEO Geoff Martha recently said: “We expect to be one of the first companies with a PFA catheter in the U.S. market.”
2. FDA approves Abbott’s next-gen TactiFlex ablation catheter
Abbott describes the TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled as the world’s first ablation catheter with a flexible tip and contact force technology. The TactiFlex catheter also integrates with Abbott’s EnSite X EP System, enabling physicians to visualize heart anatomy more precisely. Company officials think their next-gen radiofrequency ablation system will enable more efficient and accurate arrhythmia treatments.
1. Biosense Webster says data supports its next-gen RF ablation catheter for treating AFib
Johnson & Johnson’s Biosense Webster said a study of its QDOT Micro catheter found a 76.7% Kaplan-Meier estimated 12-month primary effectiveness success rate and an 86% clinical success rate. The QDOT Micro catheter received CE Mark in 2020 and FDA approval in 2022.
