Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced the European launch of the Achieve™ Mapping Catheter, an intra-cardiac electrophysiology recording catheter that can be used to assess pulmonary vein isolation when treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The innovative catheter technology, which has received the CE (Conformite Europeenne) Mark, is designed to be used with the Medtronic Arctic Front® Cardiac CryoAblation Catheter System, offering a more straightforward approach to the minimally invasive procedure.
"The Achieve Mapping Catheter provides valuable insight through real-time assessment of pulmonary vein isolation during cryoablation with the Arctic Front," said Prof. Dr. Ellen Hoffmann, Klinikum Munchen-Bogenhausen.
The Achieve Mapping Catheter has a distal mapping section with a circular loop which is available in two loop diameters (15 mm and 20 mm). It is deployed through the Arctic Front guidewire lumen, allowing for a single transseptal puncture. The catheter features eight evenly spaced electrodes on a loop, enabling physicians to map electrical conduction between the left atrium and pulmonary veins. Additionally, the catheter allows for assessment of pulmonary vein potentials both before and after cryoablation and also helps physicians assess time-to-effect during cryoablation.
"The Achieve Mapping Catheter offers a significant enhancement to the Arctic Front system - presenting physicians with a simplified approach to pulmonary vein isolation," said Reggie Groves, vice president and general manager of Medtronic's AF Solutions division. "We are committed to providing physicians with the most advanced medical technology to treat heart rhythm diseases and improve patient quality of life."
A comprehensive review of atrial fibrillation