Endosense, a Swiss medical technology company, has announced completion of the first patient case utilizing prototype software that integrates the contact-force data provided by Endosense's TactiCath® force-sensing ablation catheter with Siemens Healthcare's electrophysiology solutions. Performed by Dipen Shah, M.D., on June 15 at the University Hospital of Geneva, this procedure demonstrated the feasibility of the companies' jointly developed application for use during the catheter ablation treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The new software was designed to give electrophysiologists access to contact force information in a fluoroscopically enabled, three-dimensional anatomic heart model with X-ray based catheter tracking system.
"This new contact-force visualization software brings a valuable new sensory dimension to the catheter ablation procedure, as we can now measure, control and also virtually see in 3D the contact forces we apply as we are applying them," said Dr. Shah. "I believe this new level of visualization will not only make the procedure more intuitive and easier for electrophysiologists to perform, but it will also allow us to improve our ablation technique in such a way that we ultimately offer safer and more effective procedures."
Eric Le Royer, chief executive officer, Endosense, also commented on the software's potential. "This first successful patient case is a significant achievement that moves us closer to our goal of offering electrophysiologists the benefits of contact-force sensing in new and value-added platforms. We look forward to our continued partnership with Siemens as we work to take this disruptive software from prototype to commercial stage."
Martin Ostermeier, Director Innovations of the Interventional X-ray business unit of Siemens Healthcare, added, "The amount of information electrophysiologists have to deal with during ablation procedures is huge. Finding elegant ways to present sensor values like contact force in a 3D image context may help to make a real difference."
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