St Jude Medical has obtained CE mark for its ViewFlex Xtra Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE) catheter for providing improved control and maneuverability while performing complex cardiac ablation procedures using radiofrequency.
The ICE catheter, which features an ergonomic handle and a four-way directional tip, is inserted through a small incision in the femoral vein (located in the leg) and guided to the heart.
In addition, the FDA-approved technology includes auto-lock steering feature which allows for single-handed operation of the catheter to minimize repositioning.
University of Kansas Hospital cardiologist and internal medicine professor Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy said, "The ViewFlex ICE Catheter's easy to use, one-handed operation allows for a more efficient procedure."
The ICE catheter, when combined with the company's ViewMate Z Intracardiac Ultrasound Console, provides real-time, high-resolution ultrasound images of blood flow and cardiac anatomy including internal structure of the heart, according to the company.
The high-resolution images and vivid color displays also provide clinicians with improved guidance for treating irregular heart rhythms.
St Jude Medical cardiovascular and ablation technologies division president Frank Callaghan said, "The combination of the ViewFlex Xtra ICE Catheter and ViewMate Z Intracardiac Ultrasound Console in an integrated EP Lab not only yields exceptional images, but more importantly allows physicians to focus on the patient and less on catheter manipulation."
The company will showcase its technology at the eighteenth annual Boston AF Symposium.