Philips and Medtronic Collaborate on Image-guided Atrial Fibrillation Treatment

May 9, 2019 — Philips announced a collaboration with Medtronic to further advance treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), a common heart rhythm disorder. Through the agreement, Medtronic will facilitate sales of products on behalf of Philips to provide an integrated image guidance solution for cryoablation procedures. Philips will bring to market the novel KODEX-EPD cardiac imaging and navigation system with cryoablation specific features to enable electrophysiologists to perform cryoablation procedures with reduced need for X-ray imaging.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects more than 33 million people worldwide.[1] Cryoballoon ablation is used in a minimally invasive procedure to isolate the pulmonary veins, which are a source of erratic electrical signals that cause AF. The technology uses cold energy rather than heat (radiofrequency [RF] ablation) to create scar tissue and interrupt these irregular electrical pathways in the heart.

Philips’ KODEX-EPD system uses dielectric imaging to create computed tomography (CT)-like 3-D, high-definition images of a patient’s cardiac structures in real time.[2] Dielectric imaging offers many benefits in comparison to current approaches, for both cryo and RF ablation procedures. The technology provides real-time 3-D imaging, reducing the need for X-ray imaging. It also has mapping capabilities without the need to reset a reference point if the patient moves. As a result, the KODEX-EPD system provides excellent visualization and simplifies navigation, enhancing procedure efficiency and patient care, according to Philips.

In pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) cryoablation procedures, the system confirms the positioning of the Medtronic Achieve Mapping Catheter, supporting quick visualization of the pulmonary veins. Philips is also developing balloon visualization capabilities for the KODEX-EPD system.

KODEX-EPD is CE marked and has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for mapping and navigation during arrhythmia ablation procedures. KODEX-EPD systems are in clinical use at limited sites worldwide. The integrated solution to support cryoablation procedures is intended to be available for sale in the U.S. and Europe in Q4 2019.

For more information: www.usa.philips.com/healthcare, www.medtronic.com

References

1. Chugh S, Havmoeller R, Narayanan K, et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: a global burden of disease 2010 study. Circulation. 2014; 129:837-847.

2. Maurer T, Kuck K-H et al. First clinical experience in high-resolution imaging of left atrial anatomy using a novel wide-band dielectric mapping system. Clin Res Cardiol 108, Suppl 1, April 2019.