Boston Scientific Launches New EP Guide Sheath

April 12, 2012 - Boston Scientific Corporation announced the United States market launch of its Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath. The device is intended for use in a wide range of electrophysiology (EP) procedures to facilitate the introduction and placement of diagnostic and therapeutic catheters within the heart. The company plans to launch the product immediately in the United States.

"The Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath provides more than 270 degrees of tip deflection to allow access to difficult-to-reach areas in all four chambers of the heart. This high degree of bend, combined with a very responsive steering mechanism, should provide additional flexibility for maneuvering inside the cardiac space," said Bruce G. Hook, M.D., Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Mass. "We look forward to using the Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath in our institution."

"The Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath is designed to facilitate delivery and placement of interventional devices used to treat atrial fibrillation (Afib) and other complex arrhythmias," said Pete Sommerness, vice president and general manager of Boston Scientific's Electrophysiology business. "The launch of the Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath complements our growing EP portfolio and highlights our continued focus on providing the most advanced technologies. We are committed to expanding our reach with electrophysiologists around the world and improving outcomes for Afib patients undergoing cardiac ablation procedures."

The Z Flex-270 Steerable Sheath is compatible with catheters up to 12 French.

Atrial fibrillation, which affects approximately 15 million patients worldwide, is an arrhythmia associated with a rapid rhythm in the upper chambers of the heart. Patients are most often treated with anti-arrhythmic drugs, which can often cause adverse side effects. Cardiac ablation with a radiofrequency ablation catheter is increasingly becoming an option for patients who cannot tolerate these medications.

Boston Scientific currently has no FDA-approved cardiac ablation catheters for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

For more information: www.bostonscientific.com