FDA Clears New Magnetically-Guided Ablation Catheter

January 2, 2010 – The FDA cleared the Celsius RMT ThermoCool ablation catheter for use with Stereotaxis' magnetic navigation system in the treatment of type 1 atrial flutter. The product is the fifth advanced ablation catheter resulting from the on-going co-development agreement between Stereotaxis and Biosense Webster to design and distribute magnetically enabled catheters for mapping and ablation. The Celsius RMT ThermoCool catheter was granted CE mark for distribution in the European Union in October 2009. The Celsius RMT and NaviStar RMT catheters are the only magnetic catheters matched to the navigational software of the Niobe Magnetic Navigation System for highly precise catheter manipulation. With the Celsius RMT ThermoCool catheter, the family of magnetic irrigated ablation catheters offers localized and non-localized technology. Localized catheters are used for more complex arrhythmias requiring 3D electro-anatomic mapping for precise diagnosis, whereas non-localized catheters are typically used for a broader array of arrhythmias, which can be treated using basic imaging and ECG recordings. Separately, the FDA approved all of Biosense Webster's magnetic catheters for use with the magnetic field strength of 0.1 Tesla, an increase of 25 percent, which is now available in Stereotaxis navigation systems. In European clinical evaluations conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009, clinicians noted that the new field strength enhanced catheter navigation in difficult to reach locations; enhanced catheter stability, especially near the antrioventricular valves; and improved catheter contact along the isthmus region of both atria. "The 25 percent improvement in field strength was immediately appreciated to improve navigation and stability for a wide range of procedure types with and without 3D mapping," said Dr. Tamas Szili-Torok, clinical head of electrophysiology at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. "We have implemented 0.1T as the default setting at our institution." For more information: www.stereotaxis.com