Biosense Webster introduces new curve visualization technology in the U.S.

Biosense Webster, Inc., a worldwide leader in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, announced the launch of the new THERMOCOOL^® SF NAV irrigated ablation catheter with Curve Visualization in the United States.

NEW Curve Visualization Technology
The THERMOCOOL^® SF NAV Irrigated Ablation Catheter with Curve Visualization combines Biosense Webster's latest porous tip technology with the accurate visualization of the CARTO^®3 3D Mapping & Ablation System. This enhanced technology is designed to reduce fluoroscopy exposure to physicians, lab staff and patients alike, enhance visualization of the ablation catheters orientation and improve procedural efficiency.

Dr. Daniel Melby, Cardiac Electrophysiologist from the Minneapolis Heart Institute in Minneapolis, MN, was among the first to use the new technology in the United States. "The THERMOCOOL^® SF Catheter with Curve Visualization provides substantial advantages over existing technologies. While using the Curve Visualization feature, the catheter position is more completely represented on the CARTO display, thereby allowing less fluoroscopy use and easier catheter positioning on difficult atrial locations. In addition, the THERMOCOOL^® SF Catheter platform provides the ability to consistently ablate at all atrial locations without the limitation of overheating and with 50% less volume delivery to the patient."

Porous Tip Technology
Since its introduction in January 2012, the THERMOCOOL^® SF Catheter with Surround Flow technology has achieved widespread adoption within hundreds of hospitals throughout the United States.

Unlike competitive irrigated technologies, the innovative catheter design and breakthrough porous tip technology with Surround Flow technology of the THERMOCOOL^® SF Catheter allows for uniform cooling of the entire catheter tip, and efficient heat dissipation when ablating. This cutting edge innovation provides more effective cooling and allows half the volume load to the patient, when compared to the traditional THERMOCOOL^® Catheter.

The THERMOCOOL^® SF NAV Catheter is approved in the United States for treatment of drug refractory recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation when used with CARTO^® Systems and Type 1 Atrial Flutter for patients 18 years and older.

Participation at Health Leadership Conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC
Biosense Webster was invited to showcase the THERMOCOOL^® SF Catheter with Curve Visualization technology during the Innovation Expo of the HealthCare Leadership Council on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on April 25-26, 2012. Members of Congress were able to see the latest technology to treat Atrial Fibrillation, the most common arrhythmia impacting more than 5MM people in United States.