MHIF investigator performs first atrial fibrillation ablation in U.S. using SMARTTOUCH SF catheter

Dr. Daniel Melby, an investigator at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF), performed the first atrial fibrillation ablation in the U.S. using Biosense Webster's new THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH® SF contact force sensing catheter as part of an FDA regulated safety trial (SMART-SF). Biosense Webster is part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies. "The SMARTTOUCH® SF catheter is an important evolution in RF ablation technology," said Dr. Melby. "Contact force sensing combined with the more efficient irrigation design of this catheter may allow for a more effective ablation pattern while potentially reducing risk of thrombus formation and improving outcomes."

Ablation is one of the treatment options for millions of individuals who experience atrial fibrillation. During an ablation, an electrophysiologist maps the patient's heart arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), finds the source and cauterizes the muscle to disrupt the arrhythmia. The Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northern Hospital performs hundreds of ablation procedures each year and the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is involved with many clinical trials that target treatments for atrial fibrillation.