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Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, announced an expanded CE Mark indication for the Affera Mapping and Ablation System with Sphere-9 Catheter to treat ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The Sphere-9 catheter is the first all-in-one mapping and ablation, large-tip focal, dual-energy catheter CE marked for ventricular ablation.
"This milestone is a major step forward as we continue to expand the footprint of the Affera technology to more physicians and patients," said Rebecca Seidel, president of the electrophysiology therapies business at Medtronic. "Indication expansion to include ventricular arrhythmias unlocks another fast-growing market opportunity to keep building on our momentum, powered by the versatility, safety and efficiency of the Sphere-9 catheter."
Additionally, in recognition of the critical unmet need for ventricular arrhythmia treatments, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the Sphere-9 catheter for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, which provides an expedited regulatory pathway for the technology in this patient population. The Sphere VT pivotal trial to evaluate Sphere-9 for the treatment of VT and support future approval in the US is now enrolling patients.
The Affera Mapping and Ablation System with Sphere-9 Catheter is an all-in-one, dual-energy pulsed field (PF) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation and high-definition mapping catheter for use in cardiac ablation procedures.
"Physicians have long needed better tools for ventricular arrhythmias, and we're proud to deliver a technology that addresses this unmet need and moves the needle on patient care," said Khaldoun Tarakji, M.D., MPH, vice president, chief medical officer, Cardiac Ablation Solutions business, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "The unique features of Sphere-9, including a single catheter to map and ablate using radiofrequency or pulsed field energy and a large footprint, make it an excellent tool for a variety of arrhythmias, including those that may be challenging to treat."
Ventricular arrhythmias (VT) is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia that causes the heart to beat abnormally fast. Unlike atrial fibrillation, VT affects the lower chamber of the heart and often presents after a heart attack or together with other advanced heart diseases. VT patients are often treated with medications and may receive life-saving therapies from implanted defibrillators in the form of pacing or shocks. Catheter ablation for VT is an established treatment option, but outcomes have remained suboptimal with little ablation tool innovation in recent years. As a result, a significant unmet need exists to improve patient care.
PVCs are extra or early heartbeats that start in the heart's lower chambers (ventricles), briefly disrupting normal rhythm and potentially causing a flutter-like feeling in the chest.
Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Its Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across 150 countries.
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