Philips will collaborate with Medtronic to further advance treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), the common heart rhythm disorder. Through the agreement, Medtronic will facilitate sales of products on behalf of Philips to provide an innovative, integrated image guidance solution for cryoablation procedures. Philips will bring to market the novel KODEX-EPD cardiac imaging and navigation system with cryoablation specific features to enable electrophysiologists to perform cryoablation procedures with reduced need for X-ray imaging.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects more than 33 million people worldwide. Cryoballoon ablation is used in a minimally invasive procedure to isolate the pulmonary veins, which are a source of erratic electrical signals that cause AF. The technology uses cold energy rather than heat (radio frequency (RF) ablation) to create scar tissue and interrupt these irregular electrical pathways in the heart.
“This integrated solution can guide physicians during the treatment of AF patients with ablation, as they can view detailed, CT-like 3D anatomy, so reducing the need for X-ray imaging,” said Marlou Janssen, Business Leader Philips EPD Solutions. “Partnering with Medtronic extends the reach of our KODEX-EPD cardiac imaging and navigation system. Today, this technology is simplifying navigation, and in the future it has potential for a wide range of applications, including addressing the key unmet need of real-time therapy assessment – one of the more significant limitations of the current standard of care.”
“Physicians will have the ability to use an innovative cardiac imaging and mapping system during cryoablation procedures, while also realizing the significant benefits of our best-in-class cryoablation therapy,” said Rebecca Seidel, vice president and general manager of the Atrial Fibrillation Solutions division, which is part of the Cardiac and Vascular Group at Medtronic. “AF is a growing epidemic and we are committed to providing solutions to electrophysiologists that help address the needs of their patients.”
Philips’ KODEX-EPD system uses dielectric imaging to create CT-like 3D, high-definition images of a patient’s cardiac structures in real time. A completely new approach to imaging the heart, dielectric imaging offers many benefits in comparison to current approaches, for both cryo and RF ablation procedures. The technology provides real-time 3D imaging, reducing the need for X-ray imaging and the associated radiation dose. It also has mapping capabilities without the need to reset a reference point if the patient moves. As a result, the KODEX-EPD system provides excellent visualization and simplifies navigation, enhancing procedure efficiency and patient care.
Philips Healthcare,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Medtronic
Minneapolis, MN, United States