Abbott Releases Data from TactiCath SE for Persistent AFib Study

Abbott released results from its PERSIST-END study that showed 89% of persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients treated with its TactiCath Contact Force Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled (TactiCath SE) stayed symptom-free for up to 15 months after the procedure.
 
Patients also reported “significant” quality-of-life improvements and over 50% reduced healthcare resource use.  TactiCath SE was previously approved for paroxysmal AFib and the PERSIST-END study data supported approval of the additional persistent AFib indication last year.
 
“Like many arrhythmias, persistent AFib can be difficult to treat and to date we have had relatively few approaches approved specifically to treat this condition,” said Douglas Gibson, M.D., site principal investigator and director of cardiac electrophysiology at Scripps Clinic and the Prebys Cardiovascular Institute told the press. “The results of the PERSIST-END study show that Abbott’s TactiCath SE can help physicians ensure the majority of our persistent AFib patients will remain symptom-free following their therapy and will go on to experience dramatic improvements in their quality of life.”
 
As part of cardiac ablation, the TactiCath SE minimally invasive method selectively disrupts the heart area generating abnormal heartbeats. The catheter provides immediate feedback when the catheter tip connects with heart tissue to improve accuracy and consistency. It’s used in conjunction with Abbott’s EnSite X EP system, Advisor HD Grid mapping catheter, and EnSite Omnipolar Technology (OT).
 
“Ablation therapy is an increasingly important option for people living with cardiac arrhythmias because it allows physicians to treat the cause of the arrhythmia at its source. However, it can be a challenging procedure because the right amount of pressure needs to be applied to the heart wall to be effective, but not so much as to cause other problems,” said Christopher Piorkowski, M.D., chief medical officer of Abbott’s electrophysiology business. “We developed TactiCath SE to provide clear information on whether the device is making contact with the heart wall and whether the pressure is enough to achieve the therapeutic goals. The outcomes are clear – the system delivers safe and effective results.”