Johnson & Johnson Launches Dual-Energy Ablation Catheter in Europe

Johnson & Johnson has launched its Dual Energy Thermocool SmartTouch SF platform (DE STSF) in Europe, growing access to a dual-energy catheter ablation solution designed for personalized care.

The platform combines the Dual Energy Themocool SmartTouch SF catheter, an irrigated contact-force sensing catheter, with the TruPulse generator to deliver both radiofrequency (RF) and pulsed field (PF) energy though one catheter-based solution. With Carto integration allowing ultra high-density mapping and intracardiac ultrasound imaging, the platform provides advanced electro-anatomical mapping, catheter visualization, contact-force feedback and PF/RF Index guidance.

12-month findings from the SmartfIRE first-in-human study demonstrated 86.9% effectiveness for patients treated with high adherence to the recommended workflow and PF/RF Index guidance. The study also showed clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, reductions in cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, and antiarrhythmic drug use.

Comments from Johnson & Johnson and clinicians

Nicolas Derval, MD, Bordeaux, France: “DE STSF is a welcome addition to the EP lab because it allows physicians to incorporate new technology based on the gold RF standard smarttouch SF platform while maintaining familiar workflows with greater versatility by seamlessly switching between RF and PFA. This flexibility also provides greater ability to adjust treatment to different patient anatomies, clinical needs and procedural goals while increasing safety in ablating the posterior wall for example.”

Ricardo Martin, president EMEA, Electrophysiology, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson: “No two atrial fibrillation patients are the same, which is why personalized treatment and procedural versatility matter. The launch of the Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF Platform reflects our continued commitment to providing physicians with a broad range of treatment options. As the latest addition to our integrated pulsed field ablation portfolio, it combines the familiarity of the world’s leading radiofrequency catheter with the versatility of pulsed field ablation, giving physicians greater confidence to tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.”