Stereotaxis Launches the e-Contact Module in Europe

Stereotaxis Inc., a global developer of robotic technologies for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, has announced the European launch of the e-Contact module. The e-Contact module provides physicians with a simple-to-interpret indicator of catheter tip-to-tissue contact.
 
“The e-Contact module is another important building block as we methodically advance towards reliable, reproducible and rapid automation,” said David Fischel, chairman and acting CEO. “We believe that automation will be transformational for EP, with the ability to be the most efficacious, efficient and safest platform enabling individualized therapy to patients across a broad range of arrhythmias.”
 
The ability to transmit RF energy from the catheter tip into tissue is critical to create effective lesions to treat arrhythmias during electrophysiology (EP) procedures. Other systems currently on the market rely on measuring force as a proxy for this electrical process. The e-Contact module is primarily impedance-based which allows for a direct measurement of the capacity to deliver RF energy into tissue. The e-Contact module can improve patient outcomes and reduce procedure times by allowing physicians to focus on ablating only when they can effectively create a lesion. 
 
“The e-Contact module is a great addition to the Niobe magnetic navigation system. Given the stable focal contact that Niobe provides, a simple indication of contact is perfect,” said Tamas Szili-Torok, M.D., Ph.D., Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. “When the system indicates optimal contact I am confident that I can deliver energy effectively into tissue. When the indicator shows little or no contact, I maneuver the catheter to improve the situation. The e-Contact module has allowed me to further streamline my procedures to the point where I am now able to deliver customized treatment to my patients more efficiently than with other technologies, while still having the benefit of the Niobe system’s unmatched safety profile.”
 
To date, the e-Contact module has been installed in nine European sites, with more than 450 procedures completed utilizing the technology.
 
Stereotaxis develops robotic technologies designed to enhance the treatment of arrhythmias and perform endovascular procedures. Its mission is the discovery, development and delivery of robotic systems, instruments, and information solutions for the interventional laboratory. Over 100 issued patents support the Stereotaxis platform. The core components of Stereotaxis’ systems have received regulatory clearance in the United States, European Union, Japan, Canada, China, and elsewhere.