Device Improves Access to Left Atrium
St. Jude Medical, Incorporated announced another approval from the FDA on July 26th, for the ACross Transseptal Access System. The device also received a Health Canada License. The device is designed to simplify access to the left atrium during procedures to manage atrial fibrillation.
The ACross is a unified handheld device which includes the dilator, needle, and sheath into one interlocking handle within which the components fit together well. This design offers physicians greater control over the tools and improved means to position the device. The device offers improved control over the needle, which facilitates control over the distance that the needle is deployed. The handle includes a ridge which indicates the direction of the sheath and needle.
The ACross is superior to existing tools used for transseptal procedures because the three components are controlled with one handle. This enables a single electrophysiologist to complete the procedure alone, without requiring assistance from other physicians to manage the tools necessary for the procedure.
The left atrium is a common site of the most complicated types of arrhythmias. This product is one intended to reduce the implicit complexities of completing transseptal procedures.
Related stories:
- Cardiac Ablation Device Approved
- St. Jude Lead Approved
- Two St. Jude’s Defibrillators Approved
- Bi-Directional Catheter for Arrhythmias
July 27, 2007 Related topics: Quality, Safety, Errors, Cardiology