BAFS: Bard upgrades ablation, diagnostic catheters

Bard Electrophysiology focused on flexibility and control at the 15th annual Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium (BAFS) last week as it highlighted upgraded electrophysiology products.

Showcased were Bard's ablation and diagnostic catheters, and steerable and fixed sheaths.

The Radia, a bidirectional diagnostic catheter, allows for tissue contact with its ergonomic handle. The device provides asymmetrical curve options including D-type, medium, extra-large and cristalis, at varying lengths.

The Lowell, Mass.-based company also showcased its Scorpion 2 ablation device -- an upgrade to its Stinger ablation catheter -- that includes a bidirectional distal tip to improve tissue contact and anatomical access. The device's tip orientation offers perpendicular and parallel tips for mapping and to create focal lesions.

In addition, the device's bidirectional distal tip expands the curve radius. According to the company, this reduces the need for catheter exchange during an ablation procedure. Also, the device can reach distances of 24 mm to 69 mm with its three curve sizes: medium, large and extra-large.

Also highlighted was the company's Channel Steerable Sheath, equipped with CurveLock technology that allows physicians to increase sheath angles. According to Bard, the device eliminates the need to swap out for an additional sheath when new angles are required during a procedure. In addition, Bard’s Channel FX sheath has a braided shaft to provide support and torque during the ablation process.

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