Siemens Healthineers and Boston Scientific partner on next-generation intracardiac echo for LAAO
Boston Scientific and Siemens Healthineers have entered into a strategic partnership to develop improved workflows for Siemens' next-generation AcuNav 4D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter. ICE has increasingly been used to guide transcatheter left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures, and Boston Scientific is the market leader in the rapidly growing LAAO closure space with its Watchman device.
The next-generation AcuNav 4D ICE catheter has the potential to guide Watchman implant procedures with a dedicated workflow and without the need to cross the catheter into the left atrium, which can cause procedural complications.
While most Watchman cases are performed using transesophageal echo (TEE), 4D ICE has seen rapid growth in these procedures. Some electrophysiologists and interventional cardiologists who perform LAAO now use ICE exclusively because it enables them to use light patient sedation, but an anesthesiologist is needed when using TEE. The operators also can maneuver the imaging catheter themselves to help simplify the procedure without TEE.
Once commercially available, the new ICE catheter is intended to offer physicians an imaging option for standalone Watchman procedures, concomitant "FaraWatch" procedures for LAAO and other structural heart procedures. LAAO procedures are intended to help patients with atrial fibrillation get off of anticoagulation therapy, but they often also undergo ablation procedures, which has led to the increasing use of these concomitant procedures.
"This strategic partnership will bring together the Acuson Origin ultrasound system, the next generation AcuNav 4D ICE catheter, the Watchman LAAC device, and a co-developed AI-powered workflow," explained Sourabh Pagaria, global president, ultrasound, Siemens Healthineers, in the partnership announcement via social media. "This partnership reflects what happens when two teams align around a shared purpose, enabling safer, simpler and more precise care for patients. We are excited for what we will build together — and for the elevating impact this next‑generation 4D ICE platform can create for clinicians and the patients they serve."
Boston Scientific believes the strategic partnership will support the growth of its Watchman business because the improved workflow will expand procedural adoption across more sites. The company said ease of use will help reduce barriers for adoption at centers that may not have interventional echocardiographers or anesthesiologists on site, or where procedures can be difficult to schedule due to coordinating schedules of additional physicians. This should drive operational efficiency for providers.
The agreement with Siemens will make Boston Scientific the exclusive distributor of the new AcuNav 4D ICE catheter in the United States and Japan. The company already has local reps throughout both countries with well established distribution networks and close supply relationships with cath and EP labs.
"With 4D ICE emerging as a promising imaging modality for Watchman and FaraWatch, we are pleased to partner with Siemens Healthineers to bring physicians a transformative new option," said Angelo De Rosa, global president at Boston Scientific, in a statement.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: [email protected]