Abbott Unveils Cutting-Edge Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology at CIIE, Ushering in a New Era of Flexible and Precise Radiofrequency Ablation

On November 6, 2022, at the 5th China International Import Expo, Abbott, a global leading healthcare company, unveiled the "China debut" of its TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, featuring an etched tip with magnetic and electrical positioning and contact force sensing. This cutting-edge technology in cardiac electrophysiology will help usher in a new era of flexible and precise radiofrequency ablation, enabling Abbott to further expand and enhance its leading comprehensive solutions for cardiac electrophysiology, allowing high-quality medical services to benefit more patients in China.

The Ablation Catheter with Magnetic and Electrical Positioning and Pressure Monitoring Makes Its Official Debut at This Year's CIIE

As one of the most common clinical arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation refers to irregular rapid arrhythmia. Data shows that the risk of stroke (commonly known as apoplexy) in patients with atrial fibrillation is five times higher than that in people without atrial fibrillation[]. Among them, 10% of atrial fibrillation strokes are fatal, and 45% of patients will have sequelae[], seriously affecting the quality of life of patients. Clinical studies have confirmed that radiofrequency ablation is one of the effective methods for treating atrial fibrillation[]. Compared with traditional drug therapy, radiofrequency ablation can improve the survival rate of patients, reduce the recurrence rate, and improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients[].
As Abbott's latest generation contact force catheter with a flexible tip, the TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled made its "China debut" this time. This laser-etched magnetic and electrical positioning pressure-monitoring ablation catheter features a flexible design and iterative technology for cardiac ablation procedures to treat arrhythmias. It has a flexible, dragon-scale-like laser-etched tip that incorporates an optical sensing pressure design and magnetic-electrical dual positioning technology. While ensuring accurate contact pressure, it provides operators with a safer, more stable, and efficient ablation experience through directional irrigation and tip temperature monitoring. Meanwhile, when used in conjunction with the Ensite X electroanatomical mapping system[], it offers excellent interactive guidance, enabling "precise navigation" in a shorter time, accurately locating ablation targets, and improving the efficiency and safety of ablation procedures[][][]. This benefits a large number of Chinese patients with arrhythmias.
Chen Lan, General Manager of Abbott's Cardiac Electrophysiology in China, stated: "Heart health is the cornerstone of a vibrant life. As a leader in the cardiac electrophysiology industry, Abbott continuously innovates and focuses on cutting-edge technologies to provide more flexible, advanced, and safer comprehensive solutions for patients with atrial fibrillation, offering care that truly understands your heart. This year, at the CIIE, a platform for open collaboration and mutual benefit, we showcased a series of Abbott’s frontier technologies in the cardiac electrophysiology field. Moving forward, we will continue to address unmet medical needs in the Chinese market and collaborate with the government, experts, and industry partners to drive progress and development within the industry, helping patients return to healthy lives."
After more than 30 years of dedication in China, Abbott has consistently provided efficient and safe comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology solutions for Chinese electrophysiology experts and operators. Over the past four years, Abbott has launched several cutting-edge technologies in China, including the EnSite PrecisionTM Cardiac Mapping System, AdvisorTM High Density Grid Mapping Catheter, Sensor EnabledTM single-use magnetic-electric positioning mapping catheter, and TactiCath Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled magnetic-electric positioning pressure-sensing ablation catheter, significantly empowering atrial fibrillation diagnosis and treatment in China and benefiting more patients. At last year's CIIE, Abbott showcased the "China debut" of the next-generation EnSiteTM X Electrophysiology Mapping System and the EnSiteTM LiveView Dynamic Display function, offering real electrocardiographic signals within the heart from a new and comprehensive perspective, greatly enhancing the operational efficiency of operators.

For over 130 years, Abbott has continuously driven innovative breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through cutting-edge technologies and products that transform health, creating a future of healthcare. In the field of electrophysiology, Abbott will also keep moving forward, consistently introducing a comprehensive portfolio of products including mapping systems, diagnostic catheters, and ablation catheters to promote precise ablation in atrial fibrillation radiofrequency procedures, helping patients better manage their health and live vibrant lives. Meanwhile, Abbott will continue to deepen its investment in the Chinese market, reinforcing its presence in China, actively shaping the future of healthcare, and contributing to the early realization of "Healthy China 2030," enabling more patients to lead fulfilling lives.