Boston Scientific has secured FDA approval for its Farawave Nav ablation catheter, a navigation-enabled device intended for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Simultaneously, the company received 510(k) clearance for its Faraview imaging software, designed for use with its pulsed field ablation (PFA) system. Both technologies have been immediately launched commercially.
The Farawave Nav ablation catheter is designed to map cardiac electrical patterns before PFA procedures, aiding in the planning of individualized treatments. The Faraview software provides physicians with enhanced visualization of catheter placement, shape, and rotation during procedures.
Enhanced Visualization and Navigation
The new technologies are compatible with Boston Scientific’s OPAL HDx mapping system, which is designed to improve transfemoral access during radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation procedures. According to a company press release, the navigation-enabled ablation mapping catheter is designed for use before pulsed field ablation to examine cardiac electrical patterns to assist planning of individualized procedures. The pulsed field ablation imaging software is designed to provide the physician user with a view of catheter placement, shape and rotation.
Expert Commentary
"In clinical use, the Faraview software and Farawave Nav ablation catheter produced detailed cardiac maps that could improve guidance, limit fluoroscopy times and assist physicians in assessing the location of energy delivered during [pulsed field ablation] procedures," said Vivek Reddy, MD, director of electrophysiology at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. "The addition of navigation and visualization capabilities to the Farapulse [pulsed field ablation] system could aid workflow efficiency and enhance the treatment physicians can provide to patients living with AF."
