PR85317

AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Physicians with the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David's

Medical Center (https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2902838-1&h=1556582693&u=https%3A%2F%2Ftcainstitute.com%2F&a=Texas+Cardiac+Arrhythmia+Institute+(TCAI)+at+St.+David%27s+Medical+Center ) are among the first in the world

to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate a new intra-cardiac echocardiography catheter.

Andrea Natale, M.D., F.H.R.S., F.A.C.C., F.E.S.C., cardiac electrophysiologist and executive

medical director of TCAI, and Amin Al-Ahmad, M.D., cardiac electrophysiologist at TCAI,

recently participated in the first-in-human trials of this catheter in Europe,

in preparation for conducting in-human trials at St. David's Medical Center in

Central Texas next year.

What distinguishes this catheter—the NuVision(TM) ICE Catheter--from previous

versions is 4D imaging, which is designed to better guide complex cardiac

procedures, improve outcomes and reduce procedure times, all of which are

beneficial to the patient.

"As ablation technologies continue to evolve, and procedures become

increasingly complex, there is a growing need for advanced intracardiac imaging

beyond the capabilities of 3D imaging," Dr. Natale said. "4D imaging provides a

high-resolution view of the heart structure during a complex intervention to

lessen the likelihood of complications during ablation procedures. We are

committed to providing leading-edge treatment to our patients, and we look

forward to bringing this important advancement to St. David's Medical Center."

This catheter offers all of the imaging capabilities of previous imaging

platforms with the added spatial benefits of real-time intracardiac 3D

guidance, giving physicians an advanced view of the heart in motion during

complex structural heart surgeries, appendage closures and cardiac ablation

procedures. This enhanced visualization allows physicians to better assess

complex cardiac structures with the potential to improve patient outcomes while

reducing procedure times and fluoroscopy (X-ray) exposure. It also gives

physicians better control of the image generation by allowing them to guide the

catheter throughout the procedure.

"Through the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center,

we are committed to advancing the level of care for patients with cardiac

conditions," Dr. Al-Ahmad said. "Having the ability to view direct images of a

procedure in real time allows us to more safely and effectively treat patients."

4D imaging also allows doctors to perform structural heart procedures under

conscious sedation, which is associated with a lower risk of complications for patients.

Media Contact:

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Elizabeth Christian Public Relations

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SOURCE: Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center