Abstract
AtriCure, Inc., has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Synergy Ablation System for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF).
Background
AtriCure’s Synergy Ablation System is already approved in Europe for the treatment of AF and we reported in October that FDA’s expert panel had recommended US approval at that time. This announcement follows that recommendation with news of the FDA approval.
Indication
Specifically, the Synergy Ablation System has been approved for the treatment of patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF during open-heart concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valve replacement or repair procedures.
The Synergy Ablation System includes AtriCure’s Isolator Synergy clamps, a radiofrequency generator and related switchbox. It was previously cleared in the United States for cardiac tissue ablation during concomitant open-heart surgical procedures.
The FDA’s approval includes the implementation of a 350-patient post-approval study, of which 46 patients have been enrolled through the ABLATE AF study. Additionally, the FDA approval includes a physician training program.
This is the first time a surgical ablation system has been approved for the treatment of AF and the first time any system, catheter or surgical, has been approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF.
Company comments
“This marks the achievement of a major milestone for AtriCure, the field of cardiac surgery, and the treatment of AF. The approval confirms the effectiveness of the Synergy Ablation System and recognizes the increasing need for the surgical treatment of AF,” said David J. Drachman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to educating physicians and patients on our surgical alternative for the treatment of AF, which we believe will raise awareness for a large number of AF patients that are currently being undertreated. Importantly, we would like to thank all of our partners who worked with us to achieve this approval, particularly the FDA, physicians and their patients who participated in the ABLATE trial. Additionally, I would like to recognize the efforts of the AtriCure team, who have worked tirelessly toward the successful achievement of this seminal milestone.”
Source: AtriCure
published: December 20, 2011 in: Approval/Clearance, Cardio, Companies, Regulatory