Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center First in the World to Perform Atrial Fibrillation Procedure

Sensei® X Robotic Catheter System Received FDA Approval on Friday, September 11

AUSTIN, Texas—On Tuesday, September 15, 2009, physicians at the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center performed the first procedure worldwide using the Sensei® X Robotic Catheter System, which received clearance from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday, September 11, 2009. Electrophysiologists at TCAI use the new system to more effectively treat patients with atrial fibrillation, or A Fib—a common heart rhythm disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to stroke.

The new Sensei® X Robotic Catheter System, manufactured by Hansen Medical, Inc., is the next generation flexible robotic platform that integrates advanced levels of 3D catheter control with 3D visualization, a combination that provides accuracy and stability to the physician.

“With this device, we are able to reach deeper into the heart, allowing us to place catheters with greater precision and accuracy,” Rodney P. Horton, M.D., electrophysiologist at TCAI, said. “This advanced navigation allows us to safely and effectively treat patients with A Fib through complex arrhythmia mapping procedures.”

The new Sensei X platform uses the Artisan Extend™ Control Catheter, which increases the reachability and navigation properties of the existing Artisan catheter by offering more than 20 percent improvement in both bend and reach. As a result, physicians have the ability to place catheters deliberately and accurately within the heart. In addition, the Artisan Extend catheter offers improvements in setup and workflow, designed to improve usability and reduce procedure time. Artisan Extend™ Control Catheter received FDA approval last month.

The new Sensei X system allows doctors to control an electronic “arm” from a work station outside of the electrophysiology (EP) lab, improving their technical capabilities during EP procedures. It also reduces radiation exposure to both patient and physician.

TCAI is one of the world’s most comprehensive centers dedicated to the latest treatment advances for correcting A Fib. It is led by Andrea Natale, M.D., F.A.C.C., a world-renowned expert on abnormal heart rhythms such as A Fib. Natale is at the forefront of the advancement of treatment for A Fib, leading numerous clinical trials and participating in the development of new technologies and procedures.

TCAI is a partnership between St. David’s HealthCare and the physician group, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia.

St. David’s Medical Center
Founded in 1924, St. David’s Medical Center is the flagship hospital of St. David’s HealthCare, one of the largest systems in Texas. Located within minutes of downtown Austin at 32nd Street and IH35, St. David’s Medical Center’s comprehensive care services include specialties in neurology and neurosurgery, including the renowned NeuroTexas Institute and the TIA Center for Stroke Prevention; cardiac services, including the acclaimed Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute mentioned above; a Bariatric Center of Excellence; maternity and newborn services with Level I, II and III nurseries; orthopedics; inpatient and outpatient surgery; and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. The medical center includes St. David's Hospital (acute care) and St. David’s Rehabilitation Center (physical medicine and rehabilitation). The 347-bed hospital features a 24-hour emergency department. St. David’s Medical Center is a designated Primary Stroke Center and a nationally certified Chest Pain Center. For more information, please visit www.StDavids.com/sdmc.aspx.

Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia/Texas Cardiovascular Consultants
Founded in 1996 by Rodney P. Horton, M.D., Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia, now a division of Texas Cardiovascular Consultants, has performed thousands of electrophysiology procedures and cared for thousands of patients, providing state of the art care in Texas as well as in Central and South America. The team participates in clinical research offering patients the latest technology while ensuring that physicians remain on the cutting edge. For more information about clinics throughout Austin and surrounding countries, as well as in Waco, Bryan, College Station, San Angelo, Temple, Killeen, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Odessa—please visit www.TCAheart.com.

Founded in 1995, Texas Cardiovascular believes the successful delivery of effective cardiovascular care and health management depends on the establishment of a close working relationship with the patient, the availability of all of the latest diagnostic technologies, and physicians trained in all state-of-the-art techniques to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. With more than 35 physicians and seven full-time offices, Texas Cardiovascular cares for patients throughout Central Texas and statewide.