St. Jude Medical (NYSE:STJ) touted 510(k) clearance for its ViewFlex Xtra intracardiac echocardiography catheter for use with the device giant’s ViewMate Z ultrasound console.
The imaging system helps physicians visualize cardiac structures and blood flow within the heart during complex electrophysiology or interventional procedures, according to a statement sent to MassDevice today.
The ViewFlex ICE is an upgrade from the standard catheter, offering and ergonomic handle, 4-way tip deflection, self-locking steering and increased maneuverability, according to the statement.
The ViewMate Z system was developed in collaboration with Zonare Medical Systems.
The design integrates STJ’s intracardiac echocardiography catheter with Mountain View, Calif.-based Zonare’s "z.one" convertible ultrasound system.
"The ViewFlex Xtra catheter offers an advancement to the ViewMate Z Ultrasound console through its four-way tip deflection, a feature that allows physicians to more easily obtain desired viewing angles of the cardiac anatomy," Dr. Dhanunjay Lakkireddy, the 1st to test the ViewFlex Xtra ICE device said in prepared remarks. "The wide range of viewing options and high-quality images allow me to focus more on the patient and less on the catheter."
STJ shares were flat at $39.25 as of about noon today.
