The acquisition will add an advanced mapping and navigation platform to Medtronic’s cardiac ablation portfolio and brings an integrated system of diagnostic and therapeutic tools to address a broad spectrum of arrhythmias
Medtronic operational headquarters. (Credit: Group29/English Wikipedia)
Global healthcare technology company Medtronic has completed its previously announced acquisition of US-based medical technology firm Affera, for an undisclosed sum.
Affera is engaged in developing a comprehensive integrated platform, intended to deliver durable therapy for a wide-range of cardiac arrhythmia patients.
Through the acquisition, Medtronic will obtain Affera’s Prism-1 cardiac mapping and navigation platform, which expands its cardiac ablation portfolio.
Prism-1 is a differentiated, fully integrated diagnostic, focal pulsed field and radiofrequency ablation solution, and will be compatible with most therapeutic catheters and technologies.
The investigational technology is said to provide patients with cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) with advanced solutions.
Affera founder and chief executive officer Doron Harlev said: “The acquisition enhances and accelerates our ability to treat millions of patients around the world suffering from cardiac arrhythmia with our innovative technology.
“Our team designed the Affera platform with physicians and patients in mind, to advance the field of electrophysiology while supporting safe and efficient cardiac ablation procedures.”
In addition to Prism-1, Affera will also add its Sphere-9 cardiac diagnostic and ablation catheter, and its additional pipeline products to Medtronic portfolio.
Sphere-9 is said to enable rapid creation of detailed electro-anatomical maps and delivers radio frequency (RF) and pulsed field (PF) cardiac ablation therapies.
The additional pipeline products include the Arc-10 coronary sinus (CS) diagnostic catheter and Sphere PVI ablation catheter, which delivers pulsed field ablation (PFA) energy.
Affera’s suite of solutions and technologies are said to complement the Medtronic’s existing atrial and ventricular arrhythmia disease management portfolio.
In December 2021, Affera has commenced a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) trial of Affera system, dubbed SPHERE Per-AF.
Medtronic said that it will continue to support the SPHERE Per-AF trial.
Medtronic cardiac ablation solutions (CAS) business president Rebecca Seidel said: “This acquisition marks an important growth milestone for our cardiac ablation portfolio.
“We’re incredibly proud to have led the industry with the introduction of the proven safe and effective cryoablation technology; and now these new additions to our portfolio help support a leap forward in our commitment to build a comprehensive portfolio and help physicians achieve the best outcomes for patients.”