Platinum coils are playing a key role in a type of microcatheter designed to map the inside vasculature of the heart wall.

PATHFINDER, developed by medical device company Cardima, allows surgeons to gain access to tissue which causes arrhythmia through the venous system.

The tapered core wire and hydrophilic coating is complemented by small electrodes that offer advanced near-field signals, while an atraumatic platinum tip coil affords extra patient safety during placement of the device.

Cardima confirmed on Monday (January 4th) that PATHFINDER has now received Shonin approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to re-enter the country's market.

"We increased our PATHFINDER inventory in anticipation of this approval and have already begun shipping products to Japan," commented Chief Executive Robert Cheney.

"PATHFINDER sales in Japan have the potential to provide Cardima with large revenue generation opportunities."

The catheter has already been approved for marketing in the US, Europe, Canada and Thailand.

Arrhythmias tend to develop from abnormal electrical currents within the heart and can generally be associated with fast, slow and/or irregular heartbeats.

Source:

Cardima’s PATHFINDER Diagnostic Catheters Receive Marketing Approval in Japan (04/01/10)

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