Abbott has introduced the TactiFlex Sensor Enabled Ablation Catheter, the first of its kind to feature a flexible tip integrated with contact force technology. This innovative medical device aims to improve the precision and safety of cardiac ablation procedures for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart rhythm disorder.

AFib arises when erratic electrical signals cause the heart’s upper chambers to beat irregularly, increasing the risk of strokes, clots, and other cardiac complications. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that targets and neutralizes these errant signals by delivering energy through a catheter to scar the affected heart tissue.

The TactiFlex catheter stands out with its laser-cut, flexible tip design that enhances contact with the heart wall and improves fluid delivery to the treatment site. This advanced design offers greater stability—up to twice that of traditional models—ensuring accurate positioning and more consistent therapy.

When paired with Abbott’s EnSite X EP System, physicians can precisely map and treat the heart, significantly improving outcomes. Clinical studies, including the TactiFlex AF IDE trial, have shown over 99% success in creating effective lesions safely and efficiently.

In India, AFib cases are rising, particularly among younger, often female patients. With the growing burden of this condition, Abbott’s TactiFlex catheter represents a critical advancement in early diagnosis and effective intervention, offering renewed hope for improved heart health and quality of life.