Medtronic reports positive data from Phased RF Ablation System trial

Medtronic has reported positive data from a new clinical study of its Phased RF Ablation System for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Data has been published from the recent Tailored Treatment of Permanent Atrial Fibrillation trial, the first randomised study to compare the device to standard treatment options using anti-arrhythmic drugs and direct current cardioversion.

It was found that those in the ablation management control group were able to experience statistically significant reductions in their level of AF and flutter burden, thus meeting the device's chronic effectiveness endpoint.

According to the company, this data shows that the Phased RF Ablation System can help to address an unmet medical need for new options for patients with symptomatic, drug refractory persistent AF.

Reggie Groves, vice-president and general manager of Medtronic's AF solutions business, said: "Medtronic is fully committed to developing the most clinically advanced medical technologies to treat the millions of patients who suffer from AF."

This comes after the firm commenced a new clinical study of its Engager Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation System in Europe last month.