Biosense Webster, Inc., the world leader in cardiac mapping and ablation, and Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), the world leader in implanted cardiac rhythm devices, today announced plans to collaborate on a clinical trial, educational initiatives and a product development program, all of which are aimed at advancing the care of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, also known as irregular heartbeats.
The initiative was announced today to coincide with the start of Heart Rhythm 2007, the Heart Rhythm Society's 28th Annual Scientific Sessions, taking place in Denver May 9-12. Heart Rhythm 2007 is the premier medical and scientific conference for electrophysiologists.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Medtronic in this important endeavor," said Roy Tanaka, president, Biosense Webster, Inc. "This new strategic alliance will leverage the unique resources and technologies of the two companies together, and will benefit the millions of patients who suffer from cardiac arrhythmias around the world."
Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies plan to collaborate on three key areas of interest ??" a clinical trial, a technology development initiative and educational programs. The companies intend to design the clinical trial to create a new care pathway for identifying candidates most likely to have a successful ablation treatment outcome and increase the acceptance of ablation therapy.
"Medtronic is intently focused on researching and exploring ways to utilize existing or new technologies for electrophysiologists to better identify and treat patients with cardiac arrhythmias," said Steve Mahle, president of Medtronic's Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business. "This collaboration will begin by bringing the unique competencies of imaging and navigation together with diagnostics and monitoring in an effort to improve the electrophysiologist's capability in identifying and treating patients. We look forward to collaborating with Biosense Webster to deliver exciting results for our customers."
In addition, the two companies will work together to advance patient care through a joint research and development program. The companies plan to integrate specific technologies to provide novel, new solutions for the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias.
Lifetime education of physicians is a hallmark of both Biosense Webster and Medtronic. Through this relationship, the companies will collaborate to combine resources to extend existing educational opportunities as well as create new instructional programs for electrophysiologists and allied health professionals who work in the arrhythmias field.
"With Biosense Webster, we can continue our commitment to education of physicians at all stages of their career," said Mahle. "The field of electrophysiology is always changing and advancing and it is vital that physicians and other health care professionals who work in this field are up-to-date on the latest technologies designed to help patients."
About Biosense Webster, Inc.
Biosense Webster Inc, a Johnson & Johnson Company, (biosensewebster) pioneered EP diagnostic catheters more than 30 years ago and continues to lead the industry as an innovative provider of advanced diagnostic, therapeutic and mapping tools. As the leader in navigation systems, Biosense Webster's technology includes the largest installed base of navigation systems worldwide in leading hospitals and teaching institutions. With proprietary products such as the Carto® XP System, the CartoSound™ Image Integration Software Module, the ThermoCool® Irrigated Tip Catheter and the Lasso® Circular Variable Mapping Catheter, the company is changing the way electrophysiologists diagnose and treat arrhythmias.
About Medtronic, Inc.
Medtronic, Inc. (medtronic), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world.