nContact Surgical, Inc., a leader in the investigation of devices for minimally-invasive treatment for heart conditions, announced that data from a poster was presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in Orlando. The study demonstrated that the convergent approach, which combines surgical and electrophysiological expertise, appears to be a good strategy to achieve short-term success in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

"This study represents the first combined surgical and electrophysiological approach to treat the most challenging AF patients without any chest incisions or ports," said Dr. Rodney Horton, electrophysiologist at St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. "We are pleased with the results from these initial convergent experiences. All patients left the procedure room in normal sinus rhythm with confirmed pulmonary vein isolation. Additionally, 80 percent of patients remained in normal sinus rhythm and off anti-arrhythmic drugs at six months."

"Historically, longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation has been the most challenging form of AF to treat," said Dr. Andrea Natale from the Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. "It is our hope that long-term results from this study and future IDE trials will demonstrate a significant treatment alternative for this AF population."

nContact is a medical device company founded in 2005 with the company mission to develop devices for the endoscopic treatment of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. The Numeris® Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is based on the unique integration of suction, perfusion, and RF energy to ensure the creation of visible, non-conductive, bi-atrial epicardial lesions on a beating heart.

To date, The Numeris Coagulation System with VisiTrax is indicated for the coagulation of cardiac tissue in the United States. nContact has initiated clinical studies for the treatment of AF in both open and closed chest procedures. The Numeris Coagulation System with VisiTrax has CE Mark approval in Europe for the specific indication for the coagulation of cardiac tissue for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.