BACKGROUND:  Atrial arrhythmia is part of a group of conditions in which there is abnormal electrical activity in the heart. The disease may result from the heartbeat being too fast, too slow, or irregular. Currently, the condition can be treated through a surgical method known as the MAZE procedure. The MAZE procedure utilizes the Cardioblate® BP2 Irrigated Surgical Ablation System from Medtronic, which provides physicians with a means to ablate tissue.

INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have proposed an improvement to the Medtronic Cardioplate System. The improvement reduces the size of incision in the pericardial sac and achieves more thorough and controlled ablation with respect to the contour of the heart. This innovation promises better ablation results than current systems.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Ablation procedures for atrial arrhythmia

ADVANTAGES

• More thorough and controlled ablation with respect to the contour of the heart
• Smaller size of incision in the pericardial sac as compared to current device

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The device is currently conceptual.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2009-451