Medtronic reports positive data from study of Arctic Front Cryoballoon catheters

Medtronic has announced positive findings from a study evaluating the effectiveness of its Arctic Front Cryoballoon catheter family.

The devices were recently assessed in a clinical trial called FIRE AND ICE, during which it was demonstrated that the catheters offered comparable safety and effectiveness to the ThermoCool line of radiofrequency ablation catheters in the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

This adds to the body of evidence suggesting that Cryoballoon ablation can be considered to be a safe and effective option for ablation treatment, with shorter and more consistent procedure times.

A total of 769 patients from 16 medical centres throughout Europe were enrolled in the FIRE AND ICE trial.

Colleen Fowler, vice-president and general manager of Medtronic's atrial fibrillation solutions business, said: "Today's findings further support the rapid global adoption of Cryoablation and serve as a significant milestone in helping guide optimal patient care."

The company reported encouraging findings from a new trial of its next-generation drug-filled stent technology earlier this month.