The fundamental design of electrophysiology catheters has not significantly changed since their inception in the 1970’s. Advances in design have historically been associated with additional functionality in the electrode tip. A key constraint in design has been the lack of physical space available within the catheter lumen, restricting the number and complexity of technologies that can be incorporated into the catheter.
The CathRx approach to catheter design and construction, incorporated in the Khelix™ range, uses automated machines to wind the electrode wires around the outside of catheter (helical winding), resulting in a number of key advantages:
CathRx’s unique approach to catheter design and manufacture has been incorporated into the company’s new Khelix™ range of catheters, including the world’s first reposable cardiac catheters. These catheters have been engineered to eliminate the risks of cross contamination and functional degradation typically associated with multiple-use devices. The blood-contacting catheter sheath is disposed of after each use, and the handle and guidewire is sterilised by the hospitals’ central sterilisation department using standard autoclave processes. This provides hospitals complete control over the reuse process, in contrast to current re-processing techniques.