Johnson & Johnson has introduced its THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH catheter across European markets, bringing force-sensing ablation technology to electrophysiologists treating cardiac arrhythmias. The device, manufactured by the company’s Biosense Webster division, received CE Mark approval and is now commercially available in Europe. The THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH catheter is designed to provide real-time contact force measurement during radiofrequency ablation procedures, addressing a long-standing challenge in the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
The ablation catheter integrates a precision sensor near its tip that measures the force applied to cardiac tissue during the procedure. This contact force data is displayed in real time, enabling physicians to assess catheter-to-tissue interaction more effectively. According to Johnson & Johnson, this capability is intended to help electrophysiologists optimize lesion formation while performing ablation for atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias. The THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH catheter is compatible with the company’s CARTO 3 System, which is widely used in electrophysiology labs for three-dimensional cardiac mapping.
Biosense Webster developed the force-sensing technology to address variability in catheter contact during ablation procedures. Inconsistent contact force has been identified in clinical literature as a factor that may affect procedural outcomes. By equipping physicians with direct feedback on the force being applied, the device aims to improve consistency across procedures. The THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH catheter builds upon the established THERMOCOOL platform, which has been used extensively in ablation catheter procedures worldwide.
The European launch positions Johnson & Johnson to compete in the growing market for advanced electrophysiology devices. Atrial fibrillation remains one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias globally, and demand for catheter-based treatments continues to rise. With the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH catheter now available in Europe, Biosense Webster expands its portfolio of ablation catheter technologies equipped with real-time sensing capabilities. The company has stated that clinical data supporting the device’s performance will continue to be gathered as adoption increases across European electrophysiology centers.