United States and Germany: BIOTRONIK, a leading manufacturer of implantable cardiac devices and pioneer of wireless remote monitoring technologies, has announced the US market release of the Selectra left ventricular lead delivery system. Selectra delivers a significant advancement in lead placement systems for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices.

“BIOTRONIK spent considerable time understanding electrophysiologists’ needs and examining the challenges they face with current lead delivery systems: it is this intensive insight that has formed the basis for engineering Selectra’s advanced design,” commented Jake Langer, President of BIOTRONIK, Inc., USA. “In a challenging CRT case, there are two concerns regarding lead delivery. First, you have to ensure that you’ve achieved optimal lead placement; then you must be able to remove the catheter without altering the position of the lead. The Selectra system appears to be very promising in terms of balancing flexibility and firmness, which will allow easy access to the coronary sinus. Splitting the Selectra sheaths is simple and straightforward as well. I am looking forward to seeing this product in action.”

Selectra incorporates a streamlined, fully integrated hub to minimize handling complexity and maximize the working length of the sheath during implant. Its hydrophilic inner coating reduces friction and facilitates maneuverability. In addition, Selectra is fully slittable to reduce the likelihood of moving the left ventricular lead as the sheath is removed.

The Selectra lead delivery system complements BIOTRONIK’s broad CRT portfolio, which includes Corox BP leads and premium Lumax CRT-D devices. In January 2011, BIOTRONIK launched the newest member of the Corox BP lead family, the Corox OTW-L BP, which offers a third unique design with excellent stability and handling characteristics.