The Hotwire radiofrequency (RF) guidewire device from Atraverse Medical has been used for the first time in clinical practice by world-renowned cardiac electrophysiologist Devi Nair at St Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, USA.
According to an Atraverse press release, the “best-in-class” left-heart access device received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance earlier this year and was unveiled at the Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting (16–19 May 2024, Boston, USA).
Co-founded by Steven Mickelsen—the “pioneer” of Farapulse pulsed field ablation technology—Atraverse’s Hotwire device is a novel RF guidewire that enables zero exchange left-heart access while acting as a rail for catheter-based therapy systems. Featuring universal sheath compatibility, the Hotwire is designed to improve patient outcomes and streamline procedural workflows.
“We are thrilled to use the Hotwire in our clinical practice and are proud to be first in the world to utilise this innovative technology,” said Nair, who performed 12 cases after crossing the septum with the Hotwire, including four atrial fibrillation ablation procedures and eight left atrial appendage closures, while utilising five different models of transseptal sheaths. “We have been eagerly awaiting a sheath-agnostic solution like this, and we look forward to using the product in a majority of our cases going forward for left atrial access.”
“Our mission is to improve efficiency and take the guesswork out of what should be simply executed therapeutic and diagnostic procedures,” added Eric Sauter, chief operating officer and co-founder for Atraverse. “Our collaboration with Dr Nair exemplifies our dedication to taking patient care to the next level with innovative technologies.”
In addition to Hotwire’s first clinical usage, Atraverse claims to have strengthened its executive leadership team with two industry veterans in support of its commercialisation plan.
Jay Kelley, who joined the team as vice president of marketing in 2023, has been promoted to chief marketing officer. Kelley has been instrumental in the development of Atraverse’s commercialisation strategy to drive market adoption with a focused launch, according to the company.
And, more recently, in May 2024, Brandon Allen joined Atraverse as vice president of sales. Allen brings two decades of experience in the cardiac electrophysiology space, having served with market leaders including Biosense and Guidant/Boston Scientific, and has “propelled the company forward” following US FDA 510(k) clearance of the Hotwire.
“Our Hotwire device has gained the attention of several thought leaders in the field, and we are excited to have Jay and Brandon on the team leading commercialisation efforts,” noted John Slump, chief executive officer and co-founder of Atraverse. “Their deep experience and impeccable reputations are a tremendous asset to our company.”
