Boston Scientific Corporation announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cortex, an Ajax Health company and privately held medical technology firm focused on the development of a diagnostic mapping solution that may identify triggers and drivers outside of the pulmonary veins that are foundational to atrial fibrillation (AF).
Cortex’s OptiMap system uses a basket catheter and proprietary algorithm to identify potential active AF sources, providing physicians with precise insights to efficiently deliver an individualised cardiac ablation strategy for their patients, as detailed in a press release from Boston Scientific.
“We believe the addition of the Cortex technology complements our electrophysiology portfolio with a differentiated cardiac mapping offering to assist with complex AF cases,” said Nick Spadea-Anello, global president of electrophysiology at Boston Scientific. “The OptiMap system has demonstrated it can help physicians devise a targeted ablation strategy for complex cases, which can lead to improved procedural efficiency and outcomes in patients with challenging atrial arrhythmias. We look forward to advancing this technology and driving future clinical evidence generation, with the goal of making it accessible to physicians and patients globally in the years ahead.”
Cortex received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for the OptiMap system in 2023, and recently completed the FLOW-AF randomised controlled trial. Data from this clinical trial demonstrate that OptiMap-guided treatment of AF sources in patients with persistent AF improved freedom from AF one year after an ablation by 51%, as compared with patients who received conventional pulmonary vein isolation therapy alone. Earlier this year, the company initiated a global, 300-patient clinical trial—RESOLVE-AF—evaluating the effectiveness of the OptiMap system in identifying extra-pulmonary vein sources.
“Cortex was established to provide physicians with a more intelligent and precise solution for patients with AF,” said Duke Rohlen, chief executive officer of Cortex. “Joining Boston Scientific will allow us to further develop this technology, which we believe has the ability to transform the treatment of AF for patients around the world.”
Boston Scientific expects to complete this transaction in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Specific terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
