Dr. Derek Exner, Cardiac Electrophysiologist and Associate Professor of Cardiac Sciences at the University of Calgary’s Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta conducted the first world’s first implant of the Attain Ability Straight® left-heart lead on March 3rd 2009. The implant was part of a global clinical study investigating the use of this lead with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices.
The non-randomized, single-arm trial is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Attain Ability Straight left-heart lead. The trial will involve a maximum of 225 patients at 32 centers in Australia, Canada, the European Union and the U.S. The expected study duration and follow up time is approximately 24 months.
Many physicians recognize navigating a lead through the intricate curves of the heart’s anatomy to place the lead in the ideal location in the left ventricle as the most challenging aspect of implanting CRT devices. The Attain Ability Straight’s small, flexible design aims to more easily allow physicians to place the lead where it needs to be positioned. Additionally, the lead design incorporates a novel NASA insulation material, previously evaluated for space applications, high-performance engines, and harsh environments. This technology allows for a narrow lead diameter, making this the first 4 French, straight bipolar, left-heart lead available for clinical investigation.
