Advice
NICE has developed a medtech innovation briefing (MIB) on the TactiCath Quartz catheter for percutaneous radiofrequency ablation in atrial fibrillation.
TactiCath Quartz is a single-use cardiac ablation catheter with a deflectable distal section and a contact force sensor at the tip. It is used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, by delivering radiofrequency energy during ablation procedures. It may also be used to map the electrical activity of the heart, pace or confirm electrical isolation. TactiCath Quartz differs from standard ablation catheters by providing a real-time measurement of the contact force applied by the catheter tip to the heart wall during the ablation procedure. The evidence from 3 comparative studies is of limited quantity and quality. In the TOCCASTAR randomised controlled trial, TactiCath achieved non-inferior efficacy and safety outcomes compared with pulmonary vein isolation using a non-contact force-sensing catheter. The list price of TactiCath Quartz is £3,565 (excluding VAT), but additional components are needed for the ablation procedure.
MIBs provide a description of the medical technology, including its likely place in therapy, the costs of using the technology and a critical review of the strengths and weaknesses of the relevant published evidence.
Their purpose is to provide objective information on device and diagnostic technologies to aid local decision-making by clinicians, managers and procurement professionals. By making this information available, NICE helps to avoid the need for NHS organisations to produce similar information for local use.
MIBs are not NICE guidance. They differ in format, contain no judgement on the value of the technology and do not constitute a guidance recommendation.
MIBs are commissioned by NHS England and produced in support of the NHS 5 Year Forward View, specifically as one of a number of steps which will accelerate innovation in new treatments and diagnostics