Covidien, which has a surgical tools plant in New Haven, has introduced a new radiofrequency ablation catheter for treating various esophageal conditions.
The Barrx Channel RFA Endoscopic Catheter, which received 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July, uses radiofrequency delivered through an endoscope inserted into the esophagus to remove tissue growth seen in a condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
Covidien says its new catheter allows for fewer introductions and removals of the catheter during an ablation procedure.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus is replaced by tissue that’s similar to the intestinal lining. The condition carries with it a greater risk for a rare cancer called esophageal adenocarcinoma.
