AtriCure Announces Launch of cryoSPHERE MAX™ Probe for Post-Operative Pain Management

Rhea-AI Summary

AtriCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRC) has launched the cryoSPHERE MAX™ cryoablation probe, an upgraded device for Cryo Nerve Block™ therapy (cryoNB). The new probe features a larger 10 mm ball tip with 60% more surface area than previous models, enabling 50% reduced freeze times compared to the first-generation probe. Key improvements include:

- Reduced recommended ablation time to 60 seconds per targeted nerve
- Enhanced insulation and Nitrous Oxide gas utilization
- Improved tactile tissue feedback and real-time temperature monitoring
- Larger ice ball formation and greater heat extraction

These advancements aim to optimize efficiency, reduce total operative time, and improve gas utilization in post-operative pain management procedures.

Positive

• Launch of new cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe with improved efficiency
• 50% reduction in freeze times compared to first-generation probe
• 60% more surface area on the ball tip for better tissue coverage
• Reduced recommended ablation time to 60 seconds per targeted nerve
• Potential for reduced total operative time and improved gas utilization

Negative

• None.

Insights

Medical Device Expert

The launch of AtriCure's cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe represents a significant advancement in post-operative pain management for cardiac and thoracic surgeries. Key improvements include:

• 50% reduction in freeze times compared to the first-generation probe
• 60% larger ball tip (10mm) for better tissue coverage
• Optimized for 60-second ablations per targeted nerve
• Enhanced insulation, gas utilization and real-time temperature monitoring

These features collectively aim to improve procedural efficiency, potentially reducing operative times and anesthesia exposure. The focus on non-opioid pain management is particularly noteworthy, given the 14% rate of persistent opioid use post-lung surgery. By providing extended post-operative pain relief, cryoSPHERE MAX could help address the opioid addiction risk in thoracic surgery patients.

For AtriCure, this launch strengthens their position in the post-operative pain management market, potentially driving adoption of their cryoNB therapy. The improved efficiency and ease of use reported by Dr. Lamelas suggest the product may be well-received by surgeons, which could translate to increased market share and revenue growth for AtriCure in this segment.

Financial Analyst

While AtriCure's launch of cryoSPHERE MAX™ is a positive development, its immediate financial impact may be moderate. Key financial considerations include:

• Potential for increased adoption due to improved efficiency and ease of use
• Possible higher margins from the advanced features, if priced at a premium
• Opportunity for market share growth in the post-operative pain management segment
• Potential for reduced procedure costs due to shorter freeze times, which could be attractive to healthcare providers

However, the overall impact on AtriCure's financials will depend on the rate of adoption and the size of the addressable market. With a market cap of $1.36 billion, AtriCure will need significant traction with this product to materially affect its valuation. Investors should monitor adoption rates and any changes in AtriCure's guidance related to this product line in upcoming quarters. The company's ability to leverage this innovation to gain market share in the competitive medical device industry will be important for long-term growth prospects.

10/15/2024 - 08:00 AM

MASON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AtriCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRC), a leading innovator in surgical treatments and therapies for atrial fibrillation (Afib), left atrial appendage (LAA) management, and post-operative pain management, today announced that it has launched the cryoSPHERE MAX™ cryoablation probe. The cryoSPHERE MAX probe features a larger ball tip designed to optimize Cryo Nerve Block™ therapy (cryoNB). The new probe reduces freeze times by 50% when compared to AtriCure’s first generation cryoSPHERE^® cryoablation probe, and over 30% when compared to the cryoSPHERE^®+ probe.

“Every second matters in patient care, and the cryoSPHERE MAX optimizes efficiency for patients and surgeons,” said Michael Carrel, President and Chief Executive Officer at AtriCure. “Strengthening our groundbreaking platform of devices for Cryo Nerve Block therapy underscores AtriCure’s commitment to enhancing surgeons' procedural experience and pursuing better outcomes for patients.”

The cryoSPHERE MAX device continues AtriCure’s innovation for the cryoNB therapy by reducing the recommended ablation time by 50% per targeted nerve to 60 seconds. This next generation device features upgrades in insulation, Nitrous Oxide gas utilization, tactile tissue feedback, and real time temperature monitoring. cryoSPHERE MAX features a larger 10 mm ball tip that has 60% more surface area than the current cryoSPHERE devices, providing improvements in target tissue coverage, greater heat extraction, and larger ice ball formation. These improvements enable cryoSPHERE MAX to significantly reduce freeze times, which reduces total operative time and improves gas utilization.

“I found the cryoSPHERE MAX probe to be easier to use in locating the rib/nerve and to maintain contact,” said Dr. Joseph Lamelas, Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Miami Health System, Miami, FL. “The time to reach optimal temperature was very fast as well, as was the rapid disconnect, making the one-minute freeze very manageable.”

cryoNB therapy is an adjunctive, non-pharmacological procedure that uses AtriCure’s cryoICE platform technology to freeze targeted intercostal nerves and temporarily block pain along peripheral nerve pathways. Physicians are utilizing cryoNB therapy as part of their multimodal strategy to provide post-operative pain relief for several months after surgery. According to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, one in seven lung surgery patients (14%) becomes a new persistent opioid user after surgery, demonstrating the extent to which opioid addiction is a common post-operative complication.¹

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements”– that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are uncertain. Actual results could differ materially. For details on the uncertainties that may cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements, visit http://www.atricure.com/forward-looking-statements as well as our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q which contain risk factors. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release and the related attachment as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as may be required by law.

About AtriCure

AtriCure, Inc. provides innovative technologies for the treatment of Afib and related conditions. Afib affects more than 37 million people worldwide. Electrophysiologists, cardiothoracic and thoracic surgeons around the globe use AtriCure technologies for the treatment of Afib, reduction of Afib related complications and post-operative pain management. AtriCure’s Isolator^® Synergy™ Ablation System is the first medical device to receive FDA approval for the treatment of persistent Afib. AtriCure’s AtriClip^® Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion System products are the most widely sold LAA management devices worldwide. AtriCure’s Hybrid AF™ Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a lasting solution for long-standing persistent Afib patients. AtriCure’s cryoICE cryoSPHERE^® probes are cleared for temporary ablation of peripheral nerves to block pain, providing pain relief in cardiac and thoracic procedures. For more information, visit AtriCure.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @AtriCure.

¹The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. (2018). 1 in 7 Lung Surgery Patients at Risk for Opioid Dependence [Press release]. Retrieved from http://sts.org/sites/default/files/press-releases/Opioid_Brescia_FINAL%20FMTb.pdf

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241015227939/en/

Angie Wirick

Investor Relations

Chief Financial Officer

(513) 755-5334

awirick@atricure.com

Valerie Storch-Willhaus

Media Relations

Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Communications

(612) 605-3311

vstorch-willhaus@atricure.com

Source: AtriCure

FAQ

What is the main feature of AtriCure's new cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe (ATRC)?

The main feature of AtriCure's new cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe is a larger 10 mm ball tip with 60% more surface area than previous models, enabling 50% reduced freeze times compared to the first-generation probe.

How does the cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe improve efficiency for ATRC's Cryo Nerve Block therapy?

The cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe improves efficiency by reducing the recommended ablation time to 60 seconds per targeted nerve, which is a 50% reduction compared to previous models. It also features enhanced insulation, improved Nitrous Oxide gas utilization, better tactile tissue feedback, and real-time temperature monitoring.

What potential benefits does the cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe offer for surgeons and patients (ATRC)?

The cryoSPHERE MAX™ probe offers potential benefits such as reduced total operative time, improved gas utilization, better target tissue coverage, and larger ice ball formation. These improvements aim to enhance the surgical experience and potentially lead to better patient outcomes in post-operative pain management.