Boston Scientific has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of an Ajax Health company, Cortex, to bolster its cardiac ablation portfolio.
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal. Subject to meeting necessary closing conditions, it is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.
Cortex focuses on developing a diagnostic mapping solution aimed at identifying triggers and drivers of atrial fibrillation (AF) beyond the pulmonary veins.
The company’s OptiMap System leverages a basket catheter and an algorithm to recognise active AF sources.
This approach provides precise insights for physicians, enabling them to deliver individualised cardiac ablation strategies.
Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance for the OptiMap System.
According to the data from the FLOW-AF clinical trial, OptiMap-guided treatment was shown to improve freedom from AF by 51% one year after ablation, compared to standard pulmonary vein isolation therapy.
Cortex CEO Duke Rohlen said: "Cortex was established to provide physicians with a more intelligent and precise solution for patients with AF.
"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."
Cortex is currently conducting a global clinical trial, RESOLVE-AF, enrolling 300 patients to assess the effectiveness of the OptiMap System in detecting extra-pulmonary vein sources.
Boston Scientific Electrophysiology global president Nick Spadea-Anello said: "We believe the addition of the Cortex technology complements our electrophysiology portfolio with a differentiated cardiac mapping offering to assist with complex AF cases.
"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."
In September, the company received approval from the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency (PMDA) in Japan for its Farapulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system.
