US-based medical technology company Boston Scientific has agreed to acquire Cortex, a company of healthcare-focused investment firm Ajax Health, for an undisclosed sum.
Cortex is focused on the development of diagnostic mapping solutions to identify triggers and drivers outside of the pulmonary veins that contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF).
Its OptiMap System is designed to analyse electrogram (EGM) signals and display results in a visual format to help physicians in diagnosing complex cardiac arrhythmias.
The proposed acquisition is anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2025, subject to certain customary closing conditions.
Boston Scientific said the transaction will have no material impact on the company’s adjusted earnings per share in 2025, which will be slightly dilutive on a GAAP basis.
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.
“The OptiMap System has demonstrated it can help physicians devise a targeted ablation strategy for complex cases, which can lead to improved procedural efficiency and outcomes in patients with challenging atrial arrhythmias.
“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.”
According to Boston Scientific, cardiac ablation is a common treatment for AF, which involves the delivery of energy to areas of the heart responsible for abnormal heart rhythms.
During ablation procedures, physicians use a mapping system to examine and analyse a heart’s electrical patterns to guide therapeutic applications.
Cortex’s OptiMap System, which uses a basket catheter and proprietary algorithm, provides physicians with accurate insights to deliver a personalised ablation strategy for their patients.
Last year, Cortex received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval 510(k) clearance for the OptiMap System and recently completed the FLOW-AF clinical trial.
In the study, OptiMap-guided treatment improved freedom from AF by 51% compared with patients who received conventional pulmonary vein isolation therapy alone.
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.”
Recently, Boston Scientific received the US FDA approval for Farawave Nav, its navigation-enabled ablation catheter for paroxysmal AF, and the Faraview software module.
