Biomodex LAACS Simulation Technology Introduced in North America

July 22, 2021—Biomodex, a developer of biorealistic haptic simulators for patient-specific rehearsal and physician training, announced that its left atrial appendage closure system (LAACS) solution was used to perform a procedural simulation by physicians at Montreal Heart Institute in Montreal, Canada. The procedure, which marks the first use of LAACS in North America, was performed and recorded ahead of a live case presentation, “LAA Live Case #20: Update of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion,” at the TVT 2021 Structural Heart Summit held July 20-22 in Miami, Florida.

According to the company, the physicians at the Montreal Heart Institute—interventional cardiologist Reda Ibrahim, MD; electrophysiologist Blandine Mondesert, MD; and cardiac surgeon Walid Ben Ali, MD—rehearsed the full procedure of a left atrial appendage occlusion utilizing a three-dimensional (3D) printed replica of the patient’s heart. This replica is part of the LAACS simulator that delivers realistic catheter navigation, haptic feedback, transesophageal echography, and fluoroscopic imaging.

The company stated that the Biomodex technology printed the 3D patient-specific cardiac anatomy based on the patient’s own CT angiography images. Models are made of advanced materials that simulate the biomechanical characteristics and haptic feedback of the anatomy.

Furthermore, the LAACS station replicates blood flow and viscosity and is ultrasound compatible. The simulation is intended to boost physician confidence, reduce operating times, and decrease the risk of complications, noted Biomodex.

Discussing the simulation in the company’s press release, Dr. Ibrahim commented, “Rehearsing a specific case was very helpful—especially one in which we used innovative technologies like the new Abbott steerable delivery sheath for the Amplatzer Amulet occluder, and the transseptal VersaCross Baylis system. This realistic simulation allowed us to maximize procedural success and safety.”

Biomodex products are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. These products have been designed for training and their safety and effectiveness as medical devices have not been demonstrated, advised the company.