Minneapolis, MN -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/22/2018 -- FocusStart LLC, a Minneapolis based developer of medical devices, revealed results of a pre-clinical study investigating the use of their technology to reduce the risk of stroke in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter procedures. In a peer-reviewed paper published online May 2 2018 by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), FocusStart personnel, aided by Mayo Clinic electrophysiologists, showed that by adding a small negative charge to the electrode tips of RF catheters, it is possible to prevent the formation of coagulum, and thus reduce the risk of thromboembolic events such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and stroke.

Atrial fibrillation is heart condition caused by erratic electrical signals, and can lead to stroke or death. RF ablation catheters are used to treat atrial fibrillation by disrupting the chaotic electrical signals, and allowing the heart to beat normally. However, the catheter procedure itself may increase the risk of stroke due to the coagulum which forms on the catheter tip. FocusStart's technology is aimed at preventing particles from attaching to the catheter tip, and adding a margin of safety to RF ablation procedures.

"It's exciting to have our paper accepted into such a distinguished publication, such as JACC. It helps to validate the technology and the team's hard work. Our next step is to complete the development of the device, submit documentation for regulatory approval, and get this product on the market in order to help save patient's lives," says James Kent, COO of FocusStart. Samuel Asirvatham, M.D., Mayo Clinic electrophysiologist and co-author of the study remarked: "We are pleased to see our work published in JACC. I look forward to seeing patients benefit from the technology that may increase the safety and efficacy of the atrial fibrillation procedures."

FocusStart's business model is to bring scientific, engineering, and business expertise to the process of developing early-stage medical technology, and guiding the technology to commercialization. The company does this by engaging corporate strategic players in the medical device industry early, and working closely with them throughout the process. The negative-charge technology developed by FocusStart was invented at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, by three renowned electrophysiologists. The preclinical study performed was funded in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

Mayo Clinic and Dr. Samuel Asirvatham have a financial interest in the technology referenced in this news release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.

For Press Inquiries, please contact FocusStart at info@focusstart.com or 612-548-4929.