Doctors at The Christ Hospital Perform First-in-the-State Procedure with Recently Approved FDA Device

CINCINNATI (August 11, 2026) –Physicians at The Christ Hospital Health Network performed the first-in-the-state electrophysiology procedure using the FDA-Approved Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMART TOUCH SF Platform (DE STSF). The procedure was also the first in the Midwest and fourth nationwide.

Andrew Noll, MD, Medical Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology at The Christ Hospital Health Network and Alexandru Costea, MD, Director of Innovation, Education and Research in Electrophysiology at The Christ Hospital Health Network performed the first procedure at the health network’s Mt. Auburn campus earlier this month.

The Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF Platform is an integrated catheter ablation solution that allows electrophysiologists to deliver both radiofrequency and pulsed field energy through a single catheter. Having both energy sources available gives physicians greater flexibility to tailor treatment to each patient’s anatomy, heart rhythm and the complexity of the procedure—without changing catheters.

“This new device is a game changer for heart rhythm patients at The Christ Hospital and across the Tri-State,” said Dr. Noll. “Every patient and every heart rhythm procedure is different. This technology gives us more flexibility to choose the type of energy best suited to the patient during the procedure. We are proud to bring this advanced treatment option to our community so quickly following its FDA approval.”

“Our work with this technology began nearly a year ago through special compassionate-use cases before FDA approval,” said Dr. Costea. “Working in close partnership with Biosense Webster made that early experience possible and helped prepare our team to bring this technology to more patients following its approval. It offers a novel, more precise approach that allows us to reach and treat areas within the heart muscle that were difficult to access effectively with legacy technology.”

The DE STSF Platform is integrated with the CARTO ecosystem, including advanced mapping, imaging and PF Index guidance. These capabilities give physicians detailed information during the procedure and help them deliver energy with precise contact. Together with the dual-energy catheter, the technology supports a more personalized treatment approach based on each patient’s anatomy and the complexity of the procedure.

“The FDA approval of the Dual Energy THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF Platform is another important milestone in what has been an incredible pace of innovation for our business,” said Michael Bodner, Company Group Chair, Electrophysiology & Neurovascular, MedTech, Johnson & Johnson. “Our goal has always been to put the best possible technologies into physicians’ hands so they can treat increasingly complex cases with confidence. Following a successful introduction in Europe, we’re pleased to rapidly expand access to this technology in the U.S. and continue building on the momentum of one of the most active innovation periods in our history.”

About The Christ Hospital Health Network
The Christ Hospital Health Network consists of an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn, a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of medical offices throughout the region. For 137 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves. Made up of more than 1,300 physicians and more than 7,600 team members, our mission is to improve the health of our community by providing exceptional outcomes in an affordable way. The Network was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #3 hospital in Ohio and named to Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list in 2026.