AtriCure, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRC), a leading innovator in surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (Afib) and left atrial appendage management, today announced that The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has endorsed its Advanced Ablation course for both physicians and fellows. The course provides surgeons and other medical professionals with a comprehensive overview of the treatment of Afib during cardiac surgery.

Founded in 1964, STS is a not-for-profit organization representing more than 7,500 cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, and allied health care professionals worldwide who are dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for surgeries of the heart, lungs, and esophagus, as well as other procedures within the chest. Its mission is to enhance the ability of cardiothoracic surgeons to provide the highest quality patient care through education, research, and advocacy.

“We want to thank the STS for this recent endorsement of our educational programs,” said Michael Carrel, President and Chief Executive Officer of AtriCure. “One of the foundational elements of our company is education, and we have partnered with leading physician faculty around the world to deliver robust programming. We share a common vision with the STS and look forward to continuing to train and educate as many physicians as possible on concomitant surgical Afib treatment.”

Since receiving PMA approval for the Isolator® Synergy™ Ablation System for the treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent Afib during cardiac surgery in 2011, AtriCure has trained over 2,300 surgeons, cardiologists, and other allied health professionals in the United States.

“AtriCure’s receipt of STS’ endorsement is validation of the physician education curriculum offered by the company,” said Dr. James L. Cox, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Northwestern University in Chicago. “Since I have been involved with AtriCure, I have seen firsthand their commitment to providing world-class educational courses, which has in turn led to more physicians treating patients. I’m confident that continuing these efforts will lead to more and more of my colleagues seeing the benefits of concomitant Afib surgery, so that no patient gets left without the opportunity to be treated.”

About AtriCure, Inc.

AtriCure, Inc. provides innovative technologies for the treatment of Afib and related conditions. Afib affects more than 33 million people worldwide. Electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons around the globe use AtriCure technologies for the treatment of Afib and reduction of Afib related complications. AtriCure’s Isolator® Synergy™ Ablation System is the first and only medical device to receive FDA approval for the treatment of persistent Afib. AtriCure’s AtriClip Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Exclusion System products are the most widely sold LAA management devices worldwide, with more than 170,000 implanted to date. For more information, visit AtriCure.com or follow us on Twitter @AtriCure.