In an article published in tomorrow’s Journal of the American College of Cardiology, a group of investigators from Italy will report that a “remotely-controlled catheter device guided by magnetic fields provides a safe and practical method for delivering radio frequency ablation treatment” for atrial fibrillation. The study was conducted by a clinical team under Carlo Pappone, M.D., Ph.D. from the Department of Electrophysiology, San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan, Italy, and has involved 40 patients.
The system used in the study was covered by us earlier and deserves a fresh look. It is called NIOBE II remote magnetic system by Stereotaxis Inc., a St. Louis, Missouri based manufacturer.
And here’s how the cool technology works:
The Niobe® System is the world’s first digital, magnetic navigation system of its kind – digitally navigating catheter and guidewire-based devices along the complex paths of the heart and cardiovasculature…
Niobe® Magnetic Navigation System
The Niobe® System employs an arrangement of magnets positioned externally to the human body. With a press of a button, the two magnets swing into position on each side of the patient– creating a magnetic field that directs and digitally controls the magnetic distal tip of the interventional device.
— Magnetic field creates 360-degree, omni-directional rotation of the device–potentially providing greater precision and movement of interventional devices
— Seamless integration with Siemens’ flat detector fluoroscopic AXIOM Artis dFC™ allows physicians to generate remote control of magnetically steered catheters from the control room
— The Niobe’s™ two magnets can be stored on the side of the cath lab when not in use
Siemens Digital Fluoroscopy System
The AXIOM Artis dFC™ combines high-resolution image quality with the potential for more precisely guided catheters – which may eventually translate to decreased procedure times and less radiation exposure for patients.
— Floor-mounted C-arm stand for fast programmable movements
— Dynamic flat-detector system with excellent spatial and contrast resolution
— Flexible system architecture can be optimally configured for interventional cardiology and electrophysiology
Digital control station with user interface
Seated in the control room and away from the hazards of radiation, physicians are able to specify device direction and movement with point-and-click navigation tools. State-of-the-art flat-panel monitors are fully integrated with these tools to deliver outstanding spatial and contrast resolution for enhanced diagnostic confidence.
Stereotaxis’ Navigant™ software interface facilitates interventional cardiology applications as well as open chamber and vascular electrophysiology navigations. This module gives a range of preset commands including bulls eye orientation, target-based navigation and anatomical overlays.
The American College of Cardiology press release…
The abstract by Pappone, et al…
Stereotaxis website…