Remote magnetic navigation and arrhythmia ablation

Arch Cardiovasc Dis. 2012 Aug-Sep;105(8-9):446-53. doi: 10.1016/j.acvd.2012.02.009. Epub 2012 Jul 15.

Abstract

Radiofrequency treatment is the first-choice treatment for arrhythmias, in particular complex arrhythmias and especially atrial fibrillation, due to the greater benefit/risk ratio compared with antiarrhythmic drugs. However, complex arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation require long procedures with additional risks such as X-ray exposure or serious complications including tamponade. Given this context, robotic magnetic navigation is a technique well suited to the treatment of complex arrhythmias, on account of its efficacy and reliability, the significant reduction in X-ray exposure for both patient and operator, and the very low risk of perforation. As ongoing developments will likely improve results and procedure times, this technology will become one of the most advanced for treating arrhythmias.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / surgery*
  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Operative Time
  • Robotics*
  • Stereotaxic Techniques*
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted