Initial Experience With Remote Catheter Ablation Using a Novel Magnetic Navigation System

Abstract

Background— Catheters are typically stiff and incorporate a pull-wire mechanism to allow tip deflection. While standing at the patient’s side, the operator manually navigates the catheter in the heart using fluoroscopic guidance. Methods and Results— A total of 42 patients (32 female; mean age, 55±15 years) underwent ablation of common-type (slow/fast) or uncommon-type (slow/slow) atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with the use of the magnetic navigation system Niobe (Stereotaxis, Inc). It consists of 2 computer-controlled permanent magnets located on opposite sides of the patient, which create a steerable external magnetic field (0.08 T). A small magnet embedded in the catheter tip causes the catheter to align and to be steered by the external magnetic field. A motor drive advances or retracts the catheter, enabling complete remote navigation. Radiofrequency current was applied with the use of a remote-controlled 4-mm, solid-tip, magnetic navigation–enabled catheter (55°C, maximum 40 W,...