Performance of magnetic field guided navigation system for interventional neurosurgical and cardiac procedures

Abstract

A hospital-based magnetic guidance system was installed to assist a physician in navigating catheters or guide wires during interventional cardiac or neurosurgical procedures. This study shows that the system?s radiological imaging components produce images with quality similar to that produced by other modern fluoroscopic devices. The magnetic navigation components also deflect the wire or catheter tips toward the intended direction. The physician, however, will have to over steer the wire or catheter when defining the steering angle during the procedure. The magnetic guidance system could be clinically useful in device navigation deflection and vessel access for those patients treated with this unit.