Ablation of typical atrial flutter using the novel MediGuide 3D catheter tracking system: a review of the literature

Abstract

The MediGuide™ system is a novel technology for non-fluoroscopic 3D catheter tracking during cardiovascular electrophysiological procedures. The system allows for precise catheter visualization on pre-recorded conventional fluoroscopy images, with significant reduction of fluoroscopy exposure. This might translate into improved safety for both patients and operators, without affecting the procedural efficacy. Preliminary data suggest that the MediGuide technology is at least as safe and effective as conventional systems for mapping and catheter ablation of a variety of supraventricular arrhythmias, with a significantly reduced fluoroscopy exposure. In this review, the authors summarize data from the available literature data on catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter using the novel MediGuide technology.

Keywords::

• catheter ablation
• fluoroscopy exposure
• mediguide
• navigation system
• typical atrial flutter

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• Conventional fluoroscopy represents the gold standard for catheter visualization during invasive electrophysiological procedures. Recently, a new technology for nonfluoroscopic visualization of diagnostic and ablation catheters has been introduced. The MediGuide™ technology has been designed to project catheter tips on prerecorded cine loops.

• The MediGuide system has been associated with a significantly reduced fluoroscopy time without decreasing the efficacy of electrophysiological procedures, such as catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter, in small observational studies.

• The sensor-based catheter tracking with separation of catheter motion secondary to primary or secondary organ motion from true catheter manipulation improves multidimensional tracking of catheter within the heart.