St Jude Medical has launched a real-time cardiac navigation and visualisation technology that evaluates vascular and cardiac anatomy on a recorded fluoroscopic image instead of live fluoroscopy.
The MediGuide technology, which the company claims is the first and only three-dimensional navigation system, applies 3D visualisation to view recorded vascular and cardiac anatomy images and allows physicians to reduce the duration of radiation exposure during cardiovascular procedures.
The technology uses magnetic tracking to locate miniature sensors embedded in devices, such as the MediGuide-enabled Livewire diagnostic catheter and the CPS Excel MediGuide-enabled guidewire.
Automatic adjustments are also made to the recorded images to maintain a real-time clinical representation compensating for cardiac motion, respiratory changes and patient movements, according to the company.
The navigation system also integrates Siemens Healthcare’s interventional radiology and cardiology imaging devices including Artis zee angiography system to provide improved navigation during EP procedures.
University of Kansas Hospital cardiologist Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy said that MediGuide Technology allows clinicians to perform cardiac procedures with less fluoroscopy and exposure to harmful radiation.
"This revolutionary system reduces the need for live fluoroscopy, while providing unprecedented views inside the heart, improving complex cardiac resynchronization therapy and cardiac ablation image-guided procedures for physicians, patients and medical staff around the world," Lakkireddy added.
St Jude Medical cardiovascular and ablation technologies division president Frank Callaghan said that the company is committed to developing technologies that minimise radiation exposure in the EP lab, improve procedural repeatability and increase clinical and economic efficiency.
"MediGuide Technology is the only real-time cardiac navigation and visualisation platform that allows physicians to reduce fluoroscopy during cardiac procedures," Callaghan added.
Image: MediGuide Technology allows physicians to reduce the duration of radiation exposure during cardiovascular procedures. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.
