Cardiologists make history, perform world’s first ventricular ablation guided by real-time MRI
Cardiologists and imaging specialists at Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC) have performed the world’s first ventricular ablation procedure guided by real-time MRI images.
Imricor Medical Systems, a Minnesota-based medtech company, announced the news. The successful procedure represents the launch of the company’s VISABL-VT clinical trial, which is designed to track the safety and effectiveness of using radiofrequency ablation to treat ventricular tachycardia associated with ischemic cardiomyopathy with the Vision-MR Ablation Catheter and NorthStar Mapping System.
According to Imricor, this procedure was both the first ventricular ablation performed under real-time MRI guidance and the first left-sided ablation performed under real-time MRI guidance.
“We formed Imricor in 2006 with the goal of delivering MRI-compatible catheters and systems that would enable real-time MRI guidance of complex ventricular and atrial ablation procedures, where the power of MRI has the potential to deliver better, faster, safer and less expensive treatment for patients suffering from irregular heartbeats,” Steve Wedan, Imricor’s chair and CEO, said in a statement. “This achievement is a huge milestone for both Imricor and AUMC.”
Another accomplishment for top-ranked hospital
Newsweek recently ranked AUMC the No. 1 hospital in The Netherlands and one of the top facilities in the entire world. AUMC specialists shared their perspective on using this new technology.
“During ablation, MRI images provide a better view of the anatomy of the heart and the instruments used for treatment, but also of the changes made to the treated cardiac tissue,” Marco Götte, MD, PhD, an imaging cardiologist at AUMC and project leader of its cardiac intervention MRI research program, said in the same statement. “Unlike X-ray images, the entire area surrounding the heart can be seen, including the blood vessels and valves. And the MRI offers the opportunity during the procedure to visualize the effects of the treatment on the myocardial tissue.”
"The patient is doing well; the procedure went according to plan and the arrhythmia has been eliminated,” added Cor Allaart, MD, PhD, a cardiologist with AUMC.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.