Remote catheter ablation of parahisian accessory pathways using a novel magnetic navigation system--a report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION

Ablation of anteroseptal (parahisian) pathways may be difficult using conventional catheters.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two patients (51 and 20 years old) underwent ablation of a parahisian accessory pathway using the magnetic navigation system Niobe (Stereotaxis, Inc.), which consists of two external permanent magnets (0.08 Tesla) that steer a small magnet embedded in the tip of the ablation catheter. A motor drive allows the advancement or retraction of the catheter. From the control room, the ablation was performed using a single radiofrequency current application (fluoroscopy 3.2 and 6.0 minutes, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The Niobe magnetic navigation system was successfully used to perform completely remote controlled mapping and ablation of parahisian accessory pathways.