title: [Magnetic navigation for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The first use of magnetic navigation for radiofrequency ablation of supraventricular tachycardias, was published in 2004. Subsequently, the method has been used for treatment of most types of tachyarrhythmias. This paper provides an overview of the method, with special emphasis on usefulness of a new remote-controlled magnetic navigation system.
  
  
  METHODS
  The paper is based on our own scientific experience and literature identified through a non-systematic search in PubMed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The magnetic navigation system consists of two external electromagnets (to be placed on opposite sides of the patient), which guide an ablation catheter (with a small magnet at the tip of the catheter) to the target area in the heart. The accuracy of this procedure is higher than that with manual navigation. Personnel can be quickly trained to use remote magnetic navigation, but the procedure itself is time-consuming, particularly for patients with atrial fibrillation. The major advantage is a considerably lower radiation burden to both patient and operator, in some studies more than 50 %, and a corresponding reduction in physical strain on the operator. The incidence of procedure-related complications seems to be lower than that observed with use of manually operated ablation catheters. Work is ongoing to improve magnetic ablation catheters and methods that can simplify mapping procedures and improve efficacy of arrhythmia ablation. The basic cost for installing a complete magnetic navigation laboratory may be three times that of a conventional electrophysiological laboratory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new magnetic navigation system has proved to be applicable during ablation for a variety of tachyarrhythmias, but is still under development.
authors: Hjerteavdelingen, Haukeland universitetssykehus, 5021 Bergen, Norway. jian.chen@med.uib.no
authors: Jian
authors: J
authors: Chen
authors: Per Ivar
authors: PI
authors: Hoff
authors: Eivind
authors: E
authors: Solheim
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Schuster
authors: Morten Kristian
authors: MK
authors: Off
authors: Ole-Jørgen
authors: OJ
authors: Ohm
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000601:surgery*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000601:surgery; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000601:surgery