Researchers developing new system for use during cardiac ablation
Wednesday 23rd September 2009
Researchers at King's College London are developing a way of eliminating patient exposure to radiation during cardiac ablation.
A corrective treatment for patients with abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac ablation therapy involves the use of radio frequency energy.
As part of a four-year project, the scientists are aiming to build a robotic guidance system, the Engineer reports.
They hope to construct MR-compatible steering and sensing tools which will be able to guide catheters through blood vessels and to the site of cardiac arrhythmias.
Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of an arrhythmia is performed under X-ray guidance, which means patients are exposed to ionising radiation.
Commenting on tools being developed, King's College researcher Dr Kaspar Althoefer said: "Miniaturising the sensors will be our biggest challenge. However, once installed, they will give the doctor the opportunity to see a visual representation of the forces involved in the procedure to prevent damage to the tissue."
Written by Angela Newbury
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