St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Home of Texas Heart Institute, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Stereotaxis Gentle Touch™ Magnetic Navigation System, a magnet-guided technology to enhance the precision and safety of procedures to treat certain heart rhythm problems, or cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmia refers to any disturbance in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat.
 
Stereotaxis is a magnetic navigation system that allows a physician to perform certain complex and routine cardiology procedures remotely using image-guided, computerized equipment. The new magnetic navigation system is part of an integrated network of computers working together to achieve a safer, more efficient, more effective option for cardiology patients. In addition to the Stereotaxis equipment, the doctor utilizes three other systems, each of which displays crucial information to assist in a procedure. The other systems include: a digital radiography unit, a mapping system and a computer showing EKG readings.

Ablation is a key procedure performed with Stereotaxis. The procedure involves using a catheter to create a line of scar tissue within the heart that will act as a road block to short –circuit an arrhythmia. Traditional ablation methods utilize a harder catheter that is three feet long. The only available access to manipulate the catheter is through the groin. Creating a seamless, straight line of scar tissue is not an easy task. Ablation using Stereotaxis involves a softer catheter that can be moved to exact locations remotely through the use of magnets. The softer catheter is also safer for the patient because, unlike the traditional catheters, it will not penetrate the wall of the heart.

 “This magnetic navigation system offers an innovation in cardiovascular care,” said Ali Massumi, M.D., Medical Director of Electrophysiology at St. Luke’s. “The computer navigation combined with the gentler catheter makes the catheter placement safer and more precise, allowing us to access remote areas of the heart that were difficult, if not impossible, to access before.”

The potential benefits to patients include:
• Shorter procedures;
• Faster recovery time;
• Less exposure to X-ray radiation;
• Less risk of serious complications from damaging blood vessels or heart tissue; and
• Less likelihood of referral to more invasive open-heart procedures.

“Every day, new technologies are paving the way for better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients with cardiovascular problems,” Dr. Massumi said. “At St. Luke’s and Texas Heart Institute, we are committed to providing the most advanced tools and technology to allow doctors to find and treat problems quickly, using the least invasive methods.”

What is the Stereotaxis Gentle Touch™ Magnetic Navigation System?
The Stereotaxis Gentle Touch™ Magnetic Navigation System is a magnetic navigation system that allows a physician to perform certain complex and routine cardiology procedures remotely using image-guided, computerized equipment. The new magnetic navigation system is part of an integrated network of computers working together to achieve a safer, more efficient, more effective option for cardiology patients. In addition to the Stereotaxis equipment, the doctor utilizes three other systems, each of which displays crucial information to assist in a procedure. The other systems include: a digital radiography unit, a mapping system and a computer showing EKG readings.

Benefits Include:
• Shorter procedures;
• Faster recovery time;
• Less exposure to X-ray radiation;
• Less risk of serious complications from damaging blood vessels or heart tissue; and
• Less likelihood of referral to more invasive open-heart procedures.

How Does It Work?
The Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation System navigates interventional devices to the treatment site through complex paths in the blood vessels and chambers of the heart to carry out treatment using computer controlled, externally applied magnetic fields to directly govern the motion of the working tip of these devices, each of which has a magnetically sensitive tip that predictably responds to magnetic fields generated by the Stereotaxis system.

What Does it Treat?
The Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation System allows doctors to treats heart rhythm problems, also called cardiac arrhythmias, with increased precision and fewer complications.

Is it Clinically Proven?
Developed by Stereotaxis, Inc., a St. Louis firm, the system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003.  Since then, nearly 23,000 cases have been performed worldwide.

Where Can I Find Treatment?
St. Luke’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab, located at 6720 Bertner, now offers treatment for cardiac arrhythmias using the Stereotaxis Magnetic Navigation System. Patients may contact St. Luke’s Physician Referral at (832) 355-4343.