Magnetic Guided Catheter

Loyola University Hospital is the first in the Chicago area to treat heart problems with this system, which is much more precise than manual catheters — and easier on the heart. Magnetic-guided catheterization is used to treat irregular heart beats (arrhythmias), coronary artery disease and heart failure.

A catheter is a thin tube, typically inserted in a groin artery and guided up to the heart. The standard manual catheter is stiff but flexible. The cardiologist guides it by gently pushing, pulling, twisting and turning. The magnetically guided catheter is soft and flexible, so it's gentler on the heart.

The magnetically guided catheter is guided by two computer-controlled magnets, one on each side of the patient, allowing physicians to guide the catheter exactly where it needs to go in the heart, with millimeter accuracy. The magnets are mounted on pivoting arms on either side of the patient. As the magnets pivot, the magnetic field changes, pulling the catheter in the desired direction.

In traditional systems, the cardiologist stands over the patient while manipulating the catheter. In the new system, the cardiologist sits in a control room next to the procedure room. On a computer screen, the cardiologist maps out the catheter's next move; the computer executes the move by adjusting the magnetic field. The new method also reduces the amount of X-ray exposure to both patients and physicians.

Locations

• Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine
• Loyola University Hospital

Contact Us

For an appointment or for more information about Magnetic Guided Catheter, call (888) LUHS-888.