MRI Compatible EP Catheter

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of abnormal heartbeat and is caused by
disorganized electrical signals which result in the upper two chambers of the heart (the atria) to quiver and contract extremely fast and irregularly. This causes the lower chamber to also beat more rapidly and irregularly.

About 15 to 20 percent of all strokes are due to AF because the heart is unable to move blood fully from chamber to chamber, causing an increase of clotting potential.

Electrophysiology catheter ablation procedures are a crucial intervention in the management of atrial fibrillation.

During this procedure, electrophysiologists guide catheters through blood vessels into the heart, where they deliver targeted energy, typically radiofrequency or cryotherapy, to create scar tissue in the areas responsible for erratic electrical signals. This scar tissue disrupts the abnormal electrical pathways that trigger and sustain AF, effectively restoring the heart’s rhythm to a more regular pattern.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming increasingly vital in the diagnosis and follow-up of cardiac patients. It offers non-invasive imaging, superior soft tissue contrast, and functional information that other imaging modalities cannot provide.

Traditional EP catheters used in AF treatments are typically made of materials that are not MRI-compatible. The ability to perform MRI-guided EP procedures would significantly enhance the precision and safety of AF treatments.

Thus, the need to develop an MRI-compatible magnetic EP catheter for atrial fibrillation treatment is driven by the desire to improve patient outcomes, enhance the precision of procedures, and meet the growing demand for advanced minimally invasive interventions in cardiac care. This project addresses a critical gap in current medical technology, offering potential benefits for both patients and healthcare providers.