Remote magnetic navigation for atrial fibrillation ablation: is 'As Good as Manual' good enough

Abstract

This editorial refers to ‘Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using remote magnetic catheter navigation: a case–control study’ by A. Arya et al. , on page 45 Remote magnetic navigation for arrhythmia procedures has been performed since 2004. It has been shown to be useful in a variety of ablation procedures such as supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, epicardial ablation, and atrial fibrillation.1–5 The navigation technology is remarkable in that it has the ability to magnetically direct the tip of a floppy catheter, allowing the system to perform procedures that are difficult for some operators with manual navigation catheters. The system has also brought the ability to perform automated navigation and ablation to a specialty dominated by hands-on procedures. One of the most difficult challenges of the new technology is performing the same procedures safely. Remote magnetic navigation has demonstrated a fantastic safety record, including in the paper published by Arya et al .6 Unfortunately, all that glitters is not gold. One of the main limitations of the system has been the delay in modern ablation technology being available for use with the system. As the …