Neuroendovascular magnetic navigation: clinical experience in ten patients

Introduction The magnetic navigation system consists of an externally generated magnetic field that is used to control and steer a magnetically tipped microguidewire. The goal of this study was to demonstrate that the use of the magnetic navigation system and its magnetic microguidewire is feasible and safe in all types of neuroendovascular procedures. Methods A magnetic navigation system is an interventional workstation that combines a biplanar fluoroscopy system with a computer-controlled magnetic field generator to provide both visualization and control of a magnetically activated endovascular microguidewire. Ten consecutive patients underwent a variety of neuroendovascular procedures using the magnetic guidance system and magnetic microguidewire. All patients presented with a neurovascular disease that was suitable for endovascular treatment. Multiple different devices and embolic agents were used. Results Of the ten patients, three were male and seven female. Their mean age was 53.9 years. The predominant neurovascular condition was the presence of intracranial aneurysm (nine patients). One patient had a left mandibular arteriovenous malformation. All treatments were successfully performed on the magnetic navigation system suite. The magnetic navigation system and the magnetic microguidewire allowed safe and accurate endovascular navigation allowing placement of the microcatheters in the desired location. There were no neurological complications or death in our series. Conclusion The use of the magnetic navigation system and the magnetic microguidewire in the endovascular treatment of patients with neurovascular diseases is feasible and safe.