The first crossing of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) using Stereotaxis’ RF PowerAssert Magnetic Guidewire occurred this week. PowerAssert, FDA cleared in 2008, is the only magnetically controlled device available for crossing peripheral occlusions, including CTOs.
Conventional catheters are operated from their back end. To accommodate the cables needed to steer the device, they are often stiff. In contrast, Stereotaxis’ catheters are controlled directly at their working end by a magnetic field and are extremely soft and flexible. The atraumatic design may reduce the risk of perforation or damage to vessel walls. Stereotaxis’ systems are currently used in the cardiac catheterization lab.
Interventional cardiologist Frank Zidar, performed the most recent procedure:
“This new magnetic guidewire technology provided great control and improved accuracy over traditional, manual guidewires,” said Zidar. “Once we reached the blockage, the tip of the guidewire burned a tiny passage through the blockage, allowing us then to use existing techniques to open up the blockage further and restore healthy blood flow to the patient’s leg.”
Occluded or blocked arteries occur in patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease, and if left untreated can result in ulcerations and gangrene as well as significantly increased risk of limb loss and death. Eight to twelve million people have PAD, according to the American Heart Association.