CGCI Overview
Important CGCI system benefits include significant reduction of overall procedure time due to fast catheter maneuvering capability, real-time 3D and visual feedback for the physician, and the system’s integrated real-time multi-media imaging combined with automated catheter control. The magnetic field within the CGCI structure eliminates the need for expensive added magnetic shielding in the operating room. Exposure to X-rays is reduced for the patient and eliminated for the physician.
The CGCI system also integrates standard cardiac imaging equipment for unified operational procedures. Imaging video feeds from a standard multi-channel ECG recording system, a fluoroscopic C-arm, intracardiac echocardiograph (ICE) images and the real-time mapping system are integrated into a single 3D display, providing all the data a physician requires for performing complex EP procedures. The display intelligently provides validation of anatomy, EP, and precise visualization of the intended work area as well as real-time display of tool location. Automated mapping of the cardiac chamber of interest removes the repetitive task of manual mapping, thereby shortening the duration of the procedure and increasing the accuracy of the generated map. Since all the imaging, tool location and control operates in the digital realm, the entire procedure is stored and available for review and playback.
The CGCI system has two standard modes of control: Manual Magnetic mode and Automatic Magnetic control mode. The joystick-controlled Manual Magnetic mode provides a responsive way to direct the catheter tip about the chamber. The Automatic Magnetic mode gives the operator point-and-click targeting of map locations. In Automatic Magnetic mode, the CGCI logic routines plan a path to the targeted location, determine the optimal contact direction, and guide the catheter tip until it makes firm and continuous tissue contact. The CGCI system uses the static map geometry to plan a guidance path that will bring the catheter tip into contact with the moving tissue as it passes through the selected map location. The CGCI then uses tissue-contact sensing filters to continue advancing the tip until continuous contact is reached over the entire cardiac cycle. If the catheter slips from the location, the tissue-contact sensing system immediately alerts the operator and the magnetic field regulator, and the tip is quickly guided back into contact at the desired tissue location. If an obstacle is detected, the location is automatically marked, and a new path is planned to tissue contact.
CGCI’s robotic mapping, real time information flow, proprietary computer programming, and greatly enhanced dexterity will enable practitioners to perform interventions with greater accuracy and speed, far less training, reduced risk, and higher success rate. No special shielding is required, and there is no need to alter the operating room. CGCI has been adapted to fully integrate with leading mapping and ablation capabilities so as to enable the surgeon to create a precise EP map of the heart and subsequently provide the surgeon with the necessary registration for performing a robotically guided ablation procedure.
For physicians, CGCI provides greatly improved control and precision in EP procedures and faster turnaround of procedures, entirely eliminates exposure to X-rays, and enables exploration of new opportunities in robotic surgery.
For hospitals, CGCI is expected to greatly increase the throughput of EP procedures due to increased efficiency and quicker turnaround in catheter labs, thereby increasing revenue while also increasing safety. Hospital expenses will be reduced by the lower cost of the equipment, reduced maintenance costs and the lack of radiation shielding requirements.
For insurance companies, CGCI is expected to reduce claim costs due to the increased efficiency, efficacy and safety of procedures performed using the system, and reduced repeat procedures. |