Using the MediGuide™ Technology in Electrophysiology Interventions

The MediGuide™ Technology is a 3D tracking technology used in EP interventions. A system, installed in an EP lab, enables real-time 3D tracking of enabled devices. In addition to 3D tracking, the system’s coordinate space is inherently co-registered with fluoroscopy, such that devices are automatically tracked on fluoroscopy space. Finally, the system includes real-time motion compensation algorithms which enable real-time tracking of devices on previously acquired fluoroscopy images.

The combination of these features enables tracking devices over a long duration of a procedure, using fluoroscopy images as a background, but without the need to constantly use X-ray radiation: playback of fluoroscopy sequences recorded at the beginning of the procedure can be used instead of repeatedly using live fluoroscopy. The projection of the devices on the pre-acquired images is compensated to match the current, real-time motion of the anatomy where the devices are being manipulated. Thus, changes in the cardiac rate, changes in respiration patterns, motion of the patient, etc., do not affect the accuracy of the device positioning using the MediGuide system.

The MediGuide Technology consists of specific features, tailored for specific interventions. For arrhythmia management procedures, involving mapping and ablation, the system features an external communications link that is used together with EnSite Velocity for creating a hybrid tracking system. For CRT implants, the system includes advanced 2D and 3D imaging features to support LV lead placement, based on its 3D tracking and image integration capabilities.