Robot-assisted techniques in cardiology

Overview

This review discusses new developments in catheter ablation with respect to the most common indication (i.e. treatment of atrial fibrillation). In conjunction with these dynamic developments, new visualisation techniques have been developed that allow for three-dimensional visualisation of the cardiac structures, thereby allowing better orientation in the relatively complicated anatomy of the left atrium and thus increasing patient safety. New and revolutionary robot-assisted techniques of cardiac catheterisation that are already clinically applied are also described. Robot-assisted techniques not only represent a new platform for the non-pharmacological treatment of cardiac arrhythmias but for all interventional cardiology as well.

Key words:
electromagnetic navigation, electro mechanical navigation, electroanatomic mapping, catheter ablation.