January 13, 2009 - Stereotaxis Inc. said the first crossing of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) using the RF PowerAssert Magnetic Guide Wire was undertaken by Austin Heart interventional cardiologist Frank Zidar, M.D. Jan. 7, on a patient with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Cleared by the FDA in 2008, the RF PowerAssert guide wire is the only magnetically enabled device available for crossing peripheral occlusions, including CTOs. Used with the Niobe Magnetic Navigation System, it is an innovative solution that enables precise intra-lesion control of its distal tip.
Dr. Zidar performed this procedure at Heart Hospital of Austin.
The patient had 100 percent blockage in a main artery in his leg that caused chronic, severe pain due to poor circulation, Dr, Zidar said.
“This new magnetic guide wire technology provided great control and improved accuracy over traditional, manual guide wires,” said Dr. Zidar. “Once we reached the blockage, the tip of the guide wire 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. This revolutionary technology will likely reduce procedures times, and therefore reduce the amount of contrast dye and imaging radiation to the patient."
For more information: www.stereotaxis.com