How Imricor’s MRI-Guided VT Ablation Could Revolutionize Heart Care
Imricor Medical Systems and Amsterdam UMC have completed the first-ever ischemic ventricular tachycardia ablation fully guided by real-time MRI, marking a major advance in cardiac electrophysiology.
- First ischemic VT ablation performed entirely under real-time MRI guidance
- World-first MRI-guided transseptal crossing and left ventricular mapping
- Successful ablation in a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator
- Procedure marks a milestone for Imricor’s VISABL-VT clinical trial
- Potential to transform complex cardiac ablation procedures globally
A Breakthrough in Cardiac Ablation
Imricor Medical Systems, in collaboration with Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam UMC), has achieved a landmark in cardiac care by performing the world’s first ischemic ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation fully guided by real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This pioneering procedure, conducted in an interventional cardiac MRI (iCMR) lab, represents a significant leap forward in the treatment of one of the most challenging and life-threatening heart arrhythmias.
Ischemic VT ablations traditionally are lengthy and complex, often exceeding eight hours with success rates hovering around 40%. Imricor’s innovative approach leverages superior MRI imaging to precisely locate myocardial infarction scars, enabling targeted catheter navigation and ablation. This precision promises to enhance procedural effectiveness and patient outcomes.
Multiple World Firsts in One Procedure
The procedure incorporated several unprecedented achievements – the first MRI-guided transseptal crossing from the right to the left side of the heart, the first left ventricular mapping and ablation under MRI, and the first substrate-guided ablation performed in real time. Notably, the ablation was successfully conducted in a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), addressing a critical safety and efficacy question for high-risk patients.
Dr. Michiel Kemme, who led the ablation, highlighted the advantage of MRI’s three-dimensional imaging, stating it allows clinicians to see the catheter and sheath with unparalleled clarity, facilitating safer and more precise navigation through the heart’s anatomy.
Implications for Clinical Practice and Market Growth
This milestone is a pivotal moment for Imricor’s VISABL-VT clinical trial and signals a broader shift toward MRI-guided electrophysiology procedures. With additional European sites expected to join the trial, the technology’s adoption is poised to accelerate. Imricor’s CEO Steve Wedan emphasized that this achievement validates the company’s vision of MRI-guided interventions becoming the global standard of care, potentially transforming how complex arrhythmias are treated worldwide.
Beyond the clinical impact, this breakthrough is expected to drive significant growth in demand for Imricor’s product suite, including the NorthStar Mapping System and Vision-MR Ablation Catheter. The ability to perform complex ablations more safely and effectively could shorten procedure times and improve patient outcomes, offering a compelling value proposition for hospitals and clinicians.
Looking Ahead
While regulatory approvals in key markets like the US and Australia remain pending, this successful procedure sets a strong foundation for commercial expansion. It also opens the door for further innovation in MRI-guided interventions beyond electrophysiology, potentially reshaping interventional cardiology and other medical fields.
Bottom Line?
Imricor’s MRI-guided VT ablation breakthrough heralds a new era in cardiac care, with far-reaching clinical and market implications.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will regulatory approvals in the US and Australia follow this clinical milestone?
- What impact will MRI-guided ablation have on procedure times and long-term patient outcomes?
- Which additional clinical sites and markets will join the VISABL-VT trial next?
