MR-Guided Cardiac Mapping System Enables Radiation-Free Procedures

Cardiac electrophysiology procedures are typically guided by X-ray fluoroscopy, which limits soft-tissue visualization and exposes patients and clinical staff to ionizing radiation. Real-time mapping that can depict cardiac structure and tissue properties during intervention remains a critical need for precise navigation. A new system has launched that offers real-time magnetic resonance–guided cardiac mapping without the use of X-ray.

Imricor Medical Systems, Inc. has introduced the NorthStar Mapping System in the United States. The platform has been introduced as the first and only cardiac mapping and guidance system designed specifically to harness magnetic resonance (MR) imaging throughout minimally invasive interventional procedures. NorthStar delivers an integrated software environment enabling physicians to visualize cardiac anatomy and tissue characteristics with MR during the intervention. The system’s U.S. commercial availability marks an expansion of interventional magnetic resonance (iMR) capabilities into routine clinical settings.

NorthStar operates by leveraging the full imaging power of MR to visualize the heart, characterize myocardial tissue, and track interventional tools within the cardiac chambers over the entire procedure. By using MR instead of fluoroscopy, the system provides real-time soft-tissue visualization and image manipulation without ionizing radiation. Imricor characterizes this approach as transforming MR from a static “still camera” into a real-time “video camera” for procedural guidance, allowing clinicians to view and adjust imaging during the case.

The company plans to showcase the NorthStar Mapping System at the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Annual Scientific Sessions beginning April 24 in Chicago, Illinois. The exhibit will provide attendees an opportunity to evaluate how MR-based guidance is being applied to cardiac mapping in the iMR suite. No additional clinical performance metrics or regulatory details were disclosed.

“Launching NorthStar in the U.S. marks a pivotal moment for Imricor as we enter the world’s most advanced and influential healthcare market. We are bringing a truly differentiated solution to physicians. NorthStar unlocks the full potential of interventional MR, which we call ‘iMR,’ with real-time soft-tissue visualization, real-time image manipulation, and zero radiation. Our U.S. commercial team is already generating demand and building a high-quality pipeline, and we are focused on rapidly converting that momentum into early adoption across key centers,” said Greg Englehardt, VP of Global Sales, Imricor.

“Imricor has pioneered the field of interventional MR, and we remain at the forefront of delivering a fully-realized ecosystem for cardiac interventional MR procedures. NorthStar is the clearest expression and realization of this vision. Interventional MR is here today, and at Imricor, We are iMR,” added Steve Wedan, CEO, Imricor.

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