Mar 7 2011
Valley Health's Clinical Research department recently tested a robotic device designed to help doctors in treating heart arrhythmia patients. According to Jennifer Stanford, clinical research director for Valley Health, the hospital is part of a clinical trial involving 200 patients nationwide.
The Amigo developed by Catheter Robotics enables physicians to perform surgical procedures away from the patient and avoid prolonged exposure to radiation. Doctors can stay away in an enclosed control room while Amigo carries out the treatment.
Dr. Ejaz M. Kahn, who currently works with patients in the trial, explained that the device can be positioned in a certain place without any support.
The Amigo is usually placed at the head of the bed, present in the hospital's electrophysiology laboratory. A three-dimensional image of the patient's heart and its chambers can be monitored using the multiple screens present by the bed side. The cardiac muscle's activity can also be monitored from time to time with the Amigo.
According to Stanford, the mapping procedure lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. Stanford added that Amigo can do the mapping in three to five minutes. Stanford noted that Kahn will be able to attend to more patients with the implementation of Amigo. Stanford further added that with the use of the robot, doctors avoid mistakes while performing surgeries like tearing a blood vessel or any other part of the heart.
Source: http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/