Vascular electromagnetic tracking: experiences in phantom and animal cadaveric models

Abstract

This study assesses the feasibility of navigated vascular interventions in a rapid prototyped anthropomorphic phantom and swine cadaveric model using electromagnetic tracking (EMT) in combination with a CT image data set. In the phantom model overall feasibility and handling of the EMT navigation system were evaluated and first experiments performing visceral vessel catheterization were carried out. In the cadaveric model a predefined structure was targeted using an electromagnetically tracked guidewire. In the phantom model the catheterization of visceral vessels was reproducibly possible. In the cadaveric model a catheter placement accuracy of 0.97 ± 0.88 mm was achieved. The feasibility of EMT based vascular interventions could be shown and a landmark concerning the accuracy of such systems in a model setting could be determined. Further ex- and in-vivo experiments are needed to preevaluate applicability of such systems in clinical settings.