Magnetically Guided Devices for Vascular Exploration and Treatment

The authors review the significant recent advances in the technology of magnetic instrumentation relevant to intravascular guidance. “Segmental progression” of intravascular catheters under the effect of an alternating magnetic field is described and documented by high-speed cinematography. The magnetic catheter electrode was used in the laboratory and clinically for monitoring intracranial electroencephalograms and for producing electrothrombosis of inoperable arterial aneurysms. The most promising application seems to be selective vascular occlusion for the treatment of vascular lesions by the deposition of a discrete embolus or an intravascular adhesive.