Following initial success as the first hospital in the world to install and use the AXIOM Artis dFC Magnetic Navigation System, the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute at Central Baptist Hospital has accomplished another first - becoming the world’s first facility to have two of the systems.

The first system, purchased in early 2003, will be dedicated to electrophysiology procedures, and the new system will be devoted to interventional cardiology procedures.

Developed by Siemens Medical Solutions in conjunction with Stereotaxis, Inc., the AXIOM Artis dFC Magnetic Navigation System uses computer-controlled permanent magnets outside the body to orient the magnetic tip of specially designed catheters and guidewires. This approach, which allows for a 360-degree rotation of the catheter and guidewire, has the potential to provide greater precision and better movement.

This interventional technique allows clinicians at the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute to more accurately navigate catheters and guidewires to designated target sites within the heart and coronary vasculature, making interventional procedures easier and more comfortable for both the clinican and the patient.

"We’re excited to be able to add this additional technology to our cardiac program," said William G. Sisson, president/CEO of Central Baptist Hospital. "Innovations such as this are a much-needed additional tool in our fight against heart disease, which is all too prevalent in Kentucky and the nation."

In addition, the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute is adding six more leading-edge AXIOM Artis digital cardiology catheterization laboratories from Siemens. The technology allows for multi-modality viewing of echocardiography, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, magnetic resonance and cardiac cases.

"Central Baptist Hospital served as a pioneer by being the first hospital in the world to install and utilize this revolutionary magnetic navigation technology with much success," said Manfred Fink, vice president, angiography and X-ray division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "We are very excited to further expand this partnership with the Baptist Heart and Vascular Institute, as it will help them to enhance the clinical capabilities available to their patients."