8 May 2025 – Minneapolis, MN– Imricor Medical Systems, Inc. (Company or Imricor) (ASX: IMR) is pleased to announce that the first procedures were performed at Semmelweis University’s Heart and Vascular Centre (Semmelweis), in Budapest, Hungary.
Semmelweis performed their first atrial flutter ablations guided by real-time MRI using Imricor’s platform of devices, including the NorthStar® Mapping System, making them the latest site to commence procedures.
Semmelweis is renowned for its advanced electrophysiology services and commitment to cutting-edge treatments. The highly regarded team is Hungary’s first site to perform cardiac ablations guided by real-time MRI.
“We are proud to be the first center in Hungary to perform real-time MRI-guided cardiac ablations. This innovative technology allows us to perform precise, radiation-free procedures with direct visualization of cardiac anatomy. This marks a major advancement in electrophysiology, though further development is needed to enhance efficiency and expand its clinical applicability”, says Dr. Klaudia Vivien Nagy, Associate Professor at Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center.
“MR-guided ablation is a thrilling, evolving idea and method that combines the positives of working on real-time anatomy and having the ultimate electrical information during the same procedure. It might create a new future for fluoro-less electrophysiology; I am eagerly waiting for new opportunities to use it in other indications, says Dr. László Gellér, the Chief Electrophysiologist of Semmelweis University Heart and Vascular Center.
“Catheter ablation procedures are typically guided by intracardiac electrograms and fluoroscopy, often supplemented by electroanatomical mapping to enhance anatomical orientation and procedural accuracy. However, none of these modalities provide real-time visualization of tissue response or direct assessment of lesion formation. Integration of real-time MRI into ablation procedures represents a promising advancement, offering the potential to visualize cardiac anatomy and assess ablation effects more directly. A new era has begun”, says Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector and Director of the Heart and Vascular Centre of Semmelweis University.
Imricor’s Chair and CEO, Steve Wedan, commented: “We are thrilled to have another world-class medical institution begin real-time MRI-guided ablation procedures, and we are excited to expand our installed base into Hungary.
“With our European sales team nearly fully staffed, we are looking forward to continued expansion and growth across Europe, including adding additional sites to our VISABL-VT trial, where we expect the power of real-time periprocedural magnetic resonance imaging to improve patient outcomes and lower procedure times, all in an environment that is 100% free of dangerous ionising radiation. That’s our mission.”