Visualase<br>MRI-Guided<br>Laser Ablation

INDICATIONS

The Visualase Thermal Therapy System is indicated for use to necrotize or coagulate soft tissue through interstitial irradiation or thermal therapy under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance in medicine and surgery in cardiovascular thoracic surgery (excluding the heart and the vessels in the pericardial sac), dermatology, ear-nose-throat surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, radiology, and urology, for wavelengths 800 nm through 1060 nm.

Product Details

The Visualase system uses a laser to destroy unwanted soft tissue. Light energy is delivered to the target area using a small laser catheter. As the laser light is delivered, temperature in the target area rises. Real-time MRI thermographic imaging clearly maps tissue temperature changes, providing you precise control of the tissue ablation. 

Precision

Live MR thermometry lets you monitor tissue ablation in real time. With simultaneous, multiple plane monitoring and the ability to superimpose MR thermometry and thermal damage estimate maps, you can define and monitor the ablation zone, giving you the precision you need to deliver the results you expect.^9-10

Control

The Visualase system features easy-to-set temperature checkpoints for added confidence when ablating near critical structures. You can set checkpoints on either screen and in any plane. If temperature limits are hit, the laser immediately shuts off, preventing unwanted damage.

Efficiency

A small, 1.65 mm flexible catheter and shallow bone anchor provide broad surgical access. There is no need to sacrifice surgical trajectory or imaging coil selection due to laser design or patient positioning. The 360⁰ diffusing laser tip permits individual ablation times of only a few minutes.^11,12  The in-plane thermometry approach eliminates readjustment of the MRI acquisition planes for a streamlined procedure.

A WORKFLOW THAT WORKS FOR YOUR HOSPITAL

The Visualase system supports a workflow that addresses the unique challenges of performing a procedure within the MRI bore.

• Create the Plan: Using stereotactic planning software, you plan the surgical approach, taking into account ablation coverage and catheter placement.
  
  
• Place the Laser: Insert the small, flexible laser catheter in the target area. Visualase workflow is compatible with many stereotactic platforms so you and your team can follow a workflow that's already familiar.
  
  
• Transport the Patient to MRI: The patient is moved to MRI in radiology or an intraoperative MRI is brought to the patient.
  
  
• Perform the MRI-Guided Laser Ablation: Start with a pre-ablation scan. Then select the preferred thermal imaging planes, identify temperature check points, and start the ablation. As the target tissue heats up, Visualase software displays the thermal damage progress.
  
  
• Close: Remove the laser applicator. The small incision can usually be closed with a single suture^.1,2 The patient is moved to recovery and in many cases can return home the next day.^3-8

MANUALS AND TECHNICAL GUIDES

Find the Instructions for Use in the product labeling supplied with each device or call Medtronic at 800-961-9055.