The University of Szeged has started using a robot-assisted catheter system to treat complex heart rhythm disorders, according to Prof. Dr. Szili‑Török Tamás, director of the SZTE SZAK Cardiology Centre. About 150 such systems operate worldwide, and this is the first installation in Hungary.
When and why it helps
Robotic magnetic navigation can be particularly beneficial when the arrhythmia source is hard to reach, a prior ablation has failed, or the patient has complex cardiac anatomy due to congenital heart defects. Dr. Szegedi Nándor, associate professor at the Városmajor Heart and Vascular Clinic, noted that current scientific evidence shows robot‑assisted and manual ablation have broadly similar efficacy and safety, so most patients can expect comparable results with either approach.
How the procedure works
The catheter is initially advanced into the heart using conventional techniques; once in place, the robot takes over fine control of a soft, magnet-tipped catheter. The procedure remains a team effort: one physician inserts the catheter in the operating room while another controls the robot from the so‑called "cockpit," the remote control room. Two large magnets in the operating room create a changing magnetic field that moves the catheter, and large monitors in the cockpit display the procedure data for navigation.
The system enables more precise and stable catheter movements, can reduce radiation exposure for the operating physician, and allows access to regions of the heart that are harder to reach with traditional methods. At the same time, mastering the new technology requires time, and some procedures may be longer during the training period.
Infrastructure and cost challenges
Installing a robotic laboratory requires significant investment and specialized infrastructure, which is why the technology has primarily spread in large, specialized electrophysiology centres. The Szeged installation is part of a five‑year development strategy for the robotic lab; the programme also targets improvements in patient safety, organizational processes, patient communication and innovation.
Prof. Dr. Szili‑Török expects the technology to appear in other Hungarian centres over the coming years, although it will likely remain concentrated where appropriate expertise and infrastructure exist.
Research, education and future expansion
At the University of Szeged the introduction of the robot is not limited to clinical use: plans include expanding robotics in research and medical training. Several international collaborations and scientific projects are being prepared, and the team aims to explore the system's use in other vascular catheter procedures, such as cerebral and peripheral interventions. From September the university will offer a dedicated course on medical applications of robotics and artificial intelligence.
The long‑term success of the development will be measured by clinical outcomes. The effects of the system will be monitored particularly in patients with life‑threatening ventricular arrhythmias and those with congenital heart defects.
Conclusion
Bringing a robot‑assisted catheter system to the University of Szeged marks a milestone for electrophysiology in Hungary: it does not replace conventional ablation but supplements treatment options and opens new avenues for research and education. High costs and infrastructure requirements indicate the technology will continue to be available primarily at well‑resourced, specialized centres.
This report is based on reporting by the Szegeder correspondent.
