The Axiom System: magnetic navigation for safer and faster endovascular treatment
The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and Flux Robotics have partnered to develop The Axiom System, an advanced, magnetically assisted guidewire navigation system for endovascular procedures. This public-private partnership aims to enhance the precision and safety of minimally invasive vascular treatments by introducing autonomous robotic control, reducing reliance on manual guidewire manipulation and X-ray imaging.
Cardiovascular diseases, including aortic aneurysms and peripheral arterial disease, are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. In Europe alone, cardiovascular diseases account for 45% of all deaths, with treatment costs exceeding €210 billion annually. Endovascular interventions have significantly improved patient outcomes, but challenges remain, including high radiation exposure, kidney damage from contrast agents, and long procedure times. Innovative solutions like The Axiom System are crucial to improving efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing patient safety.
The Axiom System employs a magnetically controlled robotic guidewire that autonomously navigates through blood vessels, eliminating the need for manual steering. By integrating advanced imaging and AI-driven path planning, the system minimizes radiation exposure, reduces the use of contrast agents, and improves procedural accuracy. This breakthrough technology represents a shift towards automation in endovascular interventions, enhancing both clinician workflow and patient outcomes.
The project will deliver a fully operational prototype, extensively tested in laboratory and preclinical settings. Expected outcomes include a 47% reduction in procedure times, an 80% decrease in radiation exposure, and improved success rates for complex vascular interventions. Upon successful validation, the system will advance towards clinical trials and eventual market adoption, paving the way for safer, more efficient vascular treatments worldwide.
