The Magnetic Continuum Robots for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, imposes a major global health burden. While antiarrhythmic drugs remain first-line therapy for rhythm control, their long-term efficacy is limited by variable response rates, adverse effects, and high recurrence rates in persistent AF. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA), primarily targeting pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), has emerged as a corner-stone intervention for AAD-refractory patients. However, conventional catheters face limitations in navigating complex anatomy and maintaining tissue contact, impacting efficacy and safety. To overcome these challenges and improve outcomes for drug-resistant AF, magnetic navigation systems (MNS) offer enhanced precision. Integrating MNS with robotic platforms and force sensing unlocks significant potential. This review examines Magnetic Continuum Robots (MCRs) with force feedback for AF ablation. We detail MNS principles, MCR design/actuation, and the role of force sensing in optimizing lesion formation—critical for durable PVI and reducing AF recurrence post-ablation. Pre-clinical and clinical data demonstrate advantages including navigation accuracy and reduced complications. MCRs show potential to address pharmacological limitations by offering a promising interventional approach for AAD-refractory AF, though further clinical validation is required.