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SIR 2026

Educational Exhibit

Nonvascular Interventions

General IR

Session: Educational Exhibit Presentations - General IR Potpourri

Magnetic Localization for Line Placement Procedures: A Magnetometer Array Keeps the Radiation Away

Monday, April 13, 2026
5:09 PM - 5:15 PM ET
Location: 716A
Learning Objectives: (1) Identify the benefits of reducing the use of radiation for basic procedures in Interventional Radiology (IR). (2) Understand the basis for magnetic localization technologies, including Hall effect and magnetometer array systems, as alternatives to fluoroscopic navigation. (3) To evaluate the technical and clinical considerations underlying the development of a proposed magnetometer array device.

Background: Interventional radiology extensively uses angiography for routine and complex procedures. To protect practitioners, lead vests and its corollaries have been used. However, the prolonged use of heavy lead vests can contribute to musculoskeletal strain and fatigue, leading to back injuries that can potentially shorten careers and impact long-term health. Although multiple groups have looked at replacing the lead shielding, efforts to replace angiography have been relatively limited. One option is to actually use magnetometer-based localization systems as a method to accurately detect and display device position within the patient in real time, without reliance on fluoroscopy.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details: CLINICAL FINDINGS/PROCEDURE DETAILS:


  1. Review the physics/mechanics of a magnetometer array and a procedure for eliminating background noise including discussion of the Hall effect.

  2. Discuss current use of magnetometer arrays for their application in visualization for endoscopy.

  3. Incorporate simulation studies to evaluate magnet-magnetometer interactions and assess the relative advantages of AC versus DC magnetic excitation.

  4. Develop a framework for creation of a 2D array of magnetometer sensors, beginning with Hall-effect sensors but allowing for alternative technologies depending on required sensitivity specifications.

  5. Identify basic procedures where magnetometry could be used to replace angiography, e.g. line placement, tube exchanges (PCN, G tube, GJ tube), among others

  6. Introduce a prototype of a magnetometer device through testing a splashwire hydrophilic guidewire, port kit, and a PTA dilation catheter (coated with a thin metallic layer to provide a detectable magnetic signal).



Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: Magnetometer localization technology may provide a radiation-free alternative to fluoroscopy for IR procedures. If successful, this technology may improve physician ergonomics, lower cost and expand access to smaller hospitals. This technology has the potential to broaden the reach of IR while reducing occupational injury and radiation exposure.