Columbus 3D EP Navigation System

Columbus represents China’s first domestically developed magnetic localization-based 3D electrophysiology navigation system. Developed by MicroPort EP, the system has supported over 50,000 cardiac ablation procedures globally since its NMPA approval in 2020.

Product Overview

The Columbus system creates three-dimensional cardiac chamber models using magnetic localization technology, integrating intracardiac electrograms with spatial anatomical structures. Unlike purely impedance-based systems, Columbus employs electromagnetic dual-modality tracking that provides sub-millimeter positioning accuracy while reducing radiation exposure for both patients and physicians.

The system entered NMPA’s Innovation Green Channel in 2015 and achieved regulatory approval in October 2020, becoming the first domestically manufactured 3D EP navigation platform to receive both NMPA and CE certifications.

Key Features

Approved in China in October 2020 and now used in over 50,000 cardiac ablation procedures globally, Columbus delivers sub-millimeter catheter positioning through electromagnetic dual-modality tracking across 31 Chinese provinces and 30+ countries.

• Electromagnetic Dual-Modality Tracking: Combines magnetic and electrical localization for enhanced accuracy
• Cardiac Motion Compensation: Adjusts for heart movement during real-time mapping
• Full Catheter Segment Display: Visualizes entire deflectable catheter segments, not just the tip
• Automated Mapping Module: Software-based automatic filtering of non-clinical ectopic beats (released December 2024)
• Multi-Catheter Compatibility: Works with MicroPort EP’s FireMagic, EasyFinder, EasyLoop, and Magbot catheter families

Technical Specifications

Approved in China and Europe, Columbus combines electromagnetic dual-modality localization with multi-channel ECG recording and cardiac motion compensation for sub-millimeter catheter tracking during arrhythmia mapping.

Clinical Applications

Columbus supports diagnosis and treatment guidance for various cardiac arrhythmias:

• Atrial Fibrillation (AF): Pulmonary vein isolation mapping and ablation guidance
• Atrial Flutter: Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation
• Supraventricular Tachycardia: Accessory pathway mapping
• Ventricular Tachycardia: Substrate mapping and ablation

The system integrates with the Genesis RMN robotic platform for robotically-navigated catheter procedures, enabling millimeter-level precision in complex anatomical regions.

Regulatory Status

Clinical Evidence

As of 2023, Columbus-guided procedures exceeded 50,000 cases globally. The system has been adopted by electrophysiology centers across China’s 31 provinces and in over 30 countries internationally.

Clinical applications in Europe (Spain, Poland, Greece) and Southeast Asia (Thailand) have demonstrated comparable performance to international competing systems in AF ablation procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbus compare to CARTO or EnSite?

Columbus offers similar magnetic-based 3D mapping capabilities to established international systems. Key differentiators include electromagnetic dual-modality tracking, cardiac motion compensation, and full integration with MicroPort EP’s proprietary catheter ecosystem at competitive pricing.

Can Columbus work with robotic navigation?

Yes. Columbus integrates with the Stereotaxis Genesis RMN robotic magnetic navigation system, enabling robotically-controlled catheter manipulation with real-time 3D visualization and position tracking.

What catheters are compatible with Columbus?

Columbus works with MicroPort EP’s magnetic-enabled catheter family including FireMagic 3D ablation catheters, EasyFinder diagnostic catheters, EasyLoop circular mapping catheters, EasyStars high-density mapping catheters, and the Magbot robotic navigation catheter.