Comparison of ThermoCool® Surround Flow Catheter Versus ThermoCool® Catheter in Achieving Persistent Electrical Isolation of Pulmonary Veins: A Pilot Study

Abstract

PV isolation by SFc lowered the rate of left PV early reconnections and reduced the volume of infused saline solution while maintaining the safety profile of AF ablation.

Safety and efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation using a surround flow catheter with contact force measurement capabilities: A multicenter registry

“…The use of catheters with improved irrigation design has been found to be associated with a reduction in saline volume infusion, RF and fluoroscopy times, as well as the prevalence of PVs early reconnection in comparison with conventional cooled ablation (at the same power settings). The use of CF sensing catheters has been found to be associated with a reduction in fluoroscopy, procedure, and ablation times, as well as the prevalence of PVs early reconnection and AF recurrence rates at 12 months in some studies, without increasing complications.…”

“…The left atrium was accessed by a patent foramen ovale, when present, or by a single (177 patients) or double (56 patients) transseptal puncture. After transseptal catheterization, 3D electroanatomic maps of the left atrium and PVs were reconstructed using a nonfluoroscopic navigation system (CARTO 3 ® , version 2, Biosense Webster Inc.) as previously described . Maps were acquired during AF or sinus rhythm using respiratory gating.…”

“…The introduction of cooled‐tip ablation catheters delivered a larger amount of radiofrequency (RF) energy to the tissues, and, at the same time, prevented the risk of overheating at the electrode‐tissue interface. An improved irrigation electrode design has been implemented in the ThermoCool ® SF (Biosense Webster Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA) catheter to provide irrigation flow around the entire ablation electrode . Another important issue in order to create effective lesions and reduce procedural risks is the contact force (CF) between catheter tip and tissue.…”

Anticoagulant cessation following atrial fibrillation ablation: limits of the ECG-guided approach

“…Also the success of ablative strategies will continue to enhance with the progress of technological advances [30,31].…”

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Chronic Heart Failure: A Contemporary Review

“…Technological innovations contribute to improve its safety: the use of superirrigated catheters leads to a significant reduction in fluid administration during ablation, and contact force sensing enables for better optimization of radiofrequency delivery and titration. 72,73 Moreover, magnetic resonance or computer tomography imaging can correctly define patients' anatomy, enabling more precise mapping of the atrial area and PVs in order to pre-define ablation protocol. 74,75 However, this data refers predominantly to high-volume centers: because of the complexity of such patients with CHF, the suggestion is for the referral of them to experienced, larger centers more skilled in and capable of managing plausible complications.…”