The tip-to-tissue contact force (CF) has been identified as a potential
determinant of lesion quality during radiofrequency (RF) ablation. The aim of
this paper is to report the experience of a single low-volume centre in the
atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure with an RF catheter capable of
measuring this parameter. CF data and their possible implications on patient
safety are presented.
Thirty-nine consecutive patients suffering of paroxysmal or permanent AF
received percutaneous ablation with the novel catheter studied. Procedural
characteristics, CF applied and safety events related to the procedure were
reported.
During RF application the mean CF value was 17 ± 3 g, with a maximum
mean value of 37 ± 8 g. CF value never exceeds 62 g and in the 74% of the RF
applications ranged between 10 g and 30 g. No complication related to the
catheter manipulation or to the energy delivered was observed.
This study of a single centre with a low level of experience in AF
ablation suggests that the ability to measure CF may provide additional useful
information to the operator. It ensures uniform ablations, with little
variability in the catheter manipulations, and it avoids excessive contact
forces increasing the patient safety.
Credits: Diego Vaccari, MD; Daniele Giacopelli, MSc; Eros Rocchetto, MSc; Sabina Vittadello, MD; Roberto Mantovan, MD; Gianfilippo Neri, MD