BACKGROUND:Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent flutter can be performed using different types of ablation catheters. It has been proposed that irrigated and large-tip catheters are capable of creating larger lesions, resulting in greater efficacy. This prospective, randomised clinical study compared the efficacy of irrigated and large-tip catheters of different designs. METHODS:Eighty patients (69 men, 66+/-11 years) undergoing de novo RF ablation of CTI-dependent flutter were randomised to ablation using one of the following catheters: (i) externally-irrigated 20), (ii) internally-cooled (n=20), (iii) single sensor, 8-mm tip (n=20), or (iv) double sensor, 8-mm tip (n=20). The study endpoint was the demonstration of bidirectional CTI conduction block within 12 min of cumulative RF delivery. Crossover to the externally-irrigated catheter was permitted if this was not achieved. The ablation and procedural parameters, safety and efficacy were compared. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was achieved in 64 patients (80%), including all 20 patients randomised to the externally-irrigated catheter. Crossover was required in 16 patients: 9 initially using the internally-cooled catheter (45%), 3 using single-sensor, 8-mm-tip (15%), and 4 using double-sensor, 8-mm-tip (20%) catheters. The higher initial failure rate with the internally-cooled-tip catheter was significant compared to the externally-irrigated (p = 0.001) and single-sensor, 8-mm-tip (p = 0.04) catheters. The externally-irrigated catheter achieved the study endpoint more frequently with fewer RF applications of shorter duration compared to the internally-cooled-tip catheter and 8-mm-tip catheters, the difference being significant compared with internally cooled ablation. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Among commonly used ablation catheters, the externally-irrigated catheter has a higher efficacy for rapid achievement of CTI block.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent flutter can be performed using different types of ablation catheters. It has been proposed that irrigated and large-tip catheters are capable of creating larger lesions, resulting in greater efficacy. This prospective, randomised clinical study compared the efficacy of irrigated and large-tip catheters of different designs. METHODS: Eighty patients (69 men, 66+/-11 years) undergoing de novo RF ablation of CTI-dependent flutter were randomised to ablation using one of the following catheters: (i) externally-irrigated 20), (ii) internally-cooled (n=20), (iii) single sensor, 8-mm tip (n=20), or (iv) double sensor, 8-mm tip (n=20). The study endpoint was the demonstration of bidirectional CTI conduction block within 12 min of cumulative RF delivery. Crossover to the externally-irrigated catheter was permitted if this was not achieved. The ablation and procedural parameters, safety and efficacy were compared. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was achieved in 64 patients (80%), including all 20 patients randomised to the externally-irrigated catheter. Crossover was required in 16 patients: 9 initially using the internally-cooled catheter (45%), 3 using single-sensor, 8-mm-tip (15%), and 4 using double-sensor, 8-mm-tip (20%) catheters. The higher initial failure rate with the internally-cooled-tip catheter was significant compared to the externally-irrigated (p = 0.001) and single-sensor, 8-mm-tip (p = 0.04) catheters. The externally-irrigated catheter achieved the study endpoint more frequently with fewer RF applications of shorter duration compared to the internally-cooled-tip catheter and 8-mm-tip catheters, the difference being significant compared with internally cooled ablation. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Among commonly used ablation catheters, the externally-irrigated catheter has a higher efficacy for rapid achievement of CTI block.
Authors: Thorsten Lewalter; Christian Weiss; Christian Mewis; Werner Jung; Wilhelm Haverkamp; Jochen Proff; Wolfgang Bauer Journal: J Interv Card Electrophysiol Date: 2016-11-05 Impact factor: 1.900
Authors: A S Thornton; P Janse; M Alings; M F Scholten; J M Mekel; M Miltenburg; E Jessurun; L Jordaens Journal: J Interv Card Electrophysiol Date: 2008-03-25 Impact factor: 1.900