Matteo Bertini1, Alessandro Brieda2, Cristina Balla2, Annalisa Pollastrelli3, Vittorio Smarrazzo2, Vitali Francesco2, Michele Malagù2, Roberto Ferrari4. 1. Cardiovascular Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 8 - 44124 Cona, Ferrara, FE, Italy. doc.matber@gmail.com. 2. Cardiovascular Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro, 8 - 44124 Cona, Ferrara, FE, Italy. 3. Abbott Medical Italy, Clinical Department, Viale Thomas Alva Edison, 110, 20099, Sesto San Giovanni, MI, Italy. 4. From Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, Via Madonna di Genova, 1, 48033, Cotignola, RA, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Irrigated-tip ablation catheters increase safety and efficacy of ablation procedures, but their use in atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter FlexAbility™ and a 3D electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system. METHODS: This is a single-center and single-operator study on 80 patients referred for AVNRT catheter ablation. Outcome included acute and long-term procedural success as well as complications reported over a median follow-up of 19 months (interquartile range 6-24 months). RESULTS: Acute success was achieved in all 80 patients. One procedure-related major complication, involving the vascular access, occurred. Mean fluoroscopy time was 106 ± 71 s. One patient (1.2%) suffered long-term AVNRT recurrence. Five patients (6.2%) underwent ablation for AVNRT combined with ablation for other clinical arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigated RF ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter associated to 3D EAM system is effective and safe. Success rates are comparable to those of other techniques. Complication rate is very low.
PURPOSE: Irrigated-tip ablation catheters increase safety and efficacy of ablation procedures, but their use in atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter FlexAbility™ and a 3D electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system. METHODS: This is a single-center and single-operator study on 80 patients referred for AVNRT catheter ablation. Outcome included acute and long-term procedural success as well as complications reported over a median follow-up of 19 months (interquartile range 6-24 months). RESULTS: Acute success was achieved in all 80 patients. One procedure-related major complication, involving the vascular access, occurred. Mean fluoroscopy time was 106 ± 71 s. One patient (1.2%) suffered long-term AVNRT recurrence. Five patients (6.2%) underwent ablation for AVNRT combined with ablation for other clinical arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Irrigated RF ablation of AVNRT by means of the novel flexible-tip open-irrigated catheter associated to 3D EAM system is effective and safe. Success rates are comparable to those of other techniques. Complication rate is very low.