A new device for beating heart bipolar radiofrequency atrial ablation

Citation:

Gianluca Bonanomi, David Schwartzman, David Francischelli, Kim Hebsgaard, and Marco A Zenati. 2003. “A new device for beating heart bipolar radiofrequency atrial ablation.” J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 126, 6, Pp. 1859-66.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: A technique for mimicking left atrial atriotomies using an ablation device that can be deployed without cardiopulmonary bypass has been developed. METHODS: In 12 healthy large (35-50 kg) adult pigs, maze-like ablation lesions were directly applied to the left atrial epicardium on the beating heart. The ablation device is irrigated, with a bipolar "hemostat" morphology, utilizing radiofrequency energy. Prior to and after ablation, left atrial electromechanical properties were measured during sinus rhythm in the latest 5 pigs using percutaneous endocardial catheter electromechanical mapping and intracardiac echocardiography. Pathologic analysis was performed acutely. RESULTS: All ablation lesions demonstrated conduction block along their entire course. Global left atrial conduction time (49.4 +/- 8.8 milliseconds before vs 58.8 +/- 9 milliseconds after) and pattern were not significantly altered. Although a significant amount (17.12% +/- 9%) of myocardium was either ablated or electrically isolated, ablation was not associated with significant alterations in global left atrial mechanics (left atrium ejection fraction 19% before vs 17% after; pulmonary vein peak flow velocity 1.22 m/s before vs 1.38 m/s after; peak mitral inflow velocity 2.34 m/s before vs 2.64 m/s after), mitral valve function, nor left ventricular function. There was no evidence of atrial thrombus formation. Transmurality was achieved in most lesions with no evidence of charring or barotrauma. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing this ablation device, atrial lesions similar to the left component of the Maze procedure were deployed with uniform success in a beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass or atriotomy and without adverse effects on left atrial electromechanics.
Last updated on 02/17/2022