Electrophysiology Ablation Procedures Research Articles

Influence of audiovisual distraction on the feeling of stress, analgesic sedation and patient satisfaction during electrophysiological ablation procedures on the heart

Abstract Background Distraction using audiovisual stimuli has mostly been researched in a paediatric population with the results showing an inhibiting effect on stress and anxiety as well as the subjective perception of pain. Purpose We designed a study to test if audiovisual distraction may reduce the level of sedatives and analgesics by reducing anxiety and stress during electrophysiological intervention (EP). Methods We conducted a clinical intervention pilot study that was carried out in a randomized controlled manner. Consecutive 70 patients undergoing EP with subsequent ablation were randomized 1:1 to control (CTL) or intervention group (AVD). In addition to standardized sedation, all patients in AVD group received audiovisual glasses. Feeling of fear and stress was assessed through blood pressure changes. The patient satisfaction was assessed with Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, ZUF-8. Numeric scale (NRS) was used to quantify the perceived pain during the procedure. The difference between the subjective estimated duration of the procedure and the actual duration of the procedure was compared. Results The study included predominantly male patients (58.6%) with a mean age of 56 years. Technical aptitude was well balanced between both groups with the majority of patients in both groups owning a smartphone or a tablet (86.1% vs 85.7% for CTL and AVD respectively, p=0.92), and majority of patients in both groups using a computer, laptop or tablet on a weekly basis (58% vs 57.1% for CTL and AVD group respectively, p=0.97). The baseline feelings of anxiety were well balanced within both groups (Figure 1). Our analysis revealed no significant difference between the mean blood pressure values of the CTL and AVD groups (systolic: 135 vs. 141 mmHg; p = 0.32; diastolic: 74 vs. 72 mmHg; p = 0.45). Patient satisfaction score was comparable in both groups (26.5 vs. 26.8 points, p = 0.36). Average response for perceived pain using NRS scale as well as perceived procedure duration was similar between the groups (Figure 2). AVD group required a lower dose of Midazolam than CTL group (0.005 mg/kg/h vs 0.007 mg/kg/h, p = 0.07). Majority of patients (31.4%) in AVD group stated: "The audiovisual glasses made me feel distracted at times." 10% of the AVD patients stated: "The audiovisual glasses made me feel completely distracted and more relaxed." Conclusion The use of audiovisual glasses has no influence on the patients’ feelings of anxiety and stress during EP. The use of audiovisual glasses can temporarily induce distraction during EP, while they do not seem to be sufficient in reducing pain intensity during ablation therapy. Patients undergoing EP do not seem to be the target patient group for AVD use.

Heart Rhythm Society's survey assessing the impact of reductions in Medicare reimbursement for cardiac ablation in the United States.

Following its regularly scheduled reassessment of reimbursement schedules, in 2021 the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed reductions in reimbursement for commonly performed electrophysiology ablation procedures, including ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation and supraventricular tachycardia.1 Although modest reductions had been expected on the basis of gains in efficiency over time, the proposed cuts were drastic. During and after the public commentary period, there was strong objection from the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), American College of Cardiology, American Medical Association’s Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Update Committee, other physician groups, and hundreds of patients, but CMS enacted these reductions on January 1, 2022.

The Advanced Application of Intracardiac Echocardiography for Cardiac Electrophysiology Ablation Procedures.

The advanced use of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is both a significant leap forward and an underutilized and unrealized innovation for electrophysiological (EP) procedures [1]. ICE can inform operators of complex anatomic heterogeneity as well as close anatomic relationships beyond fluoroscopy and even electroanatomic mapping. We will review the myriad advantages of advanced ICE application to EP ablation procedures. While 3D mapping has significantly advanced diagnosis and treatment efficiency for ablation procedures quite rapidly, widespread adoption of advanced ICE techniques beyond a supplemental technology has not been as swift. The advanced application of ICE has the ability to vastly improve the safety of EP procedures while reducing or eliminating required fluoroscopic guidance in many aspects [2]. The advanced application of ICE offers many opportunities to improve procedural efficacy and safety. Further research should focus on quantifying these benefits and understanding how best to disseminate these techniques for broader electrophysiological practice.

Feasibility of remote technical support for electrophysiological ablation procedures during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

AimsThe treatment of heart rhythm disorders has been significantly impacted by direct consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as by restrictions aimed towards constraining viral spread.Methods and resultsUsually, catheter ablations of cardiac arrhythmias are guided by electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) systems. Technical staff with medical training, or medical staff with technical training, are needed to assist the operator. Travel restrictions due to the current COVID-19 pandemic have limited the in-person availability of technical support staff. To overcome these limitations, we explored the feasibility of a trans-atlantic remote technical support for EAM, with an internet-based communication platform, for complex electrophysiological ablation procedures.ConclusionOur first experience, based on nine ablation procedures of different arrhythmias, highlights the feasibility of this approach. Remote support for EAM might therefore facilitate continuous care for patients with arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in insular settings. Beyond COVID-19-related challenges, this approach will likely play a greater role in the cardiology field in years to come, due to its significant advantages.

Feasibility of remote support for electrophysiological ablation procedures during CoVid-19 pandemics

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemics is a global challenge with a huge impact on medicine, politics, economy, education, travel and many other aspects of human life. The treatment of heart rhythm disorders has also been affected by the disease itself and by restrictions in order to constrain the spread of the virus. Catheter ablations of cardiac arrhythmias are nowadays frequently guided by electro-anatomic mapping systems. Technical staff with medical training, or medical staff with technical training, is needed to assist the operator. Travel restrictions due to current COVID-19 pandemics have limited the in person availability for technical support staff. To overcome these limitations we explored the feasibility of remote support with an internet based communication platform. A total of 9 patients (87,5% male, mean age 66,6 years) with different arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, left atrial flutter, typical right atrial flutter, left ventricular tachycardia), having undergone ablation procedures between October 2020 and February 2021, were included. Acute procedural success was obtained in 9 out of 9 procedures. No complications occurred. Our experience with remote support for electro-anatomic mapping for complex electrophysiological ablation procedures, show the feasibility and safety of this approach. It increases the availability of technical support at reduced costs and a reduced CO2 footprint. Remote support for electro-anatomic mapping may therefore facilitate continuous care for patients with arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemics. Due to its advantages beyond COVID-19 pandemics related problems, it will likely play a greater role in the future. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

European early experience with a novel 3D mapping system

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Catheter navigation and 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac mapping are critical for successful electrophysiological ablation procedures. A novel 3D mapping system received CE Mark in July 2020. The system offers two imaging modalities: magnetic-based (VoXel) and impedance-based (NavX). Real-time display of 3D location and catheter movements is achieved via a magnetic field frame and magnetic sensors with supplemental impedance data when operating in VoXel mode or primarily via an impedance field generated from surface electrodes in NavX mode. To address limitations in data collection commonly experienced during 3D mapping, a new respiratory compensation algorithm, patient movement detection module, and metal compensation algorithm have been developed to enable consistent data collection throughout the full respiratory cycle even in challenging cases and lab environments. Purpose To examine the clinical utility and procedural characteristics associated with the use of this novel 3D mapping system among participating centers. Methods Procedural data was collected in cases utilizing the newly cleared mapping system during the initial evaluation phase in Europe. Procedural characteristics recorded included indication for mapping and ablation, rhythm mapped, chambers mapped, and procedure time. Results Procedural data was collected from over 250 cases across 12 European centers. A total of 12 indications for mapping and ablation were represented including de novo and redo atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent, long-standing persistent), ventricular tachycardia (ischemic, non-ischemic) or premature ventricular contraction, and supraventricular arrhythmias (typical and atypical atrial flutter, atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia). Over 70% of the cases were performed in VoXel mode. Impedance mode was mostly used in SVT cases or when the case was intended to be completed with minimal fluoroscopy. The most commonly mapped rhythms were sinus rhythm during voltage mapping and atrial tachycardia. The majority of cases (over 65%) were completed under conscious sedation; general anesthesia was used in 20% of the cases (15% not reported). The respiratory compensation algorithm was utilized in over 90% of the cases. For cases in which pre-procedural computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were available, operators indicated that the model shape was accurate when compared to pre-procedural imaging in 96% of the cases performed in VoXel mode. Conclusions Initial European experience with this novel 3D mapping system included a wide variety of arrhythmias in the atria and ventricles. This new mapping system offered operators the flexibility to tailor to specific procedure needs with two imaging modalities which were both widely utilized.

Stability and performance of the EnSite Precision cardiac mapping system for electrophysiology mapping and ablation procedures: results from the EnSite Precision observational study

Abstract Background The EnSite Precision™ Cardiac Mapping System is a catheter navigation and mapping system capable of displaying the three-dimensional (3D) position of conventional and sensor enabled electrophysiology catheters, as well as displaying cardiac electrical activity as waveform traces and dynamic 3-D maps of cardiac chambers. Objective The EnSite Precision™ Observational Study was designed to quantify and characterize the use of the EnSite Precision™ Cardiac Mapping System for mapping and ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in a real-world environment and to evaluate procedural and subsequent clinical outcomes. Methods 1065 patients were enrolled at 38 centers in the U.S. and Canada between 2017–2018. Eligible subjects were adults undergoing a cardiac electrophysiology mapping and radiofrequency ablation procedures using the EnSite Precision™ System. Results Of 989 patients who completed the protocol, a geometry was created in 936 (94.7%). Most initial maps were created using Automap (n=545, 67.0%) or a combination of Automap and manually mapping (n=151, 18.6%). Median time to create an initial map was 9.0 min (IQR 5.0–15.0), with a median number of used mapping points per minute of 92.7 (IQR 30.0–192.0). During ablation, AutoMark was used in 817 (82.6%) of procedures. The most frequent metrics for lesion color were Impedance Drop or Impedance Drop Percent (45.5% combined), time (23.9%) and average force (14.2%). At Canadian sites where LSI was an option, it was used as the color metric in 87 (45.8%) of cases (10.6% overall). The EnSite System was stable throughout 79.7% (n=788 of 989) of procedures. Factors affecting stability were respiratory change (n=88 of 989, 8.9%), patient movement (n=73, 7.4%), CS Positional Reference dislodgement (n=32, 3.2%), and cardioversion (n=19, 1.9%). Conscious sedation was used in 189 (19.1%) of patients. Acute success was reached based on the pre-defined endpoints for the procedure in 97.4% (n=963) of cases. Conclusion In a real-world study analysis, the EnSite Precision™ mapping system was associated with a high prevalence of acute procedural success, low mapping times, and high system stability. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Continuous, transcutaneous carbon-dioxide monitoring to avoid hypercapnia in complex catheter ablations under conscious sedation

Abstract Background Ablation of complex cardiac arrhythmias requires an immobilized patient. For a successful and safe intervention and for patient comfort, this can be achieved by conscious sedation. Administered sedatives and analgesics have respiratory depressant side effects and require close monitoring. Purpose We investigated the feasibility and accuracy of an additional, continuous transcutaneous carbon-dioxide partial pressure (tpCO2) measurement during conscious sedation in complex electrophysiological catheter ablation procedures. Methods We evaluated the accuracy and additional value of tpCO2 detection by application of a Severinghaus electrode in comparison to arterial and venous blood gas analyses. Results We included 110 patients in this prospective observational study. Arterial pCO2 (paCO2) and tpCO2 showed good correlation throughout the procedures (r=0.60–0.87, p<0.005). Venous pCO2 (pvCO2) were also well correlated to transcutaneous values (r=0.65–0.85, p<0.0001). Analyses of the difference of pvCO2 and tpCO2 measurements showed a tolerance within <10mmHg in up to 96–98% of patients. Hypercapnia (pCO2<70mmHg) was detected more likely and earlier by continuous tpCO2 monitoring compared to half-hourly pvCO2 measurements. Conclusion Continuous tpCO2 monitoring is feasible and precise with good correlation to arterial and venous blood gas carbon-dioxide analysis during complex catheter ablations under conscious sedation and may contribute to additional safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Utility of a new imaging system for displaying complex anatomy during AF ablation with cryoenergy

BackgroundA new catheter-based 3D dielectric imaging modality to guide electrophysiology ablation procedures that does not require contact or X-ray to image and offers new benefits for cryoablation procedures.Case presentationA 51-year-old male with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was admitted to our hospital for atrial fibrillation ablation that was performed using cryoballoon fourth generation combined with a novel wide-band dielectric imaging system [KODEX-EPD (EPD Solutions, a Philips company)].ConclusionsThis system allowed to visualize left common pulmonary vein before balloon positioning and then confirmed by pulmonary vein angiography.

Incidence and predictors of postoperative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing electrophysiology ablation procedures.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting remains a significant concern for patients undergoing general anesthesia for percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation and cryoablation for tachyarrhythmias. Our objective was to examine the incidence and risk factors for nausea and vomiting in the recovery room. Children aged>2 and≤18years who underwent general anesthesia for a percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation or cryoablation for a tachyarrhythmia between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included postoperative nausea, vomiting, and a composite of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the recovery room. We identified 611 patients with a mean age of 13.3±3.9years, 54.5% male, and a mean length of anesthesia was 3.9±1.0hours. Vomiting or retching in the postanesthesia care unit occurred in 7.4% of patients and nausea in an additional 12.4%. A composite of nausea and vomiting occurred in 95 patients (15.5%). On multivariable analysis, a subhypnotic propofol infusion (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.88, P=.019) and shorter anesthetic duration (OR 0.81 per 30minutes, 95% CI 0.70-0.94, P=.006) were independently associated with less vomiting in the recovery room. A history of PONV (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.24-4.05, P=.007) was independently associated with a composite of nausea and vomiting in the recovery room. A shorter anesthetic time and a subhypnotic propofol infusion were predictive of a lower rate of postoperative vomiting in patients undergoing general anesthesia for electrophysiologic ablation procedures.

1363Incidence of major complications during electrophysiological studies and ablation procedures

1363Incidence of major complications during electrophysiological studies and ablation procedures

P1453Reduction of fluoroscopy dose using an a novel ultra-low-dose X-ray program for electrophysiological ablation procedures

P1453Reduction of fluoroscopy dose using an a novel ultra-low-dose X-ray program for electrophysiological ablation procedures

4-D ICE: A 2-D Array Transducer With Integrated ASIC in a 10-Fr Catheter for Real-Time 3-D Intracardiac Echocardiography

We developed a 2.5 ×6.6 mm 2 2 -D array transducer with integrated transmit/receive application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for real-time 3-D intracardiac echocardiography (4-D ICE) applications. The ASIC and transducer design were optimized so that the high-voltage transmit, low-voltage time-gain control and preamp, subaperture beamformer, and digital control circuits for each transducer element all fit within the 0.019-mm 2 area of the element. The transducer assembly was deployed in a 10-Fr (3.3-mm diameter) catheter, integrated with a GE Vivid E9 ultrasound imaging system, and evaluated in three preclinical studies. The 2-D image quality and imaging modes were comparable to commercial 2-D ICE catheters. The 4-D field of view was at least 90 ° ×60 ° ×8 cm and could be imaged at 30 vol/s, sufficient to visualize cardiac anatomy and other diagnostic and therapy catheters. 4-D ICE should significantly reduce X-ray fluoroscopy use and dose during electrophysiology ablation procedures. 4-D ICE may be able to replace transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and the associated risks and costs of general anesthesia, for guidance of some structural heart procedures.

Pericardial Effusion Following Drain Removal after Percutaneous Epicardial Access for an Electrophysiology Procedure

To determine the frequency and predictors of pericardial effusion following epicardial sheath removal. Pericardial effusion can occur following cardiac surgical or interventional procedures including percutaneous epicardial access (EpiAcc), which is increasingly used as part of electrophysiology ablation procedures. A retrospective analysis of the Mayo Clinic comprehensive electronic medical record was performed from all patients who underwent planned EpiAcc as part of an electrophysiology ablation procedure between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2013. Of 144 patients (mean age 51.3 ± 15.5 years, 68% male) who underwent planned EpiAcc as part of an electrophysiology ablation (95.8% pericardial access success rate), seven (4.9%) developed a postoperative pericardial effusion requiring repeat EpiAcc. Inferior access was utilized in 74 (51.4%) patients. Patients with pericardial effusion tended to be younger (41.1 years vs 51.8 years, P = 0.08) and were more likely to have undergone inferior approach access (85.7% vs 49.6%, P = 0.06) than those who did not develop postoperative pericardial effusion. Seventy-one percent of patients with postoperative pericardial effusion versus 32.1% of patients without postoperative pericardial effusion had a preprocedure ejection fraction ≥55% (P = 0.03). There were no procedural-related deaths, and no difference in mortality between groups. Postoperative pericardial effusion requiring repeat access/drainage was relatively infrequent, occurring in 4.9% of patients shortly after epicardial procedures. While the majority occur early and therefore require close observation, some patients may present in a delayed manner.

Reducing radiation exposure in the electrophysiology laboratory: it is more than just fluoroscopy times!

To exposure in patients undergoing cardiac electrophysiology (EP) ablation. This included the use of a "very low" dose protocol, and the impact of angulations and patient body mass index (BMI) on radiation dose as a mean to reduce exposure. A total of 212 retrospective patient data sets were collected during EP ablation procedures on a biplane fluoroscopy system. Dose metrics were computed based on dose-area product (DAP) measured by the system for each x-ray acquisition. Dose baselines of different ablation procedures were established as DAP and DAP per hour, with respect to patient BMI. The use of a "very low dose" protocol reduced exposure by 62% while providing adequate image quality. With approximate left anterior oblique (LAO) 50° and right anterior oblique (RAO) 30°, DAP and DAP rate were significantly higher in LAO compared to RAO (11.2 [4.8-25.3] Gy · cm(2) vs 5.28 [2.9-11.1] Gy · cm(2) and 74.0 [38.2-136.1] Gy · cm(2)/h vs 25.0 [16.4-44.1] Gy · cm(2)/h, respectively; P < 0.001). DAP and DAP rate were also significantly higher in patients with BMI > 30 vs BMI ≤ 30 (34.2 [22.3-58.7] Gy · cm(2) vs 12.4 [6.0-26.9] Gy · cm(2) and 84.9 [68.1-120.4] Gy · cm(2)/h vs 34.2 [21.7-52.9] Gy · cm(2)/h, respectively; P < 0.001). Protocol setting, system angulation, and BMI, in particular, wider angulation in LAO compared to RAO plane, exposes patients to significant higher radiation doses. Obese patients in standard LAO plane receive six times the radiation dose of nonobese patients in RAO.

Optimized viewing angles for cardiac electrophysiology ablation procedures.

Catheter ablation is a common treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AF). Interventional C-arm X-ray systems are used for guiding AF procedures, employing standard view positions. Since the projection angles are not adapted to the individual patient anatomy, standard projections do not necessarily offer the best views of important anatomical structures. Using a pre-procedural 3D data set acquired with MRI or CT, suitable ablation sites (lines) can be identified in advance so an ablation plan can be superimposed on fluoroscopic images to guide the procedure. A method was developed to estimate optimized projection views for biplane X-ray C-arm systems based on planning data for AF ablation procedures. The estimated viewing angles were compared to standard angulations using an objective quality metric, the length of the planned ablation line as seen under X-ray. This method was tested using 35 clinical datasets annotated with planned ablation lines for ipsilateral pulmonary vein isolation. The optimized views computed using the new method yielded 28 % less foreshortening of pre-planned ablation lines on average. In one case, anatomy-based view calculation lead to a 69 % reduction in foreshortening. The commonly used standard views provide reasonable a priori choices, and some improvement is possible by switching among common angulations depending on the treatment region. Further gains are possible by using anatomy-optimized biplane C-arm angulations.

Forces on cardiac implantable electronic devices during remote magnetic navigation

Remote magnetic navigation systems are used for catheter navigation in cardiac electrophysiological ablation procedures. In this setting, ferromagnetic particles will be moved by changes in the magnetic field. It is unknown to what extent cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are affected by the magnetic field when using magnetic navigation, and whether these forces may exceed the limit of 5N that is set forth by German and European norms for implanted electrodes. A total of 121 rhythm devices were examined in a magnetic field of 0.1T using the NIOBE II(®) Magnetic Navigation System (Stereotaxis, St. Louis, USA). Forces acting on the devices were measured with the force measurement tool Futek LRF 400 (Futek Advanced Sensor Technology Inc., Irvine, CA, USA). A standardized protocol of different movements of the magnetic field including all three dimensions was performed and maximal forces on the CIED were assessed. Out of 121 devices, 78 different pacemakers (54 different model families from 11 manufacturers) and 43 different cardioverter-defibrillators (26 different model families from 6) were examined. The mean force that could be observed was 0.33±0.13N for pacemakers (range 0.16-1.12N) and 1.05±0.11N for cardioverter-defibrillators (range 0.86-1.38N) when exposed to the magnetic field. Exposure of pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators to a magnetic field of 0.1T does not result in a force exceeding the regulatory demanded 5N that could damage the connected leads.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology

Radiofrequency ablation is routinely used to treat numerous cardiac arrhythmias originating in the atrium and the ventricle. The process of ablation was pioneered to treat supraventricular tachycardias originating from fixed electrical circuits. These circuits could be identified using innovative electrophysiological maneuvers, which have been refined over the years to achieve excellent cure rates using fluoroscopy. More recently, electrophysiology ablation procedures have been greatly expanded to treat more diffuse arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia that are sustained by a remodeled myocardium or scar tissue. Given that there is no fixed circuit to target during most of these ablations, especially atrial fibrillation, there is a need to better visualize the substrate or the remodeling in the myocardium. Currently, when ablating atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardias, it is routine to use a cardiac CT or intra-cardiac echocardiogram to provide a three-dimensional anatomical structural map of the heart. This approach does not provide any substrate information like fibrosis or scar tissue in the myocardium. MRI has excellent soft-tissue visualization characteristics and has been used extensively to characterize the myocardial tissue as scar or fibrosis. This structural remodeling information of the myocardium is increasingly being used, along with the three-dimensional structural information in the ablation procedures, with the goal of improving the outcome. In addition MRI can also be used to visualize radiofrequency ablation lesions, potentially leading to significant improvement in procedural outcomes.

Transseptal Left Heart Catheterization and the Incidence of Persistent Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects

Access to the left atrium for invasive and interventional cardiac procedures requires a transseptal (TS) puncture that creates an iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). The utilization of TS access is increasing in cardiology, and the frequency of iASD is, therefore, likely to increase as well. Here, we discuss the TS technique, review existing series of iASD with regard to incidence and clinical significance of residual iASD, and present emerging techniques utilizing TS access where iASD may result. A PubMed search for "iatrogenic atrial septal defects" was performed to identify prospective series addressing the incidence of iASDs after TS procedures. We identified 10 series with primary attention to iASD. Cases involving TS access included electrophysiology ablation procedures, atrial appendage closure, and percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Immediate postprocedural incidence of iASD was as high as 87%, with decreased incidence of residual iASD detected over time. At 18 months of follow-up, up to 15% of iASD cases persisted. Residual iASDs were not associated with clinical sequelae of embolism, cyanosis, or right heart failure. iASDs are frequent following TS access and a majority resolve over time. Available evidence suggests iASDs are well tolerated but late term follow-up is limited. With the increased utilization of TS transcatheter procedures, the frequency and size of iASDs may rise. Understanding the rare but serious clinical implications of iASD and the need for systematic surveillance in the future is warranted.

Abstract 2245: Interventional Electrophysiology Studies And Ablation Therapy Under Real Time MRI Guidance - Early Detection Of Complications

Background: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers 3D real time imaging with unsurpassed soft tissue contrast without X-ray exposure. However, electrophysiological (EP) examinations of patients with rhythm disorders and ablation procedures are still not possible in the MRI environment. To minimize safety concerns and imaging artifacts, we aimed at developing a setup including catheters for interventional EP based on carbon technology. Methods and Results: The setup, which includes a steerable carbon catheter, was tested for safety, image distortion, pacing and sensing properties, and feasibility of ablation at 1.5 Tesla. MR imaging was performed in two different 1.5-T whole-body scanners. To assess unintentional heating of the catheters by radio frequency (RF) pulses of the MR scanner in vitro , a fluoroptic thermometry system was used to record heating at the catheter tip. In vivo tests for pacing and sensing properties and ablation therapy were performed in eight pigs. There was no significant heating of the carbon catheters while using short, repetitive RF pulses from the MR system. Since there was no image distortion when using the carbon catheters, exact targeting of the lesion sites was possible. During imaging, pacing of in vivo pig hearts and sensing the intra cardiac electrogram was possible without any artifacts. Several RF-ablation procedures, including AV node modulation were performed successfully in the scanner. Potential complications during ablation such as perforation of the RV free wall could be monitored in real time as well. Conclusion: Here we describe a newly developed EP technology for interventional electrophysiology based on carbon catheters. These catheters are suitable for electrophysiological diagnostic and ablation procedures. Their feasibility was demonstrated by performing safety EP studies and ablation therapy with carbon catheters in the MRI environment.