A novel mesh electrode catheter for mapping and radiofrequency delivery at the left atrium-pulmonary vein junction: a single-catheter approach to pulmonary vein antrum isolation.
BACKGROUND
Electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PV) by radiofrequency (RF) ablation is often performed in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Current catheter technology usually requires the use of a multielectrode catheter for mapping in addition to the ablation catheter.


OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the feasibility and safety of using a single, expandable electrode catheter (MESH) to map and to electrically isolate the PV.


RESULTS
Nineteen closed-chest mongrel dogs, weighing 23-35 kg, were studied under general anesthesia. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was used to guide transseptal puncture and to assess PV dimensions and contact of the MESH with PV ostia. ICE and angiography of RSPV were obtained before and after ablation, and prior to sacrifice at 7-99 days. An 11.5 Fr steerable MESH was advanced and deployed at the ostium of the RSPV. Recordings were obtained via the 36 electrodes comprising the MESH. For circumferential ablation, RF current was delivered at a target temperature of 62-65 degrees C (4 thermocouples) and maximum power of 70-100 W for 180 to 300 seconds. Each animal received 1-4 RF applications. Entrance conduction block was obtained in 13/19 treated RSPVs. Pathological examination confirmed circumferential and transmural lesions in 13 of 19 RSPV. LA mural thrombus was present in 3 animals. There was no significant PV stenosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this canine model, a new expandable MESH catheter may safely be used for mapping and for PV antrum isolation. This approach may decrease procedure time without compromising success rate in patients undergoing AF ablation.
Arruda
Mauricio S
MS
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. arrudam@ccf.org
He
Ding Sheng
DS
Friedman
Paul
P
Nakagawa
Hiroshi
H
Bruce
Charles
C
Azegami
Koji
K
Anders
Robert
R
Kozel
Peter
P
Chiavetta
Amedeo
A
Marad
Paul
P
MacAdam
David
D
Jackman
Warren
W
Wilber
David J
DJ
D000818:Animals; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004285:Dogs; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013526:Surgical Mesh