Robotic and magnetic navigation for atrial fibrillation ablation. How and why?
Catheter ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation are evolving with targets for radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation increasingly being selected based on anatomic considerations. Such anatomic ablation techniques require precise catheter localization and stable contact during ablation. Even experienced electrophysiologists occasionally encounter difficulties in maintaining stable catheter contact, especially in some regions of complex anatomy where catheter stability is crucial. Limitations of manually deflected conventional ablation catheters in performing complex catheter maneuvers may also contribute to these challenges. The CARTO RMT version 8 has been recently released to guide left atrial mapping and ablation in conjunction with the Stereotaxis system for remote control of the ablation catheter. We aim to describe how this system works and why it is needed in the field of catheter ablation.
San Raffaele University Hospital, Department of Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing Unit, San Raffaele University Hospital, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132 Milan, Italy. carlo.pappone@hsr.it
Carlo
C
Pappone
Giuseppe
G
Augello
Filippo
F
Gugliotta
Vincenzo
V
Santinelli
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008280:Magnetics; D011667:Pulmonary Veins; D012371:Robotics