Leshem E, Tschabrunn CM, Contreras-Valdes FM, Zilberman I, Anter E. Evaluation of ablation catheter technology: Comparison between thigh preparation model and an in vivo beating heart.
Heart Rhythm 2017;
14:1234-1240. [PMID:
28455271 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.04.035]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
An in vivo animal thigh model is the standard technique for evaluation of ablation catheter technologies, including efficacy and safety of ablation. However, the biophysics of ablation in a thigh model may not be similar to a beating heart.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of ablation between a thigh preparation model and a beating heart.
METHODS
In 7 swine, radiofrequency ablation using a 3.5-mm open irrigated catheter (ThermoCool Smart Touch) was performed sequentially in a thigh muscle and in vivo beating ventricles. Ablation was performed at low (30 W for 40 s) and high (40 W for 60 s) energy settings and at similar contact force. Ablation lesions were scanned in high resolution and measured using electronic calipers.
RESULTS
A total of 152 radiofrequency ablation lesions were measured (86 thigh and 66 heart). At low energy, lesion width was greater in the thigh model (12.19 ± 1.8 mm vs 8.99 ± 2.1 mm; P <.001), whereas lesion depth was similar between the thigh and heart (5.71 ± 0.8 mm vs 5.95 ± 1.3 mm, respectively; P = .18). The planar cross-sectional lesion area was greater in the thigh model (thigh 54.8 ± 10.8 mm2 vs heart 43.1 ± 16.1 mm2; P <.001). At the high-energy setting, lesion depth, width, and area were all greater in the thigh model (thigh 91.5 ± 16.8 mm2 vs heart 56.0 ± 15.5 mm2; P <.001). The incidence of steam pop and char formation was similar between the models.
CONCLUSION
The thigh preparation model is a reasonable technique for evaluation of ablation catheter technology; however it often results in overestimation of lesion size, especially at higher energy settings.
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