Introduction
The objective of this study was to develop a radiofrequency ablation
technique to create a homogeneous scar tissue in the atrial myocardium.
Methods
In the double-blinded morphological stage of the study, the left atrial
appendage was used as an anatomical model to investigate the efficacy of one
experimental and two conventional techniques to create ablation lines. Then,
these lines were studied by morphologists. The clinical stage involved
investigation of the outcomes of the developed technique for creation of
ablation lines. During thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation of the
left atrium, all ablation lines were created using the experimental
radiofrequency technique.
Results
In all histological sections of ablation lines created using the criterion of
“steady decrease in the time to transmurality”, there were no intact
(viable) cells, in contrast to the other two conventional methods, i.e., a
homogeneous scar of the atrial wall. Investigation of clinical efficacy of
this developed technique revealed recurrent atrial fibrillation only in six
of 137 patients (4.4%) at median follow-up time of 36 (10; 58) months. None
of the patients developed specific complications (wall perforation or
bleeding). According to intracardiac mapping performed after the end of the
blind period, the sources of atrial fibrillation in these six patients were
outside the radiofrequency ablation zone (perimitral or in the right
atrium).
Conclusion
A steady decrease in the time to transmurality should be considered as the
priority intraoperative criterion for the formation of a homogeneous scar
during radiofrequency ablation of the left atrium wall using a bipolar
ablation clamp.
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