Abstract 14149: High-Power, Low-Duration and Fluoro-Less Atrial Fibrillation Radiofrequency Ablation

Abstract

Introduction: High power radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a novel technique, is recently being employed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to report our center’s procedural data and preliminary results of a high power RFA technique for AF without fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: Symptomatic AF patients were consecutively enrolled in this prospective observational study and underwent PVI. Ablation index (AI) was marginally used for at least 400 on the posterior wall and 500 on the anterior wall or 15 seconds total at 50 Watt ablation power, whichever came first. Contact-force catheter and esophageal temperature was used during the procedure. Post-ablation esophageal endoscopy was utilized. PVI was performed using CARTO and the ST SF D/F curve ablation catheter in a temperature-controlled mode. Results: PVI was achieved in all (n = 36, mean age: 68±11.3 years, female: 29%, CHADsVASc: 2.8±1.5, LA volume index:60.4±17.2 mL/m2). 29(80%) patients had paroxysmal AF. For left wide antral circumferential ablation (WACA); total duration was 7.4±11.3 min, total ablation sites were 49.9±11.2, average contact force was 9.97±2.2 g and average AI was 363.9±20.5. For right WACA total duration was 6.4±2 min, total ablation sites were 45.6±15.3, average contact force was 13.0±3.5 g and average AI was 403.6±32.9. WACA technique was employed for paroxysmal AF, additional ablation lines were targeted for persistent AF. For the entire flouro-less, 50W study population, average AI was 382.2±26.6, total ablation duration was 18.1±4.7 min, total ablation sessions were 118.4±33.4 and average temperature was 38.7±1.4 degree Celsius. During in-hospital follow-up no major complications such as death, stroke, tamponade, or atrio-esophageal fistula occurred. Conclusions: 50 watts fluoro-less AF RFA is a safe and efficient procedure.