Background: Electroanatomical mapping systems have reduced the amount of fluoroscopy required to ablate the cavotricuspid isthmus. The aims of this study are to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a zero-fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and to compare the results of this approach with those of the zero-fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite-NavX™ system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA).
Methods: Twenty consecutive procedures guided by the Carto®3 system (Group A) were compared with two case-control groups matched from 146 procedures guided with the Ensite-NavX™ system. Group B consisted of 20 matched procedures from the first 50 procedures performed in the electrophysiology unit, and Group C consisted of 20 matched procedures from the last 50 procedures. Acute success (bidirectional block), complications, and recurrences were analyzed. The procedure times were also compared.
Results: There were no differences in the rates of acute success (95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), complications (0%, 5%, and 0%), and recurrences (5.2%, 0%, and 5%) in the three groups. A zero-fluoroscopy approach was attempted in all procedures, and electroanatomical mapping made it possible to successfully avoid fluoroscopy in 90% of the procedures in Group A, 85% in B, and 95% in C. The total procedure time was shorter in Group C. The fluoroscopy and radiofrequency times were not different.
Conclusions: A zero-fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system is feasible in most procedures. This approach has similar results to the zero-fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite-NavX™ system.
Keywords: atrial flutter; catheter ablation; electroanatomical mapping; zero-fluoroscopy approach.
©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.