Introduction
Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is an established treatment for
cardiac arrhythmias. Optimal lesion formation and avoidance of excessive
heating are necessary for effective ablation (1). Multiple factors
including power, duration, catheter-tissue contact force (CF), electrode
diameter, ablation circuit impedance, irrigation flow, tissue thickness,
and myocardial blood flow have been reported to be associated with
lesion characteristics (2,3).
Recently, a variety of new catheters have been developed and used in a
clinical setting. Since each catheter has unique features, ablation
lesion characteristics and complication rates may differ among
catheters. Operators must understand the features of each catheter to
optimize efficacy and safety. The open-irrigated ablation catheters,
FlexAbilityTM SE and TactiCathTM SE
(Abbott, St. Paul, MN), have different irrigation flows, electrode
sizes and locations of the thermocouple, but little is known about the
effect of these differences. The aim of this study was to investigate
the lesion characteristics and adverse events of these catheters in ex
vivo conditions.