Mean contact force during left atrial mapping was significantly lower at the left pulmonary veins compared to the right (7.91 vs 13.95 g, P<0.001), independent of left atrial volume and anatomy.
Observational (n=25)
Single-blind
Does left atrial anatomy correlate with contact force measurements during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation?
Contact force during left atrial mapping differs significantly by location, being lower at the left pulmonary veins, but is independent of left atrial volume and pulmonary vein anatomy.
Absolute Event Rate: 7.91% vs 13.95%
p-value: p=<0.001
AIMS: Lesion formation during catheter ablation crucially depends on catheter-tissue contact. We sought to evaluate the impact of anatomical characteristics of the left atrium (LA) and the pulmonary veins (PVs) on contact force (CF) measurements. METHODS AND RESULTS: An anatomical map of the LA was obtained in 25 patients prior to catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Contact force (operator blinded) and local bipolar electrogram amplitudes (EGM) were measured in eight pre-defined segments around the PVs. After unblinding, points with low CF (≤5 g) were corrected to CF >5 g, and the distance between points was measured. In a pre-procedural computed tomography of the heart, LA volume as well as sizes and circumferences of the PV ostia were measured and correlated to CF measurements. Four hundred and twenty-six points in eight pre-defined LA locations were assessed. Low CF (<5 g) was found in 25.0% (43.5%) of points superior, 33.3% (66.7%) anterior, 32.1% (44.4%) inferior, and 15.5% (15.9%) posterior to the right (left) PVs. The mean distance after correction was 5.8 ± 3.4 mm. Local bipolar electrogram amplitudes between low- and high-CF points did not differ (1.21 ± 1.54 vs. 1.13 ± 1.3 mV, P = ns). The mean CF at the left PVs was significantly lower than at the right PVs (7.91 ± 3.74 vs. 13.95 ± 6.34 g, P < 0.001), with the lowest CF anterior to the left PVs (5.2 ± 3.6 g). Contact force measurements did not correlate to LA volume, size, and circumference of the PVs. CONCLUSION: Contact force during LA mapping significantly differs according to the location within the LA. These differences are independent of LA volume and anatomy of the PV ostia.
Schluermann et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Atrial fibrillation (n=25). Left atrial mapping location (left pulmonary veins) vs. Right pulmonary veins was evaluated on Mean contact force (p=<0.001). Mean contact force during left atrial mapping was significantly lower at the left pulmonary veins compared to the right (7.91 vs 13.95 g, P<0.001), independent of left atrial volume and anatomy.