Radiofrequency ablation creates lesions by generating tissue temperatures >50°C for 60 seconds, with lesion size influenced by current, impedance, duration, and tissue thermoconductivity.
Understanding the biophysics of radiofrequency ablation, including factors like current, impedance, and tissue properties, is essential for optimizing lesion size and arrhythmia treatment.
Radiofrequency ablation is the mainstay of interventional electrophysiology. The biophysics of radiofrequency ablation involve converting electrical energy into heat to irreversibly damage an area of myocardium. To create an ablation lesion, a temperature of >50°C must be generated in the tissue for 60 seconds. This is influenced by factors affecting either the current delivered, electrode impedance, ablation duration or the thermoconductive properties of the tissue. These factors can be altered to affect ablation lesion size to optimise arrhythmia treatment.
Bates et al. (Sun,) conducted a review in Arrhythmia. Radiofrequency ablation was evaluated. Radiofrequency ablation creates lesions by generating tissue temperatures >50°C for 60 seconds, with lesion size influenced by current, impedance, duration, and tissue thermoconductivity.