Key result
Epicardial left atrial radiofrequency ablation using a novel articulated robotic medical probe was successfully performed in all 5 healthy pigs without adverse events.
Why the study?
Does a novel articulated robotic medical probe allow safe and effective epicardial left atrial ablation via a percutaneous subxiphoid approach in a porcine model?
Does a novel articulated robotic medical probe allow safe and effective epicardial left atrial ablation via a percutaneous subxiphoid approach in a porcine model?
A novel articulated robotic medical probe successfully and safely facilitated epicardial left atrial radiofrequency ablation via a percutaneous subxiphoid approach in a porcine model.
Feasibility shown in healthy pigs; hypothesis-generating for human percutaneous robotic ablation and requires clinical trials.
OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive epicardial atrial ablation to cure atrial fibrillation through the use of a percutaneous subxiphoid approach currently has a lack of dedicated technology for intrapericardial navigation around the beating heart. We have developed a novel articulated robotic medical probe and performed preliminary experiments in a porcine preparation. METHODS: In five large, healthy pigs, the teleoperated robotic system was introduced inside the pericardial space through a percutaneous subxiphoid approach. Secondary visualization of the left atrium and left atrial appendage was achieved with the use of a 5-mm scope inserted through a left thoracic port. The operator actively controlled the path of the robot by using a master manipulator. The catheter, with an irrigated radiofrequency tip, was guided through the working port of the robot to achieve epicardial ablation of the left atrium. RESULTS: Access to the pericardial space and progression around the left atrium was successful in all cases, with no interference with the beating heart such as a fatal arrhythmia, unexpected bleeding, and hypotension. Epicardial ablation was successfully performed in all five cases. No adverse hemodynamic or electrophysiological events were noted during the trials. When the animals were killed, there was no visually detected injury on the surrounding mediastinal structures caused by ablation. Transmural ablation was confirmed by histopathology of the left atrium. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a dedicated articulated robotic medical probe and successfully performed epicardial left atrial radiofrequency ablation. Based on the feedback from these preliminary experiments, the radius of curvature and proper visualization of the device are being improved in the next generation prototype.
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Ota et al. (2006) studied Atrial fibrillation (animal model) (n=5). Epicardial atrial ablation using a novel articulated robotic medical probe was evaluated on Successful access, progression, and epicardial ablation. Epicardial left atrial radiofrequency ablation using a novel articulated robotic medical probe was successfully performed in all 5 healthy pigs without adverse events.
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