A novel noncontact high-resolution charge density mapping system to guide ablation of complex atrial arrhythmias: overview of device technology and application

Introduction: Despite advances in imaging technology to guide ablative therapies, catheter ablation of more complex arrhythmias continues to be a challenge in part due to suboptimal mechanistic understanding of these arrhythmias by conventional mapping systems. A novel noncontact charge density mapping system has been designed to overcome some of these limitations.Areas covered: Hereby, we present an overview of this novel, charge density-based global chamber mapping approach. We initially highlight the concept of charge density, describe further the device technology and finally summarize the clinical application of this system.Expert opinion: Noncontact charge density mapping provides a more localized, high-resolution global panoramic assessment of cardiac activation. This might contribute to uncover the mechanisms of more complex arrhythmias such as persistent atrial fibrillation or unstable atrial tachycardias with the ultimate goal to guide the ablation therapy.