A novel wide‐band dielectric imaging system to guide radiofrequency ablation for pulmonary vein isolation

INTRODUCTION: Recently, the wide-band dielectric mapping system Kodex-EPD was introduced. This study reports the first clinical experience using a novel system to guide pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency (RF) ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 20 consecutive patients undergoing de-novo PVI for symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation guided by Kodex-EPD. The primary efficacy endpoint was successful PVI. Secondary endpoints included procedural parameters and complications. In all 20 patients (mean age 68 ± 8 years, 12 male patients, paroxysmal fibrillation in 14/20 [70%] patients), PVI was successfully completed. One patient underwent additional cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation for concomitant typical atrial flutter and one patient required additional ablation of a focal atrial tachycardia. A conventional three-dimensional image of the left atrium as well as the innovative endocardial panoramic view were used to guide catheter manipulation and ablation. Median procedure time was 115 [1st; 3rd quartile 93,75; 140] min and median total fluoroscopy time was 9.9 [9.7; 11.2] min, of which a median of 0.8 [0.6; 0.9] min was required to create left atrial maps. Complete left atrial imaging using Kodex-EPD was achieved within a median of 7.1 [5.7; 8.3] min. Median RF ablation time was 45.1 [34.6; 58.7] min. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: RF ablation PVI guided by Kodex-EPD seems safe and feasible. The system provides effective three-dimensional guidance for PVI.