Visual, tactile, and contact force feedback: which one is more important for catheter ablation? Results from an in vitro experimental study.

Background: During radiofrequency ablation, effective contact is crucial in determining lesions efficacy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare operators' ability to assess contact pressure using visual and tactile feedbacks together or alone in an experimental model.

Methods: In a in vitro experimental setup replicating manual catheter manipulation and recording the applied force, evaluators were asked to identify three levels of force (first, ablation, and maximum contact) as the catheter contacted the tissue model using (1) visual feedback only by fluoroscopy, "blinded" to touch; (2) tactile feedback only, blinded to fluoroscopy; and (3) both tactile and visual feedback together.

Experience of robotic catheter ablation in humans using a novel remotely steerable catheter sheath.

Background: A novel remotely controlled steerable guide catheter has been developed to enable precise manipulation and stable positioning of any eight French (Fr) or smaller electrophysiological catheter within the heart for the purposes of mapping and ablation.

Objective: To report our initial experience using this system for remotely performing catheter ablation in humans.

Methods: Consecutive patients attending for routine ablation were recruited.