Catheter-tissue contact force values do not impact mid-term clinical outcome following pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Purpose: Catheter-tissue contact is critical for effective lesion creation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). In a multicenter prospective study, we assessed the relationship between catheter contact force (CF) during RFCA for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and clinical recurrences over a mid-term follow-up.

Methods: All patients underwent RFCA for paroxysmal AF by antral pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, aiming at entry and exit conduction block in all PVs.

Impact of remote monitoring on the management of arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.

Background: In the last decade, there has been an exponential increase in cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implants. Remote monitoring systems, allow daily follow-ups of patients with ICD.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of remote monitoring on the management of cardiovascular events associated with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias during long-term follow-up.

Documentation of pulmonary vein isolation improves long term efficacy of persistent atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of catheter ablation in the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and the predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.

Methods: Absence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) recurrence during a mid-term follow-up was correlated with several clinical and procedural characteristics in a population of 82 patients aged 20-70 years who had experienced at least one documented relapse of persistent AF during a single trial of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Electrophysiological success of ablation was declared when all identified PVs were isolated (confirmation of entry and exit block).

Catheter-tissue contact force for pulmonary veins isolation: a pilot multicentre study on effect on procedure and fluoroscopy time.

Aims: Catheter-tissue contact is critical for effective lesion creation in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). In a multicentre prospective study, we assessed the effect of direct contact force (CF) measurement on acute procedural parameters during RFCA of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: A new open-irrigated tip catheter with CF sensing (SmartTouch™, Biosense Webster Inc.