Techniques for reducing air bubble intrusion into the left atrium during radiofrequency catheter and cryoballoon ablation procedures: An ex vivo study with a high-resolution camera.

Background: Air embolisms are serious complications during catheter ablation procedures.

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to determine when air bubbles enter the left atrium (LA) during catheter ablation procedures and to identify techniques that reduce air bubble intrusion.

Methods: An ex vivo study was performed to monitor air bubbles using a silicone heart model and a high-resolution camera.