Catheter ablation using advanced porous tip contact force-sensing radiofrequency catheter: Impact on health care utilization among patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment for patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF); however, little is known about its impact on health care utilization for patients with PsAF. The ThermoCool SmartTouch SF (STSF) catheter (Biosense Webster) incorporates an advanced porous tip and contact force-sensing technology.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine health care utilization among patients with PsAF who underwent ablation with the STSF catheter.