Impact of Ablation Catheter Irrigation Design on Silent Cerebral Embolism After Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Results from a Pilot Study

Abstract

PVI performed with a new irrigated catheter did not reduce significantly the SCL risk when compared to a standard irrigated catheter. Intraprocedural ACT reduces the SCL risk of 0.4% for each point of ACT increase. For ACT > 320 seconds no SCL occurred. Finally, compared to a standard irrigated catheter, PVI performed with a new irrigation design catheter reduces significantly saline volume infusion.