Summary of RF Ablation Advancements – Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute
Summary of RF Ablation Advancements – Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute
(Source: Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin)
1. RF Ablation Evolution: Over the past 30 years, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has evolved to improve safety, efficiency, and patient outcomes, remaining the frontline treatment in electrophysiology (EP).
2. Major Advancements: Innovations such as tissue contact force sensing, irrigated catheter tips, and better temperature control have reduced complications (e.g., steam pops, phrenic nerve injury) and minimized repeat procedures.
3. QDOT MICRO™ Catheter: Launched in 2023, this catheter integrates microelectrodes, advanced temperature sensors, and enhanced visualization through the CARTO™ 3 mapping system, allowing zero-fluoroscopy procedures and improving lesion accuracy.
4. Improved Safety & Efficacy:
• Real-time temperature monitoring prevents excessive heating and steam pops.
• Enables shorter ablation durations at higher temperatures, creating shallower, controlled lesions to prevent esophageal and nerve damage.
• Reduced saline usage minimizes fluid overload complications.
5. Expert Opinions:
• Dr. Rodney Horton (Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute) praised QDOT for superior lesion control and reproducibility.
• Dr. Andrea Natale (Executive Medical Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute) highlighted improved visualization, reduced fluoroscopy, and enhanced efficiency.
6. Lesion Quality & Contact Force Sensing:
• Enhanced contact force sensing prevents overpressure injuries.
• Shorter, precise ablation times increase procedure predictability and decrease complications.
7. Future Outlook: Experts believe QDOT technology will remain a long-term solution in RF ablation, further improving patient outcomes and enhancing procedure safety and efficiency.
Highlighted by AHA.
