Robotic Evolution

  Robotic magnetic navigation for atrial fibrillation ablation. How and why?

Catheter ablation techniques for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are evolving, with targets for radiofrequency (RF) ablation of AF increasingly being selected based on anatomic considerations. Such anatomic ablation techniques require precise catheter localization and stable contact during ablation. Even experienced electrophysiologists occasionally encounter difficulties in maintaining stable catheter contact, especially in some regions of complex anatomy where catheter stability is indeed crucial. Limitations of manually deflected conventional ablation catheters in performing complex catheter manoeuvres may also contribute to these challenges. Specifically, precise target localization and catheter stability are the prerequisites for adequate RF applications minimizing risks of potential complications. Stiff, manually deflectable catheters with unidirectional or bidirectional deflection radius have several inherent limitations, as stable wall contact may be difficult to achieve, particularly in regions of complex cardiac anatomy. Usually, challenging sites within the left atrium include the anterior aspect of right-sided pulmonary veins (PVs), the narrow ridge that separates the left atrial appendage from the left PVs, and/or the...continua a leggere