Contact Force Technology integrated with 3D Navigation System for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Improving Results?

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Pulmonary veins isolation (PVI) by radiofrequency (RF) ablation is currently an established treatment for symptomatic, drug-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Although the effectiveness of the therapy has been clearly demonstrated, success rate after a single procedure is still sub-optimal. The main reason for recurrences after PVI is electrical pulmonary vein-atrium reconnection. In order to increase the likelihood of permanent PVI, the creation of a transmural, durable lesion is mandatory. The main determinants of lesion size and transmurality are power, stability, duration and contact-force during RF application. In recent times, catheters with contact-force sensors have been developed and released for clinical use.Areas covered: The present review summarizes rational and clinical evidences for efficacy and safety of contact force (CF) technology integrated into 3D navigation systems for AF ablation.Expert commentary Although CF technology has a strong rational, clinical da...