Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
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Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: May 29, 2015
20.3K
Randomized trial comparing pulmonary vein isolation using the SmartTouch catheter with or without real-time contact
Waqas Ullah1, Ailsa McLean1, Muzahir H Tayebjee2
1Cardiology Research Department, Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom.
Heart Rhythm
|May 14, 2016
Summary
Contact force (CF) data in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation reduced acute pulmonary vein reconnection but did not improve long-term success rates or safety. The study suggests better CF control during ablation when data is available.
Area of Science:
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Contact force (CF) data may enhance the safety and effectiveness of ablation procedures for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
- Optimizing contact force is crucial for successful catheter ablation outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of real-time contact force (CF) data on the outcomes of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving 117 patients undergoing first-time PAF ablation across 7 UK centers.
- Patients were assigned to ablation with (CF-on) or without (CF-off) contact force data.
- Pulmonary vein reconnection was assessed using adenosine, with a 1-year follow-up for arrhythmia recurrence.
Main Results:
- The CF-on group showed a significant reduction in acute pulmonary vein reconnection rates (22% vs. 32%, P = .03).
- No significant differences were observed in 1-year success rates (49% vs. 52%, P = .9) or major complication rates (3% vs. 5%, P = .7).
- A higher proportion of ablations in the CF-on group achieved the target CF range (80% vs. 68%, P<.001), indicating improved force control.
Conclusions:
- Contact force data availability during PAF ablation is associated with reduced acute reconnection.
- CF data did not improve 1-year success rates, procedural times, or complication rates.
- The findings suggest that CF data enables better control over ablation force application, minimizing extremes outside the target range.
