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Feasibility of remote technical support for electrophysiological ablation procedures during the current COVID-19
Andreas Müssigbrodt1, Fabrice Demoniere1, Rishika Banydeen2
1Department of Cardiology, CHU Martinique (University Hospital of Martinique), Boulevard Pasteur, 97200 Fort de France, Martinique, France.
Insights
Remote technical support for electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) systems proved feasible for cardiac ablation procedures during COVID-19 travel restrictions. This innovation ensures continued patient care for heart rhythm disorders and offers future benefits for cardiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Technology
- Interventional Electrophysiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions have disrupted essential medical services, including cardiac ablation procedures.
- Catheter ablations for cardiac arrhythmias typically require in-person technical support from electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) system specialists.
- Limited availability of technical staff due to pandemic-related travel limitations poses a significant challenge to patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of providing trans-atlantic remote technical support for electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) systems.
- To explore an internet-based communication platform for remote EAM support during complex electrophysiological ablation procedures.
- To determine if remote EAM support can maintain continuity of care for patients with arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an internet-based communication platform to deliver remote technical support for EAM systems.
- Provided trans-atlantic remote assistance to operators performing complex electrophysiological ablation procedures.
- Documented the application of remote EAM support across nine ablation procedures for various arrhythmias.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of remote technical support for EAM systems during cardiac ablation procedures.
- Nine ablation procedures were successfully supported remotely, highlighting the viability of the approach.
- The remote support model effectively overcame limitations imposed by travel restrictions.
Conclusions:
- Remote technical support for EAM systems is a feasible solution for maintaining cardiac ablation services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- This approach facilitates continuous care for patients with arrhythmias, especially in geographically isolated areas.
- Remote EAM support offers significant advantages and is poised to become a valuable tool in the future of cardiology.
Aims:
The treatment of heart rhythm disorders has been significantly impacted by direct consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as by restrictions aimed towards constraining viral spread.
Methods And Results:
Usually, catheter ablations of cardiac arrhythmias are guided by electro-anatomic mapping (EAM) systems. Technical staff with medical training, or medical staff with technical training, are needed to assist the operator. Travel restrictions due to the current COVID-19 pandemic have limited the in-person availability of technical support staff. To overcome these limitations, we explored the feasibility of a trans-atlantic remote technical support for EAM, with an internet-based communication platform, for complex electrophysiological ablation procedures.
Conclusion:
Our first experience, based on nine ablation procedures of different arrhythmias, highlights the feasibility of this approach. Remote support for EAM might therefore facilitate continuous care for patients with arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in insular settings. Beyond COVID-19-related challenges, this approach will likely play a greater role in the cardiology field in years to come, due to its significant advantages.
