Effects of parameters on radiofrequency guidewire ablation: In vitro and in vivo experiments

A novel ablation technique with guidewire has emerged as a promising approach for mapping and ablation of arrhythmias originating from left ventricular summit. However, its biophysical characteristics have not been fully clarified.

In the in vitro experiment, guidewire ablation (GA) was performed in vessel models of 1.17 and 2.24 mm to determine the maximum safety power. Then with the maximum safety power, the predictive value of generator impedance (GI) drop on lesion radius was explored. In the in vivo experiment, the feasibility of the maximum safety power and lesion formation was verified in the living swine. It was found that in both groups, the incidence of steam pops increased along with the raise of ablation power, and the maximum safety power was 10 W for the 1.17-mm group and 15 W for the 2.24-mm group. There was a strong linear correlation between GI drop and maximum lesion radius (in 1.17 mm-10-W group: r = .961; in 2.24 mm-15-W group: r = .918). In the in vivo experiment, besides ventricular fibrillation happened once, no other complications were observed, and lesions were found at both 48-h and 8-week groups.

The safety power of GA should be adjusted according to the diameter of the vessel. Besides, the GI drop can predict the lesion radius during GA.