Technical Feasibility of the RHYTHMIA Mapping System in Pediatric Patients Weighing Less Than 20Kg

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Electrophysiology
• Cardiac Arrhythmia Management
• Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures

Background:

• Pediatric catheter ablation presents unique technical challenges.
• The RHYTHMIA high-density mapping system is gaining traction in pediatric electrophysiology.
• Limited data exists on its use in very low-weight pediatric patients (<20 kg).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the RHYTHMIA mapping system in pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg.
• To compare procedural parameters between pediatric patients <20 kg and ≥20 kg undergoing catheter ablation.
• To assess the incidence of complications in these patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 125 pediatric patients undergoing catheter ablation for supraventricular arrhythmias using the RHYTHMIA system.
• Patients divided into two groups: <20 kg (n=14) and ≥20 kg (n=111).
• Comparison of mapping time, beats, electrodes, re-annotations, and complications in the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in mapping time, accepted beats, or electrograms were found between the <20 kg and ≥20 kg groups for both RA and LA.
• The <20 kg group required more manual re-annotations in the RA.
• No significant differences in procedural complications were observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The RHYTHMIA mapping system is technically feasible for pediatric patients weighing less than 20 kg.
• Its use in this population is not associated with major procedural complications.
• Cautious application with careful patient selection and operator vigilance is recommended.