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BACKGROUND Data comparing remote magnetic catheter navigation (RMN) with manual catheter navigation (MCN) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is lacking. The aim of the present prospective observational study was to compare the outcome of RMN versus (vs.) MCN ablation of AF with regards to AF recurrence. METHODS The study comprised 667 consecutive patients with a total of 939 procedures: 287 patients were ablated using RMN, 380 using MCN. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups at baseline. After 2.3 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, 23% of the patients in the MCN group remained free of AF recurrence compared to 13% in the RMN group (p

Kontext: Nasim cilem bylo zjistit, zda casově zavisle sniženi voltaže (dV/dt) na komorových elektrogramech (EGM) během katetrizacni ablace idiopatických arytmii z výtokoveho traktu prave komory (right ventricular outflow tract, RVOT) s použitim systemu Stereotaxis Niobe II představuje ucinný ukazatel dlouhodobe uspěsnosti výkonu. Metody: Do studie bylo zařazeno 26 po sobě nasledujicich pacientů s akutni uspěsnou ablaci RVOT pro předcasne komorove stahy (premature ventricular contractions, PVC) a/nebo komorove tachykardie (KT) s původem nejspise v RVOT. Pozdni uspěsnost byla definovana jako vymizeni komorových ektopii z RVOT po třiměsicnim sledovani bez antiarytmik (antiarrhythmic drug, AAD). Výsledky: Po třiměsicnim sledovani vymizely symptomy i arytmie u 20 (skupina 1) z 26 pacientů (77 %), přicemž k recidivě doslo u sesti pacientů (23 %) (skupina 2). Během RF ablace byl "warming up" fenomen pozorovan u 85 %, resp. 83,33 % pacientů (p = 0,46) po průměrne době (dt 2) 4,72 ± 9,42, resp. 10,75 ± 11,34 s (p = 0,045). Doba od zahajeni aplikace RF energie (t0) do významneho sniženi voltaže (> 90 %) nebo obraceni polarity EGM (t1) u obou skupin cinila 9,11 ± 5,11, resp. 32,16 ± 10,33 (p = 0,00006). Hodnota dV/dt1 byla 95,44 ± 87,6, resp. 23,5 ± 16,97 μV/s (p = 0,024). Zavěr: Casově zavisle sniženi voltaže na komorovem EGM spolu s dobou od zahajeni RF ablace do významneho sniženi voltaže (> 90 %) nebo obraceni polarity EGM a dobou od aplikace RF energie do vzniku "warming up" fenomenu představuji možne prediktory dlouhodobe uspěsnosti RF ablace idiopatických arytmii vychazejicich z RVOT. © 2021, CKS.

Introduction: There are numerous challenges to catheter ablation in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), including access to cardiac chambers, distorted anatomies, displaced conduction systems, multiple and/or complex arrhythmia substrates, and excessively thickened walls, or interposed material. Areas covered: Herein, we review recent developments in catheter ablation strategies for patients with CHD that are helpful in addressing these challenges. Expert opinion: Remote magnetic navigation overcomes many challenges associated with vascular obstructions, chamber access, and catheter contact. Patients with CHD may benefit from a range of ablation catheter technologies, including irrigated-tip and contact-force radiofrequency ablation and focal and balloon cryoablation. High-density mapping, along with advances in multipolar catheters and interpolation algorithms, is contributing to new mechanistic insights into complex arrhythmias. Ripple mapping allows the activation wave front to be tracked visually without prior assignment of local activation times or window of interest, and without interpolations of unmapped regions. There is growing interest in measuring conduction velocities to identify arrhythmogenic substrates. Noninvasive mapping with a multielectrode-embedded vest allows prolonged bedside monitoring, which is of particular interest in those with non-sustained or multiple arrhythmias. Further studies are required to assess the role of radiofrequency needle catheters and stereotactic radiotherapy in patients with CHD.

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) can be safely and effectively utilized in patients with difficult cardiac arrhythmias and complex anatomy. Interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare congenital abnormality that results in the inability to use conventional femoral access in patients that require interventional procedures. The present case demonstrates the feasibility of left atrial flutter (LA) ablation using RMN via jugular approach in a patient with interruption of IVC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Background Pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) procedure has not been applied to patients with residual chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). Objectives This study sought to assess the safety and efficacy of PADN using remote magnetic navigation in patients with residual CTEPH after PEA. Methods Fifty patients with residual CTEPH despite medical therapy at least 6 months after PEA, who had mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥25 mm Hg or pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 400 dyn‧s‧cm−5 based on right heart catheterization were randomized to treatment with PADN (PADN group; n = 25) using remote magnetic navigation for ablation or medical therapy with riociguat (MED group; n = 25). In the MED group, a sham procedure with mapping but no ablation was performed. The primary endpoint was PVR at 12 months after randomization. Key secondary endpoint included 6-min walk test. Results After PADN procedure, 2 patients (1 in each group) developed groin hematoma that resolved without any consequences. At 12 months, mean PVR reduction was 258 ± 135 dyn‧s‧cm−5 in the PADN group versus 149 ± 73 dyn‧s‧cm−5 in the MED group, mean between-group difference was 109 dyn‧s‧cm−5 (95% confidence interval: 45 to 171; p = 0.001). The 6-min walk test distance was significantly increased in the PADN group as compared to distance in the MED group (470 ± 84 m vs. 399 ± 116 m, respectively; p = 0.03). Conclusions PADN in patients with residual CTEPH resulted in substantial reduction of PVR at 12 months of follow-up, accompanied by improved 6-min walk test.

Background Remote magnetic navigation (RMN)‐guided ablation has become an inspiring method of catheter ablation for tachyarrhythmias. Hypothesis Data from a large‐scale single center may provide further insight into the safety of and the learning curve for RMN‐guided ablation. Methods A total of 1003 catheter ablation procedures using RMN for conditions including supraventricular ventricular tachycardia, atrial tachyarrhythmias, and premature ventricular contraction/ventricular tachycardia (PVC/VT) were retrospectively analyzed from an ablation registry. Procedural outcomes, including procedure time, mapping time, X‐ray time, and RF time, were assessed. The complications were classified into two categories: major and minor. A subanalysis was used to illustrate the learning curve of RMN‐guided ablation by assessing procedure time and total X‐ray time of 502 atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures. Results Among these procedures, 556 (55.4%) were AF and 290 (28.9%) were PVC/VT. Electrical pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 99.0% of AF procedures, and acute success reached 90.3% in PVC/VT procedures. The overall complication rate was 0.5%. In the subanalysis of AF procedures, the overall procedure time and X‐ray time of procedures were short (125.9 ± 54.6 and 5.3 ± 3.9 minutes, respectively) and proceeded to decrease from the initial 30 procedures to about 300 procedures, where the learning curve reached plateau, demonstrating maximum procedure efficiency. Conclusions RMN‐guided ablation is safe, as verified by very low overall complication rate and reduced X‐ray time. In our study, even the first AF procedures had a relatively low procedure time and total X‐ray time, and procedure efficiency improved during the learning curve.

Robotic technology has emerged as an important tool to facilitate catheter ablation of arrhythmias. Robotic cardiac electrophysiology technology includes remote magnetic navigation and manual robotic navigation. Robotics can confer advantages with respect to ease of catheter manipulation in anatomically challenging spaces, minimization of fluoroscopic exposure to both patients and operators, and reduction in operator fatigue. This review provides a comprehensive summary of robotic electrophysiology technology, its practical applications and its safety and efficacy for targeting cardiac arrhythmias.

The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety between remote magnetic navigation (RMN) and manual control navigation (MCN) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases using the key words AF, ablation and magnetic navigation.Eighteen studies were identified in this analysis including 4046 patients comparing RMN and MCN in AF ablation, which were all non-randomized controlled studies. No significant difference of AF recurrence rate (40% vs. 38%, OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.82-1.22, p = 0. 97) and acute success rate in achieving pulmonary vein isolation (91% vs. 93%, OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.16-1.17, p = 0.10) was found between RMN and MCN. However, compared with MCN, RMN was associated with significantly lower complication rate (2% vs. 5%, OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.69, p = 0. 0003) and shorter fluoroscopy time (MD -9.71 min, 95% CI -15.80 to -3.63, p = 0.002). Procedure time (MD 47.05 min, 95% CI 27.5-66.58, p 0.00001) and ablation time (MD 15.90 min, 95% CI 9.62-22.18, p 0.00001) of RMN guided AF ablation were significantly longer than those of MCN.The results of this study suggest that RMN is as effective as MCN in achieving pulmonary vein isolation and freedom from AF recurrence, and has superior safety with less complications and shorter fluoroscopy time.

Catheter ablation (CA) is an important treatment option for patients with ischemic heart disease presenting with ventricular tachycardia (VT).1, 2 Various CA techniques are currently available, including remote magnetic navigation (RMN)–guided ablation.2 Most published studies reported superiority of RMN-guided VT ablation over manual ablation, with respect to acute success, recurrence, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and complications.3, 4, 5 The RMN system (Niobe Epoch, Stereotaxis Inc, St. Louis, MO) uses 2 permanent magnets mounted on pivoting arms, 1 magnet on either side of the patient, which creates a computer-controlled steerable magnetic field to remotely guide the movement of a magnetically enabled ablation catheter.6 Unfortunately, many VTs are not suitable for mapping during VT ablation, mostly because of their hemodynamic instability.7 It is well known that hemodynamically unstable VT might be successfully ablated with the aid of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), using a variety of devices.8, 9, 10 However, most of the currently available continuous-flow MCS devices operate using a metal pump as core of the technology, which limits their use in a magnetic environment. The risk of electromagnetic interference has resulted in restraint in the use of percutaneous continuous-flow MCS during RMN-guided VT ablation.11, 12 This would be a major limitation, especially in centers with a preference for RMN-guided VT ablation. For the first time, we report a case in which, with careful planning, RMN-guided VT ablation was successfully combined with hemodynamic support using the Impella continuous-flow MCS (Abiomed Inc, Danvers, MA).

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction – Catheter ablation (CA) is a first-choice treatment for tachyarrhythmia in pediatric patients. The currently available CA techniques differ in manner of catheter steering technique and energy sources. There are no large studies comparing long-term outcomes between the available CA techniques in pediatric patients with atrioventricular reentry (also known as accessory pathway mediated) tachycardia (AVRT) or atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) mechanisms. Objective – The aim of this study was to compare procedural parameters and outcomes of remote magnetic navigation-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation (RMN), manual-guided RF ablation (MAN) and manual-guided cryoablation (CRYO). Methods – This single-center, retrospective study included all first consecutive CA procedures for AVRT or AVNRT mechanisms performed in pediatric patients with no structural heart disease from January 2008 until June 2019. Three study groups were defined by the ablation technique used: RMN, MAN or CRYO. Primary outcome was recurrence of tachyarrhythmia and/or pre-excitation on ECG. Baseline clinical parameters, procedure times and complication rates were also evaluated. Results – In total, we included 223 patients, aged 13.8 ± 2.8 years, with a mean weight of 55.6 ± 14 kilograms. In total, 108 procedures were performed using RMN, 76 using MAN and 39 using Cryo. RMN had the lowest recurrence rates at a mean follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.9 years (AVRT ablation: 4% vs. 16% vs. 55%, P

PURPOSE Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a complex procedure that requires remarkable catheter manipulation skill, great mapping accuracy and catheter stability, and can expose patients to serious complications. Magnetic navigation system (RMN)-guided ablation and contact force-sensing (CFS) catheters have the potential to overcome these obstacles. We performed a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of all available studies evaluating the outcomes of VT ablation by using RMN-guided compared to manual navigation (MAN)-guided, with and without CFS catheters. METHODS MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) or observational studies with multivariate adjustment comparing RMN-guided versus MAN-guided VT ablation. RESULTS Thirteen studies enrolling 1348 patients (656 RMN-guided vs. 692 MAN-guided) were included. CFS catheter were used in 14% of MAN-guided patients. In comparison to MAN-guided and CFS-guided, RMN-guided VT ablation was associated with a significant higher acute ablation success (OR 2.32, 1.66-3.23 and OR 2.91, 1.29-6.53, respectively) but similar results in term of long-term VT recurrence (OR 0.75, 0.56-1.01 and OR 0.79, 0.27-2.36, respectively). RMN-guided showed a better safety profile (for all complications, OR 0.52, 0.34-0.81) and allowed a significant x-ray reduction compared to MAN-guided (OR 0.21, 0.14-0.32) and CFS-guided VT ablation (OR 0.23, 0.11-0.52, all 95% CI). CONCLUSIONS RMN-guided was superior to MAN-guided and CFS-guided VT ablation in term of acute ablation success, all complications endpoint, and reduction of fluoroscopy exposure, but did not reduce long-term VT recurrence. Large prospective multicenter randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is a treatment of choice for atrial fibrillation (AF) because of a positive risk/benefit...

Introduction: The role of remote magnetic navigation (RMN) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is not well established. In this meta- analysis, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RMN vs manual navigation (MAN) for VT ablation. Methods: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Review from inception till November 9th, 2019 was performed. Studies reporting clinical outcomes comparing MAN vs RMN were included. Two investigators independently extracted the data and individual quality assessment was performed. Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Eight studies including a total of 861 patients (475 in RMN arm and 386 in MAN arm) were included in the final analysis. VT recurrence was significantly lower with RMN compared with MAN (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.88, p= 0.005). Acute procedural success was significantly higher with RMN (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.51-3.23, p < 0.0001). Total procedure time [MD -8.83, 95% CI -17.72- 0.05, p=0.05], fluoroscopy time [MD -10.24, 95% CI -12.28- -8.19, p= 0.00001), and complications [OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18- 0.72, p= 0.003] were significantly lower in RMN compared to MAN. Conclusion: Results of our meta-analysis indicate that RMN is safer and more effective than MAN in patients with VT undergoing ablation. Further, randomized studies are needed to validate these findings.

The optimized strategy to further increase the success rate of ablation for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) is challenging. Recent studies have shown that the pulmonary sinus cusp (PSC) region may be the origin of certain RVOT VAs. We evaluated the efficacy of preferential ablation below the pulmonary valve (PV) and alternated radiofrequency delivery in the PSC using remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Sixty-five (65) consecutive patients experiencing VAs with RVOT-like appearance were included in this study. Mapping and ablation were preferentially performed below the PV. Ablation in the PSC would only be attempted when intensified ablation below the PV could not eliminate VAs. Finally, if ablation in the RVOT region failed, the aortic sinus cusp (ASC) would be mapped. Sixty-one (61) of 65 (93.8%) patients achieved procedural success. Except 7 cases of which the VAs were ablated in the ASC, the rest 54 VAs were thought to be originate from the RVOT region. Fifty (50) of 54 VAs were successfully ablated below the PV, and in the presence of a local special signal in the bipolar electrogram a more aggressive ablation was required. Subsequent ablation in the PSC with assistance of the RMN system achieved success in the remaining 4 patients. No complications occurred in this study. Our strategy of using RMN-guided ablation below the PV for VAs of RVOT origin was proved to be effective. PSC mapping and ablation using a magnetic catheter may provide the optimal strategy for treating these types of arrhythmias.

Background Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) with right bundle branch block (RBBB) and superior axis commonly originate from posterior mitral annulus (PMA), the left ventricular (LV) posterior fascicle (LPF), and the LV posterior papillary muscles (PPM). Hypothesis Remote magnetic navigation (RMN)‐guided ablation might be safe and effective for these three origins of IVAs. Methods Thirty consecutive IVA patients with RBBB and superior axis (11 MPA‐IVAs, 11 LPF‐IVAs, and 8 PPM‐IVAs) were included in this study. Electrical mapping and ablation with RMN were performed in the LV through a trans‐septal approach. Navigation index, defined as the ratio of total radiofrequency (RF) time and the time from first burn to last burn, was used to determine the efficiency of RMN‐guided ablation. Results The overall acute success rate was achieved in 93% (PMA, 100%; LPF, 91%; PPM, 88%; p > 0.05). No complication occurred in this study. The procedure time of PPM‐IVAs group was 34 and 14 min longer when compared with MPA‐IVAs and LPF‐IVAs group, respectively, without an increase of X‐ray time. The mean navigation index was 0.45 ± 0.20. The PPM‐IVAs group had an underperforming navigation index value (0.29 ± 0.11) (p

Studies comparing manual catheter navigation (MCN) to remote magnetic navigation (RMN) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation showed variable results. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the safety and clinical outcomes of AF radiofrequency (RF) ablation using MCN versus RMN with irrigated tip catheters. Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were queried from inception through January 2019. Studies comparing safety and clinical outcomes of AF ablation with RF using MCN versus RMN with irrigated tip catheters were included. Random effects meta-analysis was used to pool outcomes across studies. Study endpoints included freedom of AF at the end of the study, procedure total time, fluoroscopy time, and complications. A total of 14 studies (3 controlled non-randomized trials, 1 prospective observational, and 10 retrospective observational studies) involving 3375 patients (1871 in MCN and 1504 in RMN) were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of freedom of AF (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82–1.42, p = 0.52). The MCN group was associated with shorter procedure time (mean difference in minutes − 50.39, 95% CI − 67.99 to − 32.79, p

Funding Acknowledgements MEYS- CR (ref#LQ1605 and LM2015062) Background/Introduction High-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation relies on the application of intense thermal fields for a carefully restricted time, in order to quickly obtain deep but precise lesions that spare the structures surrounding the heart. The approach is still under evaluation across different therapies and catheter technologies. To the present day there is no available characterization of HPSD ablation supported by remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Purpose To describe the safety issues regarding HPSD ablation in atria and ventricles with RMN systems, while characterizing the thermal lesion size and continuity in an acute closed-chest swine model. Methods The animal trial was divided in two arms (left ventricular and atrial). 10 female large white pigs (6-month-old weight 55-65 kg) were employed in each arm. Endocardial electroanatomical mapping and ablation were performed with RMN assistance to provide stable contact and flexible maneuvering. The ventricular cohort was divided in 5 power settings (30-40-50-60-70W). Multiple RF applications (10 ca./animal) were delivered until a pop occurred or up to 60s. In the atrial cohort the animals were divided by a combination of power/application time (50W/20s – 70W/10s – 90W/4s). Intracaval right atrial ablation lines and postero-lateral left atrial lines were performed in a point-by-point fashion (ca. 4mm distance). Irrigation rate was 30ml/min. The ventricular lesions were measured via software after 9.4T MRI of fixed hearts. The atrial lesions were measures during pathological examination after explanation. Results In the ventricular arm, we obtained a safety calibration curve linking the imposed power setting to the maximal time of application. The time before a pop decreased non-linearly from 60s down to 17.69 ± 8.21 s at 70W. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing lesions depth, width and volume among the selected power settings. In the atrial arm we observed on the post-ablation maps a significant decrease of intracaval lesions (i.e. area with bipolar voltage Conclusion The presented work assesses for the first time the safety limits of HPSD ablation on healthy ventricular myocardium. We provide a calibration curve for faster RF ablation with comparable lesion features. Furthermore, we expanded the previously reported application in the atrium adding the benefits of stable controlled contact provided by RMN systems. We highlighted the benefits (e.g. faster, continuous and localized lesion formation) and risks for peripheral structures using HPSD ablation for supraventricular tachycardia interventions. Abstract Figure.

Background Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) is often used in combination with a 3‐dimensional mapping system to perform catheter ablations. This study aim to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel 3D‐mapping system, EnSite Precision, combined with RMN for catheter ablation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and compared it to the procedures performed by CARTO3 with RMN. Methods Forty‐three consecutive PVC patients were either ablated with the guidance of EnSite Precision (n = 22) or CARTO (n = 21) navigated by RMN. Procedure‐related details, acute and long‐term success were assessed. Results Patient characteristics between both the groups were similar (age: 47.1 ± 19.8 vs 47.1 ± 12.7, female: 63.6% vs 57.1%). No significant difference was found in the procedure time (99.5 ± 30.4 vs 92.9 ± 24.8 min, P = 0.436), mapping time (18.6 ± 12.8 vs 15.5 ± 10.2 min, P = 0.390), radiofrequency ablation time (333.4 ± 267.0 vs 469.3 ± 343.1 s, P = 0.154), fluoroscopy time (4.0 ± 1.9 vs 3.8 ± 2.0 min, P = 0.635), and X‐ray dose (1.8 ± 1.4 vs 2.0 ± 1.2 Gycm2, P = 0.649) between the two groups. No significant procedural complication occurred in either group. In addition, there was no significant differences regarding the acute success rate (90.9% vs 90.5%, P = 0.961) and long‐term success rate (86.4% vs 81.0%, P = 0.631) after 16.2 ± 6.2 months of follow‐up between the two groups. Conclusions RMN combined with EnSite Precision mapping system is effective and safe for catheter ablation of PVCs.

International audience; Electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition is required during catheter treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The remote magnetic navigation technology allows the catheter to be moved automatically inside the heart chambers using large external magnets. Each change of position of the catheter requires fast motion of the magnets, therefore magnetic fluxes are created through the ECG cables, causing large distortions of the ECG signals. In this study a novel ECG sensor is proposed for reducing such distortions. The sensor uses short cables to connect the electrodes to the amplification and optical conversion circuit, using a technology similar to that used for magnetic resonance imaging. The proposed sensor was compared to the conventional 12-lead ECG device during various operation modes of the magnets. Quantitative morphological analysis of the different waves of the ECG was performed in two healthy subjects and on a conductivity phantom reproducing various cardiac pathologies. In healthy subjects the beat-to-beat correlation coefficients were improved with the proposed sensor for the PR interval (80-93% vs. 49-89%), QRS complex (93-96% vs. 74-94%), ST segment + T wave (95-98% vs. 67-99%), and whole PQRST wave (82-97% vs. 55-96%). Similar observations were made with the conductive gel in the whole PQRST wave in the pathological morphologies of the ECG for the VT (99% vs. 56-98%), AT (95% vs. 26-89%), STE (96-97% vs. 20-91%) and STD (96% vs. 28-90%). The new sensor might be used for better (uninterrupted) monitoring of the patient during catheter interventions using remote magnetic navigation. It has the potential to improve the robustness and/or duration of certain clinical procedures such as ventricular tachycardia ablation.

Introduction: Remote magnetic navigation (RMN)-guided catheter ablation (CA) is a feasible treatment option for patients presenting with ischemic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Catheter-tissue contact feedback, enhances lesion formation and may consequently improve CA outcomes. Until recently, contact feedback was unavailable for RMN-guided CA. The novel e-Contact Module (ECM) was developed to continuously monitor and ensure catheter-tissue contact during RMN-guided CA. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of ECM implementation on acute and long-term outcomes in RMN-guided ischemic VT ablation. Method: This retrospective, two-center study included consecutive ischemic VT patients undergoing RMN-guided CA from 2010 to 2017. Baseline clinical data, procedural data, including radiation times, and acute success rates were compared between CA procedures performed with ECM (ECM+) and without ECM (ECM−). One-year VT-free survival was analyzed using Cox-proportional hazards models, adjusting for potential confounders: age, left ventricular function, VT inducibility at baseline and substrate based ablation strategy. Results: The current study included 145 patients (ECM+ N = 25, ECM− N = 120). Significantly lower fluoroscopy times were observed in the ECM+ group (9.5 (IQR 5.3–13.5) versus 12.5 min (IQR 8.0–18.0), P = 0.025). Non-inducibility of the clinical VT at the end of procedure was observed in 92% ECM+ versus 72% ECM− patients (P = 0.19). ECM guidance was associated with significantly lower VT-recurrence rates during 1-year follow-up (16% ECM+ versus 40% ECM−; multivariable HR 0.29, 95%–CI 0.10–0.69, P = 0.021, reference group: ECM−). Conclusion: Contact feedback by the ECM further decreases fluoroscopy exposure and improves VT-free survival in RMN-guided ischemic VT ablation.

Aims The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of magnetically guided ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) rotors in conjunction with magnetically guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in a large consecutive series of patients. Methods and results A total of 110 consecutive patients with drug-refractory AF underwent rotor ablation followed by conventional PVI and ablation of other spontaneous arrhythmias, all of which were performed with remote magnetic navigation (RMN). The patients were followed to assess the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia. Patients had a mean age of 62.5 ± 9.9 years, 64.5% had persistent AF, and 36.4% had a prior failed PVI. All patients had mapped rotors (3.9 ± 1.5 per patient), with right atrial (RA) rotors in 77.3% (85/110) of patients. After a mean follow-up of 17.6 ± 9.5 months, 90.9% (100/110) were in stable sinus rhythm including patients on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). 69.1% (76/110) were in stable sinus rhythm without any AADs. Outcome did not differ between patients with persistent or paroxysmal AF (69.2% vs. 69.0%; P = 0.75), failed prior ablation or those undergoing an initial ablation (77.5% vs. 64.3%; P = 0.193), or patients with and without intra-procedural AF termination (67.3% vs. 70.5%; P = 0.723). Conclusion Ablation of rotors in combination with PVI using RMN was associated with a high success rate in this large cohort of consecutive patients. Significant proportion of patients exhibited RA rotors, which was associated with persistent AF, obstructive sleep apnoea, and obesity.

Aims Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) is a safe and effective means of performing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. It may have advantages over manual catheter ablation due to ease of manoeuvrability and catheter stability. We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of RMN vs. manual VT ablation. Methods and results Retrospective study of procedural outcomes of 139 consecutive VT ablation procedures (69 RMN, 70 manual ablation) in 113 patients between 2009 and 2015 was performed. Remote magnetic navigation was associated with overall higher acute procedural success (80% vs. 60%, P = 0.01), with a trend to fewer major complications (3% vs. 9% P = 0.09). Seventy-nine patients were followed up for a median of 17.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.0-41.0] months for the RMN group and 15.5 (IQR 6.5-30.0) months for manual ablation group. In the ischaemic cardiomyopathy subgroup, RMN was associated with longer survival from the composite endpoint of VT recurrence leading to defibrillator shock, re-hospitalization or repeat catheter ablation and all-cause mortality; single-procedure adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.240 (95% CI 0.070-0.821) P = 0.023, multi-procedure HR 0.170 (95% CI 0.046-0.632) P = 0.002. In patients with implanted defibrillators, multi-procedure VT-free survival was superior with RMN, HR 0.199 (95% CI 0.060-0.657) P = 0.003. Conclusion Remote magnetic navigation may improve clinical outcomes after catheter ablation of VT in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Further prospective clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) facilitates ventricular arrhythmia (VA) ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of RMN-guided ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and premature ventricular contractions (PVC). A total of 176 consecutive patients (mean age 53.23 ± 17.55 years, 37% female) underwent VA ablation for PVC (132 patients, 75%) or VT (44 patients, 25%). The cohort consisted of 119 patients (68%) with idiopathic VA, 31 (18%) with ischemic (ICM), and 26 (15%) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). VA recurrence was observed in 69 patients (39%, mean age 51.71 ± 19.91 years, 23% female) during a follow-up period of 5.48 years (first quartile 770.50 days, second quartile 1101.50 days, third quartile 1615.50 days). Left ventricular ejection fraction &lt, 40% lead to a significantly increased risk for VA (p = 0.031*). Multivariate analyses found DCM to be an independent predictor (IP) for VA recurrence (p &lt, 0.001*, hazard ratio (HR) 3.74, confidence interval (CI) 1.58–8.88). ICM resulted in a lower increase in VA recurrence (p = 0.221, HR 1.49, CI 0.79–2.81). Class I/III/IV antiarrhythmic drug therapy (AADs) was also identified as IP for recurrence (p = 0.030*, HR 2.48, CI 1.11–5.68). A total of 16 patients (9%) died within the observational period. RMN-guided ablation of VA lead to acceptable long-term results. An impaired LV function, DCM, and AADs were associated with a significant risk for VA recurrence. Personalized paths are needed to improve efficacy and outcome.

Introduction Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients represent a challenge for ablation procedures and may require unusual procedural techniques. An example is the absence of femoral venous accesses that makes a conventional TSP approach impossible. Objective We report a series of 6 procedures in which transseptal puncture (TSP) was performed via the jugular vein approach using a radiofrequency (RF) needle visualized on the electroanatomical mapping (EAM) system. Methods and results Ablation procedures for either atrial fibrillation and left-sided atrial tachycardia were performed in 3 patients (54-53-29years) with congenital disease and blocked femoral approach (interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation (2 ​pts), bilaterally blocked femoral venous access due to previous interventions (1 ​pt)). Using the right jugular(n ​= ​5) and left jugular vein(n ​= ​1) we performed a single TSP using a combination of fluoroscopy and EAM guidance with 3D visualisation of the RF needle tip. The main difficulties encountered and solutions are described. In four procedures, remote magnetic navigation was subsequently used. Left atrial access was gained in all cases without complications. Overall procedural time was 373 [321–458] min, with a median fluoroscopy time of 16 [8–26] min and median radiation dose of 1442 [348–3007] μGym2. Conclusion TSP via superior access is feasible in patients with complex congenital cardiac anatomy. Pre-procedural imaging, EAM and the 3D visualisation of the transseptal needle are tools that greatly facilitate the procedural success.

Adam E Berman,1–4 Harold Rivner,1 Robin Chalkley,1 Vahé Heboyan2 1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, 2Department of Clinical and Digital Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, 3Division of Cardiology, 4Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA Background: Catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a commonly performed electrophysiology (EP) procedure. Few data exist comparing conventional (CONV) versus novel ablation strategies from both clinical and direct cost perspectives. We sought to investigate the disposable costs and clinical outcomes associated with three different ablation methodologies used in the ablation of AVNRT. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of AVNRT ablations performed at Augusta University Medical Center from 2006 to 2014. A total of 183 patients were identified. Three different ablation techniques were compared: CONV manual radiofrequency (RF) (n=60), remote magnetic navigation (RMN)-guided RF (n=67), and cryoablation (CRYO) (n=56). Results: Baseline demographics did not differ between the three groups except for a higher prevalence of cardiomyopathy in the RMN group (p

Background There have been advancements of sophisticated mapping systems used for ablation procedures over the last decade. Utilization of these novel mapping systems in combination with remote magnetic navigation (RMN) needs to be established. We investigated the new EnSite Precision mapping system (St Jude Medical, Inc.), which collects magnetic data for checking navigation field stability and is built on an open platform, allowing physicians to choose diagnostic and ablation catheters. We address its compatibility with remote magnetic navigation (RMN). Objective To assess the clinical utility of a novel 3D mapping system (EnSite Precision mapping system) combined with RMN (Niobe ES, Stereotaxis, Inc.) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Methods In this prospective non-randomized study, two groups of patients were treated in our center for drug refractory AF. Patients were consecutively enrolled in each group. Group A (n = 35, 14 persistent AF (PsAF)) was treated using the novel 3D mapping system combined with RMN. Group B (n = 38, 16 PsAF) was treated using Carto®3 (Biosense, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) combined with RMN. In Group A, the left atrium (LA) was mapped with a circular magnetic catheter manually and was then replaced by a RMN ablation catheter. At the end of the procedures in Group A, the circular catheter was used for confirming field stability. In Group B, an ablation catheter was controlled by RMN to perform both LA mapping and ablation. All patients underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI). Additional complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) ablation was performed for PsAF. Procedural, ablation and fluoroscopy times were recorded and complications were assessed. Results Electrophysiological endpoints were achieved in all patients. Using the novel mapping system, LA mapping time was fast (308±60s) with detailed anatomy points (178,831±70,897) collected and magnetic points throughout LA. At the end of the procedures in Group A, the LA model was confirmed to be stable and its location was within the distance threshold (1 mm). Procedure time (117.9±29.6 vs. 119.2±29.7 min, P = 0.89), fluoroscopy time (6.1±2.4 vs. 4.8±2.2 min, P = 0.07), ablation time (28.0±12.9 vs. 27.9±15.8 min, P = 0.98) were similar in Group A vs. Group B, respectively. No complications occurred in either group. Conclusions LA mapped by the novel system is stable and reliable. Combined with RMN, it could be effectively used for AF ablation without impacting overall procedural times. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

There are limited studies on the safety and efficacy of remote magnetic navigation (RMN) versus manual navigation (MAN) in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the keywords VT ablation, stereotaxis, RMN and MAN in Pubmed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases. The analysis included seven studies (one randomized, three prospective observational, and three retrospective) including 779 patients [both structural heart disease (SHD) and idiopathic VT] comparing RMN (N = 433) and MAN (N = 339) in VT ablation. The primary end point of long-term VT recurrence was significantly lower with RMN (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.85, p = 0.003) compared with MAN. Other end points of acute procedural success (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.40–3.23, p = 0.0004) was significantly higher with RMN compared with MAN. Fluoroscopy [mean difference −10.42, 95% CI −12.7 to −8.1, p

Besides antiarrhythmic medication, there are now very good options for a potentially curative therapy by catheter ablation targeting the origin of the underlying arrhythmias in patients with complex congenital heart disease. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of tomographic imaging (MRI or computed tomography) is helpful to understand the underlying cardiac anatomy, identify the most likely target chamber, and help with planning access. Use of the available 3D mapping systems (sequential or simultaneous acquisition) and (if available) more advanced navigation systems, such as remote magnetic navigation, can improve the acute and long-term outcomes of catheter ablation in congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) and contact force (CF) sensing catheters are available technologies for radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our purpose was to compare time to electrogram (EGM) modification suggesting transmural lesions between RMN and CF-guided AF ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 1,008 RF applications were analyzed in 21 patients undergoing RMN (n = 11) or CF-guided ablation (n = 10) for paroxysmal AF. All procedures were performed in sinus rhythm during general anesthesia. Time to EGM modification was measured until transmurality criteria were fulfilled: (1) complete disappearance of R if initial QR morphology; (2) diminution > 75% of R if initial QRS morphology; (3) complete disappearance of R' of initial RSR' morphology. Impedance drop as well as force time integral (FTI) were also assessed for each application. Mean CF at the beginning of each RF application in the CF group was 11 ± 2 g and mean FTI per application was 488 ± 163 gs. Time to EGM modification was significantly shorter in the RMN group (4.52 ± 0.1 seconds vs. 5.6 ± 0.09 seconds; P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between other procedural parameters. CONCLUSION Remote magnetic AF ablation is associated with faster EGM modification suggesting transmurality than optimized CF and FTI-guided catheter ablation.

Background Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AFib) primarily relies upon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), but such procedures are associated with significant X-ray exposure. The newer Epoch system has been developed so as to enable more precise magnetic navigation whilst limiting X-ray exposure. Objectives This study was aimed at quantifying both exposure time and X-ray reduction with the newer Epoch system compared to Niobe II during AFib ablation procedures. Methods From November 2011 to November 2013, our last 92 consecutive patients treated with the Niobe ES (Epoch Solution; 4th generation magnetic navigation technology) system were compared with the first 92 consecutive patients treated using the Niobe II system (3rd generation magnetic navigation technology) for symptomatic drug-refractory AFib. Results Mean patient age was 59±11years (20% female), and the study population was affected by either symptomatic paroxysmal (65.2%) or persistent (34.8%) AFib. Median procedure time was 2±0.5h and median total X-ray exposure 12.3±6.4min. Procedure time (1.9±0.4 vs. 2.7±1h, p p =0.001) were significantly lower with Niobe ES than with the Niobe II system. X-ray ablation exposure time was also significantly lower with the Niobe ES system than with the Niobe II system (2.9±2 vs. 4±3.5min; p =0.01). Through multivariate analysis, the only predictive factors influencing both procedure duration and X-ray exposure were found to be the Niobe ES system use and LA size. Conclusions Our study was the first to demonstrate that the new Niobe ES magnetic robotic system substantially reduced overall operating, fluoroscopy, and ablation times during AFib ablation procedure.

Introduction Catheter ablation of frequent para-Hisian premature ventricular contractions (PH-PVCs) is considered to be challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the strategy, potential technical advantages, and clinical outcomes of remote magnetic navigation (RMN) in the ablation of PH-PVCs. Methods Fifteen consecutive patients with PH-PVCs were included in this study. Electrical mapping was initially performed in the right ventricular septum by manipulating the RMN catheter with a "U-curve." In the case of no optimal ablation site or ablation failure, the ablation catheter was directed to the left ventricular (LV) septum through a transseptal approach for further mapping and ablation by manipulating the RMN catheter with a "reverse S-curve." Results Nine of 15 patients were submitted to ablation on the right side. However, ablation success was only achieved in only three (33%) cases. Of the other 12 patients, 11 underwent LV mapping and ablation. In this subset, 9 of 11 (82%) PH-PVCs were totally eliminated on the left side. Overall, RMN-guided mapping and ablation successfully eliminated 12 (80%) of 15 idiopathic PH-PVCs. During follow-up, the reoccurrence of PVCs was reported in 1 (8%) of 12 patients. No atrioventricular block was observed during or after the procedure. Conclusion RMN-guided catheter ablation for PH-PVCs is effective and safe in unselected patients. Due to the excellent reachability and contact with special morphologies of the RMN catheter on both sides of the ventricular septum, RMN can be considered an effective approach for frequent PH-PVCs.

Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) are prone to scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT). The success of VT ablation depends on accurate arrhythmogenic substrate localization, followed by optimal delivery of energy provided by constant electrode-tissue contact. Current manual and remote magnetic navigation (RMN)-guided ablation strategies aim to identify a reentry circuit and to target a critical isthmus through activation and entrainment mapping during ongoing tachycardia. The MAGNETIC VT trial will assess if VT ablation using the Niobe™ ES magnetic navigation system results in superior outcomes compared to a manual approach in subjects with ischemic scar VT and low ejection fraction. This is a randomized, single-blind, prospective, multicenter post-market study. A total of 386 subjects (193 per group) will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 between treatment with the Niobe ES system and treatment via a manual procedure at up to 20 sites. The study population will consist of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤35% and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) who have sustained monomorphic VT. The primary study endpoint is freedom from any recurrence of VT through 12 months. The secondary endpoints are acute success; freedom from any VT at 1 year in a large-scar subpopulation; procedure-related major adverse events; and mortality rate through 12-month follow-up. Follow-up will consist of visits at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, all of which will include ICD interrogation. The MAGNETIC VT trial will help determine whether substrate-based ablation of VT with RMN has clinical advantages over manual catheter manipulation. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02637947

Catheter ablation for idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia (VA) is effective and safe, but efficacy is frequently limited due to an epicardial origin and difficult anatomy. The remote magnetic navigation (RMN) catheter has a flexible catheter design allowing access to difficult anatomy. We describe the efficacy of the RMN for ablation of idiopathic VA after failed manual ablation. Among 235 patients with idiopathic VA referred for catheter ablation, we identified 51 patients who were referred for repeat ablation after a failed manual ablation. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, including the successful ablation site and findings at electrophysiology study, in repeat procedures conducted using RMN as compared with manual ablation. Among these patients, 22 (43 %) underwent repeat ablation with the RMN and 29 (57 %) underwent repeat ablation with a manual ablation. Overall, successful ablation rate was significantly higher using RMN as compared with manual ablation (91 vs. 69 %, P = 0.02). Fluoroscopy time in the RMN was 17 ± 12 min as compared with 43 ± 18 min in the manual ablation (P = 0.009). Successful ablation rate in the posterior right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) plus posterior-tricuspid annulus was higher with RMN as compared with manual ablation (92 vs. 50 %, P = 0.03). Neither groups exhibited any major complications. The RMN is more effective in selected patients with recurrent idiopathic VA after failed manual ablation and is associated with less fluoroscopy time. The RMN catheters have a flexible design enabling them to access otherwise difficult anatomy including the posterior tricuspid annulus and posterior RVOT.

Comparison of Remote Magnetic Irrigated Tip Background Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) and contact force (CF) sensing technologies have been utilized in an effort to improve safety and efficacy of catheter ablation. A comparative analysis of the relative short- and long-term outcomes of AF patients has not been performed. As such, we comparatively evaluated the safety and efficacy of these technologies. Methods A total of 627 patients who underwent catheter ablation with either a manual irrigated tip catheter: (312, 49.8%) or by RMN: (315, 50.2%) were included in this single-center cohort study. Patients treated with CF (59) were analyzed separately as well. One- and 3-year endpoints included death, HF hospitalization, stroke, TIA, and atrial flutter or AF recurrence. Results Age averaged 65.1 ± 10.7 years and 64.1% male. One- and 3-year endpoints of death, HF hospitalization, stroke, TIA, and atrial flutter or AF recurrence were statistically similar between manual and RMN treated groups. Fluoroscopy times were significantly lower in the RMN group compared to the manual ablation group (8.47 ± 0.45 vs. 9.63 ± 4.06 minutes, P < 0.0001). CF guided patients had 1-year recurrence rate of AF/atrial flutter statistically identical to patients treated with RMN (36.8% vs. 38.6%; P = 1.00). Conclusion RMN results in outcomes similar to manual navigation. The addition of CF sensing catheters did not improve relative procedural outcome or safety profile in comparison to RMN guided ablation in this large observational study of AF ablation.

Study to Obliterate Persistent Ventricular Tachycardia Introduction Catheter ablation is an effective treatment of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT), but the overall complexity of the procedure has precluded its widespread use. Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) has been shown to facilitate cardiac mapping and ablation of VT in a retrospective series. STOP-VT is the first multicenter, prospective, single-arm and single-procedure study evaluating RMN-based mapping and ablation of post-infarction VT. Methods Patients with documented VT and prior MI, in whom an ICD was implanted either for primary or secondary prevention, were recruited from four EU and US centers. Either a transseptal (48 patients) or transaortic (5 patients) approach was employed to gain access for ventricular endocardial mapping/ablation during VT (entrainment mapping, activation mapping) and/or substrate mapping in sinus rhythm (elimination of fractionated/late potentials, variable extent of substrate modification) with RMN and irrigated RF ablation. The primary endpoints were as follows: (i) non-inducibility of the target VT or any other sustained VT; (ii) elimination of sustained VT/VF during ICD follow-up of up to 12 months. Results The cohort included 53 consecutive patients (median age 67 years, 49 men, median LVEF 31%). One hemodynamically unstable patient was excluded at the onset of mapping. Inducibility of sustained VT was achieved an average of 2.2 times per patient (1–8), with mean tachycardia cycle length (TCL) 374 milliseconds (179–510). Mean total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 223 minutes and 8.7 minutes, respectively; mean cumulative fluoroscopy time during mapping and ablation was 0.95 minutes; maximum power averaged 42.3 W with nominal saline 30 cc/min irrigation; mean cumulative RF time was 38 minutes. Non-inducibility of the target VT was achieved in 49/52 patients (94.2%) and non-inducibility of any VT was achieved in 38/52 patients (73.1%). A combination of RMN and manual ablation was performed in two patients, rendering one non-inducible. During the 12-month ICD follow-up period, freedom from any sustained VT/VF was observed in 30 patients (62%), of which 19 (63%) were off antiarrhythmic medications. Five patients expired during follow-up: one presented with a VT storm, but for the others, death was not related to VT/VF (MI-cardiogenic shock, pulmonary embolism, bronchogenic carcinoma, end stage heart failure). No procedural complications were reported. Conclusions This first prospective, single-procedure, multicenter study indicates that remote magnetic navigation is a safe and effective method for catheter ablation of post-infarction VT.

Review on Remote Magnetic Navigation in Congenital Heart Disease In patients with congenital heart disease, challenges to catheter-based arrhythmia interventions are unique and numerous given the complexity of the underlying defects, anatomic and surgical intervention variants including baffles, conduits, patches, and/or shunts. Remote magnetic navigation offers significant advantages in these cases that may present with limited vascular access or difficult access to the target cardiac chambers implicated by the previous surgical interventions. We reviewed the data available on the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of magnetic navigation for the treatment of arrhythmia in congenital heart disease and discussed the specific challenges related to various congenital defects and repair with the potential advantages offered by magnetic navigation in these circumstances.

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to assess the procedural outcomes of catheter ablation guided by remote magnetic navigation (RMN) in a large cohort of patients with paroxysmal trial fibrillation (PAF) and persistent AF (PerAF). METHODS A total of 726 patients (547 male, age: 58.5 ± 10.3 years) with symptomatic AF (61% PAF) were analyzed from a prospective ablation registry. Procedural parameters including pulmonary venous (PV) anatomy, left atrial (LA) volume, procedural time, ablation time, fluoroscopy time, total X-ray dose, and complications were assessed. RESULTS One thousand and six ablation procedures were analyzed. One-third of the patients (240/726) were ablated on more than one occasion, resulting in a mean of 1.3 ± 0.6 times for the entire group. When analyzing all procedures, the mean procedural time and ablation time was 134 ± 35 minutes and 2,130 ± 1,025 seconds, respectively. The mean fluoroscopy time was 5.4 ± 3.7 minutes. Compared to PAF patients, procedural time and ablation time were significantly increased in patients with PerAF by 10% (P < 0.001) and 19% (P < 0.001), respectively. However, fluoroscopy time was not increased (5.3 ± 3.5 minutes, PAF vs. 5.6 ± 4.0 minutes, PerAF, P = 0.17). The overall complication rate was 0.6%. One PAF patient experienced cardiac tamponade. AF repeat ablations by RMN significantly reduced the procedural and ablation times when compared with their first ablation times. CONCLUSIONS AF ablation guided by RMN is safe as evidenced by a low complication rate. Fluoroscopy time was relatively short for both PAF and PerAF ablation.

A Focus on Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias VT ablation is based on percutaneous catheter insertion under fluoroscopic guidance to selectively destroy (i.e., ablate) myocardial tissue regions responsible for the initiation or propagation of ventricular arrhythmias. Although the last decade has witnessed a rapid evolution of ablation equipment and techniques, the control over catheter movement during manual ablation has remained largely unchanged. Moreover, the procedures are long, and require ergonomically unfavorable positions, which can lead to operator fatigue. In an attempt to overcome these constraints, several technical advancements, including remote magnetic navigation (RMN), have been developed. RMN utilizes a magnetic field to remotely manipulate specially designed soft-tip ablation catheters anywhere in the x, y, or z plane inside the patient's chest. RMN also facilitates titration of the contact force between the catheter and the myocardial tissue, which may reduce the risk of complications while ensuring adequate lesion formation. There are several non-randomized studies showing that RMN has similar efficacy to manual ablation, while complication rates and total radiation exposure appears to be lower. Although these data are promising, larger randomized studies are needed to prove that RMN is superior to manual ablation of VT.

A 12 year-old boy, with no history of cardiac disease, was referred to our department for evaluation of an incessant accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) complicated with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. Extensive diagnostic work-up failed to reveal any structural heart disease. During electrophysiological study, AIVR originated from the right ventricular endocardial anterior wall and was successfully ablated using remote magnetic navigation. LV function showed complete recovery four weeks after the procedure. This case highlights a life-threatening evolution of an arrhythmia generally presented as a benign entity in children.

Catheter ablation is the mainstay of treatment for most tachyarrhythmias. Non-fluoroscopic techniques that allow three-dimensional navigation were developed to facilitate ablation and reduce radiation exposure. Electroanatomic mapping facilitates catheter ablation by keeping a catalog of activation time, voltage, and anatomic location at multiple points simultaneously and displaying them as readily understandable color-coded map superimposed on the cardiac chamber geometry. Electroanatomic mapping systems can also display cardiac anatomy and sites of energy application with much more precision than fluoroscopic localization. This facilitates the targeting of specific anatomic targets. Remote magnetic navigation and contact force sensing technology are significant additions to the electrophysiologists’ armamentarium of tools. Remote magnetic navigation improves catheter positioning and contact force improves the quality of the ablation lesion. Intracardiac echo also assists with catheter localization and is critical for trans-septal puncture with little to no fluoroscopy. The use of purely three-dimensional navigation is safe and feasible for most catheter ablation. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term outcomes of non-fluoroscopic ablation.

BACKGROUND: Because of the expanding atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, AF catheter ablation (CA) techniques have to become more efficient. Efficient AF CA procedures are characterized by successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) within reasonable procedure time. Currently there are many PVI techniques available and all show substantial improvements over time. However, the magnitude of improvement in procedural efficiency has not yet been compared between different techniques. The aim of this study was to compare efficiency improvement between manually (MAN) guided, cryoballoon (CB) and remote magnetic navigation (RMN) guided PVI. METHODS: A total of 221 patients were included in this retrospective study. Procedural parameters of 115 patients treated with first-generation PVI techniques (MAN-1, CB-1, RMN-1) performed in 2010, were compared to 106 patients who were treated with the latest, second generation techniques (MAN-2, CB-2, RMN-2). Efficiency was characterized by the following parameters: total ablation time, total procedure time, first pass isolation (FPI) (i.e. successful isolation after the first pulmonary vein (PV) encirclement) and touch-up rates. RESULTS: Every technique showed significant improvement of procedure times from the first to the second generation (P

OBJECTIVES Catheter ablation is regarded as first-line therapy for symptomatic atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT). Ablation induces intended myocardial damage and the extent of myocardial damage may differ between ablation methods. The objective of this MAGMA AVNRT(NCT00875914) substudy was to compare high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels as a surrogate marker for myocardial damage after manually guided (MAN) AVNRT ablation versus AVNRT ablation using remote magnetic navigation (RMN). DESIGN In total, 70 patients (mean age 44 ± 14 years, 26% male) undergoing catheter ablation for AVNRT in the MagMa-AVNRT-Trial were randomized to remote magnetic navigation (n = 34, 49%) or manually guided catheter ablation (n = 36, 51%). hs-cTnT was measured the day after the procedure. RESULTS The median follow-up time was 6.2 ± 1.1 years. Acute success was 100% in both groups. hs-cTnT release was significantly lower in the remote magnetic navigation group (52 ng/L versus 95 ng/L, p

Contact Force in Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation Background Poor catheter-to-myocardial contact can lead to ineffective ablation lesions and suboptimal outcome. Contact force (CF) sensing catheters in ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VT) ablations have not been studied for their long-term efficacy. Purpose The aim of this study was to compare CF ablation to manual ablation (MAN) and remote magnetic navigation (RMN) ablation for safety and efficacy in acute and long-term outcome. Methods A total of 239 consecutive patients who underwent VT ablation with the use of MAN, CF, or RMN catheters were included in this single-center cohort study from January 2007 until March 2014. The primary endpoints were procedural success, acute major complications, and VT recurrences at follow-up. The median follow-up period was 25 months. Results Acute success was achieved in 182 out of 239 procedures (76%). Acute success in manual ablation, CF ablation and RMN ablation was 71%, 71%, and 86%, respectively (P = 0.03). Major complications occurred in 3.3% and there were less major complications (P = 0.04) in the RMN group. After an initial successful procedure, 66 of 182 patients (36%) had a recurrence during follow-up. This was not significantly different between groups. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 124 patients (52%) had a recurrence. The recurrence rate was lowest in the RMN group. Conclusion The use of CF sensing catheters did not improve procedural outcome or safety profile in comparison to non-CF sensing ablation in this observational study of ventricular arrhythmia ablations.

Background The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of remote magnetic navigation (RMN) in comparison with manual catheter navigation (MCN) in performing ventricular tachycardia ablation. Methods An electronic search was performed using PubMed (1948–2013) and EMBASE (1974–2013) studies comparing RMN with MCN which were published prior to 31 December 2013. Outcomes of interest were as follows: acute success, recurrence rate, complications, total procedure and fluoroscopic times. Standard mean difference (SMD) and its 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used for continuous outcomes; odds ratios (OR) were reported for dichotomous variables. Results Four non-randomised studies, including a total of 328 patients, were identified. RMN was deployed in 191 patients. Acute success and long-term freedom from arrhythmias were not significantly different between the RMN and control groups (OR 1.845, 95 % CI 0.731–4.659, p = 0.195 and OR 0.676, 95 % CI 0.383–1.194, p = 0.177, respectively). RMN was associated with less peri-procedural complications (OR 0.279, 95 % CI 0.092–0.843, p = 0.024). Shorter procedural and fluoroscopy times were achieved (95 % CI -0.487 to -0.035, p = 0.024 and 95 % CI -1.467 to -0.984, p

The objectives of this study were to assess the procedural outcomes of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF and L-PsAF) ablation guided by remote magnetic navigation (RMN), and to detect factors predicting acute restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) by ablation with RMN. A total of 313 patients (275 male, age 59 ± 9.5 years) with PsAF (187/313) or L-PsAF (126/313) undergoing ablation using RMN were included. Patients’ disease history, pulmonary venous anatomy, left atrial (LA) volume, procedure time, mapping plus ablation time, radiofrequency (RF) ablation time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and complications were assessed. Stepwise regression was used to predict which variable could best predict acute restoration from AF to SR by ablation. Compared to PsAF, procedure time and RF ablation time were significantly increased in patients with L-PsAF (P = 0.01 and P