Estimation of mechanical properties by transcatheter monitoring using local impedance and contact force

The mechanical properties of the myocardium in the left ventricle and right atrium were estimated by simultaneously measuring the local impedance (LI) and contact force (CF) using an ablation catheter. Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a well-established arrhythmia treatment. Monitoring the RF power, CF and properties of myocardium during RFCA are necessary to estimate the effect of ablation. Indices, such as CF, lesion size index and ablation index, do not include the myocardium mechanical properties. Therefore, there is the risk of side effects, such as cardiac tamponade, by excessive catheter indentation into vulnerable areas. We propose the simultaneous measurement of LI and CF for estimating the myocardial mechanical properties to reduce the side effects. In this study, an