Introduction: Creating complete linear block with point-by-point ablation is challenging in the left atrium (LA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LA linear ablation using a hexapolar linear multielectrode mapping/ablation catheter.
Methods and results: Seventeen patients (age 57 ± 10, 14 male, 6 paroxysmal AF (PAF)) were studied and underwent linear ablation at the mitral isthmus (MI) and LA roof. Ablation was performed with 90 second, 60 °C applications of duty-cycled bipolar/unipolar radiofrequency in a 1:1 ratio simultaneously at all selected electrode pairs. The result could not be evaluated in 2 patients because AF persisted despite cardioversion. Roof line block was confirmed in 9 of 15 (60%) patients. The mean number of applications and the procedural time with and without block was 5.4 ± 2.4 and 4.5 ± 2.2 applications, and 15 ± 8 and 13 ± 7 minutes. MI block was confirmed in 4 of 15 (27%) patients. The mean number of RF applications with and without block was 5.3 ± 2.2 and 9.9 ± 4.4 applications, and the procedural time was 20 ± 9 and 27 ± 10 minutes, respectively. For patients with underlying persistent AF, power was lower than those with PAF but improved when ablation was performed in sinus rhythm. Char was observed in 2 cases; however, no procedure-related complications were observed.
Conclusions: In our initial experience, a linear multielectrode catheter using duty-cycled bipolar and unipolar RF energy was inferior to conventional single point irrigated ablation in achieving LA linear block. However, successful linear block was obtained within a short period of time, when it was achieved.
© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.