ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the safety and efficacy of two modeling methods of CARTO3 system for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. Methods: A total of 150 PAF patients with RFCA were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group A: using conventional point-to-point mapping to guide circumferential pulmonary vein isolation; Group B, using fast anatomical modeling to guide circumferential pulmonary vein RFCA; Group C, using combined application of 2 mapping methods to guide circumferential pulmonary vein RFCA. n=50 in each group and the rest operative procedures were the same in 3 groups. The operative time, X-ray exposure time, success rate and complication rates were recorded in 3 groups; the size of left atrium and systolic function of left ventricle at pre- and 6 months post-operation were compared. Results: Compared with Group A and Group B, Group C had the shorter operative time and X-ray exposure time, P<0.05;the success rates were similar among 3 groups. No serious complication occurred in all 3 groups. Echocardiography presented that compared with pre-operative condition, the size of left atrium and LVEF were similar at 6 months post-operation. Conclusion: Combined using of two modeling methods of CARTO3 system was safe and effective for RFCA in PAF patients; it may reduce the operative time and X-ray exposure time, improve the accuracy of circumferential pulmonary vein locating and help guiding RFCA of PAF at certain degree.