Catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias during COVID-19 pandemic in Cambodia

ABSTRACT

Catheter ablations of cardiac arrhythmias are nowadays frequently guided by electro-anatomic mapping systems. Technical staff with medical training, or medical staff with technical training, is needed to assist the operator. Travel restrictions because of current COVID-19 pandemics have limited the in person availability for technical support staff. These limitations make us to perform the feasibility of remote support with an internet based communication platform. A total cardiac arrhythmias 25 patients (Male 10 cases, Female 15 cases) with different arrhythmias such as Atrial fibrillation (1 case), Atrial flutter (5 cases), Atrial tachycardia (2 cases), Right and Left Ventricular Arrhythmias (19 cases), having undergone ablation procedures between 2020 to 2022. Acute procedure success was obtained 25 cases, no complications. Our experience with remote support for electro-anatomic mapping for complex electrophysiological ablation procedures, showed the feasibility and safety of this approach. It increases the availability of technical support for reducing the costs. Remote support for electroanatomic mapping may therefore facilitate continuous care for patients with arrhythmias during the COVID-19 pandemics. As a result of its advantages beyond COVID-19 pandemics related problems, it will likely play a greater role in the future.