ABSTRACT
The endoscopic laser balloon ablation system affords a unique view of the beating heart for visual guidance in pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. A 66-year-old patient was admitted for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). While encircling the left superior PV, AF terminated into sinus rhythm, which was diagnosed by observing sudden regularization of previously rapidly fibrillating atrial tissue demonstrating the unique endoscopic video function.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation/pathology , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Endoscopes , Heart Conduction System/surgery , Laser Therapy/instrumentation , Pulmonary Veins/surgery , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , Aged , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Female , Humans , Pulmonary Veins/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Catheter ablation has been established as a potentially curative treatment modality for various arrhythmias. Over the past years, catheter ablation has progressed from focal ablation to complex ablations within a three-dimensional anatomy for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Complex ablation relies on reproducible catheter navigation in conjunction with stable catheter position and contact force, which depends on the operators´ individual experience and manual skills. Therefore, it would be desirable that technical innovations pursue the goal to minimize the physician's physical demands and exposure to scattered fluoroscopy, to improve catheter stability and, most importantly, to increase procedural safety. This review will discuss the role of remote controlled robotic navigation systems in catheter ablation with particular focus on safety, efficacy and novel applications.
