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Outcome of High-power Short-duration Radiofrequency Ablation in Combination with Half-Normal Saline Irrigation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
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  • Abhishek Maan,
  • Weeranun Bode,
  • E. Heist,
  • Grace Ha,
  • Anthony Carnicelli ,
  • Kathryn Slattery,
  • Michael Fitzsimons,
  • Jeremy Ruskin,
  • Moussa Mansour
Abhishek Maan
Massachusetts General Hospital

Corresponding Author:abhishek_maan@alumni.brown.edu

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Weeranun Bode
Massachusetts General Hospital
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E. Heist
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Grace Ha
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Anthony Carnicelli
Duke University
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Kathryn Slattery
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Michael Fitzsimons
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Jeremy Ruskin
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Moussa Mansour
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Data regarding the use of high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) in combination with half-normal saline irrigation for catheter irrigation is limited. Objectives: This study investigated the safety and efficacy of using HPSD RF ablation in combination with half-normal saline irrigation for the treatment of AF. Methods: One hundred consecutive patients with AF underwent RF ablation using HPSD combined with half-normal saline for catheter irrigation. In addition, the following ablation strategies were used: 1 mm tags for the display of ablation lesions on the mapping system, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), low contact force, pacing after ablation to verify areas of noncapture, atrial/ventricular pacing at 500 to 700 ms to aid in catheter stability, use of two skin electrodes to reduce impedance, and post-ablation adenosine infusion. Power was started at 40-45 W and was modulated manually based on impedance changes. Results: The average age of patients was 65.2 years and 70% were male. Forty-seven percent had paroxysmal AF and the average CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.1±1.6. The average power and lesion duration were 38.1 ± 3.3 W and 8.1 ± 2.3 seconds, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 321 + 139 days, 89% of the patients remained free from any atrial arrhythmias after a single RF ablation procedure. No procedure-related death, stroke, pericardial effusion, or atrioesophageal fistula occurred during follow-up. Conclusions: Catheter ablation using HPSD RF lesions in combination with half-normal saline irrigation and is safe and effective, and results in high rate of freedom from AF.