A multi-centre experience of ablation index for evaluating lesion
delivery in cavotricuspid isthmus dependent atrial flutter
Abstract
Introduction Anatomical studies demonstrate significant variation in
cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) architecture. We hypothesised that ablation
index (AI) may further our understanding of energy delivery across the
CTI. Methods 38 patients underwent CTI ablation at two Cardiothoracic
hospitals. Operators delivered 682 lesions in total with a target AI of
600Wgs. Ablation parameters were recorded every 10-20ms. Post hoc,
Visitags were trisected according to CTI position: inferior vena cava
(IVC), middle (Mid), or ventricular (V) lesions. Results There were no
complications. 97.4% of patients (n=37) remained in sinus rhythm at
6.6±3.3 months’ follow-up. For the whole CTI, peak AI correlated with
mean impedance drop (ID) (R2=0.89, p<0.0001). However,
analysis by anatomical site demonstrated a non-linear relationship Mid
CTI (R2=0.15, p=0.21). Accordingly, whilst mean AI was highest Mid CTI
(IVC: 473.1±122.1 Wgs, Mid: 539.6±103.5 Wgs, V: 486.2±111.8 Wgs, ANOVA
p<0.0001), mean ID was lower (IVC: 10.7±7.5Ω, Mid: 9.0±6.5Ω,
V: 10.9±7.3Ω, p=0.011), and rate of ID was slower (IVC: 0.37±0.05 Ω/s,
Mid: 0.18±0.08 Ω/s, V: 0.29±0.06 Ω/s, p<0.0001). Mean contact
force was similar at all sites, however temporal fluctuations in contact
force (IVC: 19.3±12.0mg/s, Mid: 188.8±92.1mg/s, V: 102.8±32.3mg/s,
p<0.0001) and catheter angle (IVC: 0.42°/s, Mid: 3.4°/s, V:
0.28°/s, p<0.0001) were greatest Mid CTI. Use of a long sheath
attenuated these fluctuations and improved ablation efficacy.
Conclusions Ablation characteristics vary across the CTI. At the Mid
CTI, operators should appreciate that higher AI values do not
necessarily deliver more effective ablation; this may be explained by
localised fluctuations in catheter angle and contact force.