Prospective randomized comparison between the conventional electroanatomical system and three-dimensional rotational angiography during catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Background: Theoretically, the use of electroanatomical mapping systems may reduce radiation exposure, while three-dimensional rotational atriography (3DATG) may increase exposure. Anatomical representation and image registration using 3DATG are likely to be superior, but the net clinical benefit of either system is unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this prospective randomized two-center study was to compare the procedural and clinical outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated by catheter ablation using either three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomical mapping (Carto) or 3DATG.

Methods: From November 2007 to November 2008, 91 consecutive patients with AF (mean age 58 +/- 10 years; 63% paroxysmal AF, 37% persistent AF) from two centers (Bordeaux and Boston) were randomized to ablation using either 3DATG (44 patients) or Carto (47 patients).

Results: Of the 47 left atrial shells acquired with 3DATG, one was uninterpretable. There was no difference in total radiofrequency applications (72 +/- 23 vs. 79 +/- 33 minutes, respectively, P = .296), procedural duration (232 +/- 65 vs. 218 +/- 67 minutes; P = .335), fluroroscopic duration (75 +/- 28 vs. 67 +/- 26 minutes; P = .151), or radiation exposure (71,810 +/- 42,954 vs. 68,009 +/- 38,345 mGy cm(2); P = .719) between procedures performed with 3DATG or Carto. After a mean follow-up of 10 +/- 4 months, there was no difference in clinical outcome using either Carto or 3DATG concerning total arrhythmia recurrence (34% versus 38%; P = .668) or AF recurrence (20% vs. 15%; P = .555).

Conclusion: Three-dimensional ATG-guided AF ablation has similar radiation exposure and procedural and outcome characteristics compared with Carto-guided ablation. The ease of use and accurate 3D representation of the left atrium make 3DATG a reasonable alternative to conventional 3D electroanatomical mapping systems, however, without advanced mapping functions.