First clinical experience using a visualized sheath for atrial fibrillation ablation

Introduction: Recently, a novel steerable sheath allowing its real-time visualization within a 3D-mapping system was introduced to facilitate atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation.

Aim: This study aimed to assess safety and efficacy of AF ablation using the visualized sheath and to compare its performance with a matched control group of patients who received ablation with conventional and non-visualized sheaths.

Methods: The study included consecutive patients between 09/2019 and 02/2021 who underwent routine AF ablation using the visualized sheath. Patients were regularly followed-up in our outpatient's clinic. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as any atrial fibrillation (AF)/ atrial tachycardia (AT) episode lasting > 30 s after a blanking period of 3 months.

Results: A total number of 100 patients undergoing ablation using the visualized sheath were compared to a group of 99 matched patients. No major complications were observed. Total procedure duration (108 ± 22 min vs. 112 ± 12 min; p = 0.045), fluoroscopy time (7 ± 3 min vs. 10 ± 5 min; p < 0.001) and -dose (507 ± 501 cGy*cm² vs. 783 ± 433 cGy*cm² ; p < 0.001) were significantly lower using the visualized sheath. The benefit in terms of procedure duration was mainly driven by a shortened left atrial dwell time (73 ± 13 min vs. 79 ± 12 min; p = 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 12 months, the overall procedural success was 85% in the visualized sheath group versus 83% in the control group (p = 0.948).

Conclusion: AF ablation using the novel visualized sheath is safe and effective and leads to a measurable decrease of procedure duration and radiation exposure. The integration of the novel sheath might help to further improve safety and efficacy of AF ablation.