NaviStar^® ThermoCool^® catheter for ventricular tachycardia

Abstract

Despite the relatively short history of catheter ablation, it has clearly demonstrated high efficacy and safety in treating a wide spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias. An important contributor to this success has been the rapid incorporation of evolving technologies that have changed the practice of electrophysiology remarkably. The introduction of irrigated radiofrequency ablation has allowed electrophysiologists to tackle complex arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, with a higher success rate. Similarly, the introduction of 3D mapping systems has enhanced our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and allowed for integration of electrophysiologic and anatomically guided ablation. In 2006, the US FDA approved the Navistar^® ThermoCool^® ablation catheter, which incorporates an irrigated tip design with electroanatomical guidance, for ventricular tachycardia ablation. The design of this catheter, its clinical profile, its potential advantages and possible complications associated with its use in ventricular tachycardia ablation are discussed herein.

Keywords::

• 3D mapping
• arrhythmia
• catheter ablation
• cooled RF
• electroanatomical mapping
• electrodes
• instrumentation
• irrigation
• ventricular tachycardia