First Experience Using a Novel Variable Loop Catheter for Mapping and Pulsed Field Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background and Aims: A novel multielectrode variable loop catheter (VLC) has been introduced for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation enabling 3D electroanatomic mapping and concomitant pulsed field ablation (PFA). This study sought to investigate the VLC under routine clinical conditions for AF ablation. Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF undergoing first-time AF ablation were prospectively enrolled. All procedures were carried out using the VLC. Electroanatomic mapping pre and post-ablation was conducted with the VLC and a high-density multipolar mapping catheter. The general ablation protocol consisted of four ablation pulses per pulmonary vein (PV). All procedures were conducted in conscious sedation. Results: Forty-five patients (mean age 66.3 ± 6.1 years, 68.9% paroxysmal AF) were analyzed. Procedure duration was 66.3 ± 13.1 min. Acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was achieved in 45 patients without periprocedural complications. Remapping after the initial 16 ablation pulses revealed sustained electrical conduction to at least one PV in six patients (13.3%). Repeat ablation was conducted and with an average of 7.5 ± 4.5 additional pulses. PV intubation during mapping was achieved in 168/180 PVs with the VLC (93.3%) and in 180/180PVs (100%) with the high-density mapping catheter (p < 0.001). Incomplete PV intubation during mapping did not result in incomplete PVI, as demonstrated by remapping utilizing the high-density mapping catheter. Adequate correlation between left atrial post-ablation remapping of low voltage areas and ablated regions was demonstrated in all patients. Conclusion: PFA-guided AF ablation using the novel VLC is safe and effective. The integration into a 3D-electroanatomic mapping system enables adequate mapping during PFA procedures.