Original-experimentalDirect imaging of transvenous radiofrequency cardiac ablation using a steerable fiberoptic infrared endoscope
Section snippets
Methods
Ten adult mongrel dogs were included in this study. The dogs weighed between 25 and 30 kg. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at each institution. General anesthesia consisting of intravenous pentothal followed by isoflurane inhalant was provided by the Animal Resource Center veterinary staff. Intravenous heparin 100 U/kg was administered after vascular access was obtained and 1,000 U/hour during the procedure.
An IR endoscope catheter and an ablation
Electrode–tissue interface
The electrode-tissue interface could be identified at 19 of the 24 ablation sites. Identification was facilitated by an endoscope orientation that was oblique (between 45° and 90°) and in close proximity (<5 mm) to the ablation electrode. The electrode appeared as a round structure that was brighter than the surrounding tissue. A white circular shell appearance of the electrode was common (Figures 1A and 2C). The electrode image nearly filled the field of view so that a portion of the electrode
Main findings
The main finding of this study is that direct imaging through blood of developing RF ablation lesions can be achieved during transvenous catheter ablation in animals by IR endoscopy using a steerable, fiberoptic, IR endoscopic catheter system. Intracardiac structures, such as the pulmonary vein ostium, and the electrode–tissue interface can be visualized during ablation using this technique. RF lesion formation can be seen as a gradual increase in signal intensity. No interference with IR
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Cited by (0)
This study was supported by a grant from CardioOptics, Inc., Boulder, Colorado. Drs. Knight, Ferguson, and Berger serve as medical advisors for CardioOptics Inc. Dr. Knight was provided CardioOptics stock options for his role as medical advisor. David Amundson, John Hanlin, and Larry Blankenship are employees of CardioOptics Inc.