Cor Vasa 2010, 52(1-2):25-29 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2010.005

Robotic navigation for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Josef Kautzner^1,*, Petr Peichl^1,2, Peter Hlivák¹, Robert Čihák¹

¹ Klinika kardiologie, Institut klinické a experimentální medicíny, Praha

² Lékařská fakulta v Plzni Univerzity Karlovy v Praze, Česká republika

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with many technical challenges such as difficult orientation in the left atrium due to significant variability in the arrangement of pulmonary veins, problems with contact between the tip of the ablation catheter and tissue, and increased radiation dose. Two remote control systems have been introduced into clinical practice to overcome these challenges. One of them - an electromechanical navigation system - has already been used in many centres as a standard method. Current experience suggests that this method has many advantages. It allows a standardized ablation procedure, limits fatigue of the operator and radiation dose. -Robotic navigation enables also a more effective application of radiofrequency current and has a potential to achieve a better long-term clinical efficacy.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Robotic navigation; Electroanatomical mapping

Published: January 1, 2010  Show citation