Utilization of steerable sheath improves the efficiency of atrial fibrillation ablation guided by robotic magnetic navigation compared with fixed-curve sheath

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of steerable sheaths compared with fixed-curve sheaths on the procedural outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation guided by robotic magnetic navigation (RMN). Methods and Results: In this retrospective case−control study, 110 patients scheduled for AF catheter ablation were enrolled and divided into two groups. Fifty-five patients (paroxysmal, 70%) were treated with RMN-guided ablation utilizing a steerable sheath and another 55 patients (paroxysmal, 70%) were ablated with RMN using a fixed-curve sheath. Clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Compared with the fixed-curve sheath group, the steerable sheath group procedure time (111.9 ± 25.2 vs. 90.4 ± 20.7 min, p .05). Acute PVI success rates were similar between the two groups. No major or minor complications occurred in either group. Conclusion: Appropriate utilization of steerable sheath technology can improve the efficiency of AF ablation guided by RMN, primarily by reducing the total procedure and RF delivery times of right-side PVI without compromising safety.