Fluoroless and contrast-free catheter ablation without a lead apron in routine clinical practice

The technique of catheter ablation has been improved within the past few decades, especially by three-dimensional (3D) mapping system. 3D mapping system has reduced radiation exposure but ablation procedures still require fluoroscopy. Our previous study showed the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation based on intracardiac echogram combined with CARTOSOUND/CARTO3 system, however fluoroscopy use for an average of 16 min is required for this procedure. The present study was aimed to reduce radiation exposure to zero and establish a radiation free catheter ablation method with the goal of utilizing it in routine clinical practice. We conducted single center, retrospective study during 2019 April to 2020 February. Consecutive 76 patients were enrolled. In the first 18 cases, the previously reported procedure (CARTOSOUND/CARTO3 method) was used. The remaining 58 cases were transitioned to fluoroless catheter ablation. The procedure time, success rates and complication rates were analyzed. Not only AF patients but atrial flutter (AFL), paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) and ventricular arrhythmia patients were included. Catheter positioning, catheter visualization and collecting the geometry of each camber of the heart were conducted by using contact force and ICE based geometry on CARTO system without either prior computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance image (MRI). In fluoroless group, all catheter ablations were successfully performed without lead aprons. No complications occurred in either group. There were no significant differences in procedure time in any type of procedure (Total procedure time Fluoro-group; 149 ± 51 min vs. Fluoroless-group; 162 ± 43 min, N.S.), (PSVT 170 ± 53 min vs. 162 ± 29 min, N.S.), (AFL 110 ± 70 min vs. 123 ± 43 min, N.S.), (AF 162 ± 43 min vs. 163 ± 32 min, N.S.). The total radiation time was reduced to zero in fluoroless group. Catheter ablation with ICE and 3D mapping system guide without fluoroscopy could be safely performed with a high success rate, without any prior CT/MRI 3D images. Radiation was reduced completely for patients and staff, negating the need for protective wear for operators.