Introducing a novel catheter–tissue contact feedback feature in robotic navigated catheter ablation: Utility, feasibility, and safety

BACKGROUND: The quality of catheter–tissue contact is one of the most important determinants of catheter ablation (CA) success. The absence of catheter–tissue contact feedback has been regarded a major limitation of remote magnetic navigation (RMN)–guided CA. The e-Contact module (ECM) is a novel feature designed for RMN that measures the quality of catheter–tissue contact. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the first clinical experience with this feature and to test its effect on procedural parameters and interference with other ablation equipment during CA procedures as well as its safety. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, 2-phase study investigating ECM use during complex RMN procedures in 30 patients. Impact of ECM on procedural parameters was evaluated in the feasibility phase (FP), and its interference with other equipment was tested in the interference phase (IP) using pacing maneuvers at 3 randomly selected right atrial sites. Intracardiac electrograms were evaluated for disturbances by 2 independent electrophysiologists. RESULTS: For FP, mean procedural time was 162 ± 66 minutes, fluoroscopy time 21 ± 9 minutes, and ablation time 34 ± 21 minutes. For IP, no significant differences in pacing capture or thresholds were found (ECM– vs ECM+: site 1: 2.05 vs 2.21 mA; P = .320; site 2: 2.15 vs 2.12 mA; P = .873; site 3: 2.51 vs 2.50 mA; P = .976). Electrogram disturbances did not significantly differ between ECM– and ECM+. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: The ECM is a novel catheter–tissue contact technology designed for RMN-guided CA. Our study suggests that this feature is feasible and does not interfere with other electrophysiology equipment while maintaining an excellent safety profile.