A new mapping method with the Rhythmia™ navigation system reduces radiation exposure. Preliminary experience in SVT procedures.

PURPOSE: Electrophysiological studies and ablation procedures expose both physicians and patients to a significant amount of radiation. Most 3-D mapping systems provide improved tracking of catheters and enable radiation exposure to be reduced or even eliminated. However, there are no data on the ability of the Rhythmia ™ mapping system (Boston Scientific) to minimize fluoroscopy time and dose.

METHODS: Here, we report on the feasibility and safety of a novel non-fluoroscopic approach (NFA) that uses the Rhythmia ™ mapping system and a novel navigation-enabled ablation catheter in SVT and atrial flutter procedures, and describe in detail our modified procedural work-flow. A total of 20 consecutive patients who were referred to our center for RF ablation of SVT arrhythmias were included in this analysis to test our procedural work flow.

RESULTS: In our preliminary experience of the NFA work-flow, fluoroscopy times and radiological exposure were significantly reduced in comparison with the conventional approach.

CONCLUSION: In our preliminary experience, arrhythmia ablation through a near-zero fluoroscopy approach involving the use of a novel ablation technology and the Rhythmia™ mapping system proved to be safe, feasible and effective in common atrial arrhythmias.