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Slit-based Irrigation Catheters can Reduce Procedure-related Ischemic Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation
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  • Yun Gi Kim,
  • Jaemin Shim,
  • Ki-Yung Boo,
  • Do-Young Kim,
  • Kwang-No Lee,
  • Jong-Il Choi,
  • Young-Hoon Kim
Yun Gi Kim
Korea University Anam Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Jaemin Shim
Korea University Anam Hospital
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Ki-Yung Boo
Korea University
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Do-Young Kim
Korea University
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Kwang-No Lee
Korea University Anam Hospital
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Jong-Il Choi
Korea University Medical Center
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Young-Hoon Kim
Korea University Medical Centrer
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Abstract

Introduction: Open irrigation ablation catheters are now the standard in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Among various irrigation catheters, laser-cut slit-based irrigation system (Cool Flex and FlexAbility) has a unique design to cool the catheter tip more efficiently. We aimed to assess the safety of slit-based irrigation catheters regarding prevention of procedure-related ischemic complication in AF patients undergoing RFCA. Methods and Results: The analysis was performed with Korea University Medicine Anam Hospital RFCA registry. Procedure-related ischemic complication was defined as ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurring within 30 days after RFCA. Patients were divided into 3 groups: non-irrigation, hole-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheter groups. A total of 3,120 AF patients underwent first RFCA. Non-irrigation, non-slit-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheters were used in 290, 1,539, and 1,291 patients, respectively. As compared with non-irrigation and non-slit-based irrigation catheter groups, slit-based irrigation catheter group had significantly older age, higher prevalence of non-paroxysmal AF, large left atrial size, and decreased left atrial appendage flow velocity. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was not different among the 3 groups. Procedure-related ischemic complication occurred in 17 patients (0.54%) with 16 ischemic strokes and 1 TIA event: 5/290 (1.72%), 11/1,539 (0.71%), and 1/1,291 (0.08%) events in non-irrigation, non-slit-based irrigation, and slit-based irrigation catheter groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Slit-based irrigation catheter was superior in direct comparison with non-slit-based irrigation catheter (0.71% vs. 0.08%; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Slit-based irrigation catheters were highly effective in preventing procedure-related ischemic complications.