CF-sensing catheter ablation of AF can reduce the incidence of major complications and generate better outcomes compared with NCF-sensing catheters during the 12-month follow-up period
Contact force ( CF ) monitoring can be useful in accomplishing circumferential pulmonary vein ( PV ) isolation for atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .
This meta- analysis aim ed to assess the efficacy and safety of a CF-sensing catheter in treating AF .
Superior efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation with online contact force measurement persists after the learning period: a prospective case control study
Purpose Use of online contact force ( CF ) measurement during circumferential pulmonary vein  ( PV )  isolation ( CPVI ) for atrial fibrillation ( AF ) has demonstrated improvements in procedural parameters and mid-term clinical outcome . However , it is unknown if experience gained with CF measuring catheters improves the efficacy of subsequent CPVI procedures performed without CF measurement . Methods This prospect i ve trial compared procedural results of CPVI performed without a CF measuring catheter to a control group performed with a CF measuring catheter , by an operator with prior experience with CF technology .. Results Thirty-six eligible paroxysmal ( n = 27 ) or persistent ( n = 9 ) AF patients were consecutively enrolled . Twelve patients underwent CPVI  with the non-CF catheter ( CF− group ) in a recall period and 24 with the CF catheter ( CF+ group ) . After the first circumferential lesion set , the number of PV pairs requiring additional touch-up lesions to achieve electrical isolation was significantly less in the CF+ group ( 2 of 48 ( 4.2 % ) vs. 7 of 24 ( 29.2 % ) in the CF+ and CF− groups , respectively , p = 0.005 ) . The procedure time was significantly lower in the CF+ group ( 117.9 ± 23.3 vs. 134.1 ± 25.3 min , p = 0.033 ) . Radiofrequency ( RF ) and fluoroscopy time did not differ between groups ( 31.5 ± 7.1 vs. 31.8 ± 7.0 min and 11.8 ± 5.6 vs. 11.0 ± 5.8 min in the CF+ and the CF− group , respectively ) Conclusions With the use of online CF measurement , PV isolation is more frequently complete following the first circumferential lesion set . A previous learning period with direct CF feedback is not a substitute for real-time direct CF measurement to maintain this advantage
CF-sensing catheter ablation of AF can reduce the incidence of major complications and generate better outcomes compared with NCF-sensing catheters during the 12-month follow-up period
Contact force ( CF ) monitoring can be useful in accomplishing circumferential pulmonary vein ( PV ) isolation for atrial fibrillation ( AF ) .
This meta- analysis aim ed to assess the efficacy and safety of a CF-sensing catheter in treating AF .