Search

Objectives We report the first clinical experiences with the CARTO-Merge (Biosense-Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) combined with intracardiac ultrasound (ICE) (Acuson, Mountain View, CA, USA) both used for navigation and catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods 18 patients (15 men, 61±10 years) underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation for symptomatic, drug-resistant AF using Lasso catheter, ICE and CARTO-Merge. The latter system integrated 3D CTA images of the left atrium and pulmonary veins with virtual CARTO maps. Firstly, 3-4 points (Landmarks) were registered on CTA scan according to the real-time position on the electroanatomical map, than 20-40 surface points of the CARTO map were added to finish the registration of the CT scan. Subsequently, the 3D CT anatomical map was used for catheter navigation. Correlation between this reconstruction, ICE and fluoroscopy was documented. Accuracy of the system was evaluated by the software statistical analysis. Results The mean surface inaccuracy was: 2.1±1.6 mm and the mean Landmarks inaccuracy was 8.9±3.0 mm, which reaches the recommended range. Conclusion This novel system appears to have a reliable correlation between CTA and real-time CARTO maps. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]