Initial Experience with a New Image Integration Module Designed for Reducing Radiation Exposure During Electrophysiological Ablation Procedures

Reducing Radiation Exposure Introduction Reduction of radiation exposure during cardiac arrhythmia ablation procedures is desirable. We sought to evaluate the utility of a new image integration module (CARTOUNIVUTM) in reducing fluoroscopy times and dosages during left atrial arrhythmia (LAA) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation procedures. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing LAA (n = 28)/VT (n = 13) ablation using the CARTOUNIVUTM module were included. Total fluoroscopy time, radiation dose (total dose area product [tDAP], effective dose [ED]), and procedure duration were evaluated. A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent LAA (n = 16)/VT(n = 8) ablation without the new image integration module served as a control group. The use of the new image integration module significantly reduced mean fluoroscopy time (5.2 minutes [IQR 1.9;6.8] in the LAA ablation UNIVU group vs. 28.2 minutes [IQR 15.3;37.8] in the control group, P