Analysis of catheter-tip (8-mm) and actual tissue temperatures achieved during radiofrequency ablation at the orifice of the pulmonary vein

Many ablative approaches in or near the orifice of the pulmonary vein (PV) have demonstrated success in eliminating atrial fibrillation. Despite current practice, there are no data regarding the in vivo efficacy and safety of an 8-mm catheter tip for ablation at the PV orifice. Ten mongrel dogs were studied. Thermocouples were implanted in the atrial muscle of the PV orifice. Intracardiac echocardiography monitored catheter position, tip/tissue orientation, and microbubble formation. Ninety-four ablations were performed for 120 seconds. A temperature discrepancy >10 degrees C between the catheter tip and tissue occurred during 47 (50%) of the ablations. Despite termination of energy delivery, the average tissue temperature remained within 1 degrees C of the achieved steady state for 9 seconds. A temperature discrepancy >10 degrees C was more common in the right superior PV, with oblique catheter positioning, when tissue temperatures were >60 degrees C or 80 degrees C, and with type 1 or type 2 microbubble formation. However, microbubbles were not present in 7 (13%, type 1) and 10 (40%, type 2) ablations with tissue temperatures >80 degrees C. The maximum tissue temperature achieved with non-full-thickness lesions was 47.3+/-7.4 degrees C vs 75.9+/-11.7 degrees C (P