The effectiveness of a high output/short duration radiofrequency current application technique in segmental pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation

Segmental pulmonary vein (PV) isolation by radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has become a curative therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the long procedure time limits the wide application of this procedure. The aim of the current study was to compare a novel ablation technique with a high power output and short application time vs. a conventional technique using a low power output and long application time. The study included 90 consecutive patients (age 53+/-10 years; 66 men). Segmental PV isolation was performed by irrigated RF catheter ablation in both groups. In the conventional group (Group 1, 45 patients), the power output was limited to 30 W with a target temperature of 50 degrees C and an RF preset duration of 120 s. In the novel group (Group 2, 45 patients), the maximum power output was preset to 45 W, with a target temperature of 55 degrees C and duration of 20 s. In Group 2, a significant reduction in the PV isolation time (127+/-57 vs. 94+/-33 min, P