Evaluation of Ablation Catheter Technology: Comparison between Thigh Preparation Model and an In-Vivo Beating Heart

Abstract Background An in-vivo animal thigh model is the standard technique for evaluation of ablation catheter technologies, including efficacy and safety of ablation. However, the biophysics of ablation in a thigh model may not be similar to a beating heart. Objective The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of ablation between a thigh preparation model and a beating heart. Methods In 7 swine, radiofrequency (RF) ablation using a 3.5mm open irrigated catheter (Thermocool Smart Touch®) was performed sequentially in a thigh muscle and in-vivo beating ventricles. Ablation was performed at low (30W for 40Ssec) and high (40W for 60Sec) energy settings and at similar contact force. Ablation lesions were scanned in high-resolution and measured using electronic calipers. Results A total of 152 RF ablation lesions were measured (86 thigh and 66 heart). At low-energy, lesion width was greater in the thigh model (12.19±1.8mm vs. 8.99±2.1mm; p