The ABLA-BOX: An In Vitro Module of Hybrid Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

We present the first testing study on the ABLA-BOX, a new in vitro module of hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods: ABLA-BOX consists of two chambers that mimic the epicardial and endocardial sides of the heart. The septum between chambers provides catheter access on both sites of the cardiac tissue. A circuit, filled with freshly obtained porcine blood, including a pump, an oxygenator, and a heating device, circulate the blood inside the system. Left atrial fresh tissue is mounted on a tissue holder and magnetically fixed. Epicardial and endocardial catheters are fixed on the catheter holders and blocked with the locker knob. The system allows control of ablation force, flow rate, temperature, and flow pattern. Results: Epicardial contact force of 100 g and endocardial force of 30 g resulted in larger lesion volumes (P
Source: Innovations: Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research