Intrapericardial balloon placement for prevention of collateral injury during catheter ablation of the left atrium in a porcine model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Catheter ablation of the left atrium (LA) is associated with potential collateral injury to surrounding structures, especially the esophagus and the right phrenic nerve (PN).

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of intrapericardial balloon placement (IPBP) for the protection of collateral structures adjacent to the LA.

Methods

Electroanatomic mapping was performed in porcine hearts using a transseptal endocardial approach in eight swine weighing 40-50 kg. An intrapericardial balloon was inflated in the oblique sinus, via percutaneous epicardial access, to displace the esophagus. Similarly, with the balloon positioned in the transverse sinus, IPBP was used to displace the right PN. Esophageal temperature was monit

SUBMITTER: Nakahara S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3766741 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature