Optimizing safety and efficacy of catheter ablation procedures

markdownabstractAbstract In this thesis new developments in the field of invasive electrophysiology are studied and discussed. The aim of this work is to find strategies to optimize safety and efficacy of catheter ablation procedures. The most important developments that are studied in this thesis are the magnetic navigation system, the use of contact force sensing catheters and the introduction of new gold-tip ablation catheters. ROBOTICS: In Part I of this thesis we discussed the use of the first available magnetic navigation system. CONTACT FORCE SENSING: In Part II of this thesis the use of contact force sensing catheters is studied. The success of catheter ablation procedures depends on accurate substrate localization, followed by optimal delivery of energy provided by good tissue contact. LESION FORMATION: The introduction of the irrigated-tip RF catheter was a great improvement for invasive electrophysiology and increased success rates for many arrhythmias compared to nonirrigated-tip catheters. FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: In this thesis new developments in the field of invasive electrophysiology are discussed to optimize safety and efficacy of catheter ablation procedures