AF Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3

Question 1

In an electrophysiology lab performing AF ablation, the high-density mapping catheter is used primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Create a 3D electroanatomic map of the left atrium

Answer

High-density mapping catheters collect electrogram data across multiple electrodes to build a 3D activation map guiding ablation strategy.

Question 2

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters used for AF pulmonary vein isolation typically operate at a frequency of:

Accepted Answer

300–1,000 kHz (RF range)

Answer

RF ablation operates in the 300–1,000 kHz range, generating resistive heating at the catheter tip to create a lesion.

Question 3

The primary safety advantage of cryoablation balloons over radiofrequency catheters for pulmonary vein isolation is:

Accepted Answer

Reversibility of early freeze lesions before ice forms completely

Answer

Early cryo application is reversible, allowing tissue assessment before a permanent lesion is formed, reducing risk of collateral damage.

Question 4

Contact force sensing ablation catheters improve AF ablation outcomes by:

Accepted Answer

Providing real-time tissue contact force data to reduce gaps in lesion sets

Answer

Adequate and consistent contact force is critical to creating transmural lesions; force sensors provide feedback to prevent under-contact gaps.

Question 5

When the ablation generator displays an impedance rise ("impedance pop") during RF delivery, the clinician should:

Accepted Answer

Immediately stop RF energy and reassess catheter position

Answer

A sudden impedance rise (pop) indicates char formation or steam pop at the catheter tip, which can cause perforation; energy must be stopped immediately.

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

(AF) Atrial Fibrillation Certification Practice Test

AF Equipment Operation & Maintenance 3