Ablation Procedures and Techniques Flashcards

What primary energy source is used in radiofrequency catheter ablation?

Answer: Radiofrequency alternating electrical current

Radiofrequency ablation uses alternating electrical current at approximately 500 kHz that generates resistive heating to create coagulative necrosis.

What catheter tip temperature range is typically targeted during radiofrequency ablation?

Answer: 55–70°C

RF ablation targets catheter tip temperatures of 55–70°C to achieve effective tissue destruction while avoiding char formation and impedance rises.

What key safety advantage does cryoablation offer compared to radiofrequency ablation?

Answer: Reversible freezing allows testing before permanent ablation

Cryomapping at around -30°C produces reversible ice injury, allowing assessment of effects such as AV block before committing to permanent cryoablation at -70°C.

Pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone ablation strategy for which arrhythmia?

Answer: Atrial fibrillation

Pulmonary vein isolation electrically disconnects the pulmonary veins from the left atrium, eliminating the primary triggers of atrial fibrillation originating from these structures.

Where is the 'slow pathway' targeted during catheter ablation of AVNRT?

Answer: Posteroseptal region near the coronary sinus os

The slow AV nodal pathway is located in the posteroseptal region between the tricuspid annulus and coronary sinus os, corresponding to the inferior nodal extension.

Catheter ablation of typical right atrial flutter creates a lesion line across which structure?

Answer: Cavo-tricuspid isthmus

The cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) is the critical slow conduction zone for typical flutter, and linear ablation across it terminates and prevents recurrence.