A randomized trial to compare atrial fibrillation ablation using a steerable vs. a non-steerable sheath

Abstract

Aims Catheter positioning and stability are recognized challenges in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective randomized study assessed whether routinely using a steerable sheath affects procedure outcomes.Methods and resultsFifty-six AF patients were randomized to ablation using either an Agilis NXT (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) steerable sheath or a fixed-curve Mullins sheath (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) for the ablation catheter. A mapping system with CT integration was used to isolate the pulmonary veins (PVs) in pairs and further ablation performed if AF persisted. There was no significant difference in time to gain trans-septal access, CT regis..