First-in-human use of the dual-energy SMARTTOUCH™ SF radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation catheter for ventricular arrhythmia treatment

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a well-established and effective first-line treatment for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). However, for cases refractory to conventional approaches, advanced techniques may be needed, including the use of low-ionic irrigation, bipolar ablation, ethanol venous ablation, needle ablation, and surgical ablation, among others [ 1 ]. The potential applications of pulsed field (PF) ablation for challenging ventricular targets are starting to emerge. Preclinical evidence suggests that sequential, colocalized RF and PF ablation may confer an advantage in complex intramural substrates due to larger lesion formation [ 2 ]. We present the first human application of a dual-energy RF and PF focal ablation catheter for the ablation of symptomatic outflow tract PVCs in a patient who had previously undergone unsuccessful RF ablation.