Fehmi Keçe

Abstract Micro-embolic signals (MES) during atrial fibrillation ablation are associated with asymptomatic cerebral embolism. In the CE-AF trial, we detected a highMES count with the PVAC-Gold catheter. In the current sub-analysis, the influence of biophysical parameters was investigated. Besides differences between the pulmonary veins, parameters indicating poor electrode-tissue contact (average power, total effective energy, temperature at 2 seconds, average impedance) were predictors of MES genesis. Parameters of influence with the first generation PVAC (electrode proximity, electrode interaction, temperature overshoot) occurred infrequently and could not be associated with MES count. A re-design including monitoring and improving catheter contact is desirable.