Cryoelectrolysis for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: A First Order Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND: Catheter based treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) involves ablation of groups of cells near the pulmonary vein. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the technological feasability of a new technology for catheter-based ablation for treatment of AFib that combines freezing with electrolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on a pH dye stained gel phantom of the pulmonary vein. Freezing was induced with a cryosurgical probe inserted in the vein and electrolysis was delivered through the probe with a DC power supply. RESULTS: Visual recording of colorimetric changes in pH demonstrate that electrolytic products can propagate through the frozen tissue phantom. For example, a voltage of 9 V and a current of 40 mA delivered through a -15°C cryosurgical probe produced an electrolysis impacted rim of over 7 mm width in 2 min. CONCLUSION: This early stage experimental work suggests that cryoelectrolysis may have potential for treatment of AFib.