irrigated ablation catheter
Ablation catheter with saline irrigation to prevent overheating and enable deeper lesion formation.
Full Definition
An irrigated ablation catheter is a specialized catheter designed with internal saline irrigation channels that deliver cooling fluid to the catheter tip during energy delivery. This irrigation prevents excessive heating of the catheter-tissue interface, reduces coagulum formation, and allows for deeper and more uniform lesion creation. The cooling effect enables higher power delivery and longer application times, making irrigated catheters particularly valuable for thick myocardial walls and challenging anatomical locations.
Usage
Usage note: Standard technology for most modern ablation procedures. Flow rates typically documented in procedural notes.
In Context
- "An irrigated ablation catheter was used with 30W power and 17ml/min irrigation flow." — RF ablation procedure report
- "The irrigated tip design prevented char formation during prolonged energy applications." — Technical procedure note