Professional
Technical
IVT
ablation catheter
A specialized catheter used to deliver energy for destroying abnormal cardiac tissue during electrophysiology procedures.
Full Definition
An ablation catheter is a medical device designed to deliver radiofrequency energy, cryotherapy, or other modalities to selectively destroy cardiac tissue responsible for arrhythmias. These catheters feature sophisticated tip designs with temperature and impedance monitoring capabilities. Modern ablation catheters may include contact force sensors to ensure optimal tissue contact during energy delivery. They are essential tools in curative treatments for various arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and accessory pathway ablation.
In Context
- "The contact force-sensing ablation catheter demonstrated improved lesion formation compared to conventional catheters." — Research study
- "Proper ablation catheter positioning is critical for successful pulmonary vein isolation." — Procedural manual
Also known as
RF catheter
radiofrequency catheter
Don't confuse with
diagnostic catheter
mapping catheter