Shanghai General Hospital Successfully Completed the Nation's First Radiofrequency Ablation Procedures Guided by Intelligent Temperature-Controlled Ultra-High Power Ablation Catheters

https://tech.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202406/25/WS667a649aa3107cd55d268784.html#

Recently, under the leadership of Prof. Liu Shaowen, Shanghai General Hospital successfully completed the nation’s first radiofrequency ablation procedures using intelligent temperature-controlled ultra-high power ablation catheters (QDOT MICRO). The successful completion of these procedures not only provided patients with advanced treatment technology but also solidified the hospital's foundation for high-quality and precise treatment in the field of atrial fibrillation (AF). This achievement underscores the hospital's commitment to innovation and leadership in the high-quality development of AF diagnosis and treatment.

Atrial fibrillation is currently a highly prevalent cardiac arrhythmia. Data indicate that the global number of AF patients doubles every 25 years, with the overall prevalence now accounting for 2% to 4% of the general population. In individuals over 80 years of age, the prevalence exceeds 10%. This condition not only imposes significant physical and mental stress on patients but also increases the caregiving and economic burdens on families and society. Due to its effectiveness in controlling arrhythmia symptoms, reducing recurrence, and improving patient prognosis, catheter ablation has become increasingly prominent in AF treatment. Ensuring the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation is paramount in this interventional treatment.

The two patients who underwent these procedures suffered from AF symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness in their daily lives. Given the complexity of their conditions and the ineffectiveness of anticoagulant medications, Prof. Liu Shaowen's team decided to use the latest intelligent temperature-controlled ultra-high power ablation catheters for their AF ablation procedures. 

This catheter, equipped with six temperature sensors for enhanced sensitivity, reduces complication rates through real-time temperature feedback and adaptive power and saline infusion adjustments. It also features three additional microelectrodes to aid in diagnosing specific potentials in complex arrhythmias. With 66 saline infusion holes, the catheter improves infusion efficiency and reduces cardiac load, benefiting heart failure patients undergoing AF ablation. Notably, the QDOT MICRO is the world's first dual ablation mode pressure catheter, offering the QMODE and QMODE+ modes (90W ultra-high power ablation with single-point discharge in just 4 seconds), thus improving procedural efficiency and shortening surgery time.

As an early adopter of this new ablation technology, Dr Chen Songwen remarked post-operation, “The 90W 4-second mode of QDOT greatly enhances ablation efficiency while maintaining safety.” Dr. Zhou Genqing also noted, “The catheter provides more intuitive and accurate feedback on tissue temperature, aiding in the determination of catheter-tissue contact.”

Under Prof. Liu Shaowen's leadership, Shanghai General Hospital Cardiology department has continuously expanded the academic and clinical capabilities of its team, enhancing its influence. The hospital not only leads the nation in the application of new technologies but also sets standards in the field of electrophysiology, with Prof. Liu's team being one of the communicators of the first Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Treatment Guidelines published in 2023.

Persistent efforts and long-term dedication are vital. In addressing the diverse health needs of AF patients, Shanghai General Hospital is committed to ongoing research and exploration in disease treatment and management. By applying more cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts in clinical practice, the hospital aims to further enhance the standardized treatment of AF, improve public health, and contribute to the realization of a “Healthy China.”