Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). A multi-electrode ablation catheter may used to achieve pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The nMARQ catheter is an innovative irrigated multi-electrode ablation catheter, associated with the CARTO* system. The aim of our study was to describe the success rate and complications associated with this system.

Thirty-four consecutive procedures performed in our centre were included in the study. All 34 patients had symptomatic paroxysmal AF (mean age: 60±10 years, 68% of men). The ablation procedure consisted in pulmonary vein isolation with the nMARQ system only. Acute success was defined as complete electrophysiological pulmonary vein isolation. Clinical success was defined as freedom from symptomatic AF or atrial arrhythmia after a period of at least 3 months. All complications were recorded.

Thirty-four patients with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. Total duration of the procedure was (mean±SD): 89±18min and fluoroscopy time: 3±1min. Mean RFA application duration was 10±3min. Electrophysiological isolation was obtained in 99% of the 131 pulmonary veins. A common left pulmonary vein was found in 4 patients, and the inferior pulmonary vein was not isolated in one patient because of catheter unstability. A significant complication occured in two patients (6%). These two complications were a groin vascular injury. After a single procedure at a mean follow-up of 10 months, 85% patients remained free of symptomatic AF.

The multipolar ablation irrigated catheter (nMARQ) is an effective and safe system to achieve PVI, with short procedure and fluoros-copy times.