# First application of the varipulse™ catheter for linear ablation in atrial fibrillation: a case report

**Authors:** Cheng Li, Xia Yu, Hu Zhicheng, Han Lei, Zhang Tao, Xiong Yulong, Yao Yan, Ding Ligang

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2025.1699236 · 2025-12-15

## TL;DR

This case report describes the first use of the Varipulse™ catheter for linear ablation in a patient with atrial fibrillation, successfully converting the condition to sinus rhythm.

## Contribution

The first documented application of the Varipulse™ catheter for linear ablation in atrial fibrillation treatment.

## Key findings

- The Varipulse™ catheter was successfully used for linear ablation in a complex AF case.
- Atrial fibrillation was converted to sinus rhythm after targeted ablation at the tricuspid isthmus and surgical incision.
- The catheter demonstrated favorable reliability and safety in challenging anatomical regions.

## Abstract

This case report documents the application of the Varipulse™ catheter in linear ablation, offering a successful exploratory experience for the linear ablation of atrial fibrillation.

The patient exhibited signs of AF. After successful completion of pulmonary vein potential isolation and mitral isthmus line ablation, atrial fibrillation was converted into atrial flutter. Integrating the atrial flutter's activation sequence with coronary sinus electrode mapping, we localized the reentrant circuit to the tricuspid isthmus and the surgical incision. Targeted ablation was sequentially performed at these identified sites, and subsequently, the patient's rhythm converted to sinus rhythm.

Linear ablation for AF faces substantial technical challenges in regions with complex anatomy, the Varipulse™ catheter is applicable with proven favorable reliability and safety profiles.

The Procedural Steps in Chronological Sequence.Flowchart illustrating six chronological procedural steps for atrial ablation. Step 1 involves preprocedural imaging and left atrial mapping. Step 2 is bilateral pulmonary vein isolation and mitral isthmus ablation. Step 3 is mitral isthmus consolidation ablation. Step 4 is left atrial posterior wall box ablation. Step 5 is right atrial mapping and ablation. Step 6 is linear ablation related to the surgical incision. Steps are aligned along a horizontal timeline with directional arrows indicating progression.

The Procedural Steps in Chronological Sequence.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** atrial fibrillation (MONDO:0004981), atrial flutter (MONDO:0005310)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** ASD (MESH:D006344), stroke (MESH:D020521), thromboembolism (MESH:D013923), PV (MESH:D011087), bleeding (MESH:D006470), Atrial flutter (MESH:D001282), PVI (MESH:D000071078), HL (MESH:C538324), sinus bradycardia (MESH:D012804), AF (MESH:D001281), arrhythmia (MESH:D001145), right bundle branch block (MESH:D002037), palpitations (MESH:D006331), acute cerebral infarction (MESH:D056989), myocardial necrosis (MESH:D009336), cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent flutter (MESH:D054141)
- **Chemicals:** dabigatran etexilate (MESH:D000069604), isoproterenol (MESH:D007545), BOX (-)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12797141/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12797141