Mean temporal fluctuation in contact force (mg/s) per ablation lesion stratified according to CTI anatomical site and the use of a long sheath. Significant p values (<0.05) are highlighted in bold.
Fluctuation in catheter angle of incidence was assessed in both the axial and lateral planes. For each lesion, change in catheter angle was recorded every 10-20ms and the average value determined in degrees/s. Variations in catheter tip angle were most marked at the Mid CTI (Lateral plane – IVC: 0.82±0.4 degrees/s, Mid: 2.83±1.1 degrees/s, V: 1.0±0.6 degrees/s, p<0.0001; Axial plane– IVC: 0.42±0.2 degrees/s, Mid: 3.4±1.3 degrees/s, V: 0.28±0.2 degrees/s, p<0.0001) but again diminished with the use of a long sheath (figure 4).