Our Summary

The QDOT MICRO™ Catheter is a new device used in medical procedures to correct irregular heart rhythms. It does this through a method called radiofrequency ablation, where it uses high power for a short time (90 watts for 4 seconds) to safely and effectively treat the issue. While it was primarily designed for a procedure called pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), it has also shown to be versatile in treating other heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and other types of arrhythmias. This has been confirmed by recent studies like the FAST and FURIOUS series. The article reviews and collates data from these studies and case reports about the use of the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter. The overall conclusion is that this catheter is safe and effective for PVI and can also treat other types of heart rhythm disorders.

FAQs

  1. What is the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter and what is it used for?
  2. How does the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter treat irregular heart rhythms?
  3. What types of heart rhythm disorders can the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter treat besides pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient that cardiac ablation using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter is a safe and effective treatment for irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation. They may also advise the patient to follow post-procedure instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments to monitor their heart health. Additionally, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking to help prevent future heart rhythm issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cardiac ablation include those with:

  1. Atrial fibrillation (AF): This is the most common type of irregular heart rhythm and is often treated with ablation to restore normal heart rhythm.

  2. Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT): This is a type of rapid heart rate that originates above the ventricles and can be treated with ablation.

  3. Ventricular tachycardia (VT): This is a potentially life-threatening arrhythmia that originates in the ventricles and may be treated with ablation.

  4. Atrial flutter: This is a type of arrhythmia that causes a rapid and regular heartbeat and may be treated with ablation.

  5. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: This is a condition where an extra electrical pathway in the heart causes a rapid heartbeat and can be treated with ablation.

  6. Long QT syndrome: This is a rare heart condition that can cause irregular heart rhythms and may be treated with ablation.

  7. Other types of arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders that have not responded well to medication or other treatments.

Overall, patients who are experiencing significant symptoms from their arrhythmias or who are at risk for serious complications may be recommended for cardiac ablation using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter or other ablation devices.

Timeline

Before cardiac ablation:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and possibly a Holter monitor to confirm the irregular heart rhythm.
  3. Patient may be prescribed medications to help control the symptoms but they may not be effective in the long term.
  4. Cardiologist recommends cardiac ablation as a treatment option if medications are not successful or if the patient prefers a more permanent solution.

After cardiac ablation:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-procedural tests and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for the procedure.
  2. Cardiac ablation procedure is performed using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter to target and ablate the abnormal heart tissue causing the irregular rhythm.
  3. Patient is monitored closely during and after the procedure for any complications or recurrence of symptoms.
  4. Patient may stay in the hospital for observation for a day or two after the procedure.
  5. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time after the procedure to allow the heart to heal.
  6. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and adjust medications as needed.
  7. Patient may experience some discomfort or minor side effects such as chest pain or fatigue in the days following the procedure.
  8. Over time, the patient should notice an improvement in their symptoms and a reduction in the frequency and severity of the irregular heart rhythm episodes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is cardiac ablation and how does it work?
  2. What specific heart rhythm disorder am I being treated for with cardiac ablation?
  3. Why is the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter being recommended for my procedure?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with cardiac ablation using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter?
  5. What is the success rate of cardiac ablation using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter for my condition?
  6. What is the recovery process like after the procedure?
  7. Will I need to take medication or make lifestyle changes after the procedure?
  8. How long will the effects of the cardiac ablation using the QDOT MICRO™ Catheter last?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Heeger CH, Kuck KH, Tilz RR. Journal: J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2024 Mar;35(3):547-556. doi: 10.1111/jce.16113. Epub 2023 Oct 19. PMID: 37855621