TactiCath® Contact Force Ablation Catheter Study for Atrial Fibrillation Post Approval Study

The TactiCath Quartz PAS is a prospective, non-randomized, multicenter, interventional study to evaluate the continued safety and effectiveness of the TactiCath Quartz Set for the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using contact force assisted irrigated RF ablation.

Patients undergoing elective catheter ablation for symptomatic PAF who are refractory or intolerant to at least one antiarrhythmic drug (Class I-IV) will be screened for enrollment. Patients who meet the study entry criteria and sign the patient informed consent form will be enrolled and treated following the standard of care at each study site.

After the index procedure, subjects will be followed for a total of 60 months. During the 3-month blanking period following ablation, subjects may undergo up to 2 repeat ablation procedures (up to 10 days prior to end of the blanking period) using the same device used during ablation. Subjects will be evaluated at pre-discharge, at 7 days, at 3, 6 and 12 months post-index procedure and then yearly thereafter. Subjects will complete Holter monitoring at 3- and 6- months post index ablation procedure and at yearly intervals beginning at 12 months post-index ablation procedure.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient is planned to undergo a catheter ablation procedure due to symptomatic PAF that is refractory or intolerant to at least one Class I IV antiarrhythmic drug
• Minimum of one episode of PAF greater than 30 seconds in duration within 12 months prior to enrollment documented by 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, trans-telephonic event monitor, telemetry strip, or implanted device
• Minimum of 3 episodes of PAF within the preceding 12 months documented by patient history
• Patient is 18 years of age or older
• Patient is willing and capable of complying unassisted with the study protocol requirements including all specified follow up visits
• Patient provides written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Persistent or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF)
• Patient has had 4 or more cardioversions in the past 12 months.
• Active systemic infection
• Presence of implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
• Arrhythmia due to reversible causes including thyroid disorders, acute alcohol intoxication, and other major surgical procedures in the preceding 3 months
• Myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or valve or coronary bypass grafting surgery within preceding 3 months
• Left atrial diameter > 5.0 cm
• Left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%
• New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV
• Previous left atrial ablation procedure, either surgical or catheter ablation
• Patient has had a left atrial surgical procedure or incision with resulting scar
• Previous tricuspid or mitral valve replacement or repair
• Heart disease in which corrective surgery is anticipated within 6 months
• Bleeding diathesis or suspected pro coagulant state
• Contraindication to long term antithromboembolic therapy
• Presence of any condition that precludes appropriate vascular access
• Renal failure requiring dialysis
• Known sensitivity to contrast media (if needed during the procedure) that cannot be controlled with pre-medication
• Contraindication to computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography
• Severe pulmonary disease (e.g., restrictive pulmonary disease, constrictive or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or any other disease or malfunction of the lungs or respiratory system that produces severe chronic symptoms
• Positive pregnancy test results for female patients of childbearing potential
• Patient has other anatomic or co morbid conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, could limit the patient's ability to participate in the study or to comply with follow up requirements, or impact the scientific soundness of the study results
• Patient is currently participating in another clinical trial or has participated in a clinical trial within 30 days prior to screening that may interfere with this study
• Patient is unlikely to survive the protocol follow up period of 12 months