Aims/Objectives:

Electroanatomical mapping (EAM) systems play a crucial role in the treatment of complex cardiac arrhythmias. In usual practice, technical staff has to drive to the operator’s site for assistance.

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions had an impact on technical support on site. Still, technical support is increasingly needed for a growing incidence of atrial arrhythmias.

Only in one report the feasibility of remote technical support during the COVID-19 pandemic was described. Since then there have been new software solutions and technical advances to facilitate not only a remote support, but also a remote access for any catheter ablation procedure. 

Methods:

Remote access for EAM was achieved by combining the Ensite^TM Connected Care software with an integrated audiovisual solution for remote support (Medinbox). For optimal communication, headphones were used over an internet-based communication platform. Ablation procedures were performed as per institutional standard.

Results:

We investigated 50 remote access assisted consecutive electrophysiological procedures from 09/2022 to 02/2023 (remote access group) and compared the data to 50 control patients (control group). Ablation procedures were matched in both groups: 20 PVI (3 PAF, 17 PersAF), 4 CTI, 13 AT, 1 PVC, 3 VT, 2 AVRT and 7 AVNRT/SVT cases.

A total of 28/50 patients were male, 44 % female (mean age: 64.5 yrs, BMI: 26.2 kg/m²; control group: 31/50 male, 38% female, mean age: 63.8 yrs, BMI 28.1 kg/m²). Remote access success rate was 100% with no technical issues. Software was stable. There were no severe periprocedural compolications.

Procedural data were comparable to previous procedures without remote access. 

Conclusions:

Remote access for EAM of any arrhythmia seems to be feasible and safe in this single center study. Procedural data were comparable to previous procedures. In the future, this new solution might have a great impact on facilitating EP procedures.