RF Ablation Concepts
Understand what RF energy represents, what the mapping system may display, and why lesion visualization is not the same as direct tissue measurement.
Learning objectives
RF in one concept
Radiofrequency current produces resistive heating near the electrode-tissue interface with additional conductive heating into surrounding tissue. Lesion formation depends on multiple interacting factors; a mapping-system tag is a representation of delivery, not direct proof of lesion dimensions.
Technologist awareness
Depending on the approved platform and catheter, the lab may display parameters such as delivered power, duration, temperature information, irrigation status, impedance behavior, contact-related information and lesion indices. Their meaning and safe use are platform-specific.
Do not convert this into universal settings
EP Tech Hub intentionally does not publish “use X watts for Y seconds” instructions. Energy selection and delivery are patient-, anatomy-, catheter-, platform- and physician-dependent.
A displayed parameter changes unexpectedly during delivery
Recognize the change, communicate it immediately, and follow the approved institutional/manufacturer workflow. Do not independently compensate by altering treatment settings outside your authorized role.
Does an RF lesion tag prove the exact size and permanence of a tissue lesion?
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