PO-04-072 THERMOCHROMIC HEART PHANTOM TO MODEL RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION

We have previously developed a conductive hydrogel for use as an intermediate between heart tissue and catheter tips in cardiac ablation, providing more uniform precisely shaped lesion with the goal of minimizing occurrence steam pops repeat procedures arrythmia patients. Characterization gel has involved repeated porcine hearts approximation ablation behavior human models. As this will require testing iterative development to characterize its performance conservative, safe, affordable model is paramount. The phantom mimic visible formation lesions ventricular myocardial upon contact that imparts radiofrequency (RF) energy. To predict mediated hydrogel, we seek produce similar thermally properties tissue. Various materials were prepared evaluated similarity physiological myocardium, visual appeal, ease multiple trials, among other factors. Each was mixed thermochromic pigment (transition temperature 60 C) placed water bath normal saline at 37 C least ten minutes equilibration. Preliminary tests conducted bare catheters alone instead hydrogel. An RF generator set 30 then 50 Watts, Thermocool SF non-irrigated lightly applied surface thirty seconds (Fig 1C). Lesions (white) are formed shown figure silicone black pigment, most successful material combination thus far 1A 1B). Compared prior ex vivo experiments tissue, width depth varied up 22% 76% from values, respectively. A characterization feasible. Further seeks better by selecting or synthesizing matches heart's experimental thermal conductivity designing contain anatomical compartments left region. Once displays approximately equal size those it may be used substitute further