Radiofrequency energy floats, and heat sinks - the effects of convective cooling on lesion formation.

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation uses alternating electrical current to generate heat at the catheter-tissue interface. The goal is the produce irreversible myocardial tissue injury by raising the tissue temperature above the lethal threshold, variably estimated at approximately 53.6±3.20°C to 60.6 (IQR 59.7-62.4) °C(1,2). Ideally, the tissue temperature should not exceed boiling point and the tissue surface temperature should be kept less than 80°C to avoid complications such as steam pop and coagulum or char formation, respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.