Catheter Navigation in Modern Electrophysiology

Catheter positioning is critical for performing interventional electrophysiologic procedures. Both navigation of the catheter through the vascular system toward the location of interest on the endocardium and endocardial activation mapping' depend on knowledge of catheter position. Catheter position information is critical for assessment of the relative location of the catheter in relation to known anatomic or electrophysiologic targets. Furthermore, for delivery of complex ablation therapy, catheter position information is important when attempting to form continuous lines of ablation or to deliver or withhold the ablative energy in the vicinity of known anatomic or electrophysiologic sites.^ The exact localization of arrhythmogenic structures is a prerequisite for understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms that underlie a specific arrhythmia, for evaluating the effect of drugs,3 and for directing surgical'''^ or catheter ablation procedures.*""^