Background: Cardiac ablation catheters are small in diameter and
pose ergonomic challenges that can affect catheter stability.
Significant finger dexterity and strength are necessary to maneuver them
safely. We evaluated a novel torque tool to reduce muscle activation
when manipulating catheters and improve perceived workload of ablation
tasks. Objective: Evaluate measurable success, user perception of
workload, and muscle usage when completing a simulated ablation task
with and without the use of a catheter torque tool. Methods:
Cardiology attendings and fellows were fitted with surface
electromyographic (EMG) sensors on 6 key muscle groups in the left hand
and forearm. A standard ablation catheter was inserted into a pediatric
cardiac ablation simulator and subjects navigated the catheter tip to 6
specific electrophysiologic targets, including a 1-minute simulated
radiofrequency ablation lesion. Time to complete the task, number of
attempts required to complete the lesion, and EMG activity normalized to
percentage of maximum voluntary contraction was collected throughout the
task. The task was completed 4 times, twice with and twice without the
torque tool, in randomized order. A NASA Task Load Index survey was
completed by the participant at the conclusion of each task.
Results: Time to complete the task and number of attempts to
create a lesion were not altered by the tool. Subjectively, participants
reported a significant decrease in physical demand, effort and
frustration, and a significant increase in performance. Muscle
activation was decreased in 4 of 6 muscle groups. Conclusion: The
catheter torque tool may improve the perceived workload of cardiac
ablation procedures and reduce muscle fatigue caused by manipulating
catheters. This may result in improved catheter stability and increased
procedural safety.