Limitations:
This single-operator non-randomized study retrospectively evaluated
procedural parameters from a small patient population, which limited the
statistical power of the analyses. While a consecutive series of
patients undergoing first-time ablation was selected, BMI and female
population were higher in the SureFlex group, which may have introduced
procedural complexity and technical challenges. The operator was not
blinded to the sheath being used; however, similar mean CF achieved
using both sheaths is indicative of a lack of operator bias.
Furthermore, limited follow-up information was available due to the
small patient cohort. Larger randomized studies involving multiple
operators and longer patient follow-up are needed to validate these
findings and understand the effects of CF stability on procedural
outcomes. Other commercially available sheaths, as well as the
contribution of different ablation catheters, can also be explored to
optimize CF stability.