Study limitations
Our study has several limitations. First, the CF cannot be directly measured with the INTELLANAV MiFiā„¢ OI. Although the CF was measured with a digital scale with a calibrated force-current transducer (load cell), the actual CF might be different. Second, we evaluated the relationship between the LI drop, LI rise, and lesion size at different catheter angles under constant power and time; therefore, different settings were not evaluated. In addition, there was no steam pop during this study, so the predictive LI value for safety concerns could not be evaluated. Finally, since this experiment was performed in porcine myocardial tissues, the results may not be directly translated into clinical practice. RF lesion size in a clinical setting might be affected by multiple factors, such as stability, respiratory motion, or blood flow, not only catheter orientation. Therefore, clinical studies are necessary to assess lesion creation in a more clinically relevant setting.