Effects of dispersive electrode position and surface area on electrical parameters and temperature during radiofrequency catheter ablation

Positioning of the dispersive electrode has no significant effect during radiofrequency ablation, Doubling the surface area of the dispersive electrode results in a lower impedance, higher current delivery, and increased tip temperatures, particularly if the baseline impedance is > 100 Omega. These findings may have important implications for optimizing radiofrequency energy delivery using currently available radiofrequency generators.