Comparison of new-generation renal artery denervation systems: assessing lesion size and thermodynamics using a thermochromic liquid crystal phantom model

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare lesion dimensions and thermodynamics of the new-generation multi-electrode Symplicity Spyral and the new-generation multi-electrode EnligHTN renal artery denervation systems, using a thermochromic liquid crystal phantom model. Methods and results: A previously described renal artery phantom model was used as a platform for radiofrequency ablation. A total of 32 radiofrequency ablations were performed using the multi-electrode Symplicity Spyral (n=16) and the new-generation EnligHTN systems (n=16). Both systems were used as clinically recommended by their respective manufacturer. Lesion borders were defined by the 51 degrees C isotherm. Lesion size (depth and width) was measured and compared between the two systems. Mean lesion depth was 2.15 +/- 0.02 mm for the Symplicity Spyral and 2.32 +/- 0.02 mm for the new-generation EnligHTN (p-value <0.001). Mean lesion width was 3.64 +/- 0.08 mm and 3.59 +/- 0.05 mm (p-value=0.61) for the Symplicity Spyral and the new-generation EnligHTN, respectively. Conclusions: The new-generation EnligHTN system produced lesions of greater depth compared to the Symplicity Spyral under the same experimental conditions. Lesion width was similar between both systems. Achieving greater lesion depth by use of the new-generation EnligHTN may result in better efficacy of renal artery denervation.