EHRA 2026 – Dr Stylianos Tzeis (Mitera Hospital, Athens, GR) joins us to discuss findings from the LINEAR study, a prospective, multicentre randomised trial comparing lattice-tip and irrigated-tip catheter technologies for radiofrequency ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI).

This randomised controlled trial enrolled 96 patients undergoing CTI ablation across multiple centres, randomised 1:1 to either the lattice-tip dual-energy catheter (Sphere-9, Medtronic) or the irrigated radiofrequency catheter (ThermoCool® SmartTouch™, Biosense Webster). The primary efficacy endpoint was achievement of bidirectional CTI block persistence at 60 minutes, confirmed by high-resolution activation mapping and adenosine provocation testing, with procedural safety assessed by the incidence of complications.

Findings showed a clear superiority of the lattice-tip catheter as compared to the standard irrigated-tip catheter in achieving the primary endpoint.

Interview Questions:

1. What are the current limitations of conventional irrigated-tip catheters for CTI ablation, and what is the rationale for evaluating lattice-tip technology in this setting?
2. What were the aims of the LINEAR study and how was it designed?
3. What were your key findings?
4. What did the safety data show?
5. What are the clinical implications for electrophysiologists performing CTI ablation?
6. What are your take-home messages, and what are the next steps for this research?

Recorded on-site at EHRA 2026.
Editor: Jordan Rance
Videographer: David Ben-Harosh, Dan Brent
Support: This is an independent interview produced by Radcliffe Cardiology / Arrhythmia Academy.