Distal Magnetic Sensors Eliminate Geometric Inaccuracy and Accelerate Mapping: A Preclinical Validation of a Novel Grid-Style Catheter

Introduction: Most multipolar mapping catheters use a proximal magnetic sensor, risking distal positional error and slower point acquisition. We tested whether adding distal sensors improves speed and geometric fidelity vs. a conventional design. Methods: In a preclinical swine model, maps were acquired on EnSite X. For each region—RA, RV, LA, LV, coronary sinus (CS), and epicardium (Epi)—two maps were created in sequence (HD Grid X first, then HD Grid) and mapping time was recorded. To evaluate geometric accuracy, we sampled 12 predefined sites per chamber, arranged as 3 longitudinal levels (proximal, mid, distal) × 4 anatomical lines (anterior, lateral, posterior, septal). At each site, the orthogonal catheter-to-surface distance was measured on the HD Grid X map using a TACTIFLEX Ablation Catheter. Results: Across 33 paired maps (9 swine), mapping time was shorter with HD Grid X: 11.5 [8.1–13.6] vs. 15.3 [10.9–17.3] min; p < 0.001 (−24.8%), with significant reductions in RA, RV, and LV. In 243 paired points (5 swine), geometric accuracy was superior with HD Grid X: 0.5 [0.2–1.3] vs. 2.9 [2.1–4.2] mm; p < 0.001, consistent across chambers and sub-locations. Conclusion: Distal magnetic sensors enable faster and more faithful geometry vs. a proximal-sensor design.