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Figure 1 The radiofrequency ablation transballoon catheter used in this study. (Top) Photograph of a balloon 1.5 cm in diameter, inflated with fluid and equipped near the distal end of the catheter. A coil electrode with a thermocouple sensor is mounted along the tube inside the balloon. (Bottom) This schematic illustration shows the balloon being wedged at the junction between the pulmonary vein and left atrium. The body of the catheter is 90 cm in length, and a 12F main shaft containing a 4F inner tube, as well as its central lumen, can accept a 0.035-in. guide wire. Shaded areas represent the ablated sites located at the pulmonary vein ostium. See text for details. RF = radiofrequency.