What should the impedance be before heating with good catheter contact?

When performing ablation procedures, assessing impedance is critical as it provides insight into the quality of contact between the catheter electrode and the cardiac tissue. Ideally, a lower impedance reading indicates good contact and efficient energy transfer, thus facilitating effective heating of the tissue.

An impedance level in the range of 90-120 ohms is generally considered optimal for ensuring adequate catheter contact before initiating heating. This range reflects an appropriate balance, allowing for effective energy delivery while minimizing the risks associated with overheating or damaging surrounding tissues. If the impedance is too low, it can suggest that the electrode is not making proper contact, while values that are too high can indicate poor contact, potentially leading to inefficient energy transfer and ineffective ablation.

Thus, targeting an impedance range of 90-120 ohms is fundamental for achieving consistent and successful outcomes in ablation procedures.