Project description:IntroductionThe role of the spatial relationship between the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) and left atrial appendage (LAA) is unknown. We sought to evaluate whether an abutting LAA and LSPV play a role in AF recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF.MethodsConsecutive patients, who underwent initial point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF at the Heart and Vascular Center of Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, between January of 2014 and December of 2017, were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent pre-procedural cardiac CT to assess left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy. Abutting LAA-LSPV was defined as cases when the minimum distance between the LSPV and LAA was less than 2 mm.ResultsWe included 428 patients (60.7 ± 10.8 years, 35.5% female) in the analysis. AF recurrence rate was 33.4%, with a median recurrence-free time of 21.2 (8.8-43.0) months. In the univariable analysis, female sex (HR = 1.45; 95%CI = 1.04-2.01; p = 0.028), LAA flow velocity (HR = 1.01; 95%CI = 1.00-1.02; p = 0.022), LAA orifice area (HR = 1.00; 95%CI = 1.00-1.00; p = 0.028) and abutting LAA-LSPV (HR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.09-2.14; p = 0.013) were associated with AF recurrence. In the multivariable analysis, abutting LAA-LSPV (adjusted HR = 1.55; 95%CI = 1.04-2.31; p = 0.030) was the only independent predictor of AF recurrence.ConclusionAbutting LAA-LSPV predisposes patients to have a higher chance for arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF.
Project description:BackgroundBalloon-based ablation systems for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are providing procedural safety and efficacy as well as favourable clinical outcome. Although second-generation laser balloon (LB2) based PVI has been shown safety and efficacy relatively long procedural duration was a strong limitation. The third-generation laser balloon (LB3) offers and automized ablation for rapid PVI. We determined safety, efficacy and procedural characteristics of this new promising ablation system.Methods and resultsA total of 15 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent PVI using the LB3. A total 59/59 PVs (100%) were successfully isolated. Procedural data was compared to the last 15 consecutive patients treated by the LB2. The median procedure time significantly declined from LB2 (91 (86, 105) min) to LB3 (77 (68, 87) min), p < 0.001. Similarly, the median left atrial dwelling time significantly decreased from LB2 (72 (62, 84) min) to LB3 (45 (38, 52) min), p < 0.0001. The total laser time decreased from LB2 (1920 (1765, 2193) sec) to LB3 (1077 (896, 1165) sec), p < 0.00001. A pure single shot PVI was performed in 18/59 PVs (31%). For major adverse events no differences were detected between the groups (LB2 1/15 (6.7%) and LB3 1/15 (6.7%), p = 0.999).ConclusionThe LB3 was safe and effective for PVI. Procedure time, LA dwelling time and total laser time significantly decreased compared to LB2.
Project description:IntroductionRadiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using a catheter dragging technique may shorten procedural duration and improve durability of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by creating uninterrupted linear ablation lesions. We compared a novel AF ablation approach guided by Grid annotation allowing for "drag lesions" with a standard point-by-point ablation approach in a single-center randomized study.MethodsEighty-eight paroxysmal or persistent AF patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo RF-PVI with either a catheter dragging ablation technique guided by Grid annotation or point-by-point ablation guided by Ablation Index (AI) annotation. In the Grid annotation arm, ablation was visualized using 1 mm³ grid points coloring red after meeting predefined stability and contact force criteria. In the AI annotation arm, ablation lesions were created in a point-by-point fashion with AI target values set at 380 and 500 for posterior/inferior and anterior/roof segments, respectively. Patients were followed up for 12 months after PVI using ECGs, 24-h Holter monitoring and a mobile-based one-lead ECG device.ResultsProcedure time was not different between the two randomization arms (Grid annotation 71 ± 19 min, AI annotation 72 ± 26 min, p = .765). RF time was significantly longer in the Grid annotation arm compared with the AI annotation arm (49 ± 8 min vs. 37 ± 8 min, respectively, p < .001). Atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was documented in 10 patients (23%) in the Grid annotation arm compared with 19 patients (42%) in the AI annotation arm with time to recurrence not reaching statistical significance (p = .074).ConclusionsThis study shows that a Grid annotation-guided dragging approach provides an alternative to point-by-point RF-PVI using AI annotation.
Project description:BackgroundThe value of additional ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear, especially for persistent AF. It is uncertain whether substrate modification with additional extensive ablation improves outcomes. We reviewed our experience to determine whether pulmonary vein isolation with additional extensive ablation (PVIEA) improves outcomes compared to pulmonary vein isolation alone (PVIA) for AF ablation.MethodsConsecutive cases of patients with PVIA versus PVIEA were compared between September 9, 2013 and December 12, 2020. Procedural data collected include radiofrequency ablation delivery time (RADT) and arrhythmia inducibility. Clinical data collected include sinus rhythm maintenance post-procedure.ResultsA total of 235 patients were studied (67 PVIA and 168 PVIEA). RADT was shorter when comparing ablation with PVIA versus PVIEA (32 vs. 40 min; p = .04). More arrhythmias were inducible with PVIEA (p < .01). There was no difference in sinus rhythm maintenance by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (log-rank test p = .75), after 3 or 12 months between groups overall, and when stratified by AF type (paroxysmal and persistent), left atrial volume, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left ventricular ejection fraction, or catheter ablation setting (high-power short-duration, standard-power standard-duration, temperature-controlled non-contact-force).ConclusionAF ablation with PVIA or PVIEA produces similar sinus rhythm maintenance overall and when stratified by catheter setting and AF type. PVIA reduced procedure times and less arrhythmias were inducible post-ablation.
Project description:AimsThe predictive role of local impedance (LI) drop in lesion formation using a novel contact force sensing ablation catheter was recently described. The purpose of our current study was to assess the temporal characteristics of LI drop during ablation and its correlation with acute lesion efficacy.Methods and resultsPoint-by-point pulmonary vein isolation was performed. The efficacy of applications was determined by pacing along the circular ablation line and assessing loss of capture. Local impedance, contact force, and catheter position data with high resolution were analysed and compared in successful and unsuccessful applications. Five hundred and fifty-nine successful and 84 unsuccessful applications were analysed. The successful applications showed higher baseline LI (P < 0.001) and larger LI drop during ablation (P < 0.001, for all). In case of unsuccessful applications, after a moderate but significant drop from baseline to the 2 s time point (153 vs. 145 Ω, P < 0.001), LI did not change further (P = 0.99). Contradictorily, in case of successful applications, the LI significantly decreased further (baseline-2 s-10 s: 161-150-141 Ω, P < 0.001 for all). The optimal cut-point for the LI drop indicating unsuccessful application was <9 Ω at the 4-s time point [AUC = 0.73 (0.67-0.76), P < 0.001]. Failing to reach this cut-point predicted unsuccessful applications [OR 3.82 (2.34-6.25); P < 0.001].ConclusionA rapid and enduring drop of the LI may predict effective lesion formation, while slightly changing or unchanged LI is associated with unsuccessful applications. A moderate LI drop during the first 4 s of radiofrequency application predicts ineffective radiofrequency delivery.
Project description:AimsPulmonary vein isolation is effective in reducing atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes. Previous studies suggest single-shot techniques are effective and safe for this purpose. Procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between multi-electrode and point-by-point radiofrequency ablations by performing a meta-analysis of all randomized and non-randomized studies.Methods and resultsSystematic reviews of MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were performed. Studies comparing procedural (procedure and fluoroscopy times) and clinical (AF recurrence) outcomes were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 13 clinical studies (5 randomized and 8 non-randomized) including 2152 patients met the inclusion criteria. In patients underwent multi-electrode ablation, there were significant reductions in both total procedure and fluoroscopy times, compared with point-by-point ablation (mean difference = -34.3 min [95% CI (-50.1 to -18.5)], p < 0.001 and mean difference = -7.1 min [95% CI (-12.0 to -2.2)], p < 0.01, respectively). These significances also continued in patients with paroxysmal AF. No such difference was observed in regard to AF recurrence between the 2 ablation strategies (RR = 0.90 [95% CI (0.80-1.01)], p = 0.066). This insignificance was also observed in patients with paroxysmal AF.ConclusionsIn a heterogeneous AF population, multi-electrode ablation is as effective as point-by-point ablation, with better procedural and fluoroscopy durations.
Project description:BackgroundTo study the association between timing and success of electrical cardioversion (ECV) for the treatment of early recurrences (ERs) of atrial fibrillation post pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) on long-term rhythm outcome.MethodsData of 133 patients ablated for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation receiving ECV for ERs, i.e., atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences within 90 days post ablation were analyzed. During 1-year follow-up, patients were screened for late recurrences (LRs), i.e., recurrences after the blanking period.ResultsIn 114 patients (85.7%), ECV was successful compared to 19 patients (14.3%) with failed ECV. A higher body mass index (odds ratio (OR) 1.19 (95% CI 1.02-1.39), p = 0.029), a lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 1.07 (95% CI 0.99-1.15), p = 0.079), and performance of ECV > 7 days from ER onset (OR 2.99 (95% CI 1.01-8.87), p = 0.048) remained independently associated with ECV failure. During 1-year follow-up, the rate of LR was significantly higher among patients with failed ECV as compared to patients with successful ECV (hazard ratio (HR) 3.00 (95% CI, 1.79-5.03), p < 0.001). Patients with ECV performed > 7 days from ER onset had a significantly higher risk of developing LR as compared to patients with ECV performed within ≤ 7 days from ER onset (HR 1.73 (95% CI 1.15-2.62), p = 0.009). Performance of ECV > 7 days from ER onset (HR 1.76 (95% CI 1.16-2.67), p = 0.008) and failed ECV (HR 3.32 (95% CI 1.96-5.64), p < 0.001) remained independently associated with LR.ConclusionsA failed ECV and performance of ECV > 7 days from ER onset were independently associated with LR.
Project description:BackgroundTetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect characterized by pulmonary valve stenosis, ventricular septal defect (VSD), overriding aorta, and right ventricular hypertrophy. In its' extreme form, the pulmonary valve orifice does not develop during organogenesis, resulting in pulmonary atresia. We report a case of catheter ablation of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) in a 37-year-old patient with congenital pulmonary atresia.Case summaryThe young man described paroxysmal tachycardia correlating to AF episodes in the previously implanted event recorder. Computed tomography scan described the complex anatomy with congenital pulmonary atresia, VSD, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Electroanatomical mapping revealed typical pulmonary vein electrograms in a hypotrophic left atrium. Modified pulmonary vein isolation was successfully performed and non-excitability of the ablation line was reached. The patient recovered uneventfully and event recorder interrogation showed no AF recurrence after 3 months.DiscussionIncidence of pulmonary atresia is low. Untreated survival rate is 50% after 1 year and 8% after 10 years. Tachycardia is a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects and pulmonary vein foci are described as driver for AF. Considerations preceding catheter ablation included pathophysiological mechanism, complex anatomy, atypical left atrium access, and reduced pulmonary perfusion resulting in a hypotrophic left atrium. Pulmonary veins showed typical electrograms, and isolation of pulmonary veins was feasible without adverse events.
Project description:Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the most successful treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) nowadays. However, not all AF patients benefit from PVI. In this study, we evaluate the use of ECGI to identify reentries and relate rotor density in the pulmonary vein (PV) area as an indicator of PVI outcome. Rotor maps were computed in a set of 29 AF patients using a new rotor detection algorithm. The relationship between the distribution of reentrant activity and the clinical outcome after PVI was studied. The number of rotors and proportion of PSs in different atrial regions were computed and compared retrospectively in two groups of patients: patients that remained in sinus rhythm 6 months after PVI and patients with arrhythmia recurrence. The total number of rotors obtained was higher in patients returning to arrhythmia after the ablation (4.31 ± 2.77 vs. 3.58 ± 2.67%, p = 0.018). However, a significantly higher concentration of PSs in the pulmonary veins was found in patients that remained in sinus rhythm (10.20 ± 12.40% vs. 5.19 ± 9.13%, p = 0.011) 6 months after PVI. The results obtained show a direct relationship between the expected AF mechanism and the electrophysiological parameters provided by ECGI, suggesting that this technology offers relevant information to predict the clinical outcome after PVI in AF patients.
Project description:BackgroundSitus inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare condition, where all the organs in the body are mirrored. Atrial fibrillation occurs in patients with SIT. We describe the case of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in SIT.Case summaryA patient with atrial fibrillation was referred to our hospital due to palpitations. Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was made by electrocardiogram. The patient reported to have a SIT that was confirmed. Meticulous preparation was done including a three-dimensional model and radiofrequency PVI was performed successfully. No recurrence of atrial fibrillation was detected until last follow-up 2 years after PVI.DiscussionPulmonary vein isolation in SIT can be performed successfully and with excellent long-term result.