Experience with CartoSound for arrhythmia ablation in pediatric and congenital heart disease patients

Longitudinal reduction in fluoroscopy with continued use of 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping systems in catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardia - then and now

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation is a first-line treatment for symptomatic, recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). This study aims to demonstrate if 3D-electroanatomic mapping (EAM) during SVT ablation reduces fluoroscopy time (FT) and determine if further reductions in FT are observed longitudinally.

METHODS

All cases of SVT ablation between May 2011-May 2022 at a single tertiary centre were prospectively recruited. FT between the cohorts with and without EAM were compared. Within the EAM subset, the trend of FT across the years was analysed.

RESULTS

There were 1758 cases included, 563 without EAM, 1195 with EAM. EAM was associated with a longer procedure time (mean + 8.8 min, p = 0.001), but with mean reductions in FT and dose area product (DAP) by 19.6 min and 18 621 mGy*cm2 respectively (p < 0.001). There was comparable efficacy without any increase in complication rates. Over time (2011-2022), further reduction in FT of 0.9 min year on year was observed (p = 0.001). Between 2011 and 2017, there was a significant reduction in FT of 1.1 min year on year (p = 0.019), which was not observed from 2017 onwards (p = 0.061). The greatest reduction in FT was after the first year of adoption.

CONCLUSION

EAM in SVT ablation reduces fluoroscopy use. FT was initially observed to reduce further over time before plateauing, likely due to increased operator experience. While there is increased interest in zero fluoroscopy SVT ablation, complementary use of fluoroscopy may still be necessary in complex cases.

Intracardiac Echocardiography to Guide Mapping and Ablation of Arrhythmias in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Catheter ablation of arrhythmias in congenital heart disease can be a challenging undertaking with often complicated anatomic considerations. Understanding this anatomy and the prior surgical repairs is key to procedural planning and a successful outcome. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) adds complimentary real-time visualization of anatomy and catheter positioning along with other imaging modalities. In addition, ICE can visualize suture lines, baffles, and conduits from repaired congenital heart disease and forms a useful part of the toolkit required to deal with these complex arrhythmias.

Catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes associated with false tendons: A case report

BACKGROUND

False tendon is a common intraventricular anatomical variation. It refers to a fibroid or fibromuscular structure that exists in the ventricle besides the normal connection of papillary muscle and mitral or tricuspid valve. A large number of clinical studies have suggested that there is a significant correlation between false tendons and premature ventricular complexes. However, few studies have verified this correlation during radiofrequency catheter ablation of premature ventricular complexes.

CASE SUMMARY

A 45-year-old male was admitted to receive radiofrequency ablation for symptomatic premature ventricular complexes. A three-dimensional model of the left ventricle was established by intracardiac echocardiography using the CartoSound^TM mapping system. In addition to the left anterior papillary muscle, the posterior papillary muscle was mapped. False tendons were found at the base of the interventricular septum, and the other end was connected to the left ventricular free wall near the apex. An irrigated touch force catheter was advanced into the left ventricle via the retrograde approach. The earliest activation site was marked at the interventricular septum attachment of the false tendons and was successfully ablated.

CONCLUSION

This case verified that false tendons can cause premature ventricular complexes and may be cured by radiofrequency ablation guided by intracardiac echocardiography with the CartoSound^TM system.

Catheter Ablation to Treat Supraventricular Arrhythmia in Children and Adults With Congenital Heart Disease: What We Know and Where We Are Going

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation has been used to manage supraventricular arrhythmia in children since 1990. This article reviews the history of catheter ablation used to treat arrhythmia in children and discusses new frontiers in the field. We also address ablation in adult patients with a history of congenital heart disease (CHD) that was diagnosed and initially treated in childhood.

METHODS

We conducted an evidence-based literature review to gather available data on ablation for supraventricular tachycardia in children and adult patients with CHD.

RESULTS

Ablations can be performed safely and effectively in children. Complication rates are higher in children <4 years and <15 kg. In one study, the overall success rate of radiofrequency ablation in pediatrics was 95.7%, with the highest success rate in left free wall pathways (97.8%). Recurrence was higher in septal pathways. Cryoablation has been reported to have a 93% acute success rate for atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia and septal pathways with no risk of AV block and a 5%-9% risk of recurrence. Three-dimensional mapping, intracardiac echocardiography, remote magnetic navigation, and irrigated catheter ablation are new technologies used to treat pediatric and adult patients with CHD. The population of adult patients with CHD is growing, and these patients are at particularly high risk for arrhythmia. A paucity of data is available on ablation in adult patients with CHD.

CONCLUSION

Electrophysiology for pediatric and adult patients with CHD is a rapidly growing and progressing field. We benefit from continuous development of ablation techniques for adults with structurally normal hearts and have the unique challenge and responsibility to ensure the safe and effective application of these techniques in the vulnerable population of pediatric and adult patients with CHD.

Usefulness of a crista catheter for 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping of complex right atrial tachyarrhythmias

PURPOSE

Right atrial (RA) tachyarrhythmias are not rare in patients with congenital heart disease and a history of cardiac surgery. This study investigated the usefulness of a crista catheter for 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping of RA tachyarrhythmias.

METHODS

We consecutively included 35 patients (age, 43.2 ± 15.6 years; 15 men) who underwent an electrophysiological study with 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping for RA tachycardia or flutter. In 13 patients with atrial flutter, we recorded and compared the electrical sequence in the anterior and posterior portions of the RA lateral wall. We used a crista catheter as a mapping catheter for 3-dimensional mapping in 12 patients (crista group), a lasso catheter in 12 patients (lasso group), and an ablation catheter in 11 patients (ablation group). We compared the 3-dimensional mapping points, time, and speed (mapping points per minute) among the groups.

RESULTS

Atrial flutter was confirmed as cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent in all patients whose two atrial electrical sequences were the same direction and as atypical (including scar-related and dual-loop) in all patients whose sequences were in the opposite direction. Mapping speed in the crista group was significantly faster than in the lasso and ablation groups: median (interquartile range) 44.0 (35.5-69.4) points/min, 23.7 (17.8-29.8) points/min, and 8.2 (4.8-11.0) points/min, respectively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A crista catheter is useful for high-density 3-dimensional electroanatomical mapping of complex RA tachyarrhythmias. Comparison of the electrical sequences in the anterior and posterior portions of the RA lateral wall is helpful for differentiating between cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent and atypical atrial flutter.

Technology update: intracardiac echocardiography - a review of the literature

The development of new imaging tools helps in better investigation of cardiac structures and function by showing detailed images during interventional procedures. Intracardiac echocardiography plays a pivotal role as an intraoperative real-time imaging tool during invasive cardiac procedures. Initially, this echocardiographic technique was particularly useful when transthoracic image quality was insufficient and to avoid general anesthesia for transesophageal imaging. Nowadays, intracardiac echocardiography is routinely used in several cardiac invasive laboratories to support several types of procedures, such as extraction and implantation of cardiac devices, electrophysiological mapping, ablation, and endomyocardial biopsies. This review gives an overview of the basic principles of intracardiac echocardiography and examines its applications in the different settings of invasive cardiology.

The Growing Culture Of A Minimally Fluoroscopic Approach In Electrophysiology Lab

Most of interventional procedures in cardiology are carried out under fluoroscopic imaging guidance. Besides other peri-interventional risks, radiation exposure should be considered for its stochastic (inducing malignancy) and deterministic effects on health (tissue reactions like erythema, hair loss and cataracts). In this article we analized the radiation risk from cardiovascular imaging to both patients and medical staff and discusses how customize the X-ray system and how to implement shielding measures in the cath lab. Finally, we reviewed the most recent developments and the latest findings in catheter navigation and 3D electronatomical mapping systems that may help to reduce patient and operator exposure.

Tachyarrhythmias and catheter ablation in adult congenital heart disease

Advances in surgical technique have had an immense impact on longevity and quality of life in patients with congenital heart disease. However, an inevitable consequence of these surgical successes is the creation of a unique patient population whose anatomy, surgical history and haemodynamics result in the development of a challenging and complex arrhythmia substrate. Furthermore, this patient group remains susceptible to the arrhythmias seen in the general adult population. It is through a thorough appreciation of the cardiac structural defect, the surgical corrective approach, and haemodynamic impact that the most effective arrhythmia care can be delivered. Catheter ablation techniques offer a highly effective management option but require a meticulous attention to the real-time integration of anatomical and electrophysiological information to identify and eliminate the culprit arrhythmia substrate. This review describes the current approach to the interventional management of patients with tachyarrhythmias in the context of congenital heart disease.

Why is intracardiac echocardiography helpful? Benefits, costs, and how to learn

Current interventional procedures in structural heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias require peri-interventional echocardiographic monitoring and guidance to become as safe, expedient, and well-tolerated for patients as possible. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) complements and has in part replaced transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE), including real-time three-dimensional (RT-3D) imaging. The latter is still widely accepted as a method to prepare for and to guide interventional treatments. In contrast to TEE, ICE represents a purely intraprocedural guiding and imaging tool unsuitable for diagnostic purposes. Patients tolerate ICE much better, and the method does not require general anaesthesia. Accurate imaging of the particular pathology, its anatomic features, and spatial relation to the surrounding structures is critical for catheter and wire positioning, device deployment, evaluation of the result, and for ruling out complications. This review describes the peri-interventional role of ICE, outlines current limitations, and points out future implications. Two-dimensional ICE has become a suitable guiding tool for a variety of percutaneous treatments in patients who are conscious or under monitored anaesthesia care, whereas RT-3DICE is still undergoing clinical testing. Continuous TEE monitoring under general anaesthesia remains a widely accepted alternative.

Multimodality Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease: an Update

The increasing number of survivors of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been paralleled by advancement of imaging modalities used for the ongoing assessment of these patients. There has been a large body of literature describing new approaches to non-invasive assessment of CHD. We will review new applications of well established as well as novel techniques for the management and understanding of CHD.