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Abstract
Catheter-based neuromodulation of intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system is increasingly being used to improve outcomes in patients with vasovagal syncope and bradyarrhythmias caused by vagal overactivity. However, there is still no consensus for patient selection, technical steps, and procedural end points. This review takes the reader on a practical exploration of neuromodulation for bradyarrhythmias, concentrating on the critical aspects of proper patient selection, evidence-based insights, and anatomic intricacies within the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system. Also discussed are different mapping techniques and outcome measures. Future directions to optimize the utilization of this technique in clinical practice are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, 1717 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Henry D Huang
- Division of Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, 1717 West Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tolga Aksu
- Department of Cardiology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul 34100, Turkey.
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Li L, Po S, Yao Y. Cardioneuroablation for Treating Vasovagal Syncope: Current Status and Future Directions. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2023; 12:e18. [PMID: 37457436 PMCID: PMC10345939 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2023.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncope is defined by transient and spontaneous loss of consciousness with rapid recovery. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common form of syncope and is strongly associated with hypervagotonia. There is, however, a lack of effective therapies for VVS. Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is an emerging and promising intervention for VVS with favourable outcomes. CNA has been shown to suppress excessive excitation of vagal activity through ablating the cardiac ganglionated plexi. CNA in the management of VVS requires more structured and comprehensive studies and several issues concerning patient selection, selection of ablation targets, ablation endpoints and the long-term effect of CNA are yet to be determined. This review describes its clinical applications and future directions based on current research data and the authors' own experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Li
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Sunny Po
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, US
| | - Yan Yao
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
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Thurber CJ, Sneider DR, Sauer WH, Kapur S. Recurrent Vasovagal Syncope Following Successful Cardioneuroablation. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022; 8:465-468. [PMID: 35860784 PMCID: PMC9289063 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Aras D, Ozturk HF, Ozdemir E, Kervan U, Kara M, Cay S, Coskun N, Ozcan F, Korkmaz A, Ozeke O, Topaloglu S, Tezcan Y. Use of Stereotactic Radioablation Therapy as a Bailout Therapy for Refractory Ventricular Tachycardia in a Patient with a No-entry Left Ventricle. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2021; 12:4671-4675. [PMID: 34595050 PMCID: PMC8476093 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2021.120902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with mechanical aortic and mitral valves and left ventricular (LV) tachycardia (VT), catheter ablation is technically challenging due to the limited access to the LV. Promising new alternatives to radiofrequency ablation include pulsed-field electroporation, percutaneous or surgical sympathetic neuromodulation, and noninvasive stereotactic radioablation therapy (SBRT). We herein describe the effect of SBRT as a bailout therapy on the management of a challenging VT case in the presence of double left-sided mechanical valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dursun Aras
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Furkan Ozturk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elif Ozdemir
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Umit Kervan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Meryem Kara
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Cay
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nazim Coskun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Firat Ozcan
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Korkmaz
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozcan Ozeke
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Topaloglu
- Department of Cardiology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yilmaz Tezcan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Yalin K, Altinsoy M, Soysal A, Aksu T, Gopinathannair R, Braunstein E, Cheung J. Long-term Success of Partial Ganglionated Plexus Ablation in a Patient with Tachycardia-bradycardia Syndrome and Syncope: Whom and How? J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2021; 12:4720-4725. [PMID: 34712507 PMCID: PMC8545434 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2021.121006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Aksu T. Corrected QT interval prolongation after ganglionated plexus ablation: myth or reality? Europace 2021; 23:2047. [PMID: 34160041 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Aksu
- Department of Cardiology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul/Turkey
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Chatterjee NA, Singh JP. Autonomic modulation and cardiac arrhythmias: old insights and novel strategies. Europace 2021; 23:1708-1721. [PMID: 34050642 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in both health and states of cardiovascular disease. There has been a long-recognized role of the ANS in the pathogenesis of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). This historical understanding has been expanded in the context of evolving insights into the anatomy and physiology of the ANS, including dysfunction of the ANS in cardiovascular disease such as heart failure and myocardial infarction. An expanding armamentarium of therapeutic strategies-both invasive and non-invasive-have brought the potential of ANS modulation to contemporary clinical practice. Here, we summarize the integrative neuro-cardiac anatomy underlying the ANS, review the physiological rationale for autonomic modulation in atrial and VAs, highlight strategies for autonomic modulation, and finally frame future challenges and opportunities for ANS therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal A Chatterjee
- Electrophysiology Section, Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jagmeet P Singh
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Effects of permanent cardiac pacing on ventricular repolarization when compared to cardioneuroablation. J Electrocardiol 2021; 67:13-18. [PMID: 33984570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The impact of cardioneuroablation (CNA) on ventricular repolarization by using corrected QT interval (QTc) measurements has been recently demonstrated. The effects of cardiac pacing (CP) on ventricular repolarization have not been studied in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS). We sought to compare ventricular repolarization effects of CNA (group 1) with CP (group 2) in patients with VVS. METHODS We enrolled 69 patients with age 38 ± 13 years (53.6% male), n = 47 in group 1 and n = 22 in group 2. Clinical diagnosis of cardioinhibitory type was supported by cardiac monitoring or tilt testing. QTc was calculated at baseline (time-1), at 24 h after ablation (time-2), and at 9-12 months (time-3) in the follow-up. RESULTS In the group 1, from time-1 to time-2, a significant shortening in QTcFredericia (from 403 ± 27 to 382 ± 27 ms, p < 0.0001), QTcFramingham (from 402 ± 27 to 384 ± 27 ms, p < 0.0001), and QTcHodges (from 405 ± 26 to 388 ± 24 ms, p < 0.0001) was observed which remained lower than baseline in time-3 (373 ± 29, 376 ± 27, and 378 ± 27 ms, respectively). Although the difference between measurements in time-1 and time-2 was not statistically significant for QTcBazett, a significant shortening was detected between time-1 and time-3 (from 408 ± 30 to 394 ± 33, p = 0.005). In the group 2, there was no time-based changes on QTc measurements. In the linear mixed model analysis, the longitudinal reduction tendency in the QTcFredericia and QTcFramingham was more pronounced in group 1. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that CNA reduces QTc levels through neuromodulation effect whereas CP has no effect on ventricular repolarization in patients with VVS.
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Aksu T, Bozyel S, Yalin K, Tanboga IH, Gopinathannair R. QTc shortening effect of ganglionated plexi ablation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:1161-1165. [PMID: 33625749 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, patients undergoing ablation of ganglionated plexi (GPA) for vagally mediated bradyarrhythmias were noted to have shortening of their corrected QT interval (QTc). AIMS To compare the effects of GPA (group 1) to pulmonary vein isolation + GPA (group 2) on QTc. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 39 patients, n = 25 in group 1 and n = 14 in group 2. QTc was calculated at baseline, at 24 h after ablation, and at 9-12 months in the follow-up. Recurrent syncope, asystole >2 s, and/or second- or third-degree AVB episodes were carefully documented as the primary outcome in group 1. Any atrial arrhythmia ≥30 seconds documented on 24-h Holter monitoring was defined as the primary outcome in group 2. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 14.9 ± 4 months. Acute success was achieved in all cases. In whole cohort, a significant shortening on QTcBazett, QTcFramingham, QTcFredericia, and QTcHodges was observed [416 vs 398ms (p = .002), 411vs 378 ms (p < .001), 412 vs 379ms (p < .001), and 420 vs 383ms (p < .001), respectively]. In the linear mixed model analysis, the longitudinal reduction tendency in the QTc level was more pronounced in group 1. Event-free survival was detected in 90.7% (59/65) of cases. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate a significant shortening of QTc in addition to high medium-term success rates after GPA. Pulmonary vein isolation + GPA was associated with lower QTc shortening effect which implies structural disease may change electrophysiological response to ablation. The most likely mechanism is the effect of GPA on the sympathetic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Aksu
- Department of Cardiology, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Serdar Bozyel
- Department of Cardiology, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Kivanc Yalin
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim H Tanboga
- Department of Cardiology, Nisantasi University & Hisar Intercontinental Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rakesh Gopinathannair
- Department of Electrophysiology, Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Overland Park, Kansas, USA
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Aksu T, Gopinathannair R. Mysteries of Ganglionated Plexi Ablation: More to Learn. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2481. [PMID: 34950329 PMCID: PMC8691289 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Aksu
- University of Health Sciences, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Rakesh Gopinathannair
- Kansas City Heart Rhythm Institute and Research Foundation, Kansas City, United States
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Yılmaz AS, Çinier G, Çırakoğlu ÖF, Çetin M. Epicardial adipose tissue predicted prolonged QTc interval in patients with arterial hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens 2020; 43:230-236. [PMID: 33183070 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2020.1847131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: It is important to identify those at higher risk for ventricular arrhythmia among hypertensive patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) leads to electromechanical changes in the heart by endocrine and paracrine effects with cytokines and mediators. Higher amount of EAT carries the risk of QT prolongation. Therefore, we investigated the association between EAT thickness and QTc interval in patients with arterial hypertension. Methods: A total of 230 patients who previously diagnosed with arterial hypertension between February 2019 to March 2020 were included in the study. Patients with atrial fibrillation, U-wave, atrioventricular block, left anterior or posterior fascicular block, right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, and taking QT-prolonging medication were excluded. The corrected QT (QTc) interval was calculated with Bazzet's formula following the calculated QT interval in the semi-automatic application tool. EAT was measured at the point on the free wall of the right ventricle using transthoracic echocardiography. Results: The mean age was 62.1 ± 11.4 years and 95 (41.3%) of the patients were male. QTc was over 450 ms were considered as the prolonged interval. Both groups were similar in terms of age (p = .862), gender (p = .265) and other demographic characteristics. Left ventricle mass index (LVMI) (82.5 ± 29.5 vs 91.9 ± 32.6 g/1.7.m2, p = .051) and EAT thickness (5.3 ± 2.3 vs 6.6 ± 2.6 mm, p = .001) were higher in the prolonged QTc group. Serum potassium (K) level was lesser in the prolonged QTc group (4.2 ± 0.39 vs 4.1 ± 0.4 mmol/mL, p = .005). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that EAT thickness [OR = 1.227, 95% CI: 1.081-1.393, p = .002] and serum K level [OR = 0.348, 95% CI: 0.157-0.772, p = .009] predicted the prolonged QTc interval, independently. Conclusion: EAT thickness predicted prolonged QTc interval in patients with arterial hypertension. Patients with higher amount of EAT should be followed by closely monitoring to prevent arrhythmic events that may develop in the future. In addition, medications that have a potential effect on QTc interval prolongation may be carefully used in patients with higher EAT thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Seyda Yılmaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University , Rize, Turkey
| | - Göksel Çinier
- Department of Cardiology, Dr. Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Surgery Hospital , Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Faruk Çırakoğlu
- Ahi Evren Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Training and Surgery Hospital, University of Health Science , Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Çetin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University , Rize, Turkey
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Sohinki D, Javed I, Scherlag B, Thomas W, Po S, Dasari T. Left Atrial Size May Predict Blood Pressure Improvement After Ganglionated Plexi Ablation in Addition to Pulmonary Vein Isolation. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 13:2326. [PMID: 34950295 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Hypertension (HTN) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co-exist. An improvement in control of HTN in a subset of patients undergoing AF ablation was previously demonstrated by our group. In the present study, we aimed to assess whether left atrial (LA) size based on transthoracic echocardiography may predict the patients who demonstratebetter HTN improvement after ganglionated plexus ablation (GPA) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods This was a retrospective chart review of patients with AF and HTN who underwent GPA+PVI. Patients were divided into 2 groupsbased on LA size: Patients with normal LA size and patients with LA enlargement. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) levelswere compared at baseline, and 3, 6, and 12 months post-ablation. The primary endpoints of the study weremean systolic blood pressure change compared between groups from baseline to 12-months, as well as the absolute difference in systolic blood pressure at 12 months follow-up.Medical therapy for HTN was also assessed before the procedure, and at 12 months post-procedure. Results 53 patients (37 with LA enlargement, 16 with normal LA size) met inclusion criteria. At 12 months follow-up, SBP was 136.46 ± 22.38 mmHg in patients with LA enlargementand 118.25 ± 9.81 mmHg in patients with normal LA size (estimated difference of 19.04 ± 6.98 mmHg, p = 0.01). Patients with normal LA size were on significantly fewer anti-hypertensive agents at 12 months (2.33 ± 1.49 vs. 1.44 ± 1.21, p < 0.05). Conclusions In patients undergoing PVI+GP ablation, normal LA size may predict HTN improvement at 12 months post-procedure. Normal LA size may identify hypertensive AF patients for whom autonomic modulation could be an effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sohinki
- Department of Cardiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA
| | | | - Benjamin Scherlag
- Department of Cardiology.,Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | | | - Sunny Po
- Department of Cardiology.,Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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