1
|
Kueffer T, Haeberlin A, Knecht S, Baldinger SH, Madaffari A, Seiler J, Mühl A, Tanner H, Roten L, Reichlin T. Validation of the accuracy of contact force measurement by contemporary force-sensing ablation catheters. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:292-299. [PMID: 36490307 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Contact force sensing catheters are widely used for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. They allow quantification of catheter-to-tissue contact, which is an important determinant for lesion formation and may reduce the risk of complications. The accuracy of these sensors may vary across the measurement range, catheter-to-tissue angle, and amongst manufacturers. We aim to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of four different force sensing ablation catheters. METHODS A measurement setup containing a heated saline water bath with an integrated force measurement unit was constructed and validated. Subsequently, we investigated four different catheter models, each equipped with a unique measurement technology: Tacticath Quartz (Abbott), AcQBlate Force (Biotronik/Acutus), Stablepoint (Boston Scientific), and Smarttouch SF (Biosense Webster). For each model, the accuracy of three different catheters was measured within the range of 0-60 g and at contact angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. RESULTS In total, 6685 measurements were performed using 4 × 3 catheters (median of 568, interquartile range: 511-606 measurements per catheter). Over the entire measurement-range, the force measured by the catheters deviated from the real force by the following absolute mean values: Tacticath 1.29 ± 0.99 g, AcQBlate Force 2.87 ± 2.37 g, Stablepoint 1.38 ± 1.29 g, and Smarttouch 2.26 ± 2.70 g. For some models, significant under- and overestimation of >10 g were observed at higher forces. Mean absolute errors of all models across the range of 10-40 g were <3 g. CONCLUSION Contact measured by force-sensing catheters is accurate with 1-3 g deviation within the range of 10-40 g. Significant errors can occur at higher forces with potential clinical consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel H Baldinger
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Seiler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aline Mühl
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jin S, Lin W, Fang X, Liao H, Zhan X, Fu L, Jiang J, Ye X, Liu H, Chen Y, Pu S, Wu S, Deng H, Xue Y. High-Power, Short-Duration Ablation under the Guidance of Relatively Low Ablation Index Values for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Long-Term Outcomes and Characteristics of Recurrent Atrial Arrhythmias. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030971. [PMID: 36769620 PMCID: PMC9917927 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in effectiveness and safety of high-power, short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) guided by relatively low ablation index (AI) values and conventional RFA in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. METHODS The HPSD RFA strategy (40-50 W, AI 350-400 for anterior, 320-350 for posterior wall; n = 547) was compared with the conventional RFA strategy (25-40 W, without AI; n = 396) in PAF patients who underwent their first ablation. Propensity-score matching analyses were used to compare the outcomes of the two groups while controlling for confounders. RESULTS After using propensity-score matching analysis, the HPSD group showed a higher early recurrence rate (22.727% vs. 13.636%, p = 0.003), similar late recurrence rate, and comparable safety (p = 0.604) compared with the conventional group. For late recurrent atrial arrhythmia types, the rate of regular atrial tachycardia was significantly higher in the HPSD group (p = 0.013). Additionally, the rate of chronic pulmonary vein reconnection and non-pulmonary vein triggers during repeat procedures was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS For PAF patients, compared with the conventional RFA strategy, the HPSD RFA strategy at relatively low AI settings had a higher early recurrence rate, similar long-term success rate, and comparable safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Jin
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weidong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xianhong Fang
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hongtao Liao
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xianzhang Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lu Fu
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Junrong Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingdong Ye
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huiyi Liu
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Sijia Pu
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shulin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hai Deng
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yumei Xue
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: (H.D.); (Y.X.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruz-Baquero L, Pachón PP, Molano-Gonzalez N, Arenas Á. Use of contact force technology for cardiac arrhythmia ablation in children. Heart Rhythm O2 2022; 3:833-838. [PMID: 36588998 PMCID: PMC9795280 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background New techniques for cardiac arrhythmia ablation, such as contact force (CF) technology, have emerged recently. These catheters provide information about adequate tissue contact for optimal lesions. In adults, these techniques have shown greater accuracy, reduced arrhythmia recurrence and complications, and higher success rates. However, data on pediatric patients are limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to describe the experience with arrhythmia ablation using CF catheters in the pediatric population. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study of all patients <18 years old undergoing cardiac 3-dimensional mapping and ablation with CF between March 2016 and June 2022 was performed. Results A total of 321 patients were included (51.40% male; mean age 12.26 years). The most frequent arrhythmia were supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) mediated by accessory pathways (APs) (atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia in 82.24%, ventricular arrhythmia in 11.21%, atrial tachycardia in 5.92%). Mean procedural time was 2.86 ± 1.2 hours, and average contact used was 14.33g ± 6.88g. The success rate of ablation was 97.82% with a low risk of complications. Conclusion This is the largest published series of CF technology use in patients <18 years old. In the pediatric population, CF ablation is a safe procedure with high success rates and can be used for most arrhythmic substrates. The most frequent tachycardia observed in this study was SVT mediated by APs. Contact with 14g is safe and yields an excellent outcome in children. The presence of structural heart anomalies and previous ablation procedures decreased the success rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linibeth Cruz-Baquero
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory, Universidad del Rosario, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bogotá, Colombia,Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Linibeth Cruz-Baquero, Pediatric Cardiology, Del Rosario University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cra. 24 #63C-69, Barrios Unidos, Bogotá 111221, Colombia.
| | - Paola Peña Pachón
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory, Congenital Heart Institute, Fundación Cardioinfantil–La Cardio, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nicolas Molano-Gonzalez
- Research Department, Clinical Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Álvaro Arenas
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, Pediatric Electrophysiology Laboratory, Pediatric Electrophysiology Section, Congenital Heart Institute, Fundación Cardioinfantil–La Cardio, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rottner L, Moser F, Moser J, Schleberger R, Lemoine M, Münkler P, Dinshaw L, Kirchhof P, Ouyang F, Rillig A, Metzner A, Reissmann B. Revival of the Forgotten. Int Heart J 2022; 63:504-509. [PMID: 35650152 DOI: 10.1536/ihj.21-844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by continuous, transmural and durable lesions is decisive for ensuring long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF). AF ablation requires irrigated tip catheters to reduce thromboembolic complications. This precluded temperature-controlled delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy.The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, acute efficacy, and safety of an irrigated, temperature-controlled ablation catheter [DiamondTemp™ (DT) Medtronic®] for PVI.Consecutive patients with AF underwent PVI using the DT catheter combined with high-power short-duration RF applications. Ablation settings were (1) a catheter tip temperature limit of 60°C, (2) a temperature-controlled power of 50 W, and (3) application duration of 10 seconds. The primary endpoint was acute isolation of PVs, reassessed after a 30-minute waiting period. Secondary endpoints included procedural parameters (defined as a catheter tip temperature of 50°C > 3 seconds, an impedance drop of 5-10 Ω) and the occurrence of serious adverse events.Fifty consecutive patients [mean age 66 ± 12 years, 38 (76%) women, 24 patients with paroxysmal AF (48%)] were included. Median procedure and left atrial dwell time was 89 [68; 107] and 63 [52; 79] minutes, respectively. Mean number of RF applications was 59 ± 20, and mean total RF duration was 14 ± 6 minutes. Acute PVI was achieved in all patients solely using DT ablation. Acute PV reconnection within the waiting period occurred in five patients; all reconnected PVs were successfully reisolated. One major complication occurred.In this study, the DT ablation system demonstrated high acute efficacy for PVI. Temperature-controlled ablation in conjunction with high-power short-duration applications might be effectively supported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rottner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Fabian Moser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Julia Moser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Ruben Schleberger
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Marc Lemoine
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Paula Münkler
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Leon Dinshaw
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham
| | - Feifan Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Andreas Rillig
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| | - Bruno Reissmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Bortoli A, Ole-Gunnar A, Torbjørn H. Relationship between ablation index and myocardial biomarkers after radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Indian Pacing Electrophysiol J 2021; 22:61-67. [PMID: 34861368 PMCID: PMC8981157 DOI: 10.1016/j.ipej.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Further in-vivo evidence is needed to support the usefulness of ablation index (AI) in guiding atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed at evaluating the relationship between AI and other lesion indicators and the release of myocardial-specific biomarkers following radiofrequency AF ablation. Methods Forty-six patients underwent a first-time radiofrequency AF ablation and were prospectively enrolled in this study. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed by six experienced electrophysiologists with a point-by-point approach, guided by strict Visitag criteria and consistent AI target values. Myocardial-specific biomarkers troponin T and creatine kinase myocardial band were measured after 6 (TnT6 and CKMB6) and 20 h (TnT20 and CKMB20) following sheath removal. Ablation duration, impedance drop (ID), force-time integral (FTI) and AI were registered automatically and analyzed offline. Results TnT release was 985 ± 495 ng/L and 1038 ± 461 ng/L (p = ns) while CKMB release was 7.3 ± 2.7 μg/L and 6.5 ± 2.1 μg/L (p < 0.001) at 6 and 20 h respectively. Ablation duration, ID, FTI and AI were all significantly correlated with the release of myocardial-specific biomarkers both at 6 and 20 h. Ablation index showed the highest degree of correlation with TnT6, TnT20, CKMB6 and CKMB20 (Pearson's R 0.69, 0.69, 0.61, 0.64 respectively, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that AI had the strongest association with TnT6, TnT20, CKMB6 and CKMB20 (β 0.43, β 0.71, β 0.44 and β 0.43 respectively). Conclusion Ablation index appears as the strongest lesion indicator as measured by the release of myocardial-specific biomarkers following radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Bortoli
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Department of Cardiology, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Anfinsen Ole-Gunnar
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Holm Torbjørn
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Verma A, Schmidt MM, Lalonde JP, Ramirez DA, Getman MK. Assessing the Relationship of Applied Force and Ablation Duration on Lesion Size Using a Diamond Tip Catheter Ablation System. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 14:e009541. [PMID: 34138635 PMCID: PMC8294657 DOI: 10.1161/circep.120.009541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, University of Toronto, Newmarket, ON, Canada (A.V)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kautzner J, Albenque JP, Natale A, Maddox W, Cuoco F, Neuzil P, Poty H, Getman MK, Liu S, Starek Z, Dukkipati SR, Colley BJ, Al-Ahmad A, Sidney DS, McElderry HT. A Novel Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation System Used to Treat Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:352-363. [PMID: 33516712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES DIAMOND-AF (DiamondTemp™ Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation) was a prospective, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial that compared the safety and effectiveness of the DTA system versus those of a force-sensing RF ablation system (control) for the treatment of patients with drug-refractory, recurrent, symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND Irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters lose tissue temperature acuity, which is vital in assessing lesion formation. DiamondTemp Ablation (DTA) was designed to re-establish accurate tissue temperature measurements during ablation. METHODS A total of 482 patients with paroxysmal AF were randomized (239 DTA, 243 control) to undergo pulmonary vein isolation and were followed up at 23 sites. Patients were screened for disease progression, cardiac characteristics, and prior interventions. Primary endpoints were effectiveness (freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence) and safety (composite of procedure- and device-related serious adverse events). RESULTS The primary safety event rate was 3.3% in the DTA group versus 6.6% in the control group (p < 0.001 vs. 6.5% noninferiority margin). Primary effectiveness was met in 79.1% of DTA subjects and 75.7% of control subjects (p < 0.001 vs. -12.5% noninferiority margin). Secondary endpoint analysis found that off-drug effectiveness favored DTA compared with the control (142 [59.4%] vs. 120 [49.4%], respectively; p = 0.03). Total RF time and individual RF ablation duration were significantly shorter with less saline infused through the DTA catheter (p < 0.001). Both arms saw clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Safety and efficacy of the DTA system proved noninferior to force-sensing RF ablation in a paroxysmal AF population. Efficiencies were observed using DTA with shorter total RF times, individual RF ablation durations, and less saline infusion. (DiamondTemp™ Ablation System for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation; NCT03334630).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Kautzner
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - William Maddox
- University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Frank Cuoco
- Trident Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Herve Poty
- Clinique du Tonkin, Valleurbanne, France
| | | | - Shufeng Liu
- Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Zdenek Starek
- St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|