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Celotto C, Sánchez C, Mountris KA, Laguna P, Pueyo E. Location of Parasympathetic Innervation Regions From Electrograms to Guide Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Therapy: An in silico Modeling Study. Front Physiol 2021; 12:674197. [PMID: 34456743 PMCID: PMC8385640 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.674197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an essential role in the generation and maintenance of cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac ANS can be divided into its extrinsic and intrinsic components, with the latter being organized in an epicardial neural network of interconnecting axons and clusters of autonomic ganglia called ganglionated plexi (GPs). GP ablation has been associated with a decreased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence, but the accurate location of GPs is required for ablation to be effective. Although GP stimulation triggers both sympathetic and parasympathetic ANS branches, a predominance of parasympathetic activity has been shown. This study aims was to develop a method to locate atrial parasympathetic innervation sites based on measurements from a grid of electrograms (EGMs). Electrophysiological models representative of non-AF, paroxysmal AF (PxAF), and persistent AF (PsAF) tissues were developed. Parasympathetic effects were modeled by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in randomly distributed circles across the tissue. Different circle sizes of ACh and fibrosis geometries were considered, accounting for both uniform diffuse and non-uniform diffuse fibrosis. Computational simulations were performed, from which unipolar EGMs were computed in a 16 × 1 6 electrode mesh. Different distances of the electrodes to the tissue (0.5, 1, and 2 mm) and noise levels with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dB were tested. The amplitude of the atrial EGM repolarization wave was found to be representative of the presence or absence of ACh release sites, with larger positive amplitudes indicating that the electrode was placed over an ACh region. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the optimal thresholds for the identification of ACh sites. In all non-AF, PxAF, and PsAF tissues, the repolarization amplitude rendered successful identification. The algorithm performed better in the absence of fibrosis or when fibrosis was uniformly diffuse, with a mean accuracy of 0.94 in contrast with a mean accuracy of 0.89 for non-uniform diffuse fibrotic cases. The algorithm was robust against noise and worked for the tested ranges of electrode-to-tissue distance. In conclusion, the results from this study support the feasibility to locate atrial parasympathetic innervation sites from the amplitude of repolarization wave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Celotto
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research-I3A-, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carlos Sánchez
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research-I3A-, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Konstantinos A. Mountris
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research-I3A-, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pablo Laguna
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research-I3A-, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Esther Pueyo
- Aragon Institute of Engineering Research-I3A-, University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Zaragoza, Spain
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2
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La Rosa G, Quintanilla JG, Salgado R, González-Ferrer JJ, Cañadas-Godoy V, Pérez-Villacastín J, Jalife J, Pérez-Castellano N, Filgueiras-Rama D. Anatomical targets and expected outcomes of catheter-based ablation of atrial fibrillation in 2020. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2021; 44:341-359. [PMID: 33283883 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anatomical-based approaches, targeting either pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) or additional extra PV regions, represent the most commonly used ablation treatments in symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences despite antiarrhythmic drug therapy. PVI remains the main anatomical target during catheter-based AF ablation, with the aid of new technological advances as contact force monitoring to increase safety and effective radiofrequency (RF) lesions. Nowadays, cryoballoon ablation has also achieved the same level of scientific evidence in patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI. In parallel, electrical isolation of extra PV targets has progressively increased, which is associated with a steady increase in complex cases undergoing ablation. Several atrial regions as the left atrial posterior wall, the vein of Marshall, the left atrial appendage, or the coronary sinus have been described in different series as locations potentially involved in AF initiation and maintenance. Targeting these regions may be challenging using conventional point-by-point RF delivery, which has opened new opportunities for coadjuvant alternatives as balloon ablation or selective ethanol injection. Although more extensive ablation may increase intraprocedural AF termination and freedom from arrhythmias during the follow-up, some of the targets to achieve such outcomes are not exempt of potential severe complications. Here, we review and discuss current anatomical approaches and the main ablation technologies to target atrial regions associated with AF initiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio La Rosa
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge G Quintanilla
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Salgado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José González-Ferrer
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Cañadas-Godoy
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Pérez-Villacastín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Fundación Interhospitalaria para la Investigación Cardiovascular (FIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Jalife
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicasio Pérez-Castellano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Fundación Interhospitalaria para la Investigación Cardiovascular (FIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Filgueiras-Rama
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Ganglionated Plexi Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103081. [PMID: 32987820 PMCID: PMC7598705 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in the initiation and development of AF, causing alterations in atrial structure and electrophysiological defects. The intrinsic ANS of the heart consists of multiple ganglionated plexi (GP), commonly nestled in epicardial fat pads. These GPs contain both parasympathetic and sympathetic afferent and efferent neuronal circuits that control the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium. Pulmonary vein isolation and other cardiac catheter ablation targets including GP ablation can disrupt the fibers connecting GPs or directly damage the GPs, mediating the benefits of the ablation procedure. Ablation of GPs has been evaluated over the past decade as an adjunctive procedure for the treatment of patients suffering from AF. The success rate of GP ablation is strongly associated with specific ablation sites, surgical techniques, localization techniques, method of access and the incorporation of additional interventions. In this review, we present the current data on the clinical utility of GP ablation and its significance in AF elimination and the restoration of normal sinus rhythm in humans.
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Neefs J, Ons SA, Berger WR, Krul SPJ, van den Berg NWE, Piersma FR, Beijk MAM, van Boven WP, Driessen AHG, de Groot JR. Clinical course of sinus node dysfunction after thoracoscopic surgery for atrial fibrillation-analysis of the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2020; 60:185-193. [PMID: 32172425 PMCID: PMC7925456 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-020-00722-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sinus node dysfunction (SND) may complicate thoracoscopic surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Identifying patients at risk is important, as SND may require temporary or permanent pacing. To determine the incidence of postoperative SND and duration of symptoms in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgical ablation. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF included in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study underwent pulmonary vein isolation and additional left atrial ablations on indication. Patients were randomized to ganglion plexus ablation or control. SND was defined as symptomatic or asymptomatic junctional rhythm exceeding sinus rate within 30 days postoperatively. The SND risk was assessed by using a univariable logistic regression model. The rate of pacemaker implantation was determined. RESULTS The AFACT study included 240 patients. SND developed in 17 (7.1%) patients, not affected by randomized treatment, p = 0.18. SND patients more often had persistent AF (88.2%) than patients without SND (57.4%), p = 0.01. After univariable testing, persistent AF (OR 5.57 CI 1.52-35.90, p = 0.02) and additional left atrial ablations (OR 12.10 CI 2.40-220.20, p = 0.02) were associated with postoperative SND. Six (35.3%) patients needed temporary pacing for 1-7 days; permanent pacemakers (PMs) were implanted for SND in five (29.4%) patients. CONCLUSION Additional left atrial ablations strongly increase the SND risk. The majority of SND was temporary, and sinus rhythm resolved within days, which indicates that a conservative approach with regard to pacemaker implantation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Neefs
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shaëlle A Ons
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter R Berger
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sébastien P J Krul
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicoline W E van den Berg
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke R Piersma
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A M Beijk
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - WimJan P van Boven
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine H G Driessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Bayer JD, Boukens BJ, Krul SPJ, Roney CH, Driessen AHG, Berger WR, van den Berg NWE, Verkerk AO, Vigmond EJ, Coronel R, de Groot JR. Acetylcholine Delays Atrial Activation to Facilitate Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1105. [PMID: 31551802 PMCID: PMC6737394 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acetylcholine (ACh) shortens action potential duration (APD) in human atria. APD shortening facilitates atrial fibrillation (AF) by reducing the wavelength for reentry. However, the influence of ACh on electrical conduction in human atria and its contribution to AF are unclear, particularly when combined with impaired conduction from interstitial fibrosis. Objective To investigate the effect of ACh on human atrial conduction and its role in AF with computational, experimental, and clinical approaches. Methods S1S2 pacing (S1 = 600 ms and S2 = variable cycle lengths) was applied to the following human AF computer models: a left atrial appendage (LAA) myocyte to quantify the effects of ACh on APD, maximum upstroke velocity (V max ), and resting membrane potential (RMP); a monolayer of LAA myocytes to quantify the effects of ACh on conduction; and 3) an intact left atrium (LA) to determine the effects of ACh on arrhythmogenicity. Heterogeneous ACh and interstitial fibrosis were applied to the monolayer and LA models. To corroborate the simulations, APD and RMP from isolated human atrial myocytes were recorded before and after 0.1 μM ACh. At the tissue level, LAAs from AF patients were optically mapped ex vivo using Di-4-ANEPPS. The difference in total activation time (AT) was determined between AT initially recorded with S1 pacing, and AT recorded during subsequent S1 pacing without (n = 6) or with (n = 7) 100 μM ACh. Results In LAA myocyte simulations, S1 pacing with 0.1 μM ACh shortened APD by 41 ms, hyperpolarized RMP by 7 mV, and increased V max by 27 mV/ms. In human atrial myocytes, 0.1 μM ACh shortened APD by 48 ms, hyperpolarized RMP by 3 mV, and increased V max by 6 mV/ms. In LAA monolayer simulations, S1 pacing with ACh hyperpolarized RMP to delay total AT by 32 ms without and 35 ms with fibrosis. This led to unidirectional conduction block and sustained reentry in fibrotic LA with heterogeneous ACh during S2 pacing. In AF patient LAAs, S1 pacing with ACh increased total AT from 39.3 ± 26 ms to 71.4 ± 31.2 ms (p = 0.036) compared to no change without ACh (56.7 ± 29.3 ms to 50.0 ± 21.9 ms, p = 0.140). Conclusion In fibrotic atria with heterogeneous parasympathetic activation, ACh facilitates AF by shortening APD and slowing conduction to promote unidirectional conduction block and reentry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Bayer
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Institute of Mathematics of Bordeaux (U5251), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sébastien P J Krul
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Caroline H Roney
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Bioengineering, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Wouter R Berger
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, OLVG, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Arie O Verkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edward J Vigmond
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Institute of Mathematics of Bordeaux (U5251), University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute (IHU-LIRYC), Bordeaux University Foundation, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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6
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Abstract
See Article Lee et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hanna
- 1 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA.,2 Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Program David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA
| | - Ching Zhu
- 1 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA.,2 Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Program David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA
| | - Pradeep S Rajendran
- 1 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- 1 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA.,2 Molecular Cellular and Integrative Physiology Program David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA.,3 Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA Los Angeles CA
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7
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Additional Ganglion Plexus Ablation During Thoracoscopic Surgical Ablation of Advanced Atrial Fibrillation: Intermediate Follow-Up of the AFACT Study. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2018; 5:343-353. [PMID: 30898238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The authors report the 2-year follow-up results of the AFACT (Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery) study. BACKGROUND The AFACT study randomized patients with advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) to thoracoscopic AF ablation with or without additional ganglion plexus (GP) ablation. At 1 year, there was no difference in AF freedom between the groups, but autonomic modification may exert beneficial effects during longer follow-up. METHODS Patients underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation, with additional left atrial lines in persistent AF patients, and were randomized 1:1 to ablation of the 4 major GP and Marshall ligament or no GP ablation (control). Patients were followed every 3 months up to 18 months and at 24 months. After an initial 3-month blanking period, all antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued. RESULTS The authors randomized 240 patients (age 59 ± 8 years, 73% men, 68% enlarged left atrium, 60% persistent AF), of whom 228 patients (95%) completed follow-up. Freedom of any atrial tachyarrhythmia did not differ significantly between the GP group (55.6%) and control group (56.1%) (p = 0.91), with no difference in paroxysmal (p = 0.60) or persistent AF patients (p = 0.88). Documented AF recurrences were similar between treatment arms: 11.8% (GP) versus 11.0% (control) had >3 recurrences/year (p = 0.82). More persistent AF patients (17.0%) than paroxysmal (3.2%) had >3 recurrences per year (p < 0.01). Despite this, 78% of patients were off antiarrhythmic drugs after 2 years. No procedural-related complications occurred in the second year. CONCLUSIONS Additional GP ablation during thoracoscopic surgery for advanced AF does not affect freedom of AF recurrence. As GP ablation is associated with more major procedural complications, it should not routinely be performed. (Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thorascopic Surgery [AFACT]; NCT01091389).
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de Groot JR. Botulinum toxin injection in the autonomic ganglion plexi to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation: More than a cosmetic treatment. Heart Rhythm 2018; 16:185-186. [PMID: 30240800 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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9
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Driessen AHG, Berger WR, Krul SPJ, van den Berg NWE, Neefs J, Piersma FR, Chan Pin Yin DRPP, de Jong JSSG, van Boven WP, de Groot JR. Ganglion Plexus Ablation in Advanced Atrial Fibrillation: The AFACT Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 68:1155-1165. [PMID: 27609676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with long duration of atrial fibrillation (AF), enlarged atria, or failed catheter ablation have advanced AF and may require more extensive treatment than pulmonary vein isolation. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of additional ganglion plexus (GP) ablation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic AF surgery. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal AF underwent pulmonary vein isolation. Patients with persistent AF also received additional lines (Dallas lesion set). Patients were randomized 1:1 to additional epicardial ablation of the 4 major GPs and Marshall's ligament (GP group) or no extra ablation (control) and followed every 3 months for 1 year. After a 3-month blanking period, all antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued. RESULTS Two hundred forty patients with a mean AF duration of 5.7 ± 5.1 years (59% persistent) were included. Mean procedure times were 185 ± 54 min and 168 ± 54 min (p = 0.015) in the GP (n = 117) and control groups (n = 123), respectively. GP ablation abated 100% of evoked vagal responses; these responses remained in 87% of control subjects. Major bleeding occurred in 9 patients (all in the GP group; p < 0.001); 8 patients were managed thoracoscopically, and 1 underwent sternotomy. Sinus node dysfunction occurred in 12 patients in the GP group and 4 control subjects (p = 0.038), and 6 pacemakers were implanted (all in the GP group; p = 0.013). After 1 year, 4 patients had died (all in the GP group, not procedure related; p = 0.055), and 9 were lost to follow-up. Freedom from AF recurrence in the GP and control groups was not statistically different whether patients had paroxysmal or persistent AF. At 1 year, 82% of patients were not taking antiarrhythmic drugs. CONCLUSIONS GP ablation during thoracoscopic surgery for advanced AF has no detectable effect on AF recurrence but causes more major adverse events, major bleeding, sinus node dysfunction, and pacemaker implantation. (Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery [AFACT]; NCT01091389).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine H G Driessen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter R Berger
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sébastien P J Krul
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicoline W E van den Berg
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolien Neefs
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Femke R Piersma
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dean R P P Chan Pin Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jonas S S G de Jong
- Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - WimJan P van Boven
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center/University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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10
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Krul SPJ, Berger WR, Veldkamp MW, Driessen AHG, Wilde AAM, Deneke T, de Bakker JMT, Coronel R, de Groot JR. Treatment of Atrial and Ventricular Arrhythmias Through Autonomic Modulation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2015; 1:496-508. [PMID: 29759403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the contribution of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation in the treatment of arrhythmias. Both the atria and ventricles are innervated by an extensive network of nerve fibers of parasympathetic and sympathetic origin. Both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system exert arrhythmogenic electrophysiological effects on atrial and pulmonary vein myocardium, while in the ventricle the sympathetic nervous system plays a more dominant role in arrhythmogenesis. Identification of ANS activity is possible with nuclear imaging. This technique may provide further insight in mechanisms and treatment targets. Additionally, the myocardial effects of the intrinsic ANS can be identified through stimulation of the ganglionic plexuses. These can be ablated for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. New (non-) invasive treatment options targeting the extrinsic cardiac ANS, such as low-level tragus stimulation and renal denervation, provide interesting future treatment possibilities both for atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias. However, the first randomized trials have yet to be performed. Future clinical studies on modifying the ANS may not only improve the outcome of ablation therapy but may also advance our understanding of the manner in which the ANS interacts with the myocardium to modify arrhythmogenic triggers and substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien P J Krul
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter R Berger
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke W Veldkamp
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Antoine H G Driessen
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arthur A M Wilde
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Princess Al-Jawhara Al-Brahim Centre of Excellence in Research of Hereditary Disorders, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Heart Center Bad Neustadt, Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Germany
| | - Jacques M T de Bakker
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Interuniversity Cardiology Institute of the Netherlands, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; L'Institut de RYthmologie et de modélisation Cardiaque (LIRYC), Université Bordeaux Segalen, Bordeaux, France
| | - Joris R de Groot
- Heart Center, Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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