Utilising electroanatomic mapping during ablation in patients with CHD to reduce radiation exposure

Safety and feasibility of 3D-electroanatomical mapping-guided zero or near-zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation for pediatric arrhythmias: Meta-analysis

Background

Catheter ablation in the pediatric population using fluoroscopy has been known to cause adverse events. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of zero fluoroscopy (ZF) and near-ZF-guided catheter ablation for the treatment of arrhythmias in the pediatric population.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched and reviewed for relevant studies. Outcomes of interest include safety, short-term, and long-term effectiveness. We classified patients ≤21 years old who underwent ZF or near-ZF ablation with fluoroscopy time ≤1.5 min as our study group and patients within the same age range who underwent conventional fluoroscopy and/or near-ZF ablation with a mean fluoroscopy time >1.5 min as our control group. Both ZF and near-ZF ablation utilized 3D-electroanatomical mapping (3D-EAM).

Results

Ten studies composed of 2279 patients were included in this study. Total fluoroscopy time (MD -15.93 min, 95% CI (-22.57 - (-9.29), p < .001; I 2 = 84%)) and total procedural time (MD -22.06 min, 95% CI (-44.39 - (-0.28), p < .001; I 2 = 88%)) were significantly lower in the near-ZF group. Both ZF and near-ZF demonstrated a trend towards improved success rates compared to conventional fluoroscopy but did not achieve statistical significance for all subgroup analyses. Ablation in the study group also decreased incidence of complication compared to the control (RR 0.35; 95% CI (0.14-0.90); p = .03; I 2 = 0%).

Conclusion

ZF and near-ZF ablation reduced the overall duration, compares in effectiveness, and shows a superior safety profile compared to control group.

High-density electroanatomic mapping with grid catheter in pediatrics and congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND

The Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter (Abbott Laboratories; Chicago, IL) allows for bipolar electrogram collection in both orthogonal and perpendicular planes, unique when compared to traditional and branch catheters. Experience in pediatric patients and congenital heart disease (CHD) is limited. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the utility and safety of the Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter in pediatric and CHD populations.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all pediatric patients and those with CHD (regardless of age) at Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado undergoing electrophysiologic study in which the Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter was utilized.

RESULTS

Sixty-five procedures in 60 patients (N = 31 female (47.6%), median age 17 years (15-24.1)) were included. Patients had CHD in 30 procedures (46.1%). Eight-eight arrhythmia substrates were mapped including atrial flutter/intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (N = 33), focal atrial tachycardia (N = 20), isolated PVCs (N = 10), accessory pathways (N = 9), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (N = 7), right ventricular substrate mapping (N = 7), and ventricular tachycardia (N = 2). Median time per map was 11.8 (7.5-20.1) min with 3.2 (± 1.7) maps per procedure and a median of 2634 (1767-7654) points used per map. Patients with CHD required more maps (p < 0.001) and points per map (p < 0.001). Ablation was successful in 92.4% of procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The Advisor™ HD Grid mapping catheter is safe and effective in the pediatric and congenital heart disease population. A wide variety of arrhythmia substrates can be mapped with high point density and low mapping time.