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Zhang Z, Xiao Y, Wang C, Zhou J, Lin Q, Tu T, Wu K, Huang Y, Zhang Z, Liu C, Liu Q. Pulsed field ablation: A promising approach for ventricular tachycardia ablation. Int J Cardiol 2024; 407:131985. [PMID: 38513736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a central therapeutic strategy for ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, concerns about its long-term effectiveness and complications have arisen. Pulsed field ablation (PFA), characterized by its nonthermal, highly tissue-selective ablation technique, has emerged as a promising alternative. This comprehensive review delves into the potential advantages and opportunities presented by PFA in the realm of VT, drawing insights from both animal experimentation and clinical case studies. PFA shows promise in generating superior lesions within scarred myocardial tissue, and its inherent repetition dependency holds the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Clinical cases underscore the promise of PFA for VT ablation. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as catheter maneuverability and proarrhythmic effects require further investigation. Large-scale, long-term studies are essential to establish the suitability of PFA for VT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichao Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cancan Wang
- Department of Metabolic Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiabao Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuzhen Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Tu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Keke Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunying Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zeying Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of International Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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de Caro A, Talmont F, Rols MP, Golzio M, Kolosnjaj-Tabi J. Therapeutic perspectives of high pulse repetition rate electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 156:108629. [PMID: 38159429 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Electroporation, a technique that uses electrical pulses to temporarily or permanently destabilize cell membranes, is increasingly used in cancer treatment, gene therapy, and cardiac tissue ablation. Although the technique is efficient, patients report discomfort and pain. Current strategies that aim to minimize pain and muscle contraction rely on the use of pharmacological agents. Nevertheless, technical improvements might be a valuable tool to minimize adverse events, which occur during the application of standard electroporation protocols. One recent technological strategy involves the use of high pulse repetition rate. The emerging technique, also referred as "high frequency" electroporation, employs short (micro to nanosecond) mono or bipolar pulses at repetition rate ranging from a few kHz to a few MHz. This review provides an overview of the historical background of electric field use and its development in therapies over time. With the aim to understand the rationale for novel electroporation protocols development, we briefly describe the physiological background of neuromuscular stimulation and pain caused by exposure to pulsed electric fields. Then, we summarize the current knowledge on electroporation protocols based on high pulse repetition rates. The advantages and limitations of these protocols are described from the perspective of their therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia de Caro
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Franck Talmont
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Muriel Golzio
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
| | - Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
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Maizels L, Heller E, Landesberg M, Glatstein S, Huber I, Arbel G, Gepstein A, Aronson D, Sharabi S, Beinart R, Segev A, Maor E, Gepstein L. Utilizing Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells to Study Cardiac Electroporation Pulsed-Field Ablation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2024; 17:e012278. [PMID: 38344845 PMCID: PMC10949974 DOI: 10.1161/circep.123.012278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroporation is a promising nonthermal ablation method for cardiac arrhythmia treatment. Although initial clinical studies found electroporation pulsed-field ablation (PFA) both safe and efficacious, there are significant knowledge gaps concerning the mechanistic nature and electrophysiological consequences of cardiomyocyte electroporation, contributed by the paucity of suitable human in vitro models. Here, we aimed to establish and characterize a functional in vitro model based on human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived cardiac tissue, and to study the fundamentals of cardiac PFA. METHODS hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes were seeded as circular cell sheets and subjected to different PFA protocols. Detailed optical mapping, cellular, and molecular characterizations were performed to study PFA mechanisms and electrophysiological outcomes. RESULTS PFA generated electrically silenced lesions within the hiPSC-derived cardiac circular cell sheets, resulting in areas of conduction block. Both reversible and irreversible electroporation components were identified. Significant electroporation reversibility was documented within 5 to 15-minutes post-PFA. Irreversibly electroporated regions persisted at 24-hours post-PFA. Per single pulse, high-frequency PFA was less efficacious than standard (monophasic) PFA, whereas increasing pulse-number augmented lesion size and diminished reversible electroporation. PFA augmentation could also be achieved by increasing extracellular Ca2+ levels. Flow-cytometry experiments revealed that regulated cell death played an important role following PFA. Assessing for PFA antiarrhythmic properties, sustainable lines of conduction block could be generated using PFA, which could either terminate or isolate arrhythmic activity in the hiPSC-derived cardiac circular cell sheets. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac electroporation may be studied using hiPSC-derived cardiac tissue, providing novel insights into PFA temporal and electrophysiological characteristics, facilitating electroporation protocol optimization, screening for potential PFA-sensitizers, and investigating the mechanistic nature of PFA antiarrhythmic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonid Maizels
- Division of Cardiology, Leviev Center of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramt Gan, Israel (L.M., E.H., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel (L.M., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Talpiot Sheba Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel (L.M., E.M.)
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia (L.M.)
| | - Eyal Heller
- Division of Cardiology, Leviev Center of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramt Gan, Israel (L.M., E.H., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
| | - Michal Landesberg
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
| | - Shany Glatstein
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
| | - Irit Huber
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
| | - Gil Arbel
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
| | - Amira Gepstein
- Division of Cardiology, Leviev Center of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramt Gan, Israel (L.M., E.H., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
| | - Doron Aronson
- Division of Cardiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel (D.A., L.G.)
| | - Shirley Sharabi
- Advanced Technology Center and Department of Radiology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel (S.S.)
| | - Roy Beinart
- Division of Cardiology, Leviev Center of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramt Gan, Israel (L.M., E.H., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel (L.M., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
| | - Amit Segev
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel (L.M., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
| | - Elad Maor
- Division of Cardiology, Leviev Center of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Ramt Gan, Israel (L.M., E.H., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel (L.M., R.B., A.S., E.M.)
- Talpiot Sheba Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, Israel (L.M., E.M.)
| | - Lior Gepstein
- Sohnis Laboratory for Cardiac Electrophysiology and Regenerative Medicine, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel (M.L., S.G., I.H., G.A., A.G., L.G.)
- Division of Cardiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel (D.A., L.G.)
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Rottner L, Metzner A. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Current Practice and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7556. [PMID: 38137626 PMCID: PMC10743921 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247556] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Catheter ablation to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is established as a mainstay in rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current practice and future perspectives in AF ablation. The main clinical benefit of AF ablation is the reduction of arrhythmia-related symptoms and improvement of quality of life. Catheter ablation of AF is recommended, in general, as a second-line therapy for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF, who have failed or are intolerant to pharmacological therapy. In selected patients with heart failure and reduced left-ventricular fraction, catheter ablation was proven to reduce all-cause mortality. Also, optimal management of comorbidities can reduce AF recurrence after AF ablation; therefore, multimodal risk assessment and therapy are mandatory. To date, the primary ablation tool in widespread use is still single-tip catheter radiofrequency (RF) based ablation. Additionally, balloon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has gained prominence, especially due to its user-friendly nature and established safety and efficacy profile. So far, the cryoballoon (CB) is the most studied single-shot device. CB-based PVI is characterized by high efficiency, convincing success rates, and a beneficial safety profile. Recently, CB-PVI as a first-line therapy for AF was shown to be superior to pharmacological treatment in terms of efficacy and was shown to reduce progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF. In this context, CB-based PVI gains more and more importance as a first-line treatment choice. Non-thermal energy sources, namely pulsed-field ablation (PFA), have garnered attention due to their cardioselectivity. Although initially applied via a basket-like ablation tool, recent developments allow for point-by-point ablation, particularly with the advent of a novel lattice tip catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rottner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Metzner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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Del Monte A, Cespón Fernández M, Vetta G, Della Rocca DG, Pannone L, Mouram S, Sorgente A, Bala G, Ströker E, Sieira J, Almorad A, Sarkozy A, Chierchia GB, de Asmundis C. Quantitative assessment of transient autonomic modulation after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed-field ablation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:2393-2397. [PMID: 37792572 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with thermal energy is characterized by concomitant ablation of the surrounding ganglionated plexi (GP). Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) selectively targets the myocardium and seems associated with only negligible effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS). However, little is known about the dynamic effects of PFA on the GP immediately after PVI. This study sought to investigate the degree and acute vagal modulation induced by the FarapulseTM PFA system during PVI compared with single-shot thermal ablation. METHODS A total of 76 patients underwent first-time PVI with either FarapulseTM PFA (PFA group, n = 40) or cryoballoon ablation (thermal ablation group, n = 36) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The effect on the ANS in the two groups was assessed before and after PVI with extracardiac vagal stimulation (ECVS). To capture any transient effects of PFA on the ANS, in a subgroup of PFA patients ECVS was repeated at three predefined timepoints: (1) before PVI (T0); (2) immediately after PVI (T1); and (3) 10 min after the last energy application (T2). RESULTS Despite similar baseline values, the vagal response induced by ECVS after PVI almost disappeared in the thermal ablation group but persisted in the PFA group (thermal group: 840 [706-1090] ms, p < .001 compared to baseline; PFA group: 11 466 [8720-12 293] ms, p = .70 compared to baseline). Intraprocedural vagal reactions (defined as RR increase >50%, transitory asystole, or atrioventricular block) occurred more frequently with PFA than thermal ablation (70% vs. 28%, p = .001). Moreover, heart rate 24 h post-PVI increased more with thermal ablation than with PFA (16.5 ± 9.0 vs. 2.6 ± 6.1 beats/min, p < .001). In the subgroup of PFA patients undergoing repeated ANS modulation assessment (n = 11), ECVS demonstrated that PFA determined a significant acute suppression of the vagal response immediately after PVI (p < .001 compared to baseline), which recovered almost completely within 10 min. CONCLUSION PVI with the FarapulseTM PFA system is associated with only transitory and short-lasting vagal effects on the ANS which recover almost completely within a few minutes after ablation. The impact of this phenomenon on AF outcome needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvise Del Monte
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - María Cespón Fernández
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Giampaolo Vetta
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Domenico Giovanni Della Rocca
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sahar Mouram
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Sorgente
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gezim Bala
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erwin Ströker
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan Sieira
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Almorad
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrea Sarkozy
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Brussels, Belgium
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Hsu JC, Banker RS, Gibson DN, Gomez T, Berman D, Datta K, Chen Q, Doshi SK. Comprehensive dose-response study of pulsed field ablation using a circular catheter compared with radiofrequency ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: A preclinical study. Heart Rhythm O2 2023; 4:662-667. [PMID: 37936668 PMCID: PMC10626186 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan C. Hsu
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Douglas N. Gibson
- Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic and Prebys Cardiovascular Institute, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | - Qi Chen
- Biosense Webster, Irvine, California
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Iacopino S, Colella J, Dini D, Mantovani L, Sorrenti PF, Malacrida M, Filannino P. Sedation strategies for pulsed-field ablation of atrial fibrillation: focus on deep sedation with intravenous ketamine in spontaneous respiration. Europace 2023; 25:euad230. [PMID: 37494101 PMCID: PMC10434732 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS A standardized sedation protocol for pulsed-field ablation (PFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) through irreversible cellular electroporation has not been well established. We report our experience of a protocol for deep sedation with ketamine in spontaneous respiration during the PFA of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS All consecutive patients undergoing PFA for AF at our center were included. Our sedation protocol involves the intravenous administration of fentanyl (1.5 mcg/kg) and midazolam (2 mg) at low doses before local anesthesia with lidocaine. A ketamine adjunct (1 mg/kg) was injected about 5 minutes before the first PFA delivery. We enrolled 66 patients (age = 59 ± 9 years, 78.8% males, body mass index = 28.8 ± 5 kg/m2, fluoroscopy time = 21[15-30] min, skin-to-skin time = 75[60-100] min and PFA LA dwell time = 25[22-28] min). By the end of the procedure, PVI had been achieved in all patients by means of PFA alone. The mean time under sedation was 56.4 ± 6 min, with 50 (76%) patients being sedated for less than 1 hour. A satisfactory Ramsey Sedation Scale level before ketamine infusion was achieved in all patients except one (78.8% of the patients with rank 3; 19.7% with rank 2). In all procedures, the satisfaction level was found to be acceptable by both the patient and the primary operator (Score = 0 in 98.5% of cases). All patients reported none or mild pain. No major procedure or anesthesia-related complications were reported. CONCLUSION Our standardized sedation protocol with the administration of drugs with rapid onset and pharmacological offset at low doses was safe and effective, with an optimal degree of patient and operator satisfaction. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Advanced TecHnologies For SuccEssful AblatioN of AF in Clinical Practice (ATHENA). URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/Identifier: NCT05617456.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Iacopino
- Electrophysiology Unit, GVM Care&Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, 48033 RA, Italy
| | - Jacopo Colella
- Electrophysiology Unit, GVM Care&Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, 48033 RA, Italy
| | - Daniele Dini
- Electrophysiology Unit, GVM Care&Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, 48033 RA, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mantovani
- Electrophysiology Unit, GVM Care&Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, 48033 RA, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Malacrida
- Medical Education & Scientific Affairs, Boston Scientific, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Filannino
- Electrophysiology Unit, GVM Care&Research, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Cotignola, 48033 RA, Italy
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Grimaldi M, Quadrini F, Caporusso N, Troisi F, Vitulano N, Delmonte V, Di Monaco A. Deep sedation protocol during atrial fibrillation ablation using a novel variable-loop biphasic pulsed field ablation catheter. Europace 2023; 25:euad222. [PMID: 37470452 PMCID: PMC10434733 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, largely nonthermal ablative modality that, by virtue of its putative preferential action on myocardial tissue through the process of irreversible electroporation (IRE), may replace conventional thermal ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The recent inspIRE study confirmed safety and effectiveness of a fully integrated biphasic PFA system with a variable loop circular catheter for the treatment of paroxysmal AF. The majority of PFA procedures were performed using general anesthesia. However, due to the risks of general anesthesia we report the data regarding our sedation protocol used during inspIRE study. METHODS A total of 29 patients (mean age 55±9 years; 72% male) were enrolled as part of this analysis within the inspIRE trial. The sedation protocol is reported in the manuscript. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Patient State Index were collected during sedation. Each patient was monitored using the Masimo Sedline. At the end of ablation, the Likert Scale Questionnaire (LSQ) was used to assess the patients' satisfaction with intraoperative analgesia-sedation. RESULTS No procedural complications were documented. Sufficient oxygen saturation was maintained in all patients during procedure. Non-invasive ventilation or tracheal intubation were not required for any patient. The RAAS score between -1 to -5 was obtained in 27 patients (93%) while the value 0 was obtained in 2 patients (7%). The VAS score between 0 to 2 was obtained in 24 patients (83%); the VAS score 3 in 3 patients (10%) and the VAS score 4 in 2 patients (7%). The PSI score <50 was achieved in 16 patients (55%) while the PSI between 50 and 70 was achieved in 9 patients (31%). Positive answers to LSQ were obtained in most patients. CONCLUSION During PFA ablation procedures with the variable-loop circular catheter and its accompanying biphasic pulse, our deep sedation protocol is a valid alternative to general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Grimaldi
- Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Quadrini
- Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Caporusso
- Reparto di Anestesia e Rianimazione, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Troisi
- Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Vitulano
- Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Delmonte
- Reparto di Anestesia e Rianimazione, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Monaco
- Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Ospedale Generale Regionale ‘F. Miulli’, Acquaviva delle Fonti, Bari, Italy
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Boersma L, Andrade JG, Betts T, Duytschaever M, Pürerfellner H, Santoro F, Tzeis S, Verma A. Progress in atrial fibrillation ablation during 25 years of Europace journal. Europace 2023; 25:euad244. [PMID: 37622592 PMCID: PMC10451004 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The first edition of Europace journal in 1999 came right around the time of the landmark publication of the electrophysiologists from Bordeaux, establishing how elimination of ectopic activity from the pulmonary veins (PVs) resulted in a marked reduction of atrial fibrillation (AF). The past 25 years have seen an incredible surge in scientific interest to develop new catheters and energy sources to optimize durability and safety of ablation, as well as study the mechanisms for AF and devise ablation strategies. While ablation in the beginning was performed with classic 4 mm tip catheters that emitted radiofrequency (RF) energy to create tissue lesions, this evolved to using irrigation and contact force (CF) measurement while increasing power. Also, so-called single-shot devices were developed with balloons and arrays to create larger contiguous lesions, and energy sources changed from RF current to cryogenic ablation and more recently pulsed field ablation with electrical current. Although PV ablation has remained the basis for every AF ablation, it was soon recognized that this was not enough to cure all patients, especially those with non-paroxysmal AF. Standardized approaches for additional ablation targets have been used but have not been satisfactory in all patients so far. This led to highly technical mapping systems that are meant to unravel the drivers for the maintenance of AF. In the following sections, the development of energies, strategies, and tools is described with a focus on the contribution of Europace to publish the outcomes of studies that were done during the past 25 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Boersma
- Cardiology Department, St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein/Amsterdam University Medical Center, PO 2500, 3430 EM Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Cardiology Department, Center for Cardiovascular Innovation, Vancouver, Canada
- Montreal Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tim Betts
- Department of Cardiology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Francesco Santoro
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stylianos Tzeis
- Cardiology Department, Mitera Hospital, Hygeia Group, Athens, Greece
| | - Atul Verma
- Cardiology Department, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Gasperetti A, Assis F, Tripathi H, Suzuki M, Gonuguntla A, Shah R, Sampognaro J, Schiavone M, Karmarkar P, Tandri H. Determinants of acute irreversible electroporation lesion characteristics after pulsed field ablation: the role of voltage, contact, and adipose interference. Europace 2023; 25:euad257. [PMID: 37649337 PMCID: PMC10485186 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a non-thermal ablative approach in which cardiomyocyte death is obtained through irreversible electroporation (IRE). Data correlating the biophysical characteristics of IRE and lesion characteristics are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different procedural parameters [voltage, number of cycles (NoCs), and contact] on lesion characteristics in a vegetal and animal model for IRE. METHODS AND RESULTS Two hundred and four Russet potatoes were used. Pulsed field ablation lesions were delivered on 3 cm cored potato specimens using a multi-electrode circular catheter with its dedicated IRE generator. Different voltage (from 300 to 1200 V) and NoC (from 1 to 5×) protocols were used. The impact of 0.5 and 1 mm catheter-to-specimen distances was tested. A swine animal model was then used to validate the results observed in the vegetable model. The association between voltage, the NoCs, distance, and lesion depth was assessed through linear regression. An almost perfect linear association between lesion depth and voltage was observed (R2 = 0.95; P < 0.001). A similarly linear relationship was observed between the NoCs and the lesion depth (R2 = 0.73; P < 0.001). Compared with controls at full contact, a significant dampening on lesion depth was observed at 0.5 mm distance (1000 V 2×: 2.11 ± 0.12 vs. 0.36 ± 0.04, P < 0.001; 2.63 ± 0.10 vs. 0.43 ± 0.08, P < 0.001). No lesions were observed at 1.0 mm distance. CONCLUSION In a vegetal and animal model for IRE assessment, PFA lesion characteristics were found to be strongly dependent on voltage settings and the NoCs, with a quasi-linear relationship. The lack of catheter contact was associated with a dampening in lesion depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gasperetti
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Fabrizio Assis
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Hemantkumar Tripathi
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Masahito Suzuki
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Akhilesh Gonuguntla
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Rushil Shah
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - James Sampognaro
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Parag Karmarkar
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Harikrishna Tandri
- Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 600 N. Wolfe St. Blalock 545, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Schmidt B, Bordignon S, Neven K, Reichlin T, Blaauw Y, Hansen J, Adelino R, Ouss A, Füting A, Roten L, Mulder BA, Ruwald MH, Mené R, van der Voort P, Reinsch N, Kueffer T, Boveda S, Albrecht EM, Schneider CW, Chun KRJ. EUropean real-world outcomes with Pulsed field ablatiOn in patients with symptomatic atRIAl fibrillation: lessons from the multi-centre EU-PORIA registry. Europace 2023; 25:euad185. [PMID: 37379528 PMCID: PMC10320231 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new, non-thermal ablation modality for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The multi-centre EUropean Real World Outcomes with Pulsed Field AblatiOn in Patients with Symptomatic AtRIAl Fibrillation (EU-PORIA) registry sought to determine the safety, efficacy, and learning curve characteristics for the pentaspline, multi-electrode PFA catheter. METHODS AND RESULTS All-comer AF patients from seven high-volume centres were consecutively enrolled. Procedural and follow-up data were collected. Learning curve effects were analysed by operator ablation experience and primary ablation modality. In total, 1233 patients (61% male, mean age 66 ± 11years, 60% paroxysmal AF) were treated by 42 operators. In 169 patients (14%), additional lesions outside the PVs were performed, most commonly at the posterior wall (n = 127). Median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 58 (interquartile range: 40-87) and 14 (9-21) min, respectively, with no differences due to operator experience. Major complications occurred in 21/1233 procedures (1.7%) including pericardial tamponade (14; 1.1%) and transient ischaemic attack or stroke (n = 7; 0.6%), of which one was fatal. Prior cryoballoon users had less complication. At a median follow-up of 365 (323-386) days, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of arrhythmia-free survival was 74% (80% for paroxysmal and 66% for persistent AF). Freedom from arrhythmia was not influenced by operator experience. In 149 (12%) patients, a repeat procedure was performed due to AF recurrence and 418/584 (72%) PVs were durably isolated. CONCLUSION The EU-PORIA registry demonstrates a high single-procedure success rate with an excellent safety profile and short procedure times in a real-world, all-comer AF patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Medizinische Klinik 3- Klinik für Kardiologie, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefano Bordignon
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kars Neven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Inselspital—Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuri Blaauw
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Hansen
- Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raquel Adelino
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Ouss
- Heart Center Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Füting
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Laurent Roten
- Inselspital—Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bart A Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin H Ruwald
- Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roberto Mené
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nico Reinsch
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Thomas Kueffer
- Inselspital—Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
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Campana LG, Daud A, Lancellotti F, Arroyo JP, Davalos RV, Di Prata C, Gehl J. Pulsed Electric Fields in Oncology: A Snapshot of Current Clinical Practices and Research Directions from the 4th World Congress of Electroporation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3340. [PMID: 37444450 PMCID: PMC10340685 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The 4th World Congress of Electroporation (Copenhagen, 9-13 October 2022) provided a unique opportunity to convene leading experts in pulsed electric fields (PEF). PEF-based therapies harness electric fields to produce therapeutically useful effects on cancers and represent a valuable option for a variety of patients. As such, irreversible electroporation (IRE), gene electrotransfer (GET), electrochemotherapy (ECT), calcium electroporation (Ca-EP), and tumour-treating fields (TTF) are on the rise. Still, their full therapeutic potential remains underappreciated, and the field faces fragmentation, as shown by parallel maturation and differences in the stages of development and regulatory approval worldwide. This narrative review provides a glimpse of PEF-based techniques, including key mechanisms, clinical indications, and advances in therapy; finally, it offers insights into current research directions. By highlighting a common ground, the authors aim to break silos, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and pave the way to novel possibilities for intervention. Intriguingly, beyond their peculiar mechanism of action, PEF-based therapies share technical interconnections and multifaceted biological effects (e.g., vascular, immunological) worth exploiting in combinatorial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G. Campana
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
| | - Adil Daud
- Department of Medicine, University of California, 550 16 Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Francesco Lancellotti
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Rd., Manchester M13 9WL, UK;
| | - Julio P. Arroyo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.P.A.); (R.V.D.)
| | - Rafael V. Davalos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.P.A.); (R.V.D.)
- Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Claudia Di Prata
- Department of Surgery, San Martino Hospital, 32100 Belluno, Italy;
| | - Julie Gehl
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1165 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Anić A, Phlips T, Brešković T, Koopman P, Girouard S, Mediratta V, Jurišić Z, Sikirić I, Lisica L, Vijgen J. Pulsed field ablation using focal contact force-sensing catheters for treatment of atrial fibrillation: acute and 90-day invasive remapping results. Europace 2023; 25:euad147. [PMID: 37335976 PMCID: PMC10279421 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a promising alternative to thermal ablation for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We report performance and safety using the CENTAURI™ System (Galvanize Therapeutics) with three commercial, focal ablation catheters. METHODS AND RESULTS ECLIPSE AF (NCT04523545) was a prospective, single-arm, multi-centre study evaluating safety and acute and chronic pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) durability using the CENTAURI System in conjunction with the TactiCath SE, StablePoint, and ThermoCool ST ablation catheters. Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were treated at two centres. Patients were analysed in five cohorts based upon ablation settings, catheter, and mapping system. Pulsed field ablation was performed in 82 patients (74% male, 42 paroxysmal AF). Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 100% of pulmonary veins (322/322) with first-pass isolation in 92.2% (297/322). There were four serious adverse events of interest (three vascular access complications and one lacunar stroke). Eighty patients (98%) underwent invasive remapping. Pulsed field ablation development Cohorts 1 and 2 showed a per-patient isolation rate of 38% and 26% and a per-PV isolation rate of 47% and 53%, respectively. Optimized PFA Cohorts 3-5 showed a per-patient isolation rate of 60%, 73%, and 81% and a per-PV isolation rate of 84%, 90%, and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION ECLIPSE AF demonstrated that optimized PFA using the CENTAURI System with three commercial, contact force-sensing, solid-tip focal ablation catheters resulted in transmural lesion formation and high proportion of durable PVI with a favourable safety profile, thus providing a viable treatment option for AF that integrates with contemporary focal ablation workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ante Anić
- Heart and vascular center, Klinički Bolnički Centar (KBC) Split, Spinčićeva ul. 1, Split 21000, Croatia
| | | | - Toni Brešković
- Heart and vascular center, Klinički Bolnički Centar (KBC) Split, Spinčićeva ul. 1, Split 21000, Croatia
| | | | - Steven Girouard
- Galvanize Therapeutics, Inc. (previously Galaxy Medical), Redwood City, CA, USA
| | | | - Zrinka Jurišić
- Heart and vascular center, Klinički Bolnički Centar (KBC) Split, Spinčićeva ul. 1, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Ivan Sikirić
- Heart and vascular center, Klinički Bolnički Centar (KBC) Split, Spinčićeva ul. 1, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Lucija Lisica
- Heart and vascular center, Klinički Bolnički Centar (KBC) Split, Spinčićeva ul. 1, Split 21000, Croatia
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Zafeiropoulos S, Stavrakis S. Impact of Pulsed Field Ablation on Autonomic Nervous System: Unwinding Ariadne's Thread. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:494-496. [PMID: 37100531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Zafeiropoulos
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Cardiovascular Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
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