Venous access-site closure with vascular closure device vs. manual compression in patients undergoing catheter ablation or left atrial appendage occlusion under uninterrupted anticoagulation: a multicentre experience on efficacy and complications

2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF. They are also intended to provide guidance to healthcare facilities seeking to establish or maintain catheter ablation for AF.

Preclose Versus Postclose Using Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure System for Catheter Ablation With Femoral Vein Access

BACKGROUND

Differences in the efficacy and safety between the preclose and postclose suture-mediated vascular closure systems for femoral vein access have not been adequately studied.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these 2 suturing techniques in femoral vein access.

METHODS

Patients subjected to elective catheter ablation via the femoral vein using a sheath of 8- to 13-F inner diameter (n = 282) were randomized to the preclose or postclose groups for the single-suture technique using ProGlide/ProStyle (Abbott Vascular). Duplex ultrasound was performed on days 1 and 90 after the procedure to evaluate vascular complications. The primary efficacy endpoint was rebleeding requiring recompression, and the primary safety endpoint was any major complication occurring within 90 days. The secondary efficacy endpoints included time to hemostasis and time to ambulation, and the secondary safety endpoint was any minor complication occurring within 90 days.

RESULTS

The preclose group demonstrated a significantly lower rebleeding rate (5 of 141 [3.5%] vs 15 of 141 [10.6%]; P = 0.03) and shorter time to hemostasis (254.0 ± 120.4 seconds vs 299.8 ± 208.2 seconds; P = 0.02) compared with the postclose group. Five patients in each group were lost to follow-up at 90 days. Incidence of major complications were similar in both groups (1 of 136 [0.7%]; P = 1.00), whereas minor complications were observed in 18 of 136 (13.2%) and 21 of 136 (15.4%) patients in the preclose and postclose groups, respectively, without a significant difference (P = 0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

In femoral vein access using the single-suture technique with ProGlide/ProStyle, the preclose technique presented a higher hemostasis rate than the postclose technique, without compromising safety.

Safety of multi-access site venous closure following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation and flutter

BACKGROUND

Following catheter ablation, vascular access management involves potential complications and prolonged recovery. Recently, suture-mediated closure (SMC) devices were approved for venous access procedures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of a commercially available SMC for multiple access site venous closure by duplex ultrasound (DUS) in asymptomatic subjects with non-visible complications.

METHODS

Thirty-six subjects (63 ± 10.7 years old, 12 female) were enrolled. Following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, all subjects had SMC of every venous access site. Subjects underwent DUS of femoral veins and arteries. DUS was performed at discharge, and again at 30 days. Subjects were evaluated for clinically apparent vascular complications.

RESULTS

Mean procedure duration was 138.6 min, and the time to hemostasis was 3.1 min/access site and 9.5 min/subject. Median time to ambulation was 193.5 min, and median time to discharge was 5.95 h, with discharge as early as 2.4 h. A median of 2 sheaths/vein and a median of 2 SMC devices/vein were used. There were no major complications and a 16.7% (6/36) minor complication rate at discharge. All complications resolved at 30 days. The complication rate was not higher in patients with 2 SMC per access site as compared to the patients who just received 1 SMC per access site.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the safety of multi-access closure using SMC, following catheter ablation procedures, for closure of sites that use sheath sizes from ≤ 8F to ≥ 15F and for those that use 2 or more SMCs per access site.

Pulsed electric field, cryoballoon, and radiofrequency for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation: a propensity score-matched comparison

AIMS

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel, non-thermal energy source to selectively ablate cardiac tissue. We describe a multicentre experience on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via the pentaspline Farapulse™ PFA system vs. thermal-based technologies in a propensity score-matched population of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Propensity score matching was adopted to compare PVI-only ablation outcomes via the Farawave™ system (Group PFA), cryoballoon (Group CRYO), or focal radiofrequency (Group RF) (PFA:CRYO:RF ratio = 1:2:2). Among 1572 (mean age: 62.4 ± 11.3 years; 42.5% females) PAF patients undergoing first time PVI with either PFA (n = 174), CRYO (n = 655), or RF (n = 743), propensity score matching yielded 174 PFA, 348 CRYO, and 348 RF patients. First-pass isolation was achieved in 98.8% of pulmonary veins (PVs) with PFA, 81.5% with CRYO, and 73.1% with RF (P < 0.001). Procedural and dwell times were significantly shorter with PFA, whereas the availability of a 3D mapping system led to a significant reduction in X-ray exposure with RF. Overall complication rates were 3.4% (n = 6) with PFA, 8.6% (n = 30) with CRYO, and 5.5% (n = 19) with RF (P = 0.052). The 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimated freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia was 79.3% with PFA, 74.7% with CRYO, and 72.4% with RF (log-rank P-value: 0.24). Among 145 repeat ablation procedures, PV reconnection rate was 19.1% after PFA, 27.5% after CRYO, and 34.8% after RF (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Pulsed field ablation contributed to significantly shorter procedural times. Follow-up data showed a similar arrhythmia freedom, although a higher rate of PV reconnection was documented in post-CRYO and post-RF redo procedures.

Comparison of Figure-of-Eight Suture and Perclose ProGlide Suture-Mediated Closure in Large Bore Venous Access Hemostasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Suture-mediated closure device and Figure-of-Eight suture are commonly used to achieve hemostasis after use of large bore venous access. Although both methods of closure are commonly used in clinical practice, a head-to-head comparison in a controlled setting has not been performed. Patients presenting to a single center for elective left atrial appendage occlusion or transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair were randomized to large bore venous closure using the Perclose ProGlide suture-based closure or a Figure-of-Eight suture closure. The patients were followed for 1 month after the procedure. Primary outcome, a composite of access site large ecchymosis, hematoma, infection, pain, need for unscheduled venous ultrasound and need for transfusion, was compared between the 2 arms. A total of 40 patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion to the 2 venous closure strategies. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Perclose ProGlide arm required use of more devices for hemostasis (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1 ± 0 respectively, p <0.0001), and there was a significant difference in the cost of closure device ($367.00 ± 122.00 vs $1.00 ± 0 respectively, p <0.001). At 1 month post-procedure, the primary outcome occurred in 4 patients (20%) in the Perclose arm and 7 (35%) patients in the Figure-of-Eight arm, a difference that was not statistically significant (p = 0.48). Time to hemostasis between Figure-of-Eight and Perclose arms did not reach statistical significance (2.5 ± 2.1 vs 3.7 ± 2.3, p = 0.09). In conclusion, both Perclose ProGlide suture-based device and Figure-of-Eight closure are equally feasible and safe for patients who underwent large bore venous access. Figure-of-Eight-based closure is more cost effective.

Comparison of Vascular Complications after Arterial Sheath Removal using Manual Compression Method and ClampEase Method in Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Introduction

Angiography stands as the paramount and definitive diagnostic method for coronary artery disease. However, akin to various other invasive procedures, it may carry a multitude of complications. This study sought to assess the incidence of vascular complications post-arterial sheath removal, comparing the use of a ClampEase device against manual compression.

Methods

This quasi-experimental clinical trial involved patients undergoing angiography at the post-angiography ward in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 91 patients were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the manual compression or ClampEase device groups. Monitoring common vascular complications like hemorrhage, hematomas, and ecchymosis occurred up to 24 hours post-arterial sheath removal. Data were collected using a digital scale model DM3, a transparent flexible ruler, and a questionnaire named 'vascular complications after angiography.' Analysis was performed using SPSS software version 13.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed that, when compared to the manual method, compression with the ClampEase device led to fewer vascular complications in patients and a quicker return to homeostasis.

Conclusion

The findings underscore that the ClampEase method is a safer alternative with fewer vascular complications than the manual compression method. This discovery has implications for reducing hospital costs and length of stay. The ClampEase device is associated with a swifter time to hemostasis, contributing to enhanced patient comfort and acceptance.

Twenty-five years of research in cardiac imaging in electrophysiology procedures for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias

Catheter ablation is nowadays considered the treatment of choice for numerous cardiac arrhythmias in different clinical scenarios. Fluoroscopy has traditionally been the primary imaging modality for catheter ablation, providing real-time visualization of catheter navigation. However, its limitations, such as inadequate soft tissue visualization and exposure to ionizing radiation, have prompted the integration of alternative imaging modalities. Over the years, advancements in imaging techniques have played a pivotal role in enhancing the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of catheter ablation procedures. This manuscript aims to explore the utility of imaging, including electroanatomical mapping, cardiac computed tomography, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear cardiology exams, in helping electrophysiology procedures. These techniques enable accurate anatomical guidance, identification of critical structures and substrates, and real-time monitoring of complications, ultimately enhancing procedural safety and success rates. Incorporating advanced imaging technologies into routine clinical practice has the potential to further improve clinical outcomes of catheter ablation procedures and pave the way for more personalized and precise ablation therapies in the future.

Same-day discharge for left atrial appendage occlusion procedure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Most patients undergoing a left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure are admitted for overnight observation. A same-day discharge strategy offers the opportunity to improve resource utilization without compromising patient safety. We compared the patient safety outcomes and post-discharge complications between same-day discharge versus hospital admission (HA) (>1 day) in patients undergoing LAAO procedure.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted. Outcomes of interest included peri-procedural complications, re-admissions, discharge complications including major bleeding and vascular complications, ischemic stroke, all-cause mortality, and peri-device leak >5 mm. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of seven observational studies met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference between same-day discharge versus HA regarding readmission (RR: 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.29-1.31]; p = .21), ischemic stroke after discharge (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: [0.49-2.73]), peri-device leak >5 mm (RR: 1.27; 95% CI: [0.42-3.85], and all-cause mortality (RR: 0.60; 95% CI: [0.36-1.02]). The same-day discharge study group had significantly lower major bleeding or vascular complications (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: [0.54-0.94]).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis of seven observational studies showed no significant difference in patient safety outcomes and post-discharge complications between same-day discharge versus HA. These findings provide a solid basis to perform a randomized control trial to eliminate any potential confounders.

Same-day discharge following catheter ablation and venous closure with VASCADE MVP: A postmarket registry

INTRODUCTION

Early and safe ambulation can facilitate same-day discharge (SDD) following catheter ablation, which can reduce resource utilization and healthcare costs and improve patient satisfaction. This study evaluated procedure success and safety of the VASCADE MVP venous vascular closure system in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

The AMBULATE SDD Registry is a two-stage series of postmarket studies in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing catheter ablation followed by femoral venous access-site closure with VASCADE MVP. Efficacy endpoints included SDD success, defined as the proportion of patients discharged the same day who did not require next-day hospital intervention for procedure/access site-related complications, and access site sustained success within 15 days of the procedure.

RESULTS

Overall, 354 patients were included in the pooled study population, 151 (42.7%) treated for paroxysmal AF and 203 (57.3%) for persistent AF. SDD was achieved in 323 patients (91.2%) and, of these, 320 (99.1%) did not require subsequent hospital intervention based on all study performance outcomes. Nearly all patients (350 of 354; 98.9%) achieved total study success, with no subsequent hospital intervention required. No major access-site complications were recorded. Patients who had SDD were more likely to report procedure satisfaction than patients who stayed overnight.

CONCLUSION

In this study, 99.7% of patients achieving SDD required no additional hospital intervention for access site-related complications during follow-up. SDD appears feasible and safe for eligible patients after catheter ablation for paroxysmal or persistent AF in which the VASCADE MVP is used for venous access-site closure.

Safety and feasibility of same-day discharge for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Most centers performing catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) admit the patients for an overnight hospital stay to monitor for post-procedure complications, but the clinical benefits of this overnight hospital admission policy have not been carefully investigated. We hypothesized that same-day discharge strategy is safe and feasible in patients with AF undergoing CA.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies comparing the safety of same-day discharge vs hospital admission for AF patients undergoing CA was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. No randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria; therefore, observational cohort studies were included. Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios were calculated and I² statistics were reported for heterogeneity assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 8 observational studies with 10,102 patients were included. There were no statistically significant differences between same-day discharge vs hospital admission in all studied outcomes including post-discharge 30-day hospital visits (RR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.40-2.02; p = 0.81), post-discharge vascular/bleeding complications (RR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.46-1.88; p = 0.85), post-discharge stroke/transient ischemic attack/thromboembolism (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.23-2.20; p = 0.55), and post-discharge recurrent arrhythmias (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.60-1.09; p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

In carefully selected AF patients undergoing CA, same-day discharge strategy is feasible and safe. There are no significant differences in post-discharge 30-day hospital visits, post-discharge vascular complications, and other safety outcomes. Randomized trials are needed to validate these hypothesis-generating findings.

An intervention study of a combined intervention of positioning and hand massage in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation

AIM

To identify the effectiveness of a combined intervention of 25° upper body elevation and hand massage in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test design.

METHODS

A total of 46 participants were assigned to an intervention group (N = 21) and a control group (N = 25). To test the effectiveness of the combined intervention, the major variables were low back pain and discomfort, including physical, psychological and environmental factors.

RESULTS

The control group had low back pain, and the physical, psychological and environmental discomfort scores increased over time, whereas the experimental group showed low back pain, and the physical, psychological and environmental discomfort scores were statistically significantly decreased. The combined intervention can be applied in clinical practice not only in patients who have undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation but also in those who require an immobile position due to puncture of a femoral blood vessel.

Vascular Closure Devices versus Manual Compression in Cardiac Interventional Procedures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Backgrounds

Manual compression (MC) and vascular closure device (VCD) are two methods of vascular access site hemostasis after cardiac interventional procedures. However, there is still controversial over the use of them and a lack of comprehensive and systematic meta-analysis on this issue.

Methods

Original articles comparing VCD and MC in cardiac interventional procedures were searched in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science through April 2022. Efficacy, safety, patient satisfaction, and other parameters were assessed between two groups. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by I² index and the Cochran Q test, respectively. Publication bias was assessed using the funnel plot and Egger's test.

Results

A total of 32 studies were included after screening with inclusion and exclusion criteria (33481 patients). This meta-analysis found that VCD resulted in shorter time to hemostasis, ambulation, and discharge (p < 0.00001). In terms of vascular complication risks, VCD group might be associated with a lower risk of major complications (p = 0.0001), but the analysis limited to randomized controlled trials did not support this result (p = 0.68). There was no significant difference in total complication rates (p = 0.08) and bleeding-related complication rates (p = 0.05) between the two groups. Patient satisfaction was higher in VCD group (p = 0.002). Meta-regression analysis revealed no specific covariate as an influencing factor for above results (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with MC, the use of VCDs significantly shortens the time of hemostasis and allows earlier ambulation and discharge, meanwhile without increase in vascular complications. In addition, use of VCDs achieves higher patient satisfaction and leads cost savings for patients and institutions.

Alternative vascular accesses in electrophysiological operating rooms: focus on the quality of life in the early postoperative period

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia, the incidence of which increases in parallel with the progressive aging of the population. Atrial fibrillation worsens the prognosis of patients and significantly reduces the quality of life. Improvement of the technical and methodological aspects of catheter procedures leads to their widespread introduction into clinical practice both for the prevention of embolic events and for rhythm control. The need to provide access to the main vessels, more often to the femoral veins, the use of large bore introducers, as well as aggressive regimens of antithrombotic therapy in the postoperative period, bring to the fore local complications of catheter procedures and necessitates to maintain a horizontal position to achieve stable hemostasis. The use of ultrasound imaging can significantly reduce the number of vascular events. However, long-term immobilization often leads to back pain, urinary retention, and infectious complications, which is more pronounced in the older patient population. In order to reduce the immobilization time, many hemostasis systems have been developed, which have disadvantages and require additional costs for the treatment of patients. In this regard, the development and introduction into clinical practice of novel vascular access types to improve the quality of life in the early postoperative period seems relevant. For this purpose, a randomized study is conducted, which compares the efficacy and safety of the distal femoral access, which makes it possible to activate patients as soon as possible after surgery.

Feasibility and safety of same-day discharge and shortened bedrest after atrial fibrillation ablation

Background

While initial studies suggest that same-day discharge or shortened bedrest may be feasible for some patients following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, the risks and benefits of this approach remain unclear for patients undergoing hemostasis with figure-of-eight (FO8) suture technique.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated access site bleeding, length of hospitalization, urinary catheterization, and other clinical outcomes in patients undergoing AF ablation with 3 hours of bedrest between April and May 2021, and compared them to a control group that had undergone AF ablation with 6 hours of bedrest from April to July 2019. FO8 sutures were used for hemostasis in all patients. Independent risk factors for bleeding and urinary catheterization were determined using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Same-day discharge was achieved in 74% of patients in the 3-hour bedrest group compared to 7% of patients in the 6-hour bedrest group (p < 0.001). There were no differences between 3-hour and 6-hour bedrest groups in the rates of serious adverse events (2% vs. 1%, p = 0.45) or rehospitalizations or ED visits (1% vs. 3%, p = 0.45) within 30 days of ablation. The 3-hour bedrest group showed a non-significant trend toward more access site bleeding (15% vs. 8%, p = 0.10), but had a significant reduction in urinary catheterization (27% vs. 64%, p < 0.001) and opioid analgesia use (20% vs. 33%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Same-day discharge after 3 hours of bedrest is safe and feasible following AF ablation and is not associated with higher rates of complications or rehospitalizations at 30 days. Reduced bedrest resulted in decreased opioid analgesia and urinary catheterization.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10840-022-01255-4.

Half-Dose Direct Oral Anticoagulation Versus Standard Antithrombotic Therapy After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of a standard antithrombotic strategy versus half-dose direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) after Watchman implantation.

BACKGROUND

No consensus currently exists on the selection of the most effective antithrombotic strategy to prevent device-related thrombosis (DRT) in patients undergoing endocardial left atrial appendage closure.

METHODS

After successful left atrial appendage closure, consecutive patients were prescribed a standard antithrombotic strategy (SAT) or long-term half-dose DOAC (hdDOAC). The primary composite endpoint was DRT and thromboembolic (TE) and bleeding events.

RESULTS

Overall, 555 patients (mean age 75 ± 8 years, 63% male; median CHA₂DS₂-VASc [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack or thromboembolism, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category] score 4 [interquartile range (IQR): 3-6]; median HAS-BLED [hypertension, abnormal renal or liver function, stroke, bleeding, labile international normalized ratio, elderly, drugs or alcohol] score 3 [IQR: 2-4]) were included. Patients were categorized into 2 groups (SAT: n = 357 vs hdDOAC: n = 198). Baseline clinical characteristics were similar between groups. The median follow-up duration was 13 months (IQR: 12-15 months). DRT occurred in 12 (2.1%) patients, all in the SAT group (3.4% vs 0.0%; log-rank P = 0.009). The risk of nonprocedural major bleeding was significantly more favorable in the hdDOAC group (0.5% vs. 3.9%; log-rank P = 0.018). The rate of the primary composite endpoint of DRT and TE and major bleeding events was 9.5% in SAT patients and 1.0% in hdDOAC patients (HR: 9.8; 95% CI: 2.3-40.7; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

After successful Watchman implantation, long-term half-dose DOAC significantly reduced the risk of the composite endpoint of DRT and TE and major bleeding events compared with a standard, antiplatelet-based, antithrombotic therapy.

Radiofrequency Energy Applications Targeting Significant Residual Leaks After Watchman Implantation: A Prospective, Multicenter Experience

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) energy applications targeting the atrial side of a significant residual leak in patients with acute and chronic evidence of incomplete percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion.

BACKGROUND

RF applications have been proved to prevent recanalization of intracranial aneurysms after coil embolization, thereby favoring complete sealing. From a mechanistic standpoint, in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that RF promotes collagen deposition and tissue retraction.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (mean age 75 ± 7 years mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 4.6 ± 1.4, mean HAS-BLED score 4.0 ± 1.1) with residual leaks ≥4 mm after Watchman implantation were enrolled. Procedural success was defined as complete LAA occlusion or presence of a mild or minimal (1- to 2-mm) peridevice leak on follow-up transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which was performed approximately 45 days after the procedure.

RESULTS

RF-based leak closure was performed acutely after Watchman implantation in 19 patients (44.2%) or scheduled after evidence of significant leaks on follow-up TEE in 24 others (55.8%). The median leak size was 5 mm (range: 4-7 mm). On average, 18 ± 7 RF applications per patient (mean maximum contact force 16 ± 3 g, mean power 44 ± 2 W, mean RF time 5.1 ± 2.5 minutes) were performed targeting the atrial edge of the leak. Post-RF median leak size was 0 mm (range: 0-1 mm). A very low rate (2.3% [n = 1]) of major periprocedural complications was observed. Follow-up TEE revealed complete LAA sealing in 23 patients (53.5%) and negligible residual leaks in 15 (34.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

RF applications targeting the atrial edge of a significant peri-Watchman leak may promote LAA sealing via tissue remodeling, without increasing complications. (RF Applications for Residual LAA Leaks [REACT]; NCT04726943).

Comparative outcomes of vascular access closure methods following atrial fibrillation/flutter catheter ablation: insights from VAscular Closure for Cardiac Ablation Registry

PURPOSE

This registry compared the safety and efficacy of vascular closure device Perclose (PC) with figure-of-eight stitch (Fo8) and manual compression (MC) following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation/flutter.

METHODS

VAscular Closure for Cardiac Ablation Registry (VACCAR) is a prospective, observational registry that assessed the time to hemostasis (TTH), time to ambulation (TTA), length of stay (LOS), complications, patient-reported outcomes, and pain medication use.

RESULTS

A total of 434 patients (mean age 64.0±11.0 years; 38% female; 94.9% white) were enrolled between October 2017 and May 2019: 156 in MC, 203 in Fo8, and 75 in the PC group. Median TTH was significantly reduced in the PC and Fo8 group at 7 and 9 min respectively vs. the MC group at 20 min (p<0.001). Median TTA was significantly reduced in both the PC and Fo8 group at 2.2 h vs. the MC group at 6.5 h (p<0.001 for both). Median LOS for the PC group was significantly reduced at 27.5 h compared to the MC and Fo8 group at 29 h (p<0.01). A higher proportion of same-day discharges were noted in the PC and Fo8 groups at 14 (18.7%) and 25 (12.3%), respectively, compared to 5 (3.2%) in the MC group (p<0.01 for all). There was no significant difference in complications between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both PC and Fo8 are safe with improved TTH, TTA, LOS, and a higher number of same-day discharges compared to MC.

Results from the prospective, multicenter AMBULATE-CAP trial: Reduced use of urinary catheters and protamine with hemostasis via the Mid-Bore Venous Vascular Closure System (VASCADE® MVP) following multi-access cardiac ablation procedures

INTRODUCTION

Manual compression (MC), historically the most common method to achieve hemostasis after percutaneous vascular procedures, is time consuming, requires prolonged bedrest, and is uncomfortable for patients and clinicians. Recent studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of vascular closure devices and suggest shorter times to hemostasis and patient ambulation compared with MC. The current study evaluated the feasibility of the VASCADE® venous vascular closure system (VVCS) while allowing for urinary catheter (UC) elimination, and elimination of protamine and/or same calendar day discharge (SCDD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this prospective, multicenter trial, patients were enrolled and assigned to the following groups: no UC, no protamine, and/or SCDD (no co-enrollment in no protamine and SCDD). After completing the catheter-based cardiac procedure, access sites were closed using the VVCS. Outcomes included final hemostasis (all sites) without major access site-related complications at 30 days, rates of access site closure-related complications, device success, and study group success. All 168 patients had hemostasis without major access site-related complications through 30 days. In the no UC group, 160 out of 164 (97.6%) patients did not receive a UC. Additionally, 39 out of 41 (95.1%) patients received heparin without protamine reversal and no access site bleeding-related ambulation delays, and 18 out of 18 (100%) patients were discharged on the same day. There were no major access site closure-related complications, few minor complications, and adverse events were generally mild and well managed.

CONCLUSION

The VVCS was effective for achieving hemostasis following catheter-based procedures; access site closure-related complications and adverse events were well managed.

Perclose Proglide™ for vascular closure

In the past 20 years, numerous percutaneous vascular closure devices have been tested and compared with manual compression and to surgical cut-down. The suture-mediated closure device Perclose ProGlide™ system (Abbott Vascular, CA, USA) emerged as a safe and effective alternative for many procedures requiring either small or large bore vascular accesses. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics of this vascular closure device and the main studies that proved its potential to reduce vascular complications, time to deambulation, time to discharge and patient discomfort.

Feasibility of the Figure-of-8-Suture as Venous Closure in Interventional Electrophysiology: One Strategy for All?

Background: Venous vascular access with higher sheath size is common in interventional electrophysiology. In contrast to arterial vascular access, no dedicated closure devices exist for closure after venous access with higher sheath sizes. The Figure-of-8-Suture, an easy to apply suture, may be as a feasible approach for closure venous puncture. Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of closure of femoral venous access. Methods: From November 2016 to February 2018, patients undergoing electrophysiological procedures, closure of left atrial appendage or patent foramen ovale were included. Until May 2017, manual compression was performed to achieve haemostasis at venous access site (control group). From May 2017, patients were treated with a Figure-of-8-Suture (treatment group, Figure 1). Turnaround time and incidence of vascular complications were compared between the two groups. Results: In total, 290 patients were included, 132 in the control group and 158 in the Figure-of-8-Suture group. Hemostasis after sheath removal was achieved in 100% of the cases in the control group by manual compression and in 98.7% of the cases with the Figure-of-8-Suture (p=0.2). Vascular complications were more common in the control group (6.8 vs. 1.3 %, p=0.01). Turnaround time was significantly lower in the Figure-of-8-Suture group (58.6 ± 14 vs. 77 ± 33.9 min, p=0.004). In a sub-analysis in obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (Figure-of-8 n=45, controls n=35), vascular complications were significantly more common in the control group (9.4 vs 0%, p=0.045). Conclusion: The Figure-of-8-Suture is an easy-to-apply, effective approach for venous closure after electrophysiological procedures.

Left Atrial Appendage Closure: Prevention and Management of Periprocedural and Postprocedural Complications

Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is noninferior to oral vitamin K antagonist therapy for the reduction of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation-related stroke risk. Currently, the procedure is most widely accepted in patients who cannot tolerate oral anticoagulants. This patient population is generally comorbid, making any reduction in procedural complications paramount. LAAC has important complications described in the periprocedural and postprocedural periods. The prevention and management of complications regarding vascular access, transseptal puncture, pericardial effusion, device embolization, stroke, air embolusperidevice leak, device-related thrombus and device erosion/ late pericardial effusion are discussed.

Toward a Uniform Ablation Protocol for Paroxysmal, Persistent, and Permanent Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation has emerged as the most effective strategy to restore and maintain sinus rhythm. The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation ablation is elimination of triggers from the pulmonary veins by pulmonary vein isolation. Nevertheless, some patients may experience atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences even with permanent pulmonary vein antral isolation. Whether and in which patients pulmonary vein antral isolation should be considered as the only ablation strategy remains a matter of debate. This review aims to summarize the rationale and effectiveness of different ablation approaches and identify key points for a uniform atrial fibrillation ablation strategy.

Heparin reversal with protamine sulfate is not required in atrial fibrillation ablation with suture hemostasis

BACKGROUND

The utility of protamine sulfate for heparin reversal in catheter-based atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear when using the suture closure technique for vascular hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to address if protamine sulfate use for heparin reversal reduces vascular access complications in AF catheter ablation when suture techniques are used for postprocedural vascular hemostasis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective multicenter observational study of 294 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF with subsequent vascular access hemostasis by means of a figure-of-eight suture or stopcock technique. A total of 156 patients received protamine for heparin reversal before sheath removal while 138 patients did not receive protamine. The two groups were compared for procedural activated clotting time (ACT), access site complications, and duration of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable in both groups. Despite higher ACT before venous sheath removal in patients not receiving protamine (288.0 ± 44.3 vs 153.9 ± 32.0 seconds; P < .001), there was no significant difference in groin complications, postoperative thromboembolic events, or duration of hospital stay between the two groups. Suture failure requiring manual compression was rarely observed in this cohort (0.34%).

CONCLUSION

With modern vascular access and sheath management techniques, for patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF, simple suture closure techniques can obviate the need for protamine administration to safely achieve hemostasis after removal of vascular sheaths.

Venous Vascular Closure System Versus Manual Compression Following Multiple Access Electrophysiology Procedures: The AMBULATE Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the efficacy and safety of the VASCADE MVP Venous Vascular Closure System (VVCS) device (Cardiva Medical, Santa Clara, California) to manual compression (MC) for closing multiple access sites after catheter-based electrophysiology procedures.

BACKGROUND

The VASCADE MVP VVCS is designed to provide earlier ambulatory hemostasis than MC after catheter-based procedures.

METHODS

The AMBULATE (A Randomized, Multi-center Trial to Compare Cardiva Mid-Bore [VASCADE MVP] VVCS to Manual Compression in Closure of Multiple Femoral Venous Access Sites in 6 - 12 Fr Sheath Sizes) trial was a multicenter, randomized trial of device closure versus MC in patients who underwent ablation. Outcomes included time to ambulation (TTA), total post-procedure time (TPPT), time to discharge eligibility (TTDe), time to hemostasis (TTH), 30-day major and minor complications, pain medication usage, and patient-reported outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 204 patients at 13 sites were randomized to the device arm (n = 100; 369 access sites) or the MC arm (n = 104; 382 access sites). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean TTA, TPPT, TTDe, and TTH were substantially lower in the device arm (respective decreases of 54%, 54%, 52%, and 55%; all p < 0.0001). Opioid use was reduced by 58% (p = 0.001). There were no major access site complications. Incidence of minor complications was 1.0% for the device arm and 2.4% for the MC arm (p = 0.45). Patient satisfaction scores with duration of and comfort during bedrest were 63% and 36% higher in device group (both p < 0.0001). Satisfaction with bedrest pain was 25% higher (p = 0.001) for the device overall, and 40% higher (p = 0.002) for patients with a previous ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the closure device for multiple access ablation procedures resulted in significant reductions in TTA, TPPT, TTH, TTDe, and opioid use, with increased patient satisfaction and no increase in complications. (A Randomized, Multi-center Trial to Compare Cardiva Mid-Bore VVCS to Manual Compression in Closure of Multiple Femoral Venous Access Sites in 6 - 12 Fr Sheath Sizes [AMBULATE]; NCT03193021).

Comparison of standard vs modified "figure-of-eight" suture to achieve femoral venous hemostasis after cryoballoon based atrial fibrillation ablation

BACKGROUND

Immediate hemostasis following removal of sheaths is essential to prevent access site complications after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Despite various precautions to achieve complete hemostasis in a safe and effective manner, no standard approach is present yet.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of standard vs modified figure-of-eight (sFoE vs mFoE) suture for immediate venous hemostasis after cryoballoon (CB) AF ablation.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients who underwent CB catheter ablation were sequentially allocated to either sFoE (n = 75) or mFoE (n = 75) suture to achieve immediate venous hemostasis at right femoral access site after 15 Fr sheath removal. A "three-way stopcock" was used in the mFoE group rather than tying the knot as in a sFoE group. Demographics, clinical and procedural data, and access site complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Immediate haemostasis was achieved in all patients (n = 75) with mFoE suture as compared to 90.7% (n = 68) of sFoE suture group (P < .001). Light manual pressure of ≤1 min was required in five patients (6.7%) due to looseness and conventional manual compression because of the snapped silk suture during knotting was required in two patients (2.6%) in the sFoE group. Time to hemostasis was shorter in the mFoE group (P < .001), but time to ambulation and time to discharge were similar in both groups (P > .05). Although no minor or major access site complication has occurred in the mFoE group, in-hospital rebleeding (n = 2, 2.7%) and early local access site infection (n = 2, 2.7%) were observed in the sFoE group.

CONCLUSION

The mFoE suture using three-way stopcock is an available, effective, maybe safe, and time- and cost-saving alternative technique to achieve immediate hemostasis after removal of 15 Fr right femoral venous sheath in patients undergoing cryoablation.