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Tokuda M, Ogawa T, Tokutake K, Yamashita S, Yoshimura M, Yamane T. Comprehensive review of pulmonary vein stenosis post-atrial fibrillation ablation: diagnosis, management, and prognosis. Cardiovasc Interv Ther 2024; 39:412-420. [PMID: 39107545 DOI: 10.1007/s12928-024-01033-1] [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: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) can occasionally occur in the follow-up after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF). During PVI, ablation is performed at the PV ostium or distal part, leading to tissue damage. This damage can result in fibrosis of the necrotic myocardium, proliferation, and thickening of the vascular intima, as well as thrombus formation, further advancing PVS. Mild-to-moderate PVS often remains asymptomatic, but severe PVS can cause symptoms, such as dyspnea, cough, fatigue, decreased exercise tolerance, chest pain, and hemoptysis. These symptoms are due to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary infarction. Imaging evaluations such as contrast-enhanced computed tomography are essential for diagnosing PVS. Early suspicion and detection are necessary, as underdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, disease progression, and poor outcomes. The long-term prognosis of PVS remains unclear, particularly regarding the impact of mild-to-moderate PVS over time. PVS treatment focuses on symptom management, with no established definitive solutions. For severe PVS, transcatheter PV angioplasty is performed, though the risk of restenosis remains high. Restenosis and reintervention rates have improved with stent implantation compared with balloon angioplasty. The role of subsequent antiplatelet therapy remains uncertain. Dedicated evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management to avoid significant long-term impacts on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michifumi Tokuda
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Ogawa
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Kenichi Tokutake
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Seigo Yamashita
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Michihiro Yoshimura
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
| | - Teiichi Yamane
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
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Ulus T, Dural M, Şener E, Meşe P, Kurt E, Aydın N. Medical treatment of a symptomatic acute pulmonary vein stenosis following antral pulmonary vein isolation. J Atr Fibrillation 2020; 12:2261. [PMID: 32435356 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.2261] [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: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare but serious complication of PV isolation. It usually develops 3-6 months after the procedure, but may rarely develop in the acute phase. We present a case of symptomatic PV stenosis within 48 hours after antral PV isolation. Following the initiation of medical treatment including a glucocorticoid, acute changes in the PV wall regressed and the patient's complaint of dyspnea at rest improved rapidly. In addition, long-term renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers were given. The complaint did not recur during follow-up and PV stenosis was mild at 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taner Ulus
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Dural
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Emre Şener
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Pelin Meşe
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Emel Kurt
- Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
| | - Nevin Aydın
- 3 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Eskişehir, Turkey
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Schoene K, Sepehri Shamloo A, Sommer P, Jahnke C, Paetsch I, Hindricks G, Arya A. Natural course of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation-Is routine follow-up imaging indicated or not? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2019; 30:1786-1791. [PMID: 31231906 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Thermal injury during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) can lead to pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS). The aim of the present study was to analyze the natural course of RFA-induced PVS with regard to the grade of stenosis, clinical symptoms, and mortality during long-term follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS All patients with follow-up imaging for radiofrequency-induced untreated PVS were retrospectively assessed. From 2004 to 2017, the total rate of PVS following AF ablation in our center was 0.78% (87 of 11 103). Thirty-eight patients with a total of 54 untreated PVS underwent follow-up including imaging scan. The mean degree of stenosis at the time of diagnosis was 57% ± 27% vs 45% ± 35% (P = .05) after a mean follow-up of 43 ± 31 months. There was a shift in severity of the PVS: 18 of 54 (33%) vs 16 of 54 (30%) severe PVS, 19 of 54 (35%) vs 10 of 54 (18%) moderate PVS, and 17 of 54 (32%) vs 28 of 54 (52%) mild PVS (P = .0001). The mean symptom score decreased significantly during follow-up (1.8 ± 1.0 vs 0.4 ± 0.5, P = .0001). Each of the four patients with progression of PVS underwent another pulmonary vein isolation for AF recurrence following pulmonary vein reconduction during follow-up period. CONCLUSION This study showed a spontaneous reduction in stenosis grade and symptoms of PVS over a 3.5-year follow-up. Consequently, routine follow-up imaging of PVS seems not to be necessary. However, additional RF energy delivery to stenotic pulmonary veins should be avoided if possible. In case of conduction recovery, the ablation line should be done wide-antrally and follow-up imaging of PVS is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schoene
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Heart Institute GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Sommer
- Herz und Diabetes Zentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Cosima Jahnke
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ingo Paetsch
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Leipzig Heart Institute GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arash Arya
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Yamamoto T, Yamada T, Yoshida Y, Inden Y, Tsuboi N, Suzuki H, Ando M, Shimano M, Shibata R, Hirayama H, Murohara T. Comparison of the change in the dimension of the pulmonary vein ostia immediately after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation-open irrigated-tip catheters versus non-irrigated conventional 4 mm-tip catheters. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2014; 41:83-90. [PMID: 25027177 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-014-9919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A difference in the lesion formation between open irrigated-tip (OITC) and non-irrigated 4-mm-tip catheters (NITC) may result in a difference in the dimension of the pulmonary vein (PV) ostia after PV isolation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated the difference using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) before and immediately after an extensive encircling PV isolation (EPVI) with an OITC and with an NITC. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied 100 consecutive patients (OITC group, 54; NITC group, 46) who received EPVI. Changes in the vessel, lumen, and wall thickness areas of the PVs were evaluated at the PV ostia by ICE. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics and acute success rate of the EPVI between the OITC and NITC groups. The energy delivered to achieve EPVI was higher in the OITC group than that in the NITC group (34,967 ± 13,222 J vs. 28,300 ± 10,614 J; p=0.01). After the ablation, the reduction in the vessel and lumen cross-sectional areas was significantly smaller in the OITC group than that in the NITC group (-9.05 ± 28.4 % vs. -21.2 ± 28.8 %, p<0.001; -8.76 % vs. -17.7 ± 26.9 %, p=0.003). The wall thickness area slightly decreased in the OITC group, but increased in the NITC group (-2.96 ± 38.4 % vs. 10.5 ± 76.6 %, p=0.591). During a median follow-up of 234 days, there was no significant difference in the AF recurrence after the initial ablation procedure between the two groups. CONCLUSION Greater PV ostial narrowing occurred with the NITC than OITC immediately after the EPVI. PV ostial wall edema was noted with only the NITC. These findings suggested that an OITC might reduce any acute PV narrowing and wall edema as compared with an NITC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Rostamian A, Narayan SM, Thomson L, Fishbein M, Siegel RJ. The incidence, diagnosis, and management of pulmonary vein stenosis as a complication of atrial fibrillation ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2014; 40:63-74. [PMID: 24626996 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-014-9885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS). Although the reported incidence of PVS has fallen in recent years, the precise rate of PVS is unknown. Coherent guidelines for screening and treatment of PVS are not established. We reviewed literature to investigate the incidence, diagnosis, and management of PVS as a complication of PVI. METHODS We reviewed 41 manuscripts that described a total of 4,615 subjects (median, 84 subjects/study). RESULTS The incidence of PVS after PVI reported in literature from 1999 to 2004 ranges from 0 to 44% (mean, 6.3%; median, 5.4%), whereas studies after 2004 report an incidence of 0-19% (mean, 2%; median, 3.1%; p < 0.001). PVS symptoms typically occur with reduction of lung perfusion by 20-25%. Variable criteria exist for diagnosis of PVS by magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and perfusion imaging. The restenosis rate for treatment with balloon angioplasty ranges from 30 to 87% (mean, 60%; median, 47%), compared with immediate stenting that ranges from 14 to 57% (mean, 34%; median, 33%). CONCLUSIONS Recent peer-reviewed articles suggest that PVI carries a 3-8% risk of developing PVS, but they likely underestimate the incidence of PVS, as specific screening and diagnostic guidelines are not established. Imaging modalities should be used to screen patients after ablation of AF since early recognition of PVS improves treatment outcomes. Treatment with angioplasty and stent placement can improve symptoms and lung perfusion but the benefit of treatment with immediate stent placement remains controversial. It is critical to maintain a high clinical index of suspicion for PVS in at-risk individuals to ensure timely detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armand Rostamian
- Cardiac Noninvasive Laboratory, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
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2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2012; 33:171-257. [PMID: 22382715 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-012-9672-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This is a report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation, developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS), and in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). This is endorsed by the governing bodies of the ACC Foundation, the AHA, the ECAS, the EHRA, the STS, the APHRS, and the HRS.
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Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, Brugada J, Camm AJ, Chen SA, Crijns HJG, Damiano RJ, Davies DW, DiMarco J, Edgerton J, Ellenbogen K, Ezekowitz MD, Haines DE, Haissaguerre M, Hindricks G, Iesaka Y, Jackman W, Jalife J, Jais P, Kalman J, Keane D, Kim YH, Kirchhof P, Klein G, Kottkamp H, Kumagai K, Lindsay BD, Mansour M, Marchlinski FE, McCarthy PM, Mont JL, Morady F, Nademanee K, Nakagawa H, Natale A, Nattel S, Packer DL, Pappone C, Prystowsky E, Raviele A, Reddy V, Ruskin JN, Shemin RJ, Tsao HM, Wilber D. 2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS Expert Consensus Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design. Europace 2012; 14:528-606. [PMID: 22389422 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eus027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1144] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Calkins H, Kuck KH, Cappato R, Brugada J, Camm AJ, Chen SA, Crijns HJG, Damiano RJ, Davies DW, DiMarco J, Edgerton J, Ellenbogen K, Ezekowitz MD, Haines DE, Haissaguerre M, Hindricks G, Iesaka Y, Jackman W, Jalife J, Jais P, Kalman J, Keane D, Kim YH, Kirchhof P, Klein G, Kottkamp H, Kumagai K, Lindsay BD, Mansour M, Marchlinski FE, McCarthy PM, Mont JL, Morady F, Nademanee K, Nakagawa H, Natale A, Nattel S, Packer DL, Pappone C, Prystowsky E, Raviele A, Reddy V, Ruskin JN, Shemin RJ, Tsao HM, Wilber D. 2012 HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design: a report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation. Developed in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society (ECAS); and in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA), the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Endorsed by the governing bodies of the American College of Cardiology Foundation, the American Heart Association, the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Heart Rhythm Society. Heart Rhythm 2012; 9:632-696.e21. [PMID: 22386883 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2011.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1304] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Benini K, Marini M, Del Greco M, Nollo G, Manera V, Centonze M. Role of multidetector computed tomography in the anatomical definition of the left atrium-pulmonary vein complex in patients with atrial fibrillation. Personal experience and pictorial assay. LA RADIOLOGIA MEDICA 2008; 113:779-98. [PMID: 18587530 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-008-0299-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to illustrate the typical anatomical pattern and anatomical variants of the left atrium-pulmonary vein (LA-PV) complex studied by 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in a population of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous transcatheter left atrial ablation. Accurate knowledge of this anatomical region is fundamental for increasing the efficiency, efficacy and accuracy of the procedure and for reducing the risk of complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2004 to March 2007, we studied 75 patients (57 men, 18 women) affected by paroxysmal and chronic AF by using MDCT. In 63 patients, the MDCT examination was performed using retrospective cardiac electrocardiographic (ECG) gating and dose modulation, with reconstructions performed at 75% of R-R interval. In the remaining 12 patients, ECG gating was not possible due to high-frequency AF. RESULTS We identified 286 PV: 157 right and 129 left. On the right side, eight PV were supernumerary and one was a common trunk, whereas on the left side, we found 22 common trunks and one supernumerary vein. In 61.3% of patients, the anatomical pattern was typical (two right and two left PV). In the remaining 38.7%, it was atypical [two right PV-left common trunk (26.6%); three right PV-two left PV (6.7%); three right PV-left common trunk (2.6%); three right PV-three left PV (1.3%); right common trunk-two left PV (1.3%)]. MDCT identified branching of the right inferior PV in 94.5%, of the right superior PV in 75.6%, of the left superior PV in 7.5% and of the left inferior PV in 7.5%; 3/8 of the right supernumerary veins presented branching. With respect to the left PV ostia, the position of the orifice of the 74 recognised appendages was high in 85.1%, intermediate in 12.1% and low in 2.8%. There was no association between PV anatomical variants and clinical presentation of AF (paroxysmal or chronic). CONCLUSIONS MDCT represents a fundamental diagnostic imaging tool in the anatomical definition of the LA-PV complex, which is characterised by considerable variability. Radiologists must be familiar with the anatomical variants and help the referring interventional electrophysiologist understand their importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Benini
- Istituto di Radiologia dell'Università degli Studi di Verona, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, P.le L.A. Scuro, 37134, Verona, Italy
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Klein G, Oswald H, Gardiwal A, Lüsebrink U, Lissel C, Yu H, Drexler H. Efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation by cryoballoon ablation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2008; 5:802-6. [PMID: 18534363 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2008.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2007] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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d'Avila A, Thiagalingam A. Spot cryoablation: a cool new way to achieve pulmonary vein isolation. Heart Rhythm 2007; 4:997-8. [PMID: 17675070 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2007.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Calkins H, Brugada J, Packer DL, Cappato R, Chen SA, Crijns HJG, Damiano RJ, Davies DW, Haines DE, Haissaguerre M, Iesaka Y, Jackman W, Jais P, Kottkamp H, Kuck KH, Lindsay BD, Marchlinski FE, McCarthy PM, Mont JL, Morady F, Nademanee K, Natale A, Pappone C, Prystowsky E, Raviele A, Ruskin JN, Shemin RJ. HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert Consensus Statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures and follow-up. A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2007; 4:816-61. [PMID: 17556213 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2007.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 966] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Fisher JD, Spinelli MA, Mookherjee D, Krumerman AK, Palma EC. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Reaching the Mainstream. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2006; 29:523-37. [PMID: 16689850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8159.2006.00388.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly in the decade since its inception. We aimed to review the results of this evolution as reflected in the published literature. METHODS Publications through 2005 were reviewed, and data included if there was information on the technique used, and follow-up of at least 6 months. RESULTS More than 23,000 patients met criteria for inclusion. There has been a steady improvement in reported outcomes (P<0.001). Variations on radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation result in apparent elimination ("cure") or improvement of AF in 75%, and surgical techniques are even better. CONCLUSIONS Catheter ablation of AF is now a mainstream procedure. Continuing technical advances are needed to achieve better results with more uniformity and reduced procedure times.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Cardiology Division, Arrhythmia Service, Montefiore Medical Center, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10467, USA.
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Deng CX, Qu F, Nikolski VP, Zhou Y, Efimov IR. Fluorescence imaging for real-time monitoring of high-intensity focused ultrasound cardiac ablation. Ann Biomed Eng 2006; 33:1352-9. [PMID: 16240084 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-005-6806-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2004] [Accepted: 06/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Side effects and limitations of radio-frequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias prompted search for alternative energy sources and means of their application. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is becoming an increasingly attractive modality for ablation because of its unique ability for non-invasive or minimally invasive, non-contact focal ablation in 3D volume without affecting intervening and surrounding cells. The purpose of this study is to develop a real-time monitoring technique to elucidate HIFU-induced modifications of electrical conduction in cardiac tissues and to investigate the HIFU cardiac ablation process to help to achieve optimal HIFU ablation outcome. We conducted experimental studies applying HIFU at 4.23 MHz to ablate the atrio-ventricular (AV) node and ventricular tissue of Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts. We employed fluorescent voltage-sensitive dye imaging and surface electrodes to monitor the electrical conduction activity induced by HIFU application in real time. In ventricular epicardium HIFU ablation, fluorescent imaging revealed gradual reduction of the plateau phase and amplitude of the action potential. Subsequently, conduction block and cell death were observed at the site of ablation. When HIFU was applied to the AV node, fluorescent imaging and electrograms revealed the development of the AV block. The study establishes that real-time fluorescent imaging provides novel monitoring and assessment to study HIFU cardiac ablation, which may be able to provide improved understanding of HIFU cardiac ablation process and mechanism useful for development of successful clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheri X Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7207, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on the mechanisms, incidence, and current management of significant pulmonary vein stenosis following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. RECENT FINDINGS Catheter ablation involving the pulmonary veins and the surrounding left atrial tissue is increasingly used to treat atrial fibrillation. In parallel with the fact that these procedures may cure a substantial proportion of patients, severe complications have been observed. Pulmonary vein stenosis is a new clinical entity produced by radiofrequency energy delivery mainly within or at the orifice of the pulmonary veins. The exact incidence is currently unknown because the diagnosis is dependent on the imaging modality and on the rigor with which patients are followed up. The optimal method for screening patients has not been determined. Stenosis of a pulmonary vein may be assessed by combining anatomic and functional imaging using computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging, transesophageal echocardiography, and lung scanning. Symptoms vary considerably and may be misdiagnosed, leading to severe clinical consequences. Current treatment strategies involve pulmonary vein dilatation or stenting; however, the restenosis rate remains high. The long-term outcome in patients with pulmonary vein stenosis is unclear. Strategies under development to prevent pulmonary vein stenosis include alternate energy sources and modified ablation techniques. SUMMARY Pulmonary vein stenosis following catheter ablation is a new clinical entity that has been described in various reports recently. There is much uncertainty with respect to causative factors, incidence, diagnosis, and treatment, and long-term sequelae are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Pürerfellner
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Public Hospital Elisabethinen, Academic Teaching Hospital, Linz, Austria.
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Vaseghi M, Cesario DA, Valderrabano M, Boyle NG, Ratib O, Finn JP, Wiener I, Shivkumar K. Impedance monitoring during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2005; 2:914-20. [PMID: 16171742 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2005.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2005] [Accepted: 06/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delivery of radiofrequency energy in proximity of a pulmonary vein can cause vein stenosis. A sudden decrease in impedance as the catheter is moved from the vein into the left atrium (LA) has been used to define the pulmonary vein-LA transition during ablation procedures. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to define the variables affecting impedance measurement. METHODS In vitro analysis of impedance was performed in a saline bath using sheaths and a plastic stereolithographic model of the LA. Impedance was continuously monitored during a calibrated pullback from the pulmonary vein into the LA in 37 veins of 10 patients referred for catheter ablation. Location of the catheter was confirmed by the following imaging modalities: intracardiac echocardiography, contrast venography, electroanatomic mapping, and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (offline) in all patients. RESULTS Larger cross-sectional areas containing the catheter correlated with lower impedance in an exponential manner both with respect to sheath size (R(2) = 0.99) and in the stereolithographic model (R(2) = 0.91). In vivo, the impedance in the pulmonary veins decreased in an exponential manner as the catheter was pulled back into the LA. However, impedance at the vein orifice was not significantly higher than the LA. A defined cutoff value for defining the pulmonary vein-LA transition could not be identified. CONCLUSION The primary determinant of impedance is the cross-sectional area of the space containing the catheter. Impedance monitoring alone does not guarantee a catheter tip position outside the pulmonary vein. Intraprocedural imaging confirmation should be considered to avoid radiofrequency application within pulmonary veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marmar Vaseghi
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Scheinman MM, Keung E. The year in clinical electrophysiology. J Am Coll Cardiol 2005; 45:790-5. [PMID: 15734627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melvin M Scheinman
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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