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Zuhair M, Keene D, Kanagaratnam P, Lim PB. Percutaneous Neuromodulation for Atrial Fibrillation. Card Electrophysiol Clin 2024; 16:281-296. [PMID: 39084721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2023.09.001] [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] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Percutaneous neuromodulation is emerging as a promising therapeutic approach for atrial fibrillation (AF). This article explores techniques such as ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation, and vagus nerve stimulation, pinpointing their potential in modulating AF triggers and maintenance. Noninvasive methods, such as transcutaneous low-level tragus stimulation, offer innovative treatment pathways, with early trials indicating a significant reduction in AF burden. GP ablation may address autonomic triggers, and the potential for GP ablation in neuromodulation is discussed. The article stresses the necessity for more rigorous clinical trials to validate the safety, reproducibility, and efficacy of these neuromodulation techniques in AF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Zuhair
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12, UK.
| | - Daniel Keene
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12, UK
| | - Prapa Kanagaratnam
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12, UK
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12, UK
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2
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Zafeiropoulos S, Beccarino NJ, Stavrakis S, Zanos S, Mitra R. Cardioneuroablation for Drug Refractory Vasovagal Syncope After COVID-19 Infection. JACC Case Rep 2024; 29:102373. [PMID: 38827268 PMCID: PMC11137558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccas.2024.102373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Cardioneuroablation is a novel approach to treat patients with recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS), targeting the ganglionated plexi around the atria and thus reducing the vagal input to the heart. This study reports a case of drug-refractory VVS after COVID-19 infection, successfully managed with cardioneuroablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Zafeiropoulos
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Beccarino
- Northwell Health, North Shore University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Division of Electrophysiology, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Stavros Zanos
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Raman Mitra
- Northwell Health, North Shore University Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Division of Electrophysiology, Manhasset, New York, USA
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3
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Bussa R, Nudy M, Ahmed M, Bussa J, Wheaten S, Zimmerman E, Gonzalez MD, Naccarelli GV, Maheshwari A. Pulmonary vein isolation plus adjunctive therapy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:523-537. [PMID: 37540340 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01609-6] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the primary technique for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). It is unclear whether adjunctive therapies in addition to PVI can reduce atrial arrhythmia recurrence (AAR) compared to PVI alone in patients with AF. METHODS A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing PVI plus an adjunctive therapy (autonomic modulation, linear ablation, non-pulmonary vein trigger ablation, epicardial PVI [hybrid ablation], or left atrial substrate modification) to PVI alone was conducted. The primary outcome was AAR. Cumulative odd's ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each treatment type. RESULTS Forty-six trials were identified that included 8,500 participants. The mean age (± standard deviation) was 60.2 (±4.1) years, and 27.2% of all patients were female. The mean follow-up time was 14.6 months. PVI plus autonomic modulation and PVI plus hybrid ablation were associated with a relative 53.1% (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.69; p < 0.001) and 59.1% (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75; p = 0.003) reduction in AAR, respectively, compared to PVI alone. All categories had at least moderate interstudy heterogeneity except for hybrid ablation. CONCLUSION Adjunctive autonomic modulation and epicardial PVI may improve the effectiveness of PVI. Larger, multi-center randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Bussa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
| | - Matthew Nudy
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Jatin Bussa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Sterling Wheaten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Eric Zimmerman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Mario D Gonzalez
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gerald V Naccarelli
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Ankit Maheshwari
- Division of Cardiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Heart and Vascular Institute, Hershey, PA, USA
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Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, Benjamin EJ, Chyou JY, Cronin EM, Deswal A, Eckhardt LL, Goldberger ZD, Gopinathannair R, Gorenek B, Hess PL, Hlatky M, Hogan G, Ibeh C, Indik JH, Kido K, Kusumoto F, Link MS, Linta KT, Marcus GM, McCarthy PM, Patel N, Patton KK, Perez MV, Piccini JP, Russo AM, Sanders P, Streur MM, Thomas KL, Times S, Tisdale JE, Valente AM, Van Wagoner DR. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation 2024; 149:e1-e156. [PMID: 38033089 PMCID: PMC11095842 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 231.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
AIM The "2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 12, 2022, to November 3, 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through November 2022, during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables, where appropriate. STRUCTURE Atrial fibrillation is the most sustained common arrhythmia, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in the United States and globally. Recommendations from the "2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" and the "2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic risk assessment, anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion, atrial fibrillation catheter or surgical ablation, and risk factor modification and atrial fibrillation prevention have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anita Deswal
- ACC/AHA Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines liaison
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul L Hess
- ACC/AHA Joint Committee on Performance Measures liaison
| | | | | | | | | | - Kazuhiko Kido
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy representative
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Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, Benjamin EJ, Chyou JY, Cronin EM, Deswal A, Eckhardt LL, Goldberger ZD, Gopinathannair R, Gorenek B, Hess PL, Hlatky M, Hogan G, Ibeh C, Indik JH, Kido K, Kusumoto F, Link MS, Linta KT, Marcus GM, McCarthy PM, Patel N, Patton KK, Perez MV, Piccini JP, Russo AM, Sanders P, Streur MM, Thomas KL, Times S, Tisdale JE, Valente AM, Van Wagoner DR. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 83:109-279. [PMID: 38043043 PMCID: PMC11104284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM The "2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 12, 2022, to November 3, 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through November 2022, during the guideline writing process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables, where appropriate. STRUCTURE Atrial fibrillation is the most sustained common arrhythmia, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in the United States and globally. Recommendations from the "2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" and the "2019 AHA/ACC/HRS Focused Update of the 2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic risk assessment, anticoagulation, left atrial appendage occlusion, atrial fibrillation catheter or surgical ablation, and risk factor modification and atrial fibrillation prevention have been developed.
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Coyle C, Koutsoftidis S, Kim MY, Porter B, Keene D, Luther V, Handa B, Kay J, Lim E, Malcolme-Lawes L, Koa-Wing M, Lim PB, Whinnett ZI, Ng FS, Qureshi N, Peters NS, Linton NWF, Drakakis E, Kanagaratnam P. Feasibility of mapping and ablating ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexus reproducibly in persistent atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023:10.1007/s10840-023-01517-9. [PMID: 36867371 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ablation of autonomic ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexuses (ET-GP) has been used to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). It is not known if ET-GP localisation is reproducible between different stimulators or whether ET-GP can be mapped and ablated in persistent AF. We tested the reproducibility of the left atrial ET-GP location using different high-frequency high-output stimulators in AF. In addition, we tested the feasibility of identifying ET-GP locations in persistent atrial fibrillation. METHODS Nine patients undergoing clinically-indicated paroxysmal AF ablation received pacing-synchronised high-frequency stimulation (HFS), delivered in SR during the left atrial refractory period, to compare ET-GP localisation between a custom-built current-controlled stimulator (Tau20) and a voltage-controlled stimulator (Grass S88, SIU5). Two patients with persistent AF underwent cardioversion, left atrial ET-GP mapping with the Tau20 and ablation (Precision™, Tacticath™ [n = 1] or Carto™, SmartTouch™ [n = 1]). Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was not performed. Efficacy of ablation at ET-GP sites alone without PVI was assessed at 1 year. RESULTS The mean output to identify ET-GP was 34 mA (n = 5). Reproducibility of response to synchronised HFS was 100% (Tau20 vs Grass S88; [n = 16] [kappa = 1, SE = 0.00, 95% CI 1 to 1)][Tau20 v Tau20; [n = 13] [kappa = 1, SE = 0, 95% CI 1 to 1]). Two patients with persistent AF had 10 and 7 ET-GP sites identified requiring 6 and 3 min of radiofrequency ablation respectively to abolish ET-GP response. Both patients were free from AF for > 365 days without anti-arrhythmics. CONCLUSIONS ET-GP sites are identified at the same location by different stimulators. ET-GP ablation alone was able to prevent AF recurrence in persistent AF, and further studies would be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Coyle
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | | | - Min-Young Kim
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Bradley Porter
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Daniel Keene
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Vishal Luther
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Balvinder Handa
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Jamie Kay
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elaine Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | | | - Michael Koa-Wing
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Zachary I Whinnett
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Norman Qureshi
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Nicholas S Peters
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | - Nicholas W F Linton
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Prapa Kanagaratnam
- NHLI, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK.
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7
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Intrinsic Cardiac Neuromodulation in the Management of Atrial Fibrillation- A Potential Missing Link? Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020383. [PMID: 36836740 PMCID: PMC9966489 DOI: 10.3390/life13020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrhythmia that is linked with higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has demonstrated that catheter-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is not only a viable alternative but may be superior to antiarrhythmic drug therapy for long-term freedom from symptomatic AF episodes, a reduction in the arrhythmia burden, and healthcare resource utilization with a similar risk of adverse events. The intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) has a significant influence on the structural and electrical milieu, and imbalances in the ANS may contribute to the arrhythmogenesis of AF in some individuals. There is now increasing scientific and clinical interest in various aspects of neuromodulation of intrinsic cardiac ANS, including mapping techniques, ablation methods, and patient selection. In the present review, we aimed to summarize and critically appraise the currently available evidence for the neuromodulation of intrinsic cardiac ANS in AF.
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Stojadinović P, Wichterle D, Peichl P, Nakagawa H, Čihák R, Hašková J, Kautzner J. Autonomic Changes Are More Durable After Radiofrequency Than Pulsed Electric Field Pulmonary Vein Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:895-904. [PMID: 35863816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by radiofrequency (RF) energy is associated with a collateral ganglionated plexi ablation. Pulsed electric field (PEF) is a nonthermal energy source that preferentially affects the myocardial cells and spares neural tissue. OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether PVI by a PEF compared with RF energy will result in less prominent alteration of the cardiac autonomic nervous system. METHODS A total of 31 patients with atrial fibrillation underwent PVI using a novel lattice-tip catheter and PEF energy (n = 18) or a conventional irrigated-tip catheter and RF energy (n = 13). The response of the sinoatrial node and atrioventricular node to extracardiac high-frequency, high-output, right vagal nerve stimulation was evaluated at baseline and during and at the end of the ablation procedure. Substantial reduction in responsiveness was arbitrarily defined as stimulation-inducible pause <1.5 seconds. RESULTS Reduced response of the sinoatrial node was documented in 13 of 13 (100%) and 6 of 18 (33%) patients (P = 0.0001) in RF and PEF groups, respectively. Reduced response of the atrioventricular node was found in 10 of 11 (93%) and 6 of 18 (33%) patients (P = 0.002) in RF and PEF groups, respectively. The major effects were observed predominantly during ablation around the right pulmonary veins. Early recovery of ganglionated plexi function was noticed only in the PEF ablation group. RF ablation resulted in higher acceleration of the sinus rhythm compared with PEF ablation (20 ± 13 beats/min vs 12 ± 10 beats/min; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS PEF compared with RF energy used for PVI induces significantly weaker and less durable suppression of cardiac autonomic regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Wichterle
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Peichl
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert Čihák
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hašková
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
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9
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Kim MY, Coyle C, Tomlinson DR, Sikkel MB, Sohaib A, Luther V, Leong KM, Malcolme-Lawes L, Low B, Sandler B, Lim E, Todd M, Fudge M, Wright IJ, Koa-Wing M, Ng FS, Qureshi NA, Whinnett ZI, Peters NS, Newcomb D, Wood C, Dhillon G, Hunter RJ, Lim PB, Linton NWF, Kanagaratnam P. Ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexuses ablation to prevent atrial fibrillation: GANGLIA-AF study. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:516-524. [PMID: 34915187 PMCID: PMC8976158 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ganglionated plexuses (GPs) of the intrinsic cardiac autonomic system may play a role in atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that ablating the ectopy-triggering GPs (ET-GPs) prevents AF. METHODS GANGLIA-AF (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02487654) was a prospective, randomized, controlled, 3-center trial. ET-GPs were mapped using high frequency stimulation, delivered within the atrial refractory period and ablated until nonfunctional. If triggered AF became incessant, atrioventricular dissociating GPs were ablated. We compared GP ablation (GPA) without pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) against PVI in patients with paroxysmal AF. Follow-up was for 12 months including 3-monthly 48-hour Holter monitors. The primary end point was documented ≥30 seconds of atrial arrhythmia after a 3-month blanking period. RESULTS A total of 102 randomized patients were analyzed on a per-protocol basis after GPA (n = 52; 51%) or PVI (n = 50; 49%). Patients who underwent GPA had 89 ± 26 high frequency stimulation sites tested, identifying a median of 18.5% (interquartile range 16%-21%) of GPs. The radiofrequency ablation time was 22.9 ± 9.8 minutes in GPA and 38 ± 14.4 minutes in PVI (P < .0001). The freedom from ≥30 seconds of atrial arrhythmia at 12-month follow-up was 50% (26 of 52) with GPA vs 64% (32 of 50) with PVI (log-rank, P = .09). ET-GPA without atrioventricular dissociating GPA achieved 58% (22 of 38) freedom from the primary end point. There was a significantly higher reduction in antiarrhythmic drug usage postablation after GPA than after PVI (55.5% vs 36%; P = .05). Patients were referred for redo ablation procedures in 31% (16 of 52) after GPA and 24% (12 of 50) after PVI (P = .53). CONCLUSION GPA did not prevent atrial arrhythmias more than PVI. However, less radiofrequency ablation was delivered to achieve a higher reduction in antiarrhythmic drug usage with GPA than with PVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Kim
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Coyle
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David R Tomlinson
- Cardiology Department, Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Markus B Sikkel
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Afzal Sohaib
- Cardiology Department, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vishal Luther
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin M Leong
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa Malcolme-Lawes
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Low
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Belinda Sandler
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Lim
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Todd
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Fudge
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian J Wright
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Koa-Wing
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norman A Qureshi
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zachary I Whinnett
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas S Peters
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Newcomb
- Cardiology Department, Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Cherith Wood
- Cardiology Department, Derriford Hospital, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gurpreet Dhillon
- Cardiology Department, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ross J Hunter
- Cardiology Department, St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas W F Linton
- Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prapa Kanagaratnam
- Myocardial Function Section, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom; Imperial Centre for Cardiac Engineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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10
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Hanna P, Buch E, Stavrakis S, Meyer C, Tompkins JD, Ardell JL, Shivkumar K. Neuroscientific therapies for atrial fibrillation. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:1732-1745. [PMID: 33989382 PMCID: PMC8208752 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an integral role in normal cardiac physiology as well as in disease states that cause cardiac arrhythmias. The cardiac ANS, comprised of a complex neural hierarchy in a nested series of interacting feedback loops, regulates atrial electrophysiology and is itself susceptible to remodelling by atrial rhythm. In light of the challenges of treating atrial fibrillation (AF) with conventional pharmacologic and myoablative techniques, increasingly interest has begun to focus on targeting the cardiac neuraxis for AF. Strong evidence from animal models and clinical patients demonstrates that parasympathetic and sympathetic activity within this neuraxis may trigger AF, and the ANS may either induce atrial remodelling or undergo remodelling itself to serve as a substrate for AF. Multiple nexus points within the cardiac neuraxis are therapeutic targets, and neuroablative and neuromodulatory therapies for AF include ganglionated plexus ablation, epicardial botulinum toxin injection, vagal nerve (tragus) stimulation, renal denervation, stellate ganglion block/resection, baroreceptor activation therapy, and spinal cord stimulation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies on these modalities have had promising results and are reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hanna
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eric Buch
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Heart Rhythm Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1100 N Lindsay Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Christian Meyer
- Division of Cardiology, cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium (cNEP), EVK Düsseldorf, Teaching Hospital University of Düsseldorf, Kirchfeldstraße 40, 40217 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neural and Sensory Physiology, cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium (cNEP), University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - John D Tompkins
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kalyanam Shivkumar
- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, 100 Medical Plaza, Suite 660, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Aksu T, Gupta D. Targeting the autonomic nervous system during AF ablation: Should we fight or take flight? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:245-247. [PMID: 33421225 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Aksu
- Department of Cardiology, Kocaeli Derince Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Dhiraj Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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