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Lemoine MD, Obergassel J, Jaeckle S, Nies M, Taraba S, Mencke C, Rieß J, My I, Rottner L, Moser F, Ismaili D, Reißmann B, Ouyang F, Kirchhof P, Rillig A, Metzner A. Pulsed-field- vs. cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation: lessons from repeat procedures. Europace 2024; 26:euae221. [PMID: 39166530 PMCID: PMC11363872 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is an emerging technology to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Initial data demonstrated high safety and efficacy. Data on long-term PVI durability and reconduction patterns in comparison to established energy sources for PVI are scarce. We compare findings in repeat ablation procedures after a first PFA to findings in repeat ablation procedures after a first cryoballoon ablation (CBA) based PVI. METHODS AND RESULT A total of 550 consecutively enrolled patients underwent PFA or CBA index PVI. Repeat ablations in patients with symptomatic atrial arrhythmia recurrences were analysed. A total of 22/191 (12%) patients after index PFA-PVI and 44/359 (12%) after CBA-PVI underwent repeat ablation. Reconduction of any pulmonary vein (PV) was detected by multipolar spiral mapping catheter at each PV with careful evaluation of PV potentials and by 3D-mapping in 16/22 patients (73%) after PFA-PVI and in 33/44 (75%) after CBA-PVI (P = 1.000). Of 82 initially isolated PVs after PFA-PVI, 31 (38%) were reconducting; of 169 isolated PVs after CBA-PVI, 63 (37%) were reconducting (P = 0.936). Clinical atrial tachycardia occurred similarly in patients after PFA (5/22; 23%) and CBA (7/44; 16%; P = 0.515). Roof lines were set more often after PFA- (8/22; 36%) compared with CBA-PVI (5/44; 11%; P = 0.023). Repeat procedure duration [PFA: 87 (76, 123) min; CBA: 93 (75, 128) min; P = 0.446] was similar and fluoroscopy time [PFA: 11 (9, 14) min; CBA: 11 (8, 14) min; P = 0.739] equal between groups at repeat ablation. CONCLUSION During repeat ablation after previous PFA- or CBA-based PVI, electrical PV-reconduction rates and patterns were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc D Lemoine
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julius Obergassel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sandro Jaeckle
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Nies
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sophia Taraba
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Celine Mencke
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Rieß
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ilaria My
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Laura Rottner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Fabian Moser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Djemail Ismaili
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Bruno Reißmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Feifan Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andreas Rillig
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
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Yamashita K, Furuya K, Sato Y, Kinebuchi Y, Funayama K, Masano T, Maeda M, Kumazawa D, Mizuno Y, Onodera K, Nomura T. Intracardiac electrogram-based atrial pace mapping for detecting the earliest activation site in atrial arrhythmias. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:1400-1408. [PMID: 38369035 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Yamashita
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Furuya
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Sato
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kinebuchi
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keisuke Funayama
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Masano
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Manabu Maeda
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Daiki Kumazawa
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mizuno
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kosuke Onodera
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takehiro Nomura
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
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3
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Kueffer T, Stettler R, Maurhofer J, Madaffari A, Stefanova A, Iqbal SUR, Thalmann G, Kozhuharov NA, Galuszka O, Servatius H, Haeberlin A, Noti F, Tanner H, Roten L, Reichlin T. Pulsed-field vs cryoballoon vs radiofrequency ablation: Outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:1227-1235. [PMID: 38614191 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.04.045] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has shown promising data in terms of safety and procedural efficiency for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), with similar long-term outcomes compared to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the procedural and long-term outcomes in patients with persistent AF undergoing PVI using PFA, CBA, or RFA. METHODS Consecutive patients with persistent AF undergoing first PVI with PFA, CBA, or RFA were included. Patients underwent 7-day Holter electrocardiography at 3, 6, and 12 months postablation. The primary outcome was recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia after a 90-day blanking period. Safety outcomes included the composite of in-hospital major adverse events. RESULTS A total of 533 patients with persistent AF underwent PVI using PFA (n = 214, 39%), CBA (n = 190, 36%), or RFA (n = 129, 24%). Procedures with PFA guided by fluoroscopy were shorter than those with CBA (median 60 minutes; interquartile range [IQR] 53-80 minutes vs 84 minutes; IQR 68-101 minutes; P ≤ .001), and procedures with PFA in combination with 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping were shorter than those with RFA (median 101 minutes; IQR 85-126 minutes vs 171 minutes; IQR 141-204 minutes; P < .001). Acute safety events occurred in 2.3%, 2.6%, and 0.8% in the PFA, CBA, and RFA groups, respectively (P = .545). The 1-year confounder-adjusted estimate for freedom from atrial arrhythmias was 62.1% for CBA, 55.3% for PFA, and 48.3% for RFA (CBA vs PFA: P = .79; CBA vs RFA: P = .009; PFA vs RFA: P = .010). CONCLUSION In patients with persistent AF undergoing first PVI, 1-year confounder-adjusted outcomes are better with PFA and CBA than with RFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; SITEM Center for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robin Stettler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anita Stefanova
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Salik Ur Rehman Iqbal
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola A Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oskar Galuszka
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; SITEM Center for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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4
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Amin AM, Nawlo A, Ibrahim AA, Hassan A, Saber A, Abuelazm M, Abdelazeem B. Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus cryoballoon ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Egypt Heart J 2024; 76:89. [PMID: 38976090 PMCID: PMC11231113 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00518-x] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (PeAF) is a challenging case for rhythm control modalities. Catheter ablation is the mainstay in PeAF management; however, data regarding the comparative safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) versus radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for PeAF is still limited. We aim to compare the safety and efficacy of CBA versus RFA for PeAF ablation. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which were retrieved by systematically searching PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through October 2023. RevMan version 5.4 software was used to pool dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). PROSPERO ID CRD42023480314. RESULTS Three RCTs with 400 patients were included. There was no significant difference between RFA and CBA regarding AF recurrence (RR: 0.77, 95% CI [0.50, 1.20], P = 0.25), atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter recurrence (RR: 0.54, 95% CI [0.11, 2.76], P = 0.46), and any arrhythmia recurrence (RR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.70, 1.31], P = 0.80). CBA was significantly associated with decreased total procedure duration (MD: - 45.34, 95% CI [- 62.68, - 28.00], P < 0.00001), with no significant difference in fluoroscopy duration (MD: 3.59, 95% CI [- 5.13, 12.31], P = 0.42). Safety parameters were similar in both groups, including the incidence of any complications, phrenic nerve palsy (RR: 2.91 with 95% CI [0.31, 27.54], P = 0.35), access site complications (RR: 0.33 with 95% CI [0.05, 2.03], P = 0.23), and pericardial effusion. CONCLUSIONS In PeAF catheter ablation, CBA is comparable to RFA in terms of safety and efficacy. Also, CBA is associated with a shorter total procedure duration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmad Nawlo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ahmed A Ibrahim
- Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Saad Zaghloul St., Shibin El-Kom, 32511, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Cardiology, Suez Medical Complex, Ministry of Health and Population, Suez, Egypt
| | | | | | - Basel Abdelazeem
- Department of Cardiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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5
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Obergassel J, Nies M, Taraba S, Rottner L, Lemoine MD, My I, Moser F, Rieß JL, Schenker N, Dinshaw L, Schleberger R, Reißmann B, Meyer C, Willems S, Rillig A, Kirchhof P, Metzner A. Pulmonary vein reconnection and repeat ablation characteristics following cryoballoon-compared to radiofrequency-based pulmonary vein isolation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024. [PMID: 38956821 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advances in efficacy and safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after PVI remains common. PV-reconnection is the main finding during repeat PVI procedures performed to treat recurrent AF. OBJECTIVE To analyze pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection patterns during repeat ablation procedures in a large cohort of consecutive patients undergoing radio frequency or cryoballoon-based PVI. METHODS Retrospective analysis of PV-reconnection patterns and analysis of re-ablation strategies in consecutive index RF- and CB-based PVI and their respective re-ablation procedures during concomitant usage of both energy sources at a single high-volume center in Germany. RESULTS A total of 610 first (06/2015-10/2022) and 133 s (01/2016-11/2022) repeat ablation procedures after 363 (60%) RF- and 247 (40%) CB-based index PVIs between 01/2015 and 12/2021 were analyzed. PV-reconnection was found in 509/610 (83%) patients at first and 74/133 (56%) patients at second repeat procedure. 465 of 968 (48%) initially via CB isolated PVs were reconnected at first re-ablation but 796 of 1422 initially RF-isolated PV (56%) were reconnected (OR: 0.73 [95% CI: 0.62-0.86]; p < .001). This was driven by fewer reconnections of the left PVs (LSPV: OR: 0.60 [95% CI: 0.42-0.86]; p = .005 and LSPV: 0.67 [0.47-0.95]; p = .026). PV-reconnection was more likely after longer, RF-based index PVI and in older females. Repeat procedures were shorter after CB-compared to after RF-PVI. CONCLUSIONS Reconnection remains the most common reason for repeat AF ablation procedures after PVI. Our data suggest to preferentially use of the cryoballoon during index PVI, especially in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Obergassel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - M Nies
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - S Taraba
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Rottner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M D Lemoine
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - I My
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - F Moser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - J L Rieß
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
| | - N Schenker
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Dinshaw
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - R Schleberger
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - B Reißmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - C Meyer
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, EVK Düsseldorf, cNEP, Cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute for Neural and Sensory Physiology, cNEP, cardiac Neuro- and Electrophysiology Research Consortium, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Willems
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - A Rillig
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - P Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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6
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Maurhofer J, Kueffer T, Knecht S, Thalmann G, Badertscher P, Kozhuharov N, Krisai P, Jufer C, Iqbal SUR, Heg D, Servatius H, Tanner H, Kühne M, Roten L, Sticherling C, Reichlin T. Comparison of Cryoballoon vs. Pulsed Field Ablation in Patients with Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (SINGLE SHOT CHAMPION): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Heart Rhythm O2 2024; 5:460-467. [PMID: 39119022 PMCID: PMC11305878 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2024.05.008] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Single-shot devices are increasingly used for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF). The Arctic Front cryoballoon is the most frequently used single-shot technology. A recently developed novel pulsed field ablation (PFA) device (FARAPULSE) has been introduced with the aim to improve procedural safety and efficacy. Objective This study will compare the novel FARAPULSE PFA device and the Arctic Front cryoballoon for first PVI in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. Methods SINGLE SHOT CHAMPION is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial with blinded endpoint adjudication by an independent clinical events committee. Overall, 210 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing their PVI are randomized 1:1 between PFA and cryoballoon ablation. Continuous rhythm monitoring with an implantable cardiac monitor is performed in all patients. Results The primary endpoint is time to first recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia (AF and/or organized atrial tachyarrhythmia) lasting ≥120 seconds and identified by the implantable cardiac monitor within 91 and 365 days postablation. The composite procedural safety endpoint includes cardiac tamponade requiring drainage, persistent phrenic nerve palsy, vascular complications requiring intervention, stroke/transient ischemic attack, atrioesophageal fistula, and death occurring during or up to 30 days after the procedure. Key secondary endpoints include (1) increase in high-sensitivity troponin on day 1 postablation, (2) analysis of postablation 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (first 25 patients per study group), (3) AF burden, and (4) quality-of-life changes. Conclusion SINGLE SHOT CHAMPION will evaluate the efficacy and safety of PVI using the novel FARAPULSE PFA for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sven Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Badertscher
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Krisai
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Jufer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Salik ur Rehman Iqbal
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dik Heg
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kühne
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Sticherling
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital – University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Urbanek L, Schmidt B, Bordignon S, Schaack D, Ebrahimi R, Tohoku S, Hirokami J, Efe TH, Plank K, Schulte-Hahn B, Nowak B, Chun JKR, Chen S. Cryoablation of atrial fibrillation in "very severe" obese patients (BMI ≥ 40): Indications, feasibility, procedural safety and efficacy, and clinical outcome (the ICE-Obese Extreme). J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:1412-1421. [PMID: 38750671 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in very severe obese patients is challenging. Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) represents an effective rhythm control strategy. However, data in this patient group were limited. METHODS Highly symptomatic AF patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 who had failed antiarrhythmic drug therapy and electrocardioversion and failure to achieve targeted body-weight-reduction underwent CBA. RESULTS Data of 72 very severe obese AF patients (Group A) and 129 AF patients with normal BMI (Group B, BMI < 25 kg/m2) were consecutively collected. Group A had significantly younger age (60.6 ± 10.4 vs. 69.2 ± 11.2 years), higher BMI (44.3 ± 4.3 vs. 22.5 ± 1.6 kg/m2). Procedural pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was successful in all patients (2 touch-up ablation in Group A). Compared to Group B, Group A had similar procedural (61.3 ± 22.6 vs. 57.5 ± 19 min), similar fluoroscopy time (10.1 ± 5.5 vs. 9.2 ± 4.8 min) but significantly higher radiation dose (2852 ± 2095 vs. 884 ± 732 µGym2). We observed similar rates of real-time-isolation (78.6% vs. 78.5%), single-shot-isolation (86.5% vs. 88.8%), but significantly longer time-to-sustained-isolation (53.5 ± 33 vs. 43.2 ± 25 s). There was significantly higher rate of puncture-site-complication (6.9% vs. 1.6%) in Group A. One-year clinical success in paroxysmal AF was (Group A: 69.4% vs. Group B: 80.2%; p < .001), in persistent AF was (Group A: 58.1% vs. Group B: 62.8%; p = .889). In Re-Do procedures Group A had a numerically lower PVI durability (75.0% vs. 83.6%, p = .089). CONCLUSION For very severe obese AF patients, CBA appears feasible, leads to relatively good clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Urbanek
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefano Bordignon
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David Schaack
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ramin Ebrahimi
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shota Tohoku
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jun Hirokami
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tolga Han Efe
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karin Plank
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Britta Schulte-Hahn
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bernd Nowak
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julian K R Chun
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Die Sektion Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien (CCB), Kardiologie, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Section of Rhythmology/Electrophysiology, Department of Internal Medicine B (Kardiologie, Angiologie, Pneumologie/Infektiologie und internistische Intensivmedizin), University Medicine Greifswald, Ferdinand-Sauerbruch-Straße, Greifswald, Germany
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8
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Galuszka OM, Baldinger SH, Servatius H, Seiler J, Madaffari A, Kozhuharov N, Thalmann G, Kueffer T, Muehl A, Maurhofer J, Haeberlin A, Noti F, Tanner H, Reichlin T, Roten L. Durability of CLOSE-Guided Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Remapping Study. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:1090-1100. [PMID: 38639700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.02.026] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is presumably caused by pulmonary vein (PV) reconnections. However, there is little data available on the durability of PVI and incidence of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with persistent AF. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lesion durability by means of an a priori planned remapping procedure in patients with persistent AF undergoing CLOSE-guided PVI. METHODS In a prospective study, we included patients with symptomatic, persistent AF undergoing CLOSE-guided radiofrequency ablation. Irrespective of AF recurrence, a redo procedure was mandated 6 months following the index procedure to evaluate PV reconnections. The outcome of AF ablation was based on clinical recurrence and 7-day Holter electrocardiogram 3 and 6 months after the index procedure and 3, 6, and 12 months after the redo procedure. RESULTS Of 30 patients included, 26 (81% men; median age 68 years) underwent the planned remapping study a median of 6 months after the index procedure, whereas 4 patients without recurrence refused a repeat procedure. In total, 78 of 102 (76%) PVs showed durable isolation and 15 patients (58%) presented complete isolation of all PVs. Beyond the blanking period, 6 of 26 patients (23%) had arrhythmia recurrence before the redo procedure. Recurrence had occurred in 33% of patients with complete isolation of all veins and in 9% of patients with PV reconnections (P = 0.197). After re-PVI in patients with PV reconnections and additional ablation in patients with recurrence but durable PVI, 17 of 26 patients (65%) were free of arrhythmia after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS In patients with persistent AF, CLOSE-guided PVI resulted in durable rate of PVI on a per-vein and per-patient level of 76% and 58%, respectively. Arrhythmia recurrence was numerically higher in patients with durable PVI compared with patients without.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar M Galuszka
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samuel H Baldinger
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Seiler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aline Muehl
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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9
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Mao S, Wang L, Fan H, Yang L, Wang X, Liang B. Long-term outcome of high-power ablation guided by ablation index in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. J Arrhythm 2024; 40:455-462. [PMID: 38939788 PMCID: PMC11199812 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.13035] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective High-power ablation has been widely used in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there were many studies observed the outcomes of the short-term follow-up. This study aims to the long-term results of high-power ablation guided by ablation index (AI) in patients with AF. Methods Analysis of patients with AF, who first received high-power (40-50 W) ablation, to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2020 to March 2022. All patients were managed perioperatively according to the routine treatment procedures. High-power ablation was conducted under the guidance of our conventional power AI and baseline data, first-pass PVI rate, ablation time, operative time, and long-term surgical success rate were analyzed. Results A total of 83 patients with atrial fibrillation were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 61.62 ± 9.04 years, 47 male patients, and 49 paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. All patients achieved PVI, and the rate of first pass was 82%. The ablation time of the left atrial was 28.54 ± 9.11 min. There were no serious complications related to ablation, and only a small amount of pericardial effusion was found in 4 patients. During the follow-up period of 26.36 ± 6.11 months, 8 patients were lost to follow-up and the overall success rate was 84%, including 91% for paroxysmal AF and 71% for persistent AF. Conclusion High-power ablation long-term results appear a high freedom atrial arrhythmia, but further expanded samples are needed for controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobin Mao
- Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
- Department of CardiologyYuncheng Central HospitalYunchengShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Leigang Wang
- Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Hongxuan Fan
- Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of CardiologyYuncheng Central HospitalYunchengShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Xun Wang
- Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
- Department of CardiologyYuncheng Central HospitalYunchengShanxi ProvinceChina
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of CardiologyThe Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanShanxi ProvinceChina
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10
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Pierucci N, Mariani MV, Laviola D, Silvetti G, Cipollone P, Vernile A, Trivigno S, La Fazia VM, Piro A, Miraldi F, Vizza CD, Lavalle C. Pulsed Field Energy in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: From Physical Principles to Clinical Applications. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2980. [PMID: 38792520 PMCID: PMC11121906 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102980] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation, representing the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia, significantly impacts stroke risk and cardiovascular mortality. Historically managed with antiarrhythmic drugs with limited efficacy, and more recently, catheter ablation, the interventional approach field is still evolving with technological advances. This review highlights pulsed field ablation (PFA), a revolutionary technique gaining prominence in interventional electrophysiology because of its efficacy and safety. PFA employs non-thermal electric fields to create irreversible electroporation, disrupting cell membranes selectively within myocardial tissue, thus preventing the non-selective damage associated with traditional thermal ablation methods like radiofrequency or cryoablation. Clinical studies have consistently shown PFA's ability to achieve pulmonary vein isolation-a cornerstone of AF treatment-rapidly and with minimal complications. Notably, PFA reduces procedure times and has shown a lower incidence of esophageal and phrenic nerve damage, two common concerns with thermal techniques. Emerging from oncological applications, the principles of electroporation provide a unique tissue-selective ablation method that minimizes collateral damage. This review synthesizes findings from foundational animal studies through to recent clinical trials, such as the MANIFEST-PF and ADVENT trials, demonstrating PFA's effectiveness and safety. Future perspectives point towards expanding indications and refinement of techniques that promise to improve AF management outcomes further. PFA represents a paradigm shift in AF ablation, offering a safer, faster, and equally effective alternative to conventional methods. This synthesis of its development and clinical application outlines its potential to become the new standard in AF treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pierucci
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Marco Valerio Mariani
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Domenico Laviola
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Giacomo Silvetti
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Pietro Cipollone
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Antonio Vernile
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Sara Trivigno
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | | | - Agostino Piro
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Fabio Miraldi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Carmine Dario Vizza
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Carlo Lavalle
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrological, Aenesthesiological and Geriatric Sciences “Sapienza”, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.P.); (M.V.M.); (D.L.); (G.S.); (P.C.); (A.V.); (S.T.); (A.P.); (F.M.); (C.D.V.)
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Nogueira-Garcia B, Vilela M, Oliveira C, Caldeira D, Martins AM, Nobre Menezes M. A Narrative Review of Revascularization in Chronic Coronary Syndrome/Disease: Concepts and Misconceptions. J Pers Med 2024; 14:506. [PMID: 38793088 PMCID: PMC11122013 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050506] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease represents a significant global burden of morbidity and mortality. While revascularization strategies are well defined in acute settings, there are uncertainties regarding chronic coronary artery disease treatment. Recent trials have raised doubts about the necessity of revascularization for "stable", chronic coronary syndromes or disease, leading to a shift towards a more conservative approach. However, the issue remains far from settled. In this narrative review, we offer a summary of the most pertinent evidence regarding revascularization for chronic coronary disease, while reflecting on less-often-discussed details of major clinical trials. The cumulative evidence available indicates that there can be a prognostic benefit from revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome patients, provided there is significant ischemia, as demonstrated by either imaging or coronary physiology. Trials that have effectively met this criterion consistently demonstrate a reduction in rates of spontaneous myocardial infarction, which holds both prognostic and clinical significance. The prognostic benefit of revascularization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains especially problematic, with a single contemporary trial favouring surgical revascularization. The very recent publication of a trial focused on revascularizing non-flow-limiting "vulnerable" plaques adds further complexity to the field. The ongoing debates surrounding revascularization in chronic coronary syndromes emphasize the importance of personalized strategies. Revascularization, added to the foundational pillar of medical therapy, should be considered, taking into account symptoms, patient preferences, coronary anatomy and physiology, ischemia tests and intra-coronary imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Nogueira-Garcia
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL@RISE), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Vilela
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Catarina Oliveira
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Daniel Caldeira
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL@RISE), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Clínica e Terapêutica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Estudos de Medicina Baseada na Evidência (CEMBE), 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Margarida Martins
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Miguel Nobre Menezes
- Serviço de Cardiologia, Departamento de Coração e Vasos, CHULN Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal; (B.N.-G.); (M.V.); (C.O.); (D.C.); (A.M.M.)
- Centro Cardiovascular da Universidade de Lisboa (CCUL@RISE), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
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12
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Yang X, Lin M, Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhong J. Radiofrequency catheter ablation for re-do procedure after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: case report. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1376229. [PMID: 38756752 PMCID: PMC11096555 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1376229] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Catheter ablation is frequently used to manage recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) resistant to drug therapy, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as a key tactic. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as an innovative technology for PVI but poses challenges for redo procedures. Case presentation We report on a 73-year-old female patient who experienced recurrent AF after initial successful PVI using a novel PFA technology and subsequently underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation during a repeat intervention. The reconnection of pulmonary veins was discovered primarily in the anterior region of the right superior PV and the superior portion of the left superior PV. An anatomically-based segmental approach and larger circumferential PVI, followed by additional linear ablations at non-PV trigger sites, proved decisive in preventing further recurrence of atrial tachycardia. Conclusion While PFA exhibits promise as a secure and efficient modality for PVI, it necessitates excellent contact quality to ensure lasting results. For patients experiencing AF recurrences post-PFI, expanded strategies incorporating both comprehensive PVI and linear ablations at targeted non-PV sites might enhance treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mingjie Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Juntao Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingquan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, and Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Cardiology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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13
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Stauffer N, Knecht S, Badertscher P, Krisai P, Hennings E, Serban T, Voellmin G, Osswald S, Sticherling C, Kühne M. Repeat catheter ablation after very late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation. Europace 2024; 26:euae096. [PMID: 38607938 PMCID: PMC11068271 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae096] [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: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurs in about one-third of patients after catheter ablation (CA), mostly in the first year. Little is known about the electrophysiological findings and the effect of re-ablation in very late AF recurrences (VLR) after more than 1 year. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and outcomes of the first repeat CA after VLR of AF after index CA. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed patients from a prospective Swiss registry that underwent a first repeat ablation procedure. Patients were stratified depending on the time to recurrence after index procedure: early recurrence (ER) for recurrences within the first year and late recurrence (LR) if the recurrence was later. The primary endpoint was freedom from AF in the first year after repeat ablation. Out of 1864 patients included in the registry, 426 patients undergoing a repeat ablation were included in the analysis (28% female, age 63 ± 9.8 years, 46% persistent AF). Two hundred and ninety-one patients (68%) were stratified in the ER group and 135 patients (32%) in the LR group. Pulmonary vein reconnections were a common finding in both groups, with 93% in the ER group compared to 86% in the LR group (P = 0.052). In the LR group, 40 of 135 patients (30%) had a recurrence of AF compared to 90 of 291 patients (31%) in the ER group (log-rank P = 0.72). CONCLUSION There was no association between the time to recurrence of AF after initial CA and the characteristics and outcomes of the repeat procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Stauffer
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sven Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Badertscher
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Krisai
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elisa Hennings
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Teodor Serban
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gian Voellmin
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Osswald
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Sticherling
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kühne
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 2, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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14
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Maurhofer J, Tanner H, Kueffer T, Madaffari A, Thalmann G, Kozhuharov N, Galuszka O, Servatius H, Haeberlin A, Noti F, Roten L, Reichlin T. Pulsed-field ablation for repeat procedures after failed prior thermal ablation for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm O2 2024; 5:257-265. [PMID: 38840763 PMCID: PMC11148502 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2024.03.012] [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] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a novel nonthermal ablation technology. Its potential value for repeat procedures after unsuccessful thermal ablation for atrial fibrillation has not been assessed. Objective The purpose of this study was to summarize our initial experience with patients undergoing repeat procedures using PFA. Methods Consecutive patients with arrhythmia recurrences after a prior thermal ablation undergoing a repeat procedure using a multipolar PFA catheter from May 2021 and December 2022 were included. After 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping, reconnected pulmonary veins (PVs) were reisolated and veins with only ostial isolation wither ablated to widen antral PV isolation. Posterior wall ablation was performed if all PVs were durably isolated or in case of low-voltage areas on the posterior wall at the discretion of the operator. Patients underwent follow-up with 7-day Holter electrocardiography after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results A total of 186 patients undergoing a repeat procedure using PFA were included. The median number of previous ablations was 1 (range 1-6). The prior ablation modality was radiofrequency in 129 patients (69.4%), cryoballoon in 51 (27.4%), and epicardial ablation in 6 (3.2%). At the beginning of the procedure, 258 of 744 PVs (35%) showed reconnections. Additional antral ablations were applied in 236 of 486 still isolated veins (49%). Posterior wall ablation was added in 125 patients (67%). Major complications occurred in 1 patient (transient ischemic attack 0.5%). Freedom from arrhythmia recurrence in Kaplan-Meier-analysis was 78% after 6 months and 54% after 12 months. Conclusion PFA is a versatile and safe option for repeat procedures after failed prior thermal ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oskar Galuszka
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Sitem Center for Translational Medicine and Biomedical Entrepreneurship, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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15
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Kueffer T, Stefanova A, Madaffari A, Seiler J, Thalmann G, Kozhuharov N, Maurhofer J, Galuszka O, Haeberlin A, Noti F, Servatius H, Tanner H, Roten L, Reichlin T. Pulmonary vein isolation durability and lesion regression in patients with recurrent arrhythmia after pulsed-field ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:503-511. [PMID: 37523023 PMCID: PMC11015999 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01608-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel multipolar pulsed-field ablation (PFA) catheter has recently been introduced for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Pre-market data showed high rates for PVI-durability during mandatory remapping studies. OBJECTIVE To present post-market data in patients with recurrent arrhythmias. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing a redo procedure after an index PFA PVI using a bipolar-biphasic PFA system were included. 3-D electro-anatomical maps (3D-EAM) on redo procedure were compared to the 3D-EAM acquired after ablation during the index procedure. PVI durability was assessed on a per-vein and per-patient level and the sites of reconnections were identified. Furthermore, lesion extent around veins with durable isolation was compared to study lesion regression. RESULTS Of 341 patients treated with a PFA PVI, 29 (8.5%) underwent a left atrial redo ablation due to arrhythmia recurrence. At the end of the index procedure, 110/112 veins (98%, four common ostia) were isolated. On redo procedures performed a median of 6 months after the first ablation, 3D-EAM identified 69/110 (63%) PVs with durable isolation. In 6 (21%) patients, all PVs were durably isolated. Reconnections were more often found on the right-sided veins and on the anterior aspects of the upper veins. Only minor lesion regression was observed between the index and redo procedure (a median of 3 mm (0 - 9.5) on the posterior wall). CONCLUSION In patients with arrhythmia recurrence after PFA PVI using a first-generation PFA device, durable isolation was observed in 63% of the veins and 21% of the patients showed durable isolation of all previously isolated veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anita Stefanova
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Seiler
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Thalmann
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Kozhuharov
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jens Maurhofer
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oskar Galuszka
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Haeberlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Noti
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Helge Servatius
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hildegard Tanner
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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16
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Kueffer T, Bordignon S, Neven K, Blaauw Y, Hansen J, Adelino R, Ouss A, Füting A, Roten L, Mulder BA, Ruwald MH, Mené R, van der Voort P, Reinsch N, Boveda S, Albrecht EM, Schneider CW, Chun KRJ, Schmidt B, Reichlin T. Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using Pulsed-Field Ablation: Results From the Multicenter EU-PORIA Registry. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:698-708. [PMID: 38340118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.11.026] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a novel nonthermal ablation technology with high procedural safety and efficiency for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Premarket data showed high PVI durability during mandatory remapping studies. Data on lesion durability in real-world patients with clinically indicated redo procedures are scarce. OBJECTIVES This study sought to report PVI durability rates in patients undergoing a clinically indicated redo procedure after an index PVI using PFA. METHODS Patients from 7 European centers undergoing an index PVI using PFA were included the EU-PORIA (European Real-world Outcomes With Pulsed Field Ablation in Patients With Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation) registry. In patients with subsequent left atrial redo procedures due to arrhythmia recurrence, 3-dimensional electroanatomical maps were acquired. PVI durability was assessed on a per-vein and per-patient level, and sites of reconnections and predictors of lesion durability were identified. RESULTS Of 1,184 patients (62% paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) undergoing an index PVI using PFA, 272 (23%) had an arrhythmia recurrence. Of these, 144 (53%) underwent a left atrial redo procedure a median of 7 (Q1-Q3: 5-10) months after the first ablation. Three-dimensional electroanatomical maps identified 404 of 567 pulmonary veins (71%) with durable isolation. In 54 patients (38%), all pulmonary veins were durably isolated. Prior operator experience with cryoballoon ablation was associated with a higher PVI durability compared to operators with only point-by-point radiofrequency experience (76% vs 60%; P < 0.001). Neither the operators' cumulative experience in atrial fibrillation ablation (≤5 vs >5 years) nor the size of the PFA device used (31 mm vs 35 mm) had an impact on subsequent lesion durability (both P > 0.50). CONCLUSIONS In 144 patients with arrhythmia recurrence after PFA PVI, durable isolation was observed in 71% of the pulmonary veins during the redo procedure, and 38% of all patients showed durable isolation of all veins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- Inselspital-Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Kars Neven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Yuri Blaauw
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jim Hansen
- Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Raquel Adelino
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Ouss
- Heart Center Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Füting
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Laurent Roten
- Inselspital-Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Bart A Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martin H Ruwald
- Arrhythmia Unit, Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Roberto Mené
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Nico Reinsch
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | | | | | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany; Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Medizinische Klinik 3- Klinik für Kardiologie, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tobias Reichlin
- Inselspital-Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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17
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Bai Y, Jia R, Wang X, Chan J, Cui K. Association of left atrial wall thickness with recurrence after cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:657-667. [PMID: 37966658 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01691-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transmural injury plays a role in successful atrial fibrillation ablation. The effect of left atrial wall thickness (LAWT) on the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation has been identified, but data on the relationship between LAWT and cryoballoon for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) are lacking. We aim to explore the relationship between LAWT and recurrence after cryoballoon ablation (CBA). METHODS We studied 364 patients (mean age 62 years) with PAF who underwent a second-generation CBA and pre-procedure cardiac CTA. LAWT and left atrial volume index (LAVI) were obtained based on pre-procedure cardiac CTA measurements. Follow-up was at least 12 months and predictors of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence during follow-up were assessed. RESULTS Patients were followed up for a median of 19 (12-28) months, with an atrial tachyarrhythmia-free rate of 77.5% after cryoablation. Greater LAVI (50.0 ± 19.6 mL/m2 vs. 44.3 ± 15.4 mL/m2, P = 0.018) and greater LAWT (1.67 ± 0.24 vs. 1.46 ± 0.25 mm, P < 0.001) were associated with atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence. The mean LAWT of PV antrum correlated with TTI (R = 0.252, P < 0.001). Adding LAWT to the established risk model improved both the discrimination and reclassification effects (IDI: 0.099, 95% CI: 0.065-0.134, P < 0.001; NRI: 0.685, 95% CI: 0.455-0.915, P < 0.001). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, the mean LAWT of PV antrum (hazard ratio [HR]:3.657, 95%CI: 2.319-5.765, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after cryoablation. CONCLUSIONS The mean LAWT of PV antrum, obtained from preoperative measurements on CT, was associated with atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after cryoablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Bai
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruikun Jia
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinmeng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Chan
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Kaijun Cui
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37, Guoxue Alley, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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18
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Jin Z, Hwang T, Kim D, Lim B, Kwon OS, Kim S, Kim MH, Park JW, Yu HT, Kim TH, Uhm JS, Joung B, Lee MH, Pak HN. Anti- and pro-fibrillatory effects of pulmonary vein isolation gaps in human atrial fibrillation digital twins. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:81. [PMID: 38532181 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01075-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) gaps and extrapulmonary vein triggers contribute to recurrence after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, their precise mechanisms remain unproven. Our study assessed the impact of PVI gaps on rhythm outcomes using a human AF digital twin. We included 50 patients (76.0% with persistent AF) who underwent catheter ablation with a realistic AF digital twin by integrating computed tomography and electroanatomical mapping. We evaluated the final rhythm status, including AF and atrial tachycardia (AT), across 600 AF episodes, considering factors including PVI level, PVI gap number, and pacing locations. Our findings revealed that antral PVI had a significantly lower ratio of AF at the final rhythm (28% vs. 56%, p = 0.002) than ostial PVI. Increasing PVI gap numbers correlated with an increased ratio of AF at the final rhythm (p < 0.001). Extra-PV induction yielded a higher ratio of AF at the final rhythm than internal PV induction (77.5% vs. 59.0%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our human AF digital twin model helped assess AF maintenance mechanisms. Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02138695.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Jin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taehyun Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byounghyun Lim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oh-Seok Kwon
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangbin Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Hyun Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Wook Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Tae Yu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sun Uhm
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Joung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon-Hyoung Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Park CS, Kim H, Lee SR, Lee JH, Cho Y, Choi EK, Oh IY, Oh S. Prognostic implication of early recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:285-292. [PMID: 37126104 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01555-3] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains uncertain whether the implication of early recurrence and blanking period can be applied to patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) treated with cryoballoon ablation (CBA). We aimed to explore the prognostic value of early recurrence in patients with AF treated with CBA. METHODS We studied consecutive AF patients who were treated with CBA between April 2019 and September 2020 in two tertiary medical institutes and followed for up to 12 months. The endpoint was the late recurrence of atrial arrhythmia, including AF, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia, following a 90-day blanking period. Atrial arrhythmia during the blanking period was defined as early recurrence and was not considered as an endpoint. RESULTS This study included 406 patients with AF who underwent CBA. During the follow-up, 147 (36.2%) cases of late recurrence were observed. Of the 104 patients with early recurrence, 85 experienced late recurrence during follow-up. Early recurrence was associated with an increased risk of late recurrence in the univariate and multivariate analyses (P < 0.001). When we classified the patients into paroxysmal AF and persistent AF groups, early recurrence was still significantly associated with a higher risk of late recurrence (P = 0.005 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Early recurrence after CBA was an independent risk factor for late recurrence in all patients as well as in those with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF. Therefore, further prospective studies could be considered to verify the risks and benefits of early rhythm control in patients with early recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Soon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hosu Kim
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Ryoung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjin Cho
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Republic of Korea
| | - Eue-Keun Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Young Oh
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-Si, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seil Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Wenzel JP, Lemoine MD, Rottner L, My I, Moser F, Obergassel J, Nies M, Rieß J, Ismaili D, Nikorowitsch J, Ouyang F, Kirchhof P, Rillig A, Metzner A, Reissmann B. Repeat pulmonary vein isolation and anterior line ablation using a novel point-by-point pulsed-field ablation system. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:250-257. [PMID: 38036235 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.11.021] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a nonthermal energy source for ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. This study investigated the prospective outcomes of a novel PFA generator in conjunction with a commercially available, contact force-sensing, focal ablation catheter. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and lesion characteristics of point-by-point PFA in consecutive patients undergoing repeat ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS The study involved reisolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) with electrical reconnection and the creation of an anterior line (AL) in patients with anterior substrate or durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). RESULTS In 24 patients (46% female; mean age 67 ± 10 years; 67% persistent AF), successful reisolation of 27 of 27 reconnected PVs (100%) was performed. In 19 patients, AL ablation was performed, with bidirectional block in 16 (84%), median ablation time 26 [21, 33] minutes, and first-pass bidirectional block in 13 patients (68%). Acute AL reconduction occurred in 8 of 19 patients (42%). Among these 8 patients, a subsequent sustained block of the AL was achieved in 5 (63%). Ultra-high-density electroanatomic mapping revealed homogeneous but relatively large low-voltage areas in the ablated regions. Median procedural, left atrial dwell, and fluoroscopy times were 100 [90, 109] minutes, 83 [75, 98] minutes, and 10 [8, 13] minutes, respectively. No major or minor complications occurred. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated feasibility, acute efficacy, and safety of point-by-point PFA for repeat PVI and AL ablation. Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term durability and comparison with established ablation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Per Wenzel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc D Lemoine
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Rottner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilaria My
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Moser
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius Obergassel
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Nies
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jan Rieß
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Djemail Ismaili
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julius Nikorowitsch
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Feifan Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Rillig
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Reissmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Hamburg, Germany.
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21
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Ruwald MH, Haugdal M, Worck R, Johannessen A, Hansen ML, Sørensen SK, Hansen J. Characterization of durability and reconnection patterns at time of repeat ablation after single-shot pulsed field pulmonary vein isolation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024; 67:379-387. [PMID: 37776356 PMCID: PMC10902076 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01655-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel method of cardiac ablation where there is insufficient knowledge on the durability and reconnection patterns after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The aim of this study was to characterize the electrophysiological findings at time of repeat procedure in real-world atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. METHODS Patients who underwent a repeat procedure (n=26) for symptomatic recurrent arrhythmias after index first-time treatment with single-shot PFA PVI (n=266) from July 2021 to June 2023 were investigated with 3D high-density mapping and ad-hoc re-ablation by radiofrequency or focal PFA. RESULTS Index indication for PVI was persistent AF in 17 (65%) patients. The mean time to repeat procedure was 292 ± 119 days. Of the 26 patients (104 veins), complete durable PVI was observed in 11/26 (42%) with a durable vein isolation rate of 72/104 (69%). Two patients (8%) had all four veins reconnected. The posterior wall was durably isolated in 4/5 (80%) of the cases. The predominant arrhythmia mechanism was AF in 17/26 (65%) patients and regular atrial tachycardia (AT) in 9/26 (35%). Reconnection was observed 9/26 (35%) in right superior, 11/26 (42%) in right inferior, 7/26 (27%) in left superior, 5/26 (19%) in left inferior, p=0.31 between veins. The gaps were significantly clustered in the right-sided anterior carina compared to other regions (P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS Durable PVI was observed in less than half of the patients at time of repeat procedure. No significant difference in PV reconnection pattern was observed, but the gap location was preferentially located at the anterior aspects of the right-sided PVs. Predominant recurrence was AF. More data is needed to establish lesion formation and durability and AT circuits after PFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Ruwald
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark.
| | - Martin Haugdal
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Rene Worck
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Arne Johannessen
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Morten Lock Hansen
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Samuel K Sørensen
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Jim Hansen
- Division of Electrophysiology, Department of Cardiology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, DK-2900, Hellerup, Denmark
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22
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Teumer Y, Miesbichler C, Katov L, Mayer B, Rottbauer W, Bothner C, Weinmann K. Comparison between a Novel Radiofrequency-Balloon and a Standard Cryo-Balloon in Pulmonary Vein Isolation: A Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:963. [PMID: 38398276 PMCID: PMC10889331 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040963] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Single-shot devices are important tools for efficient pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF). In addition to the standard cryo-balloon (CB) catheter, a novel multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon-catheter (RFB, Heliostar, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) with 3D-mapping-integration is available. Currently, there is no evidence allowing for a direct comparison between RFB-PVI and CB-PVI in a matched population. The study aimed to assess the procedural data, safety profiles, and outcomes of RFB-PVI versus CB-PVI. Methods: In this prospective registry study, symptomatic AF patients undergoing first-time PVI from January 2019 to April 2023, using RFB or CB, were included, with patients matched in a 1:2 ratio to reduce potential confounders. Results: The results from 171 consecutive RFB patients and 342 matched CB patients showed comparable recurrence-free survival after 12 months (81.3% RFB vs. 76.8% CB, p = 0.359). The RFB group had a longer procedure duration (88 vs. 73 min, p < 0.001) and longer fluoroscopy time (18.9 vs. 14.5 min, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, the novel RFB system enables efficient and safe PVI, which is broadly comparable to the established CB system. However, the 3D-mapping integration in RFB did not reduce fluoroscopy time compared to CB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Teumer
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
| | - Clemens Miesbichler
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
| | - Lyuboslav Katov
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Schwabstraße 13, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rottbauer
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
| | - Carlo Bothner
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
| | - Karolina Weinmann
- Department of Cardiology, Ulm University Heart Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (Y.T.)
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23
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Li X, Zhou W, Guo D, Hu Y, Zhou H, Chen Y. Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation Exacerbates Myocardial Injury through Pro-Inflammatory Response and Pro-Oxidative Stress in Elderly Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2024; 22:137-152. [PMID: 38213173 DOI: 10.2174/0115701611257644231215071611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need to assess myocardial damage after radiofrequency ablation of the pulmonary veins (PV) for persistent atrial fibrillation (PAF) in elderly patients. OBJECTIVE To evaluate oxidative stress, inflammatory response and myocardial damage in elderly patients with PAF after radiofrequency ablation of the PV. METHODS High-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), acrolein (ACR), lipid hydroperoxide (LHP), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (sST2), angiotensin II (Ang II) and myocardial blood flow (MBF) were determined before ablation and at 1, 3 and 5 months after radiofrequency ablation. RESULTS The levels of hsTnT, MDA-LDL, ACR, LHP, TLR4, sST2 and Ang II were increased 3 months after ablations compared with before ablation and 1 month after ablation, respectively (P<0.001); they were further increased at 5 months after ablation compared with the 1- and 3-month groups, respectively (P<0.001). MBF was decreased in the 3 months group after ablations compared with before ablation and 1-month after ablation, respectively (P<0.001), and was further decreased in 5-months after ablations compared with 1-month and 3-month groups, respectively (P<0.001). Patients with epicardial monopolar radiofrequency ablation had higher levels of hsTnT, MDA-LDL, ACR, LHP, TLR4, sST2, Ang II and lower MBF than patients with endocardial monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency ablations, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION Monopolar radiofrequency ablation method could result in more myocardial injury than bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Oxidative stress and inflammatory response may be involved in cardiac radiofrequency ablation-induced myocardial injury, resulting in myocardial ischemia in elderly patients with PAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Xiamen Road Branch Hospital, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 22305, China
| | - Wenhang Zhou
- Xiamen Road Branch Hospital, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 22305, China
| | - Dianxuan Guo
- Xiamen Road Branch Hospital, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 22305, China
| | - Youdong Hu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 223002, China
| | - Hualan Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 223002, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huaian 223002, China
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24
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Della Rocca DG, Marcon L, Magnocavallo M, Menè R, Pannone L, Mohanty S, Sousonis V, Sorgente A, Almorad A, Bisignani A, Głowniak A, Del Monte A, Bala G, Polselli M, Mouram S, La Fazia VF, Ströker E, Gianni C, Zeriouh S, Bianchi S, Sieira J, Combes S, Sarkozy A, Rossi P, Boveda S, Natale A, de Asmundis C, Chierchia GB. Pulsed electric field, cryoballoon, and radiofrequency for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation: a propensity score-matched comparison. Europace 2023; 26:euae016. [PMID: 38245007 PMCID: PMC10823352 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae016] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico G Della Rocca
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite 720, Austin, 78705 TX, USA
| | - Lorenzo Marcon
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michele Magnocavallo
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Menè
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sanghamitra Mohanty
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite 720, Austin, 78705 TX, USA
| | | | - Antonio Sorgente
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Almorad
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Bisignani
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrzej Głowniak
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alvise Del Monte
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gezim Bala
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marco Polselli
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Sahar Mouram
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Fazia La Fazia
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite 720, Austin, 78705 TX, USA
| | - Erwin Ströker
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carola Gianni
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite 720, Austin, 78705 TX, USA
| | - Sarah Zeriouh
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Stefano Bianchi
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Juan Sieira
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Andrea Sarkozy
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pietro Rossi
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrea Natale
- St. David’s Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, 3000 N Interstate Hwy 35 Suite 720, Austin, 78705 TX, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Health Education Campus, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 44106 OH, USA
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
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25
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Willy K, Wolfes J, Müller P, Ellermann C, Dechering D, Lange PS, Rath B, Reinke F, Doldi F, Güner F, Köbe J, Leitz P, Frommeyer G, Laredo M, Eckardt L. Temperature to time Catch-Up: a novel procedural endpoint to predict durable pulmonary vein isolation after cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Clin Res Cardiol 2023:10.1007/s00392-023-02361-7. [PMID: 38112746 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-023-02361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryoballoon ablation is a widely used single-shot technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Procedural endpoints ensuring maximal PVI durability are important. OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of cryoablation procedural markers to predict long-term PVI. METHODS In a single center, consecutive patients who underwent redo ablation with high-density mapping for symptomatic AF recurrence after cryoballoon ablation were included and cryoballoon procedural data were collected, including temperature values at 30 and 60 s, time to isolation, nadir temperature and the velocity of temperature decline estimated with the temperature/time catch-up point (T2T-Catch-Up) defined as positive when the freeze temperature in minus degree equals the time in seconds after cryoablation initiation (e.g. - 15 °C in the first 15 s of the ablation impulse). RESULTS 47 patients (62% male; 58.3 ± 11.2 years) were included. Overall, 38 (80.9%) patients had ≥ 1 reconnected PV. Among 186 PVs, 56 (30.1%; 1.2 per patient on average) were reconnected. Univariate analysis revealed T2T-Catch-Up in 103 (56%) and more frequent in durably isolated than in reconnected PVs (93 [72%] vs 10 [19%], p < 0.0001). Among binary endpoints, T2T-Catch-Up had the highest specificity (82%) and predictive value for durable PVI at redo ablation (90%). In multivariable analyses, absence of T2T-Catch-Up (Odds-ratio 0.12, 95% CI [0.05-0.31], p < 0.0001) and right superior PV (Odds-ratio 3.14, 95% CI [1.27-7.74], p = 0.01) were the only variables independently associated with PV reconnection. CONCLUSION T2T-Catch-Up, a new and simple cryoballoon procedural endpoint demonstrated excellent predictive value and strong statistical association with durable PVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Willy
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany.
| | - Julian Wolfes
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Department of Electrophysiology, Klinikum Vest Recklinghausen, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - Christian Ellermann
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Dirk Dechering
- Department of Cardiology, Niels-Stensen-Kliniken Marienhospital Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Philipp S Lange
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rath
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Reinke
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Doldi
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Fatih Güner
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Julia Köbe
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Patrick Leitz
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Gerrit Frommeyer
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
| | - Mikael Laredo
- Department of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Lars Eckardt
- Department of Cardiology II-Electrophysiology, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, 48419, Münster, Germany
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26
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Rottner L, Metzner A. Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Current Practice and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7556. [PMID: 38137626 PMCID: PMC10743921 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Catheter ablation to perform pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is established as a mainstay in rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this review is to provide an overview of current practice and future perspectives in AF ablation. The main clinical benefit of AF ablation is the reduction of arrhythmia-related symptoms and improvement of quality of life. Catheter ablation of AF is recommended, in general, as a second-line therapy for patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF, who have failed or are intolerant to pharmacological therapy. In selected patients with heart failure and reduced left-ventricular fraction, catheter ablation was proven to reduce all-cause mortality. Also, optimal management of comorbidities can reduce AF recurrence after AF ablation; therefore, multimodal risk assessment and therapy are mandatory. To date, the primary ablation tool in widespread use is still single-tip catheter radiofrequency (RF) based ablation. Additionally, balloon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has gained prominence, especially due to its user-friendly nature and established safety and efficacy profile. So far, the cryoballoon (CB) is the most studied single-shot device. CB-based PVI is characterized by high efficiency, convincing success rates, and a beneficial safety profile. Recently, CB-PVI as a first-line therapy for AF was shown to be superior to pharmacological treatment in terms of efficacy and was shown to reduce progression from paroxysmal to persistent AF. In this context, CB-based PVI gains more and more importance as a first-line treatment choice. Non-thermal energy sources, namely pulsed-field ablation (PFA), have garnered attention due to their cardioselectivity. Although initially applied via a basket-like ablation tool, recent developments allow for point-by-point ablation, particularly with the advent of a novel lattice tip catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rottner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Metzner
- University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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27
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Tan NY, DeSimone CV. Assessing recurrence following pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1961-1963. [PMID: 37247097 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01572-2] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Y Tan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1St Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Christopher V DeSimone
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1St Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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28
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Fink T, Sciacca V, Neven K, Didenko M, Sommer P, Sohns C. Pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation - Lessons from magnetic resonance imaging. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 46:1586-1594. [PMID: 37943015 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising technology for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to its unique tissue selectivity, PFA potentially bears superior characteristics as compared to established thermal energy sources in AF ablation procedures. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is an established tool in the analysis of myocardial fibrosis representing atrial cardiomyopathy as well as ablation-induced atrial scar formation following catheter ablation with thermal energy. Mechanisms of atrial lesion formation differ between thermal ablation and electroporation and its impact on results of CMR imaging are not fully understood until now. In this review article, the potential of CMR imaging for PFA lesion assessment and available data are discussed. Further, additional needs to adopt imaging approaches to the cellular mechanisms of electroporation are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Fink
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Sciacca
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Kars Neven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Dept. of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Maxim Didenko
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Philipp Sommer
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Christian Sohns
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Rottner L, Metzner A. [Long-term success after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation]. Herzschrittmacherther Elektrophysiol 2023; 34:286-290. [PMID: 37863850 DOI: 10.1007/s00399-023-00972-1] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Ablation is an established treatment option for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is associated with convincing success rates and a reasonable safety profile. Ablation strategies going beyond pulmonary vein isolation in patients with chronic forms of AF are less well established and reproducible. Especially in patients with progressed AF forms multiple ablation procedures might be mandatory to achieve reasonable clinical success. An early ablation strategy might stop or prolong the progress from paroxysmal to persistent AF. In addition, ablation is more effective than drug-based treatment and comparably safe. Long-term success rates after a single and after multiple ablation procedures in paroxysmal AF are reported with 60-70% and up to 80%, while success rates in persistent or long-standing persistent AF are less favorable (single procedure 40-50%, multiple procedures 70%). However, currently non-recurrence of AF is the most established but potentially not the best endpoint. The burden of AF after ablation as assessed by novel monitoring modalities might gain further clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rottner
- Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland.
- Universitäres Herz- und Gefäßzentrum Hamburg, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20251, Hamburg, Deutschland.
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Müller J, Nentwich K, Berkovitz A, Sonne K, Kozlova O, Barth S, Deacanu A, Waechter C, Halbfass P, Lehrmann H, Deneke T. Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation after Initial Successful Pulmonary Vein Isolation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7177. [PMID: 38002789 PMCID: PMC10672075 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227177] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the electrical recovery of pulmonary veins (PVs) is the main trigger for AF recurrences. This study investigates the characteristics of patients admitted for redo AF ablation, the PV reconnection rates depending on previous ablation modalities and the impact of different ablation strategies for redo procedures. METHODS Consecutive patients undergoing first redo AF ablation were included. Patients were grouped according to the electrical recovery of at least one PV. The impacts of the technique for first AF ablation on PV reconnection rates and patients with and without PV reconnection were compared. Different ablation strategies for redo procedures were compared and its recurrence rates after a mean follow-up of 25 ± 20 months were investigated. RESULTS A total of 389 patients (68 ± 10 years; 57% male; 39% paroxysmal AF) underwent a first redo. The median time between the first and redo procedure was 40 ± 39 months. Radiofrequency was used in 278 patients, cryoballoon was used in 85 patients and surgical AF ablation was performed on 26 patients. In total, 325 patients (84%) had at least one PV reconnected, and the mean number of reconnected PVs was 2.0 ± 1.3, with significant differences between ablation approaches (p for all = 0.002); this was mainly due to differences in the left inferior PV and right superior PV reconnections. The presence of PV reconnection during redo was not associated with better long-term success compared to completely isolated PVs (67% vs. 67%; log-rank p = 0.997). Overall, the different ablation strategies for redos were comparable regarding AF recurrences during follow-up (p = 0.079), with the ablation approach having no impact in the case of left atrial low voltage or without. CONCLUSIONS PV reconnections after initial successful PVI are common among all techniques of AF ablation. Long-term rhythm control off antiarrhythmic drugs was possible in 2/3 of all patients after the redo procedure; however, different ablation strategies with extra-PV trigger ablation did not improve long-term success. Patients with recurrent AF after PVI constitute a challenging group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Müller
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
| | - Karin Nentwich
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Artur Berkovitz
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
| | - Kai Sonne
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
| | - Olena Kozlova
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
| | - Sebastian Barth
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Alexandru Deacanu
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
| | - Christian Waechter
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Philipp Halbfass
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Philipps-University Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Heiko Lehrmann
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany;
| | - Thomas Deneke
- Clinic for Interventional Electrophysiology, Heart Centre Bad Neustadt, 97616 Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, Germany (O.K.); (P.H.)
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Sun J, Chen S, Liang M, Zhang Q, Zhang P, Sun M, Ding J, Jin Z, Han Y, Wang Z. Bachmann's Bundle Modification in Addition to Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Novel Ablation Strategy. Cardiol Res Pract 2023; 2023:2870188. [PMID: 37927390 PMCID: PMC10624549 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2870188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bachmann's bundle (BB) is the main pathway of interatrial connection that could be involved in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Based on this hypothesis, we raised a novel ablation strategy, BB modification in addition to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI-BB) in patients with AF. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients with AF who underwent CPVI-BB or CPVI alone from March 2018 to July 2021 was enrolled in our study. Propensity score matching was performed in patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent AF, respectively, to reduce the risk of selection bias between the treatment strategies (CPVI-BB or CPVI alone). The primary endpoint was overall freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence through 12 months of follow-up. Results Our propensity score-matched cohort included 82 patients with paroxysmal AF (CPVI group: n = 41; CPVI-BB group: n = 41) and 168 patients with persistent AF (CPVI group: n = 84; CPVI-BB group: n = 84). Among patients with persistent AF, one-year freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate was 83.3% in the CPVI-BB group and 70.2% in the CPVI group (log-rank P = 0.047). Among patients with paroxysmal AF, no significant difference was found in the primary endpoint between two groups (85.4% in the CPVI-BB group vs. 80.5% in the CPVI group; log-rank P = 0.581). In addition, procedure-related complications and recurrence of atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter were similar between the two treatment groups, regardless of the type of AF. Conclusions BB modification in addition to CPVI is an effective approach in increasing the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF, while it does not improve the clinical outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Sanbao Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingyu Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiqing Jin
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yaling Han
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zulu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
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Park H, Park JW, Kim D, Yu HT, Kim TH, Uhm JS, Joung B, Lee MH, Hwang C, Pak HN. Comparison of pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon, high-power short-duration, and conventional radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation: a propensity score-weighted study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1238363. [PMID: 37876772 PMCID: PMC10590885 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1238363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The comparative efficacy, saftey, and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters after pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon (Cryo-PVI), high-power short-duration (HPSD-PVI), and conventional radiofrequency ablation (conventional-PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. Materials and methods In this propensity score-weighted, retrospective analysis of a single-center cohort, we analyzed 3,395 patients (26.2% female, 74.5% paroxysmal AF) who underwent AF catheter ablation without an empirical left atrial ablation. Procedural factors, recurrence rates, complication rates, and the post-procedural HRV parameters were compared across the Cryo-PVI (n = 625), HPSD-PVI (n = 748), and conventional-PVI (n = 2,022) groups. Results Despite the shortest procedural time in the Cryo-PVI group (74 min for Cryo-PVI vs. 104 min for HPSD-PVI vs. 153 min for conventional-PVI, p < 0.001), the major complication (p = 0.906) and clinical recurrence rates were similar across the three ablation groups (weighted log-rank, p = 0.824). However, the Cryo-PVI group was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrent AF in patients with paroxysmal AF [weighted hazard ratio (WHR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.86], whereas it was associated with a higher risk of recurrent AF in patients with persistent AF (WHR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06-1.89, p for interaction of <0.001) compared with the conventional-PVI group. In the subgroup analysis for the HRV, the Cryo-PVI group had the highest low-frequency-to-high-frequency ratio at 1-year post-procedure, whereas the HPSD-PVI group had the lowest low-frequency-to-high-frequency ratio at 1-year post-procedure (p < 0.001). Conclusions The Cryo-PVI group had better rhythm outcomes in patients with paroxysmal AF but worse rhythm outcomes in patients with persistent AF and a higher long-term post-procedural sympathetic nervous activity and sympatho-vagal balance compared with the conventional-PVI group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Je-Wook Park
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yamashita K, Furuya K, Kumazawa D, Mizuno Y, Onodera K, Nomura T. Novel atrial pace-mapping technique based on dual-chamber electrograms to detect non-pulmonary vein foci. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2023; 9:723-727. [PMID: 38047201 PMCID: PMC10691955 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2023.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kennosuke Yamashita
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kenichi Furuya
- Department of Clinical Engineering, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Daiki Kumazawa
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mizuno
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kosuke Onodera
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takehiro Nomura
- Heart Rhythm Center, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Sendai Kosei Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
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Abeln BGS, van Dijk VF, Balt JC, Wijffels MCEF, Boersma LVA. Dielectric response as a novel marker for ablation lesion quality: Relation to conventional ablation parameters. J Arrhythm 2023; 39:776-783. [PMID: 37799786 PMCID: PMC10549823 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12907] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The tissue response viewer (TRV) is a novel marker for ablation lesion quality that aims to classify lesions into transmural or nontransmural lesions (high or low dielectric response, HDR or LDR) using dielectric-based tissue assessment. The objective of this study was to gain insight in the TRV by relating its outcomes to conventional ablation parameters. Methods Patients that had repeat ablation for atrial fibrillation with a dielectric imaging-based mapping system were enrolled. All ablation data were downloaded from the mapping system and analyzed to explore associations between TRV outcomes and other ablation parameters. Results The cohort included 24 patients, in which 58 pulmonary veins and 8 superior vena cavas were targeted. A total of 388 energy applications were applied, resulting in 639 ablation points. The system classified 36% of ablation points as HDR and 44% as LDR. The system did not provide a dielectric response in 20%. The system's ability to provide a dielectric response was related to longer ablation duration and absence of dragging ablation. HDR (versus LDR) was multivariably associated with longer energy applications, higher mean ablation power, and lower wall thickness. Greater impedance drop was univariably associated with HDR. Conclusion Outcomes of the TRV are associated with conventional ablation parameters (e.g., duration and power) but also local wall thickness. Catheter stability seems important for successful lesion assessment with the TRV. Further reduction of missing outcomes and validation of the tool are warranted before widespread use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bob G. S. Abeln
- Cardiology DepartmentSt. Antonius HospitalNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
- Cardiology DepartmentAmsterdam University Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | | | - Jippe C. Balt
- Cardiology DepartmentSt. Antonius HospitalNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
| | | | - Lucas V. A. Boersma
- Cardiology DepartmentSt. Antonius HospitalNieuwegeinthe Netherlands
- Cardiology DepartmentAmsterdam University Medical CenterAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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Magni FT, Scherr D, Manninger M, Sohns C, Sommer P, Hovakimyan T, Blaauw Y, Mulder BA. Electrophysiological findings during re-do procedures after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation with pulsed field ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1729-1737. [PMID: 37195355 PMCID: PMC10547612 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01559-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel ablation technology recently adopted in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, little is known about the durability of PFA ablation lesions. METHODS We investigated patients who underwent redo-ablation due to recurrent AF/atrial-flutter or tachycardia (AFL/AT) following PVI with PFA. We report electrophysiological findings and ablation strategy during redo-ablation. RESULTS Of 447 patients undergoing index PVI with PFA, 14 patients (age: 61.9±10.8 years; 7 (50.0%) males; left atrial volume index (n=10): 39.4±14.6 mL/m2) were referred for redo-ablation. Initial indication was paroxysmal-AF in 7 patients, persistent-AF in 6 and long-standing-persistent-AF in one patient. Mean time-to-recurrence was 4.9±1.9 months. Three patients received additional posterior-wall-isolation during index PFA. Twelve (85.7%) patients suffered AF recurrence and 5/12 had concomitant AFL. In the remaining 2 patients, one had a (box-dependent) AFL, and one had an atypical AT. No patients had all PVs reconnected. Reconnection in zero, one, two or three PVs was found in 35.7%, 21.4%, 14.3%, and 28.6% of patients, respectively. All 7 patients with zero or one reconnection with AF recurrence received additional/repeat posterior-wall-isolation during re-ablation, while in the others, PVs were re-isolated. Patients with only AFL/AT had no reconnection of PVs, and the substrate was successfully ablated. CONCLUSIONS Durable PVI (all PV's isolated) was observed in over one-third of patients at re-do. The predominant recurrent arrhythmia following PVI-only was AF. Concomitant (35.7%) or isolated (14.3%) AFL/AT recurrence was observed in 50% of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Tancredi Magni
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Manninger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Sohns
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Philip Sommer
- Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Tatevik Hovakimyan
- Department of Cardiac Arrhythmology, Nork-Marash Medical Center, Armenak Armenakyan 108/4, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Yuri Blaauw
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart A Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Vandenberk B, Quinn FR, Barmby J, Wilton SB, Kuriachan V. High-density mapping improves detection of conduction gaps after pulmonary vein isolation ablation with a circular mapping catheter. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1401-1410. [PMID: 36462064 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01434-3] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-density (HD) mapping of the pulmonary vein (PVs) has been hypothesized to improve the detection of conduction gaps in the radiofrequency ablation lesions set after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare the incidence of gaps after PVI with a standard 20-pole circumferential mapping catheter (CMC-20) and an HD mapping catheter (HD Grid). METHODS This prospective study included patients scheduled for high-power short-duration PVI. Acute PVI was defined as an entrance and exit block using the CMC-20 after ≥ 20 min waiting period. The left atrium was then remapped using the HD Grid high-density mapping catheter to identify residual conduction gaps in the PVI lines by voltage and activation criteria. The primary endpoint was the number of gaps identified per patient by the HD Grid catheter. RESULTS A total of 20 patients were included (mean age 59.9 ± 10.8 years, 15% female, 70% paroxysmal AF). The new map with the HD Grid identified 6 gaps in 4 patients (20%) or 0.3 ± 0.7 gaps per patient (p = 0.055 when compared to CMC-20). Five gaps (83%) were located at the right PVs. There was no difference in mapping time (CMC-20 12.2 ± 2.6 min vs HD Grid 11.7 ± 3.4 min, p = 0.452); however, the number of points was significantly higher in the HD Grid map (1662.7 ± 366.1 vs 1171.6 ± 313.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HD mapping during AF ablation identified PVI gaps in 1 out of 5 patients. Therefore, HD mapping may have the potential to improve AF ablation success rates in the long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04850508 on April 20, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Vandenberk
- Foothills Medical Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 1403-29 St. N.W, Calgary, T2N 2T9, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - F Russell Quinn
- Foothills Medical Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 1403-29 St. N.W, Calgary, T2N 2T9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Barmby
- Foothills Medical Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 1403-29 St. N.W, Calgary, T2N 2T9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen B Wilton
- Foothills Medical Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 1403-29 St. N.W, Calgary, T2N 2T9, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vikas Kuriachan
- Foothills Medical Centre, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 1403-29 St. N.W, Calgary, T2N 2T9, Alberta, Canada
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Boersma L, Di Biase L, Tzeis S. Ablation by lightning bolts: euphoria after EU-PORIA? Europace 2023; 25:euad218. [PMID: 37477945 PMCID: PMC10422687 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Boersma
- Cardiology Department, St. Antonius Hospital, PO Box 2500, 3430 EM Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cardiology Department, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Cardiology Department, Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Health System, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Stylianos Tzeis
- Cardiology Department, Mitera Hospital, Erithrou Stavrou, Marousi 151 23, Greece
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Almorad A, Del Monte A, Della Rocca DG, Pannone L, Ramak R, Overeinder I, Bala G, Ströker E, Sieira J, Dubois A, Sorgente A, El Haddad M, Iacopino S, Boveda S, de Asmundis C, Chierchia GB. Outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency balloon vs. cryoballoon ablation: a multi-centric study. Europace 2023; 25:euad252. [PMID: 37671682 PMCID: PMC10481252 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Cryoballoon (CB) ablation is the mainstay of single-shot pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). A radiofrequency balloon (RFB) catheter has recently emerged as an alternative. However, these two technologies have not been compared. This study aims to evaluate the freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) at 1 year: procedural characteristics, efficacy, and safety of the novel RFB compared with CB for PVI in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS This prospective multi-centre study included consecutive patients with symptomatic drug-resistant paroxysmal AF who underwent PVI with RFB or CB between July 2021 and January 2022 from three European centres. A total of 375 consecutive patients were included, 125 in the RFB group and 250 in the CB. Both groups had comparable clinical characteristics. At 12.33 ± 4.91 months, ATas-free rates were 83.20% and 82.00% in the RFB and CB groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Compared with the CB group, the RFB group showed a shorter procedure time [59.91 (45.80-77.12) vs. 77.0 (35.13-122.71) min (P < 0.001)], dwell time [19.59 (14.41-30.24) vs. 27.03 (17.11-57.21) min (P = 0.04)], time to isolation, and thermal energy delivery in all pulmonary veins (P < 0.001). First-pass isolation was comparable. No major complications occurred in either group, with no stroke, atrio-oesophageal fistula, or permanent phrenic nerve injury. Transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred more frequently with CB than RFB (7.20% vs. 3.20%; P = 0.02). Oesophageal temperature rise occurred in 21 (16.8%) patients in the RFB group, and gastroscopy showed erythema in two of them with complete recovery after 30 days. CONCLUSIONS The RFB appears to have a safety and efficacy profile similar to that of the CB for PVI. Shorter procedural times appear to be driven by shorter left atrial dwell and thermal delivery times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Almorad
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alvise Del Monte
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Domenico Giovanni Della Rocca
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robbert Ramak
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Overeinder
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gezim Bala
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erwin Ströker
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan Sieira
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Dubois
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Sorgente
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Saverio Iacopino
- Arrhythmology Department, Maria Cecilia Hospital SPA, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Serge Boveda
- Département de Rythmologie, Clinique Pasteur, 45 avenue de Lombez, BP 27617, 31076 Toulouse Cedex 3, France
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian-Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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39
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Morales G, Hunter TD, Rajendra A, Boo LM, Osorio J. Real-world trends in atrial fibrillation ablation indicate increasing durability of pulmonary vein isolation at repeat ablation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 46:535-542. [PMID: 36689951 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Durable electrical isolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) is associated with better outcomes after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, but previous studies of AF recurrence have reported high rates of reconnection despite successful acute isolation. This study aims to quantify historical trends in the durability of PV isolation (PVI) as radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheters, additional ablation technologies, and associated workflows have evolved. METHODS The study population included adult patients receiving a first repeat ablation for AF between September 2013 and July 2019 at the study site. All index ablations were performed at the same site with an RF catheter and included PVI. Three generations of irrigated RF catheters based on the same technology platform were used by the site during the timeframe of this study. RESULTS A total of 224 patients were included in the analysis. At repeat ablation, the mean number of patients with at least one reconnected PV dropped significantly with subsequent catheter generation, from 78.3% to 56.7% to 27.0% (p < .0001). Moreover, the mean number of reconnected PVs were significantly reduced from 1.48 to 0.92 to 0.47 (p < .0001), representing a 68.3% reduction across the 3 generations of devices. CONCLUSION Significant improvement in durable PVI was seen with successive generations of RF catheter over a 6-year period. In addition to catheter technology, ancillary advances in ablation technologies, workflows, and operator experience likely contributed to these improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Morales
- Arrhythmia Institute at Grandview, Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Tina D Hunter
- Real World Evidence and Late Phase, CTI Clinical Trial and Consulting Services, Covington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Anil Rajendra
- Arrhythmia Institute at Grandview, Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Jose Osorio
- Arrhythmia Institute at Grandview, Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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40
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Pannone L, Mouram S, Della Rocca DG, Sorgente A, Monaco C, Del Monte A, Gauthey A, Bisignani A, Kronenberger R, Paparella G, Ramak R, Overeinder I, Bala G, Almorad A, Ströker E, Sieira J, Brugada P, Chierchia GB, La Meir M, de Asmundis C. Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation: long-term outcomes from a single-centre 10-year experience. Europace 2023; 25:euad114. [PMID: 37246904 PMCID: PMC10226374 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a promising approach in non-paroxysmal AF. The aim of this study is to assess the long-term outcomes of hybrid ablation in a large cohort of patients after both an initial and as a redo procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS All consecutive patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation at UZ Brussel from 2010 to 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Hybrid AF ablation was performed in a one-step procedure: (i) thoracoscopic ablation followed by (ii) endocardial mapping and eventual ablation. All patients received PVI and posterior wall isolation. Additional lesions were performed based on clinical indication and physician judgement. Primary endpoint was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas). A total of 120 consecutive patients were included, 85 patients (70.8%) underwent hybrid AF ablation as first procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 100%), 20 patients (16.7%) as second procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 30%), and 15 patients (12.5%) as third procedure (non-paroxysmal AF 33.3%). After a mean follow-up of 62.3 months ± 20.3, a total of 63 patients (52.5%) experienced ATas recurrence. Complications occurred in 12.5% of patients. There was no difference in ATas between patients undergoing hybrid as first vs. redo procedure (P = 0.53). Left atrial volume index and recurrence during blanking period were independent predictors of ATas recurrence. CONCLUSION In a large cohort of patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation, the survival from ATas recurrence was 47.5% at ≈5 years follow-up. There was no difference in clinical outcomes between patients undergoing hybrid AF ablation as first procedure or as a redo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sahar Mouram
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Domenico Giovanni Della Rocca
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Sorgente
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cinzia Monaco
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alvise Del Monte
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anaïs Gauthey
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Antonio Bisignani
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Arrhythmology Unit, Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Rani Kronenberger
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gaetano Paparella
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robbert Ramak
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Overeinder
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gezim Bala
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Almorad
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erwin Ströker
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Juan Sieira
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pedro Brugada
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gian Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mark La Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Zucchelli G, Chun KRJ, Khelae SK, Földesi C, Kueffer FJ, van Bragt KA, Scazzuso F, On YK, Al-Kandari F, Okumura K. Impact of first-line cryoablation for atrial fibrillation on healthcare utilization, arrhythmia disease burden and efficacy outcomes: real-world evidence from the Cryo Global Registry. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:711-722. [PMID: 36331681 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an effective first-line treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), as recently demonstrated by three randomized trials. This sub-analysis of the Cryo Global Registry aims to examine current clinical practices of first-line CBA. METHODS AF patients treated with first-line CBA were compared to CBA in antiarrhythmic drug (AAD)-refractory patients at 12 months. Efficacy was examined using time-to-first atrial arrhythmia recurrence following a 90-day blanking period. Healthcare utilization was evaluated by repeat ablations and hospitalizations. Disease burden was examined by assessing quality of life (QOL) and patients' reporting of symptoms. RESULTS Of 1394 patients, 433 (31.1%) were treated with first-line CBA, which was more frequent in high-volume centers. Serious procedure-related adverse event rates were similar. Efficacy at 12 months was higher in the first-line group (87.8 vs. 81.6%, HRunadj 0.64 (95% CI 0.47-0.88); p < 0.01) regardless of the centers' CBA experience; when controlling for baseline characteristics, the difference was not significant (HRadj 0.87 (95% CI 0.56-1.37); p = 0.55). No difference was observed in repeat ablations and hospitalizations between cohorts. First-line patients experienced a larger mean reduction in symptoms and were prescribed AADs at a lower rate at 12-month follow-up (9.7 vs. 29.9%). QOL improved in both cohorts from baseline to 12 months with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS In this global real-world experience, first-line CBA in patients with symptomatic AF is effective, with a larger symptom reduction compared with CBA after AAD failure and without a difference in healthcare utilization at mid-term follow-up. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02752737.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Zucchelli
- Second Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma, 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | - Csaba Földesi
- Gottsegen György Országos Kardiovaszkuláris Intézet, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Young-Keun On
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Ken Okumura
- Saiseikai Kumamoto Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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42
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Sørensen SK, Johannessen A, Worck R, Hansen ML, Ruwald MH, Hansen J. Differential gap location after radiofrequency versus cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation: Insights from a randomized trial with protocol-mandated repeat procedure. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:519-526. [PMID: 36640430 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reconnections to pulmonary vein (PV) triggers of atrial fibrillation (AF) are the primary cause of AF recurrence after PV isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon catheter ablation (CRYO), but method-specific contributions to PV reconduction pattern and conductive gap location are incompletely understood. METHODS The objective of this radiofrequency versus cryoballoon catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation substudy was to determine procedure-specific patterns of PV reconduction in a randomized population with protocol-mandated repeat procedures, irrespective of AF recurrence. Each PV was assessed in turn and PV reconnection sites were identified by high-density electroanatomical mapping and locating the earliest activation site. Gap locations were verified by PV re-isolation. RESULTS In 98 patients, 81% versus 76% previously isolated PVs remained isolated after CRYO versus RF (risk ratio [RR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96-1.18; p = .28). There were no significant differences for any PV: left superior PV: 90% versus 80%; left inferior PV: 80% versus 78%; right superior PV: 81% versus 80%, and right inferior PV: 76% versus 73%. For each reconnected PV, 34% of ipsilateral PVs were also reconnected after CRYO compared with 64% after RF (RR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.32-0.90; p = .01). After RF, gaps were clustered by the carina and adjacent segments, whereas they were more heterogeneously distributed after CRYO. CONCLUSION Although RF and CRYO produce similar proportions of durably isolated PVs, gap locations appear to develop in procedure-specific patterns. After RF, ipsilateral PV reconduction is more frequent and gap sites cluster by the carina, suggesting that this region should be selectively ablated for more durable PVI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel K Sørensen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Arne Johannessen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - René Worck
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Morten L Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Martin H Ruwald
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Jim Hansen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark
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43
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Erhard N, Mauer T, Ouyang F, Sciacca V, Rillig A, Reissmann B, Rottner L, Mathew S, Sohns C, Heeger CH, Tilz RR, Kuck KH, Metzner A, Fink T. Mechanisms of late arrhythmia recurrence after initially successful pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 46:161-168. [PMID: 36588339 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF,) but arrhythmia recurrence occurs in a relevant number of patients. Mechanisms of late occurring arrhythmias after ablation procedures are not fully understood. We analyzed electrophysiological mechanisms of early and late arrhythmia recurrences in patients who underwent radiofrequency-based catheter ablation of AF. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients who underwent repeat ablation procedures after initial pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for symptomatic arrhythmia recurrence were analyzed. A total of 110 consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal (79%) or persistent AF (21%) were included. Forty-seven patients suffered from early arrhythmia recurrence (group #1: 3-24 months), 29 patients from mid-term arrhythmia recurrences (group #2: 2-5 years), and 34 patients from late arrhythmia recurrences (group #3: > 5 years). Electrical PV reconnection was found in 98% in group #1, 72% in group #2 and 56% in group #3 (p < .001). Mode of arrhythmia recurrence was organized tachycardia in 25%, 28%, and 65% of patients in groups #1, #2, and #3 (p = .001), respectively. Patients with late arrhythmia recurrence had more pronounced left atrial low voltage as compared to patients with early arrhythmia recurrence based on two published scoring system. CONCLUSION Electrical PV reconnection was found in the majority of patients with early AF recurrence after PVI. In patients with late arrhythmia recurrences this mechanism may play an inferior role, with many patients presenting without PV reconnection, but with LA structural alterations. Thus, early and late occurring arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation may be the same symptom of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Erhard
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich, Munchen, Germany
| | - Tilman Mauer
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Feifan Ouyang
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Sciacca
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Andreas Rillig
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Reissmann
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Rottner
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shibu Mathew
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Sohns
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian-Hendrik Heeger
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,University Heart Center Lübeck, Medical Clinic II (Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Roland Richard Tilz
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,University Heart Center Lübeck, Medical Clinic II (Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Kuck
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,University Heart Center Lübeck, Medical Clinic II (Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care Medicine), University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck, Germany.,LANS CARDIO, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Metzner
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University Heart Center, University Hospital Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fink
- Department of Cardiology, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg, Germany.,Clinic for Electrophysiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
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Knecht S, Zeljkovic I, Badertscher P, Krisai P, Spies F, Vognstrup J, Pavlovic N, Manola S, Osswald S, Kühne M, Sticherling C. Role of empirical isolation of the superior vena cava in patients with recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation-a multi-center analysis. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:435-443. [PMID: 35980512 PMCID: PMC9977848 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01314-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-pulmonary vein (PV) triggers play a role in the initiation of atrial fibrillation (AF), with the superior vena cava (SVC) being a common location. The aim of the current study was to investigate a strategy of empirical SVC isolation (SVCI) in addition to re-isolation of PV in patients with recurrence of AF after index PV isolation (PVI). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients from two centers with recurrence of AF after index PVI, undergoing a repeat ablation. Whereas only a re-isolation of the PV was intended in patients with reconnections of equal or more than two PV (PVI group), an additional SVCI was aimed for in patients with < 2 isolated PV in addition to the re-isolation of the PV (PVI + group). Analysis was performed as-treated and per-protocol. RESULTS Of the 344 patients included in the study (age 60 ± 10 years, 73% male, 66% paroxysmal AF), PVI only was performed in 269 patients (77%) and PVI plus SVCI (PVI +) in 75 patients (23%). Overall, freedom from AF/AT after repeat PVI was 80% (196 patients) in the PVI group and 73% in the PVI + group (p = 0.151). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, presence of persistent AF (HR 2.067 (95% CI 1.389-3.078), p < 0.001) and hypertension (HR 1.905 (95% CI 1.218-2.980), p = 0.005) were identified as only significant predictors of AF/AT recurrence. The per-protocol results did not differ from this observation. CONCLUSIONS A strategy of an empirical additional SVCI at repeat PVI ablation for recurrence of AF/AT does not improve outcome compared to a PVI only approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland. .,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Ivan Zeljkovic
- Department of Cardiology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Patrick Badertscher
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Krisai
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Spies
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Vognstrup
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nikola Pavlovic
- Department of Cardiology, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sime Manola
- Department of Cardiology, Dubrava University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stefan Osswald
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kühne
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Sticherling
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland ,Cardiovascular Research Institute Basel, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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45
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Sajja A, Lloyd M. "Can we ablate your atrial fibrillation? Let's check your bloodwork." Genetic profiling and its role in ablation for atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:2051-2053. [PMID: 36087687 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Sajja
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Lloyd
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia.
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46
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Heinroth K, Blum T, Drexler M, Plehn A, Hartkopf T, Horenburg C, Sedding D. X-ray exposure in cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation over 7 years: A single center study. J Arrhythm 2022; 38:1017-1027. [PMID: 36524039 PMCID: PMC9745457 DOI: 10.1002/joa3.12780] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Facing an increasing number of radiofrequency ablation (RF) and cryoballoon ablation (CB) procedures for treatment of AF radiation exposure and its reduction is a focus point for interventional electrophysiologists. Objective This study evaluated the procedural parameters of the different ablation methods focusing on radiation exposure and the BMI of the patients. Methods One thousand one hundred and thirty-three first procedural cases of pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF treated with RF and CB-based techniques were analyzed retrospectively over a period of 7 years focusing on the endpoints dose area product (DAP, cGycm2), fluoroscopy time (FT, min) and procedural time (PT, min). Results Of the 1133 patients (mean age 63.4 ± 11.4 years, BMI 28.9 ± 4.7) 335 patients received an RF procedure, 211 patients were treated with the cryoballoon first generation (CB1), and 587 patients with cryoballoon second generation (CB2), respectively. The mean DAP for the PVI was 508 ± 654 cGycm2 in RF procedures, 1077 ± 683 cGycm2 in CB1-procedures, and 587 ± 489 cGycm2 in CB2-procedures with fluoroscopy times significantly shorter in RF procedures (9.6 ± 5.2 min) as compared to 17.7 ± 5.9 min in CB1- and 16.3 ± 6.3 min in CB2-procedures (p < .001). At the same time, the procedure duration using RF (115 ± 33.5 min) was significantly longer than both in CB1 (96 ± 16.8 min) and CB2 procedures (75 ± 15.9 min). Conclusions Despite longer fluoroscopy durations in the CB technique, the CB2 resulted in a comparable low radiation exposure in PVI as compared to RF, accompanied by shorter procedure durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Heinroth
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
- Department of Medicine IMartha‐Maria DoelauHalleGermany
| | - Tilman Blum
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
| | - Max Drexler
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
| | - Alexander Plehn
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
| | - Thomas Hartkopf
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
| | - Charlotte Horenburg
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
- Department of Medicine IMartha‐Maria DoelauHalleGermany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Department of Medicine IIIMartin‐Luther‐University Halle‐WittenbergHalleGermany
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Tohoku S, Chun KRJ, Bordignon S, Chen S, Schaack D, Urbanek L, Ebrahimi R, Hirokami J, Bologna F, Schmidt B. Findings from repeat ablation using high-density mapping after pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation. Europace 2022; 25:433-440. [PMID: 36427201 PMCID: PMC9935020 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) can offer a novel perspective for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to characterize the incidence of pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection, types of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) and lesion quality after PFA-guided PV isolation (PVI). METHODS AND RESULTS Patients undergoing second ablation for recurrent ATa following the initial PVI using the pentaspline PFA catheter were investigated. The rate of PV reconnection, the features of recurrent ATa, and the amount of isolated posterior wall (PW) surface area (ISAPW%) (ratio of the isolated- to total surface area on PW) were analyzed. RESULTS Among 360 patients treated with PFA, 25 patients (paroxysmal AF, n = 19) with 99 PVs underwent a second procedure 6.1 ± 4.0 months after the initial procedure. The rate of PV reconnection was 9.1% (9 PVs). Patients presented with atrial tachycardia (AT) (n = 16), AF (n = 8) and typical atrial flutter (n = 1). The mechanism of all but one AT was macro-reentry. The critical isthmus was found to be linked to the initial lesion set at the left atrial (LA) PW in eight patients and linked to pre-existing substrate at the LA anterior wall in four patients. One AT had a focal origin at the septum. In three patients, AT were unmappable. Mean ISAPW% was 72.7 ± 19.0%. CONCLUSION We revealed a remarkable low reconnection rate with a large antral lesion at the PW after pentaspline PFA catheter-guided PVI. However, macro-reentrant AT with a critical isthmus at the LAPW linked to the PVI lesion set was commonly observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Tohoku
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - K R Julian Chun
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany,Die Sektion Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stefano Bordignon
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany,Die Sektion Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - David Schaack
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Urbanek
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ramin Ebrahimi
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jun Hirokami
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Bologna
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- *Corresponding author. Tel: +49 69 9450280; Fax: +49 69 945028119. E-mail address:
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Rordorf R, Iacopino S, Verlato R, Arena G, Tondo C, Molon G, Manfrin M, Rovaris G, Perego GB, Sciarra L, Mantica M, Sacchi R, Pieragnoli P. Role of CHA2DS2-VASc score in predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation with cryoballoon ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2022:10.1007/s10840-022-01430-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01430-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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49
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Evolving Role of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Early and Effective Rhythm Control. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226871. [PMID: 36431348 PMCID: PMC9696051 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Catheter Ablation (CA) is an effective therapeutic option in treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Importantly, recent data show that CA as a rhythm control strategy not only significantly reduces AF burden, but also substantially improves clinical hard endpoints. Since AF is a progressive disease, the time of Diagnosis-to-Intervention appears crucial. Recent evidence shows that earlier rhythm control is associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with early AF. Particularly, CA as an initial first line rhythm control strategy is associated with significant reduction of arrhythmia recurrence and rehospitalization in patients with paroxysmal AF. CA is shown to significantly lower the risk of progression from paroxysmal AF to persistent AF. When treating persistent AF, the overall clinical success after ablation remains unsatisfactory, however the ablation outcome in patients with "early" persistent AF appears better than those with "late" persistent AF. "Adjunctive" ablation on top of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), e.g., ablation of atrial low voltage area, left atrial posterior wall, vein of Marshall, left atrial appendage, etc., may further reduce arrhythmia recurrence in selected patient group. New ablation concepts or new ablation technologies have been developing to optimize therapeutic effects or safety profile and may ultimately improve the clinical outcome.
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50
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Klaver MN, Wintgens LIS, Wijffels MCEF, van Dijk VF, Alipour A, Chaldoupi SM, Derksen R, Peper J, Balt JC, Boersma LVA. 2-year outcomes of phased radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation with the second-generation PVAC Gold ablation catheter. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2022; 65:471-480. [PMID: 35604577 PMCID: PMC9640466 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The second-generation multi-electrode catheter, PVAC Gold, was designed to improve the safe delivery of phased radiofrequency energy using a "single shot" approach for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), while retaining efficacy. This large registry presents long-term performance in a daily practice setting. METHODS A total of 1011 patients undergoing first time ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) using PVAC Gold were included, 639 patients with PVI for paroxysmal AF (PAF PVI) and 372 patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF, divided into 175 patients receiving PVI only (PersAF PVI) and 197 patients receiving PVI with additional substrate ablation (PersAF PVI +). RESULTS At 24-month follow-up, single procedure freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) was 58% (368/639) in the PAF PVI group, 44% (77/175) in the PersAF PVI group, and 29% (57/197) in the PersAF PVI + group. Allowing one repeat procedure in 33% of patients, 76%, 65%, and 54% were free from ATA at 24 months, respectively. Pulmonary vein reconnection was observed in 98% of patients with recurrent arrhythmia after PVI. CONCLUSIONS Although phased RF ablation with PVAC Gold is quick and safe, the efficacy outcomes are modest compared to current mainstream ablation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Klaver
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - L I S Wintgens
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M C E F Wijffels
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - V F van Dijk
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - A Alipour
- Department of Cardiology, Rivierenland Hospital, Tiel, The Netherlands
| | - S M Chaldoupi
- Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R Derksen
- Department of Cardiology, Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - J Peper
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - J C Balt
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - L V A Boersma
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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