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Zhang Z, Xiao Y, Wang C, Zhou J, Lin Q, Tu T, Wu K, Huang Y, Zhang Z, Liu C, Liu Q. Pulsed field ablation: A promising approach for ventricular tachycardia ablation. Int J Cardiol 2024; 407:131985. [PMID: 38513736 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been a central therapeutic strategy for ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, concerns about its long-term effectiveness and complications have arisen. Pulsed field ablation (PFA), characterized by its nonthermal, highly tissue-selective ablation technique, has emerged as a promising alternative. This comprehensive review delves into the potential advantages and opportunities presented by PFA in the realm of VT, drawing insights from both animal experimentation and clinical case studies. PFA shows promise in generating superior lesions within scarred myocardial tissue, and its inherent repetition dependency holds the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes. Clinical cases underscore the promise of PFA for VT ablation. Despite its promising applications, challenges such as catheter maneuverability and proarrhythmic effects require further investigation. Large-scale, long-term studies are essential to establish the suitability of PFA for VT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichao Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cancan Wang
- Department of Metabolic Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiabao Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuzhen Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tao Tu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Keke Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunying Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zeying Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of International Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Shen C, Du X, Dai J, Feng M, Yu Y, Liu J, Fu G, Wang B, Jiang Y, Jin H, Chu H. Outcomes of Focal Pulsed Field Ablation for Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia. Can J Cardiol 2024; 40:1294-1303. [PMID: 38242530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is primarily used for treatment of atrial fibrillation as it provides better safety and efficacy. However, there are limited data available on the use of PFA for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). The study sought to describe the outcomes of PSVT ablation with a novel focal contact force (CF)-sensing PFA. METHODS In this first-in-human pilot study, a focal CF-sensing PFA catheter was used for mapping and ablation navigated with an electroanatomic mapping system (EAMS). Pulsed field energy was delivered as biphasic/bipolar electrical pulse trains with 2000 V/delivery. CF was controlled from 2 g to 10 g during PFA. RESULTS Procedural acute success was achieved without general anaesthesia or conscious sedation in all 10 patients, including 7 patients diagnosed with typical atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardias and 3 patients with orthodromic reciprocating tachycardias. Successful target ablation time was 2.0 ± 0.5 seconds per patient, and the acute procedural success at the first single site was achieved in 5 patients. The mean skin-to-skin procedure time was 79.4 ± 15 minutes, PFA catheter dwell time was 50.1 ± 14 minutes, and fluoroscopy time was 6.2 ± 7 minutes. Maintenance of sinus rhythm was observed in all patients within 6-month follow-up. No serious adverse events occurred in any subjects during PFA or during the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A focal CF-sensing PFA catheter could effectively, rapidly, and safely ablate PSVT in conscious patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05770921.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijie Shen
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xianfeng Du
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiating Dai
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Mingjun Feng
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yibo Yu
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Guohua Fu
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Binhao Wang
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yongxing Jiang
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - He Jin
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Huimin Chu
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.
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Wang Z, Liang M, Sun J, Zhang J, Han Y. A New Hope for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Application of Pulsed-Field Ablation Technology. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:175. [PMID: 38921675 PMCID: PMC11204042 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11060175] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the prevalence of and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases have been rising in most countries and regions. AF is the most common arrhythmic condition, and there are several treatment options for AF. Pulmonary vein isolation is an effective treatment for AF and is the cornerstone of current ablation techniques, which have one major limitation: even when diagnosed and treated at a facility that specializes in ablation, patients have a greater chance of recurrence. Therefore, there is a need to develop better ablation techniques for the treatment of AF. This article first compares the current cryoablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) techniques for the treatment of AF and discusses the utility and advantages of the development of pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology. The current research on PFA is summarized from three perspectives, namely, simulation experiments, animal experiments, and clinical studies. The results of different stages of experiments are summarized, especially during animal studies, where pulmonary vein isolation was carried out effectively without causing injury to the phrenic nerve, esophagus, and pulmonary veins, with higher safety and shorter incision times. This paper focuses on a review of various a priori and clinical studies of this new technique for the treatment of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China;
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Jingyang Sun
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yaling Han
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang 110016, China; (M.L.); (J.S.); (J.Z.)
- National Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, Shenyang 110016, China
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Tohoku S, Bordignon S, Schaack D, Hirokami J, Urbanek L, Urbani A, Kheir J, Schmidt B, Chun KRJ. Initial real-world data on catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation using the novel lattice-tip focal pulsed-field ablation catheter. Europace 2024; 26:euae129. [PMID: 38916275 PMCID: PMC11197047 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae129] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Technological advancements have contributed to the enhanced precision and lesion flexibility in pulsed-field ablation (PFA) by integrating a three-dimensional mapping system combined with a point-by-point ablation strategy. Data regarding the feasibility of this technology remain limited to some clinical trials. This study aims to elucidate initial real-world data on catheter ablation utilizing a lattice-tip focal PFA/radiofrequency ablation (RFA) catheter in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for persistent AF via the lattice-tip PFA/RFA catheter were enrolled. We evaluated acute procedural data including periprocedural data as well as the clinical follow-up within a 90-day blanking period. In total, 28 patients with persistent AF underwent AF ablation either under general anaesthesia (n = 6) or deep sedation (n = 22). In all patients, pulmonary vein isolation was successfully achieved. Additional linear ablations were conducted in 21 patients (78%) with a combination of successful anterior line (n = 13, 46%) and roof line (n = 19, 68%). The median procedural and fluoroscopic times were 97 (interquartile range, IQR: 80-114) min and 8.5 (IQR: 7.2-9.5) min, respectively. A total of 27 patients (96%) were interviewed during the follow-up within the blanking period, and early recurrent AF was documented in four patients (15%) including one case of recurrent AF during the hospital stay. Neither major nor minor procedural complication occurred. CONCLUSION In terms of real-world data, our data confirmed AF ablation feasibility utilizing the lattice-tip focal PFA/RFA catheter in patients with persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Tohoku
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
- Klinik für Rhythmologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein der Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 16023538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Stefano Bordignon
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - David Schaack
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jun Hirokami
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Urbanek
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Joseph Kheir
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Medizinische Klinik 3- Klinik für Kardiologie, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kyoung-Ryul Julian Chun
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Department of Cardiology, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
- Klinik für Rhythmologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein der Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 16023538 Lübeck, Germany
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Kistler PM, Sanders P, Amarena JV, Bain CR, Chia KM, Choo WK, Eslick AT, Hall T, Hopper IK, Kotschet E, Lim HS, Ling LH, Mahajan R, Marasco SF, McGuire MA, McLellan AJ, Pathak RK, Phillips KP, Prabhu S, Stiles MK, Sy RW, Thomas SP, Toy T, Watts TW, Weerasooriya R, Wilsmore BR, Wilson L, Kalman JM. 2023 Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Heart Lung Circ 2024; 33:828-881. [PMID: 38702234 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.12.024] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has increased exponentially in many developed countries, including Australia and New Zealand. This Expert Position Statement on Catheter and Surgical Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation from the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recognises healthcare factors, expertise and expenditure relevant to the Australian and New Zealand healthcare environments including considerations of potential implications for First Nations Peoples. The statement is cognisant of international advice but tailored to local conditions and populations, and is intended to be used by electrophysiologists, cardiologists and general physicians across all disciplines caring for patients with AF. They are also intended to provide guidance to healthcare facilities seeking to establish or maintain catheter ablation for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Kistler
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
| | - Prash Sanders
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Chris R Bain
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Karin M Chia
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wai-Kah Choo
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Qld, Australia; Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Adam T Eslick
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Ingrid K Hopper
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Emily Kotschet
- Victorian Heart Hospital, Monash Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Austin Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Northern Health, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Liang-Han Ling
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rajiv Mahajan
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Lyell McEwin Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Silvana F Marasco
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | | | - Alex J McLellan
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rajeev K Pathak
- Australian National University and Canberra Heart Rhythm, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Karen P Phillips
- Brisbane AF Clinic, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Sandeep Prabhu
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Baker Heart and Diabetes Research Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Martin K Stiles
- Waikato Clinical School, University of Auckland, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Raymond W Sy
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart P Thomas
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tracey Toy
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Troy W Watts
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Rukshen Weerasooriya
- Hollywood Private Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia; University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | | | - Jonathan M Kalman
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Nies M, Watanabe K, Kawamura I, Santos-Gallego CG, Reddy VY, Koruth JS. Preclinical Study of Pulsed Field Ablation of Difficult Ventricular Targets: Intracavitary Mobile Structures, Interventricular Septum, and Left Ventricular Free Wall. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2024; 17:e012734. [PMID: 38753535 PMCID: PMC11186713 DOI: 10.1161/circep.124.012734] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocardial catheter-based pulsed field ablation (PFA) of the ventricular myocardium is promising. However, little is known about PFA's ability to target intracavitary structures, epicardium, and ways to achieve transmural lesions across thick ventricular tissue. METHODS A lattice-tip catheter was used to deliver biphasic monopolar PFA to swine ventricles under general anesthesia, with electroanatomical mapping, fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography guidance. We conducted experiments to assess the feasibility and safety of repetitive monopolar PFA applications to ablate (1) intracavitary papillary muscles and moderator bands, (2) epicardial targets, and (3) bipolar PFA for midmyocardial targets in the interventricular septum and left ventricular free wall. RESULTS (1) Papillary muscles (n=13) were successfully ablated and then evaluated at 2, 7, and 21 days. Nine lesions with stable contact measured 18.3±2.4 mm long, 15.3±1.5 mm wide, and 5.8±1.0 mm deep at 2 days. Chronic lesions demonstrated preserved chordae without mitral regurgitation. Two targeted moderator bands were transmurally ablated without structural disruption. (2) Transatrial saline/carbon dioxide assisted epicardial access was obtained successfully and epicardial monopolar lesions had a mean length, width, and depth of 30.4±4.2, 23.5±4.1, and 9.1±1.9 mm, respectively. (3) Bipolar PFA lesions were delivered across the septum (n=11) and the left ventricular free wall (n=7). Twelve completed bipolar lesions had a mean length, width, and depth of 29.6±5.5, 21.0±7.3, and 14.3±4.7 mm, respectively. Chronically, these lesions demonstrated uniform fibrotic changes without tissue disruption. Bipolar lesions were significantly deeper than the monopolar epicardial lesions. CONCLUSIONS This in vivo evaluation demonstrates that PFA can successfully ablate intracavitary structures and create deep epicardial lesions and transmural left ventricular lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Nies
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (M.N., K.W., I.K., V.Y.R., J.S.K.)
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany (M.N.)
| | - Keita Watanabe
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (M.N., K.W., I.K., V.Y.R., J.S.K.)
| | - Iwanari Kawamura
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (M.N., K.W., I.K., V.Y.R., J.S.K.)
| | - Carlos G. Santos-Gallego
- Atherothrombosis Research Unit, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (C.G.S.-G.)
| | - Vivek Y. Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (M.N., K.W., I.K., V.Y.R., J.S.K.)
| | - Jacob S. Koruth
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (M.N., K.W., I.K., V.Y.R., J.S.K.)
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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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8
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Anter E, Mansour M, Nair DG, Sharma D, Taigen TL, Neuzil P, Kiehl EL, Kautzner J, Osorio J, Mountantonakis S, Natale A, Hummel JD, Amin AK, Siddiqui UR, Harlev D, Hultz P, Liu S, Onal B, Tarakji KG, Reddy VY. Dual-energy lattice-tip ablation system for persistent atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial. Nat Med 2024:10.1038/s41591-024-03022-6. [PMID: 38760584 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03022-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are suboptimal due, in part, to challenges in achieving durable lesions. Although focal point-by-point ablation allows for the creation of any required lesion set, this strategy necessitates the generation of contiguous lesions without gaps. A large-tip catheter, capable of creating wide-footprint ablation lesions, may increase ablation effectiveness and efficiency. In a randomized, single-blind, non-inferiority trial, 420 patients with persistent AF underwent ablation using a large-tip catheter with dual pulsed field and radiofrequency energies versus ablation using a conventional radiofrequency ablation system. The primary composite effectiveness endpoint was evaluated through 1 year and included freedom from acute procedural failure and repeat ablation at any time, plus arrhythmia recurrence, drug initiation or escalation or cardioversion after a 3-month blanking period. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from a composite of serious procedure-related or device-related adverse events. The primary effectiveness endpoint was observed for 73.8% and 65.8% of patients in the investigational and control arms, respectively (P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). Major procedural or device-related complications occurred in three patients in the investigational arm and in two patients in the control arm (P < 0.0001 for non-inferiority). In a secondary analysis, procedural times were shorter in the investigational arm as compared to the control arm (P < 0.0001). These results demonstrate non-inferior safety and effectiveness of the dual-energy catheter for the treatment of persistent AF. Future large-scale studies are needed to gather real-world evidence on the impact of the focal dual-energy lattice catheter on the broader population of patients with AF. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05120193 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Anter
- Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'Akov, Israel.
| | | | - Devi G Nair
- St. Bernards Medical Center & Arrhythmia Research Group, Jonesboro, AR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - John D Hummel
- Division of Cardiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anish K Amin
- Riverside Methodist Hospital, Upper Arlington, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Tilz RR, Feher M, Vogler J, Bode K, Duta AI, Ortolan A, Lopez LD, Küchler M, Mamaev R, Lyan E, Sommer P, Braun M, Sciacca V, Demming T, Maslova V, Kuck KH, Heeger CH, Eitel C, Popescu SS. Venous vascular closure system vs. figure-of-eight suture following atrial fibrillation ablation: the STYLE-AF Study. Europace 2024; 26:euae105. [PMID: 38647070 PMCID: PMC11210072 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae105] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Simplified ablation technologies for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are increasingly performed worldwide. One of the most common complications following PVI are vascular access-related complications. Lately, venous closure systems (VCSs) were introduced into clinical practice, aiming to reduce the time of bed rest, to increase the patients' comfort, and to reduce vascular access-related complications. The aim of the present study is to compare the safety and efficacy of using a VCS to achieve haemostasis following single-shot PVI to the actual standard of care [figure-of-eight suture and manual compression (MC)]. METHODS AND RESULTS This is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label trial performed at three German centres. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo haemostasis either by means of VCS (VCS group) or of a figure-of-eight suture and MC (F8 group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to ambulation, while the primary safety endpoint was the incidence of major periprocedural adverse events until hospital discharge. A total of 125 patients were randomized. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The VCS group showed a shorter time to ambulation [109.0 (82.0, 160.0) vs. 269.0 (243.8, 340.5) min; P < 0.001], shorter time to haemostasis [1 (1, 2) vs. 5 (2, 10) min; P < 0.001], and shorter time to discharge eligibility [270 (270, 270) vs. 340 (300, 458) min; P < 0.001]. No major vascular access-related complication was reported in either group. A trend towards a lower incidence of minor vascular access-related complications on the day of procedure was observed in the VCS group [7 (11.1%) vs. 15 (24.2%); P = 0.063] as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Following AF ablation, the use of a VCS results in a significantly shorter time to ambulation, time to haemostasis, and time to discharge eligibility. No major vascular access-related complications were identified. The use of MC and a figure-of-eight suture showed a trend towards a higher incidence of minor vascular access-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Richard Tilz
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Marcel Feher
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Julia Vogler
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Bode
- Department of Rhythmology, Heart Center of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexandru Ionut Duta
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Angela Ortolan
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Lisbeth Delgado Lopez
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Mirco Küchler
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Roman Mamaev
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Evgeny Lyan
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Philipp Sommer
- Department of Electrophysiology and Rhythmology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Martin Braun
- Department of Electrophysiology and Rhythmology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Sciacca
- Department of Electrophysiology and Rhythmology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Thomas Demming
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vera Maslova
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center of Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Kuck
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Christian-Hendrik Heeger
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Charlotte Eitel
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sorin Stefan Popescu
- Department of Rhythmology, University Heart Center Lübeck, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany
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10
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Malyshev Y, Neuzil P, Petru J, Funasako M, Hala P, Kopriva K, Schneider C, Achyutha A, Vanderper A, Musikantow D, Turagam M, Dukkipati SR, Reddy VY. Nitroglycerin to Ameliorate Coronary Artery Spasm During Focal Pulsed-Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:885-896. [PMID: 38385916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.12.015] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In treating atrial fibrillation, pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has comparable efficacy to conventional thermal ablation, but with important safety advantages: no esophageal injury or pulmonary vein stenosis, and rare phrenic nerve injury. However, when PFA is delivered in proximity to coronary arteries using a pentaspline catheter, which generates a broad electrical field, severe vasospasm can be provoked. OBJECTIVES The authors sought to study the vasospastic potential of a focal PFA catheter with a narrower electrical field and develop a preventive strategy with nitroglycerin. METHODS During atrial fibrillation ablation, a focal PFA catheter was used for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Angiography of the right coronary artery (some with fractional flow reserve measurement) was performed before, during, and after PFA. Beyond no nitroglycerin (n = 5), and a few testing strategies (n = 8), 2 primary nitroglycerin administration strategies were studied: 1) multiple boluses (3-2 mg every 2 min) into the right atrium (n = 10), and 2) a bolus (3 mg) into the right atrium with continuous peripheral intravenous infusion (1 mg/min; n = 10). RESULTS Without nitroglycerin, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation provoked moderate-severe vasospasm in 4 of 5 (80%) patients (fractional flow reserve 0.71 ± 0.08). With repetitive nitroglycerin boluses, severe spasm did not occur, and mild-moderate vasospasm occurred in only 2 of 10 (20%). Using the bolus + infusion strategy, severe and mild-moderate spasm occurred in 1 and 3 of 10 patients (aggregate 40%). No patient had ST-segment changes. CONCLUSIONS Ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus using a focal PFA catheter routinely provokes right coronary vasospasm. Pretreatment with high doses of parenteral nitroglycerin prevents severe spasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury Malyshev
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jan Petru
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pavel Hala
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Anitha Achyutha
- Farapulse-Boston Scientific, Inc, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | | | | | - Mohit Turagam
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA; Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
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11
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De Potter T, Grimaldi M, Duytschaever M, Anic A, Vijgen J, Neuzil P, Van Herendael H, Verma A, Skanes A, Scherr D, Pürerfellner H, Rackauskas G, Jais P, Reddy VY. Predictors of Success for Pulmonary Vein Isolation With Pulsed-field Ablation Using a Variable-loop Catheter With 3D Mapping Integration: Complete 12-month Outcomes From inspIRE. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2024; 17:e012667. [PMID: 38655693 PMCID: PMC11111320 DOI: 10.1161/circep.123.012667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously presented the safety and early efficacy of the inspIRE study (Study for Treatment of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation [PAF] by Pulsed-field Ablation [PFA] System With Irreversible Electroporation [IRE]). With the study's conclusion, we report the outcomes of the full pivotal study cohort, with an additional analysis of predictors of success. METHODS InspIRE was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed with a variable-loop circular catheter integrated with a 3-dimensional mapping system. Follow-up with 24-hour Holter was at 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as remote rhythm monitoring: weekly from 3 to 5 months, monthly from 6 to 12 months, and for symptoms. The primary effectiveness end point (PEE) was acute pulmonary vein isolation plus freedom from any atrial arrhythmia at 12 months. Additional subanalyses report predictors of PEE success. RESULTS The patient cohort included 186 patients: aged 59±10 years, female 30%, and CHA2DS2-VASc 1.3±1.2. The previously reported primary adverse event rate was 0%. One serious procedure-related adverse event, urinary retention, was reported. The PEE was achieved in 75.6% (95% CI, 69.5%-81.8%). The clinical success of freedom from symptomatic recurrence was 81.7% (95% CI, 76.1%-87.2%). Simulating a monitoring method used in standard real-world practice (without protocol-driven remote rhythm monitoring), this translates to a freedom from all and symptomatic recurrence of 85.8% (95% CI, 80.8%-90.9%) or 94.0% (95% CI, 90.6%-97.5%), respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction ≥60% (adjusted odds ratio, 0.30) and patients receiving ≥48 PFA applications (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28) were independent predictors of PEE success. Moreover, PEE success was 79.2% in patients who received ≥12 PFA applications per vein compared with 57.1% in patients receiving fewer PFA applications. CONCLUSIONS The inspIRE study confirms the safety and effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation using the novel 3-dimensional mapping integrated circular loop catheter. An optimal number of PFA applications (≥48 total or ≥12 per vein) resulted in an improved 1-year success rate of ≈80%. REGISTRATION URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04524364.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom De Potter
- OLV Hospital, Dienst Cardiologie, Aalst, Belgium (T.D.P.)
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Ospedale Generale Regionale “F. Miulli” UOC Cardiologia, Bari, Italy (M.G.)
| | | | - Ante Anic
- University Hospital Center Split, Split, Croatia (A.A.)
| | | | - Petr Neuzil
- Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (P.N.)
| | | | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Canada (A.V.)
| | - Allan Skanes
- University of Western Ontario, London, Canada (A.S.)
| | | | | | - Gediminas Rackauskas
- Centre for Cardiology & Angiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vilnius University, Lithuania (G.R.)
| | - Pierre Jais
- IHU LIRYC ANR-10-IAHU-04, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Bordeaux, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France (P.J.)
| | - Vivek Y. Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, New York, NY; Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R.)
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12
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O’Neill L, De Becker B, De Smet M, Francois C, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Knecht S. Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion for AF Ablation; A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2438. [PMID: 38673710 PMCID: PMC11050818 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082438] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are modest with various adjunctive strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) yielding largely disappointing results in randomised controlled trials. Linear ablation is a commonly employed adjunct strategy but is limited by difficulty in achieving durable bidirectional block, particularly at the mitral isthmus. Epicardial connections play a role in AF initiation and perpetuation. The ligament of Marshall has been implicated as a source of AF triggers and is known to harbour sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres that contribute to AF perpetuation. Ethanol infusion into the Vein of Marshall, a remnant of the superior vena cava and key component of the ligament of Marshall, may eliminate these AF triggers and can facilitate the ease of obtaining durable mitral isthmus block. While early trials have demonstrated the potential of Vein of Marshall 'ethanolisation' to reduce arrhythmia recurrence after persistent AF ablation, further randomised trials are needed to fully determine the potential long-term outcome benefits afforded by this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O’Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
- Department of Cardiology, Blackrock Clinic, A94 E4X7 Dublin, Ireland
- King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Benjamin De Becker
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Maarten De Smet
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Clara Francois
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Rene Tavernier
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Mattias Duytschaever
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | | | - Sebastien Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
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13
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad E, Shamloo AS, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O'Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2024:10.1007/s10840-024-01771-5. [PMID: 38609733 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-024-01771-5] [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] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific HRS, and the Latin American HRS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
- Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nikolaos Dagres
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Cardiology, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Charité University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gregory F Michaud
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología 'Ignacio Chávez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O'Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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14
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad EB, Shamloo AS, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O'Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)00261-3. [PMID: 38597857 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.03.017] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Tzeis
- Department of Cardiology, Mitera Hospital, 6, Erythrou Stavrou Str., Marousi, Athens, PC 151 23, Greece.
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo B Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France; Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, and Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain; Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología 'Ignacio Chávez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O'Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas' Hospital and King's College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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Metzner A, Rottner L, Moser F, My I, Lemoine M, Wenzel JP, Obergassel J, Ismaili D, Schäfer S, Kirchhof P, Ouyang F, Reissmann B, Rillig A. A novel platform allowing for pulsed field and radiofrequency ablation: First commercial atrial fibrillation ablation procedures worldwide with and without general anesthesia. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:497-498. [PMID: 38215807 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.01.006] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Metzner
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany.
| | - Laura Rottner
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Fabian Moser
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ilaria My
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Marc Lemoine
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Jan Per Wenzel
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Julius Obergassel
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Djemail Ismaili
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Sarina Schäfer
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Paulus Kirchhof
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Feifan Ouyang
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Bruno Reissmann
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Rillig
- University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Eppendorf, Germany
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16
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Gunawardene MA, Harloff T, Jularic M, Dickow J, Wahedi R, Anwar O, Wohlmuth P, Gessler N, Hartmann J, Willems S. Contemporary catheter ablation of complex atrial tachycardias after prior atrial fibrillation ablation: pulsed field vs. radiofrequency current energy ablation guided by high-density mapping. Europace 2024; 26:euae072. [PMID: 38513110 PMCID: PMC11034699 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae072] [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] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Catheter ablation (CA) of post-ablation left atrial tachycardias (LATs) can be challenging. So far, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has not been compared to standard point-by-point radiofrequency current (RFC) energy for LAT ablation. To compare efficacy of PFA vs. RFC in patients undergoing CA for LAT. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive patients undergoing LAT-CA were prospectively enrolled (09/2021-02/2023). After electro-anatomical high-density mapping, ablation with either a pentaspline PFA catheter or RFC was performed. Patients were matched 1:1. Ablation was performed at the assumed critical isthmus site with additional ablation, if necessary. Right atrial tachycardia (RAT) was ablated with RFC. Acute and chronic success were assessed. Fifty-six patients (n = 28 each group, age 70 ± 9 years, 75% male) were enrolled.A total of 77 AT (n = 67 LAT, n = 10 RAT; 77% macroreentries) occurred with n = 32 LAT in the PFA group and n = 35 LAT in the RFC group. Of all LAT, 94% (PFA group) vs. 91% (RFC group) successfully terminated to sinus rhythm or another AT during ablation (P = 1.0). Procedure times were shorter (PFA: 121 ± 41 vs. RFC: 190 ± 44 min, P < 0.0001) and fluoroscopy times longer in the PFA group (PFA: 15 ± 9 vs. RFC: 11 ± 6 min, P = 0.04). There were no major complications. After one-year follow-up, estimated arrhythmia free survival was 63% (PFA group) and 87% (RFC group), [hazard ratio 2.91 (95% CI: 1.11-7.65), P = 0.0473]. CONCLUSION Pulsed field ablation of post-ablation LAT using a pentaspline catheter is feasible, safe, and faster but less effective compared to standard RFC ablation after one year of follow-up. Future catheter designs and optimization of the electrical field may further improve practicability and efficacy of PFA for LAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Gunawardene
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Potsdamer Strasse 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Harloff
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
| | - Mario Jularic
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
| | - Jannis Dickow
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Potsdamer Strasse 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rahin Wahedi
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
| | - Omar Anwar
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
| | - Peter Wohlmuth
- Asklepios Proresearch Research Insitute, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nele Gessler
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Potsdamer Strasse 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
- Asklepios Proresearch Research Insitute, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jens Hartmann
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
| | - Stephan Willems
- Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg, Germany
- Semmelweis University Budapest Hungary, Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Lohmuehlenstrasse 5, 20099 Hamburg and Ülloi ut 26, 1085 Budapest
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Potsdamer Strasse 58, 10785 Berlin, Germany
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17
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Tzeis S, Gerstenfeld EP, Kalman J, Saad EB, Sepehri Shamloo A, Andrade JG, Barbhaiya CR, Baykaner T, Boveda S, Calkins H, Chan NY, Chen M, Chen SA, Dagres N, Damiano RJ, De Potter T, Deisenhofer I, Derval N, Di Biase L, Duytschaever M, Dyrda K, Hindricks G, Hocini M, Kim YH, la Meir M, Merino JL, Michaud GF, Natale A, Nault I, Nava S, Nitta T, O’Neill M, Pak HN, Piccini JP, Pürerfellner H, Reichlin T, Saenz LC, Sanders P, Schilling R, Schmidt B, Supple GE, Thomas KL, Tondo C, Verma A, Wan EY. 2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace 2024; 26:euae043. [PMID: 38587017 PMCID: PMC11000153 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae043] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Tzeis
- Department of Cardiology, Mitera Hospital, 6, Erythrou Stavrou Str., Marousi, Athens, PC 151 23, Greece
| | - Edward P Gerstenfeld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kalman
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne and Baker Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eduardo B Saad
- Electrophysiology and Pacing, Hospital Samaritano Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Tina Baykaner
- Division of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Serge Boveda
- Heart Rhythm Management Department, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse, France
- Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ngai-Yin Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Minglong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, and Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Ralph J Damiano
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Isabel Deisenhofer
- Department of Electrophysiology, German Heart Center Munich, Technical University of Munich (TUM) School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicolas Derval
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Meleze Hocini
- IHU LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stimulation Department, Fondation Bordeaux Université and Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark la Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jose Luis Merino
- La Paz University Hospital, Idipaz, Universidad Autonoma, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Viamed Santa Elena, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, St. David’s Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Interventional Electrophysiology, Scripps Clinic, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Division of Cardiology, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Nault
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Quebec (IUCPQ), Quebec, Canada
| | - Santiago Nava
- Departamento de Electrocardiología, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología ‘Ignacio Chávez’, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Takashi Nitta
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mark O’Neill
- Cardiovascular Directorate, St. Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College, London, UK
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Luis Carlos Saenz
- International Arrhythmia Center, Cardioinfantil Foundation, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Medizinische Klinik III, Agaplesion Markuskrankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gregory E Supple
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Claudio Tondo
- Department of Clinical Electrophysiology and Cardiac Pacing, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elaine Y Wan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Du Y, Ma S, Yue P, Xu Y, Wen Y, Ji M, He L, Liao D. Comparing the effects of pulsed and radiofrequency catheter ablation on quality of life, anxiety, and depression of patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: a single-center, randomized, single-blind, standard-controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:146. [PMID: 38402192 PMCID: PMC10893749 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-07971-8] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) may lead to decreased quality of life (QOL) and increased anxiety and depression in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), possibly due to the lack of selectivity of the ablation tissue and the long ablation time. In recent years, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been used for the first time in China to treat PSVT patients because of its ability to ablate abnormal tissue sites in a precise and transient manner. This study was conducted to compare the effects of PFA and RFCA on QOL and psychological symptoms of PSVT patients. METHODS We have designed a single-center, randomized, single-blind, standard-controlled trial. A total of 50 participants who met the eligibility criteria would be randomly allocated into the PFA group or RFCA group in a 1:1 ratio. All participants were assessed using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at pre-procedure (T0), post-procedure (T1), and 3 months post-procedure (T2). The SPSS 21.0 software was used to analyze the data through Wilcoxon and Fisher's exact tests and repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS Twenty-five in the PFA group and 24 in the RFCA group completed the trial. SF-36: (1) Between-group comparison: At T1, PFA group had significantly higher SF-36 scores on physiological function (PF) and general health (GH) than RFCA group, with a treatment difference of 5.61 points and 18.51 points(P < 0.05). (2) Within-group comparison: We found that in the PFA and RFCA groups, T2 showed significant improvement in the remaining 6 subscales of the SF-36 scale compared to T1 and T0 (P < 0.05), except for body pain (BP) and social function (SF) scores. HADS: (1) Between-group comparison: no significant difference (P > 0.05). (2) Within-group comparison: The HADS scores of the PFA and RFCA groups were statistically significant at T2 compared to T0 and T1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study provided new and meaningful evidence that PFA was effective in significantly improving QOL and decreasing anxiety and depression in PFA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200060272.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Du
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Trauma Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pan Yue
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya Wen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingzhu Ji
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingxiao He
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Trauma Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dengbin Liao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Trauma Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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19
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Zeng R, Li F, Jiang J, Cui K, Yang Q, Gao J, Zhu X, Shi T, Li W, Tong Y, Zhang Q, Hu H, Fu H. The Safety and Feasibility of Pulsed-Field Ablation in Atrioventricular Nodal Re-Entrant Tachycardia: First-in-Human Pilot Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:82-92. [PMID: 37831032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.08.030] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of atrioventricular conduction system damage during the catheter ablation procedure has long been a safety concern in patients with atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) with high tissue selectivity is a promising technique to address this problem in patients with AVNRT. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of PFA in patients with AVNRT. METHODS This was an investigator-initiated, single-center, single-arm, prospective study performed in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Patients diagnosed with AVNRT by electrophysiological examination were included and treated using PFA. The primary outcome was the ability to achieve acute ablation success. The secondary outcomes were ablation success after 6 months and safety incidents reported. RESULTS A total of 30 patients with AVNRT with a mean age of 47.9 ± 13.9 years were included and underwent PFA. Acute ablation success was achieved in all patients. The skin-to-skin procedure time was 109.1 ± 32.1 minutes, and fluoroscopy time was 4.1 ± 0.9 minutes. A median of 8 (range: 6.5 to 11.0) PFA applications were delivered. The average distance of the closest ablation site to the His bundle was 6.5 ± 2.5 mm, with a minimum distance of 2.0 mm. All patients maintained sinus rhythm after 6 months. No adverse events occurred in any patient during the ablation or the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS PFA showed favorable feasibility and safety in patients with AVNRT in this pilot study. Further study with larger population and longer follow-up time is warranted to verify the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fanghui Li
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kaijun Cui
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinnian Gao
- Sichuan Jinjiang Electronic Science and Technology Co, Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Sichuan Jinjiang Electronic Science and Technology Co, Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiancai Shi
- Sichuan Jinjiang Electronic Science and Technology Co, Ltd, Chengdu, China
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Tong
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongde Hu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Hua Fu
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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20
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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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Yu F, Dong X, Ding L, Reddy V, Tang M. Pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: Preclinical safety and effectiveness of a novel hexaspline ablation catheter. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:2195-2202. [PMID: 37712346 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16067] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a nonthermal energy source for cardiac ablation, with potential safety advantages over radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoballoon ablation. OBJECTIVE To report the preclinical results of a novel hexaspline PFA catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and to verify the influence of PFA on esophagus by comparing with RFA. METHODS This study included a total of 15 canines for the efficacy and safety study and four swine for the esophageal safety study. The 15 canines were divided into an acute cohort (n = 3), a 30-day follow-up cohort (n = 5) and a 90-day follow-up cohort (n = 7), PVI was performed with the novel hexaspline PFA ablation catheter. In the esophageal safety study, four swine were divided into PFA cohort (n = 2) and RFA cohort (n = 2), esophageal injury swine model was adopted, the esophagus was intubated with an esophageal balloon retractor, under fluoroscopy, the DV8 device was inflated with a mixture of saline and contrast and rotated to displace the esophagus rightward and anteriorly toward the ablation catheter in the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right inferior pulmonary vein (PV). Nine PFA applications were delivered at four locations on IVC and two locations on the right inferior PV in the PFA cohort, six RFA applications were delivered at each location in the RFA group. Histopathological analysis of all PVs, esophagus, IVC, and the adjacent lungs was performed. RESULTS Acute PV isolation was achieved in all 15 canines (100%), with energy delivery times of less than 3 min/animal. In the 30 and 90 days group, the overall success rates were 88.9% and 88.5% per PVs, respectively. Two right superior pulmonary veins (RSPVs) in the 30-day group, two RSPVs and one left superior PV in the 90-day group with recovered potentials. At follow-up, gross pathological examination revealed the lesions around the PVs were continuous and transmural. Masson's trichrome staining revealed the myocardial cells in the PVs became fibrotic, but small arteries and nervous tissue were preserved. Results of swine esophageal injury model revealed the esophageal luminal surface was smooth and without evidence for esophageal injury in the PFA group, whereas obvious ulceration was detected on the esophagus tunica mucosa in the RFA group. CONCLUSION In the chronic canine study, PFA-based PVI were safe and effective with demonstrable sparing of nerves and venous tissue. Compared with RFA, there was also good evidence for safety of PFA, avoiding PV stenosis and esophageal injury. This preclinical study provided the scientific basis for the first-in-human endocardial PFA studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyuan Yu
- Department of Arrhythmia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Dong
- Department of Arrhythmia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Arrhythmia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Vivek Reddy
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Arrhythmia, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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El-Harasis MA, Richardson TD. A novel single shot pulsed field ablation catheter: Where does it stand and where do we go from here? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:2213-2215. [PMID: 37554100 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16033] [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: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Majd A El-Harasis
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Travis D Richardson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Tonko JB, Silberbauer J, Mann I. How to ablate the septo-pulmonary bundle: a case-based review of percutaneous ablation strategies to achieve roof line block. Europace 2023; 25:euad283. [PMID: 37713215 PMCID: PMC10558061 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad283] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical conduction through cardiac muscle fibres separated from the main myocardial wall by layers of interposed adipose tissue are notoriously difficult to target by endocardial ablation alone. They are a recognised important cause for procedural failure due to the difficulties of delivering sufficient energy via the endocardial radiofrequency catheter to reach the outer epicardial layer without risking adverse events of the otherwise thin walled atria. Left atrial ablations for atrial fibrillation (AF) and tachycardia are commonly affected by the presence of several epicardial structures, with the septo-pulmonary bundle (SPB), Bachmann's bundle, and the ligament of Marshall all posing substantial challenges for endocardial procedures. Delivery of a transmural lesion set is essential for sustained pulmonary vein isolation and for conduction block across linear atrial lines which in turn has been described to translate into a reduced AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence rate. To overcome the limitations of endocardial-only approaches, surgical ablation techniques for epicardial or combined hybrid endo-epicardial ablations have been described to successfully target these connections. Yet, these techniques confer an increase in procedure complexity, duration, cost, and morbidity. Alternatively, coronary venous system ethanol ablation has been successfully employed by sub-selecting the vein of Marshall to facilitate mitral isthmus line block, although this approach is naturally limited to this area by the coronary venous anatomy. Increased awareness of the pathophysiological relevance of these epicardial structures and their intracardiac conduction patterns in the era of high-resolution 3D electro-anatomical mapping technology has allowed greater understanding of their contribution to the persistence of AF as well as failure to achieve transmural block by traditional ablation approaches. This might translate into novel catheter ablation strategies with procedural success rates comparable to surgical 'cut-and-sew' techniques. This review aims to give an overview of percutaneous catheter ablation strategies to target the SPB, an important cause of failed block across the roof line and isolation of the left atrial posterior wall and/or the pulmonary veins. Existing and investigational technologies will be discussed and an outlook of future approaches provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bérénice Tonko
- Institute for Cardiovascular Science, University College London, 5 University Street, WC1E 6JF London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK
| | - John Silberbauer
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK
| | - Ian Mann
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Eastern Rd, Brighton BN2 5BE, UK
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24
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Aldaas OM, Malladi C, Aldaas AM, Han FT, Hoffmayer KS, Krummen D, Ho G, Raissi F, Birgersdotter-Green U, Feld GK, Hsu JC. Safety and acute efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation with pulsed field ablation vs thermal energy ablation: A meta-analysis of single proportions. Heart Rhythm O2 2023; 4:599-608. [PMID: 37936671 PMCID: PMC10626185 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2023.09.003] [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: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel energy source for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using ultrarapid electrical pulses to induce cell death via electroporation. Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and acute efficacy of ablation for AF with PFA vs thermal energy sources. Methods We performed an extensive literature search and systematic review of studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of ablation for AF with PFA and compared them to landmark clinical trials for ablation of AF with thermal energy sources. Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used to establish variance of raw proportions followed by the inverse with the random-effects model to combine the transformed proportions and generate the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We included 24 studies for a total of 5203 patients who underwent AF ablation. Among these patients, 54.6% (n = 2842) underwent PFA and 45.4% (n = 2361) underwent thermal ablation. There were significantly fewer periprocedural complications in the PFA group (2.05%; 95% CI 0.94-3.46) compared to the thermal ablation group (7.75%; 95% CI 5.40-10.47) (P = .001). When comparing AF recurrence up to 1 year, there was a statistically insignificant trend toward a lower prevalence of recurrence in the PFA group (14.24%; 95% CI 6.97-23.35) compared to the thermal ablation group (25.98%; 95% CI 15.75-37.68) (P = .132). Conclusion Based on the results of this meta-analysis, PFA was associated with lower rates of periprocedural complications and similar rates of acute procedural success and recurrent AF with up to 1 year of follow-up compared to ablation with thermal energy sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar M. Aldaas
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Chaitanya Malladi
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Amer M. Aldaas
- T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Mesa, Arizona
| | - Frederick T. Han
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Kurt S. Hoffmayer
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - David Krummen
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Gordon Ho
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Farshad Raissi
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Ulrika Birgersdotter-Green
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Gregory K. Feld
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
| | - Jonathan C. Hsu
- Section of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Division of Cardiology at the University of California San Diego Health System, La Jolla, California
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25
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Ward RC, DeSimone CV. Pulsed field electroporation for pulmonary vein isolation-continued innovation to improve our atrial fibrillation armamentarium. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1541-1543. [PMID: 36441425 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01418-3] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Ward
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
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26
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Yavin HD, Higuchi K, Younis A, Anter E. Lattice-tip catheter for single-shot pulmonary vein isolation with pulsed field ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1741-1748. [PMID: 36441424 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A compressible lattice-tip catheter designed for focal ablation using radiofrequency or pulsed-field energies has been recently described. The objective of this study is to describe a new lattice catheter designed for single-shot pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS This 8F catheter consists of a compressible lattice tip that is delivered over the wire and is expandable up to 34 mm (SpherePVI™, Affera Inc.). Pulsed field ablation (PFA) was applied from 6 elements using a biphasic waveform of microsecond scale (± 1.3-2.0 kV, 5 s per application). In 12 swine, the superior vena cava (SVC) and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) were targeted for isolation. Animals were survived for 12-24 h (n = 6) or 3 weeks (n = 6) for evaluation of short and long-term safety and efficacy parameters. PVI was evaluated immediately after ablation and at the terminal procedure. Ablation-related microbubbles were examined using intracardiac echocardiography and phrenic nerve function by pacing. The tissue was examined by histopathology. RESULTS In all 12 animals, PFA resulted in successful acute isolation of the SVC and RSPV using 2.8 ± 1.1 and 3.2 ± 1.2 applications per vein, respectively. After a survival period of 23 ± 5.9 days, all targeted veins remained isolated, and the level of isolation persisted without significant regression or expansion. In one animal, SVC isolation at the level of the right atrial appendage resulted in sinus node arrest. PFA did not affect phrenic nerve function, and it was associated with a few isolated bubbles formation. CONCLUSIONS In this pre-clinical study, a new expandable lattice catheter designed for single-shot PVI was able to achieve rapid and durable isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai D Yavin
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Koji Higuchi
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Arwa Younis
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel
| | - Elad Anter
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Ya'akov, Israel.
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Kueffer T, Seiler J, Madaffari A, Mühl A, Asatryan B, Stettler R, Haeberlin A, Noti F, Servatius H, Tanner H, Baldinger SH, Reichlin T, Roten L. Pulsed-field ablation for the treatment of left atrial reentry tachycardia. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:1431-1440. [PMID: 36496543 PMCID: PMC10457215 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe our initial experience using a multipolar pulsed-field ablation catheter for the treatment of left atrial (LA) reentry tachycardia. METHODS We included all patients with LA reentry tachycardia treated with PFA at our institution between September 2021 and March 2022. The tachycardia mechanism was identified using 3D electro-anatomical mapping (3D-EAM). Subsequently, a roof line, anterior line, or mitral isthmus line was ablated as appropriate. Roof line ablation was always combined with LA posterior wall (LAPW) ablation. Positioning of the PFA catheter was guided by a 3D-EAM system and by fluoroscopy. Bidirectional block across lines was verified using standard criteria. Additional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used to achieve bidirectional block as necessary. RESULTS Among 22 patients (median age 70 (59-75) years; 9 females), we identified 27 LA reentry tachycardia: seven roof dependent macro-reentries, one posterior-wall micro-reentry, twelve peri-mitral macro-reentries, and seven anterior-wall micro-reentries. We ablated a total of 20 roof lines, 13 anterior lines, and 6 mitral isthmus lines. Additional RFA was necessary for two anterior lines (15%) and three mitral isthmus lines (50%). Bidirectional block was achieved across all roof lines, 92% of anterior lines, and 83% of mitral isthmus lines. We observed no acute procedural complications. CONCLUSION Ablation of a roof line and of the LAPW is feasible, effective, and safe using this multipolar PFA catheter. However, the catheter is less suited for ablation of the mitral isthmus and the anterior line. A focal pulsed-field ablation catheter may be more effective for ablation of these lines. This study shows the feasibility to ablate linear lesions with a multipolar pulsed-field ablation catheter. 27 left atrial reentry tachycardia were treated in 22 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kueffer
- 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
| | - Antonio Madaffari
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aline Mühl
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Babken Asatryan
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robin Stettler
- 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, 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
| | - Samuel H Baldinger
- 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
| | - Laurent Roten
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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Verma A, Zhong P, Castellvi Q, Girouard S, Mediratta V, Neal RE. Thermal Profiles for Focal Pulsed Electric Field Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1854-1863. [PMID: 37480857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed electrical field (PEF) ablation may cause tissue heating. These changes are reportedly small, but each PEF system and waveform will have a different behavior, and data are lacking. OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare the temperature profile of focal point, monopolar biphasic PEF ablation versus radiofrequency (RF). METHODS Ablation lesions were performed on perfused thigh muscle of swine. PEF lesions were performed with 3 compatible ablation catheters at the highest (25 amp) energy, and 1 catheter (Tacticath SE) was also used at the 22- and 19-amp levels. Temperature changes in the tissue were measured using fluoroptic temperature probes inserted at the muscle surface, as well as 3 mm and 7 mm below the surface. Temperatures were recorded continuously at baseline, during delivery, and after ablation. Muscle temperatures were compared with those of RF lesions performed with 1 catheter (Tacticath SE) at 30 W for 30 seconds. RESULTS PEF ablation with 3energy settings produced small temperature changes. Maximum average temperature rise for PEF for the maximum (25-amp) energy setting (32 lesions) was 7.6 °C, 2.8 °C, and 0.9 °C at the surface, 3-mm depth, and 7-mm depth, respectively. The temperature rise was dose dependent, with lower energy settings yielding less temperature rise. RF ablations (10 lesions) produced temperature increases of 16.6 °C, 39.8 °C, and 9.5 °C at the surface, 3-mm depth, and 7-mm depth, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PEF caused detectable temperature changes in muscle tissue, which never exceeded 2.8 °C at the 3-mm depth versus baseline. By contrast, RF produced substantial temperature rises. These data support that focal monopolar biphasic energy delivered by this PEF technology retains a favorable thermal safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Verma
- Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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29
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Fang Z, Li X, Yan S, Si P, Ma F, Zhang W, Zhang B, Zhou T, Yang B. A novel polarity configuration for enhancing ablation depth of pulsed field ablation: Design, modeling, and in vivo validation. Med Phys 2023; 50:5364-5374. [PMID: 37493518 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16621] [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: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been increasingly used to cut off the delivery of abnormal electrical signals in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. A successful cut off requires forming a layer of transmural damage on the heart wall, and this layer depends on the depth of ablation by PFA. PURPOSE This study aims to propose a novel polarity configuration of PFA to increase the ablation depth in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. METHOD A novel polarity configuration was designed for a multi-electrode system, where the number of electrodes is greater than two. The polarity configuration in such multi-electrode system is called the paired-electrode interlaced configuration (PIC). The existing configuration called the single-electrode interlaced configuration (SIC) was used to compare with the PIC. To both the SIC and PIC, a full-SIC or a full-PIC is called when all electrodes (anode, cathode) in a catheter is used otherwise partial-SIC or partial-PIC is called. By the comparison between the full-SIC and full-PIC, the benefit of the PIC was exhibited as opposed to the SIC, but an extra ablation step was added in the PIC in order to form a continuous ablation zone. The other comparative study was taken between a partial-PIC and a partial-SIC with the same number of ablation step. In this study, a rabbit model was built by infusing 0.4% saline solution (at 37°C) into the rabbit's abdominal cavity which surrounds the liver. This model was considered as a biometric environment of the heart, namely cardiac-mimetic model (CMM). RESULT The experimental results have shown that the full-PIC is superior to the full-SIC in the ablation depth, specifically in both the maximum (4.14 ± 0.55 mm vs. 3.35 ± 0.26 mm, p < 0.01) and the minimum (3.18 ± 0.29 mm vs. 2.76 ± 0.28 mm, p < 0.05), and in the ablation width, specifically only in the maximum (8.27 ± 0.76 mm vs. 7.09 ± 0.51 mm, p = 0.019) under an identical ablation time (i.e., 5 s). It is noted that the minimum ablation width did not show a significant difference between the full-PIC and full-SIC (specifically, 5.61 ± 0.86 mm vs. 4.67 ± 0.73 mm, p = 0.069). Considering the lethal electric field threshold (LEFT) to be 600 V/cm for liver tissues, the maximum and minimum ablation depth generated by the full-PIC was found larger than that by the full-SIC (3.90 vs. 3.52 mm, and 3.03 vs. 2.48 mm, respectively) in the simulation. Meanwhile, similar experiment results by comparing the partial-PIC and partial-SIC have been obtained, which shows a significant increase in both the maximum ablation depth (4.81 ± 0.87 mm vs. 3.30 ± 0.73 mm, p < 0.001) and the maximum ablation width (8.19 ± 0.85 mm vs. 6.47 ± 1.13 mm, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS (1) The electric field in the PIC is concentrated around the pair of electrodes, and the pattern of the field is a significant factor in the energy delivery along the direction of the depth. (2) The increase of the ablation depth can significantly expand the range of the tissue on the heart, where the PFA can apply, and can therefore readily form a layer of transmural damage on the heart wall at positions at which the wall is thicker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fang
- Cardiac Electrophysiology R&D Center, APT Medical Inc., Shanghai, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengjie Yan
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, School of Information Science and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Si
- Cardiac Electrophysiology R&D Center, APT Medical Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Cardiac Electrophysiology R&D Center, APT Medical Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Bing Zhang
- Intelligent Energy-based Tumor Ablation Laboratory, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tuo Zhou
- Cardiac Electrophysiology R&D Center, APT Medical Inc., Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Tabaja C, Younis A, Hussein AA, Taigen TL, Nakagawa H, Saliba WI, Sroubek J, Santangeli P, Wazni OM. Catheter-Based Electroporation: A Novel Technique for Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:2008-2023. [PMID: 37354168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Catheter ablation of arrhythmias is now standard of care in invasive electrophysiology. Current ablation strategies are based on the use of thermal energy. With continuous efforts to optimize thermal energy delivery, effectiveness has greatly improved; however, safety concerns persist. This review focuses on a novel ablation technology, irreversible electroporation (IRE), also known as pulsed-field ablation which may be a safer alternative for arrhythmia management. Pulsed-field ablation is thought to be a nonthermal ablation that applies short-duration high-voltage electrical fields to ablate myocardial tissue with high selectivity and durability while sparing important neighboring structures such as the esophagus and phrenic nerves. There are multiple ongoing studies investigating the potential superior outcomes of IRE compared to radiofrequency ablation in treating patients with atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In this review, we describe the current evidence of preclinical and clinical trials that have shown promising results of catheter-based IRE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadi Tabaja
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Arwa Younis
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ayman A Hussein
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Tyler L Taigen
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hiroshi Nakagawa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Walid I Saliba
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jakub Sroubek
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Pasquale Santangeli
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Oussama M Wazni
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
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Haines DE. Radiofrequency and Pulsed Field Ablation: Keeping Your Options Open. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1802-1803. [PMID: 37480869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David E Haines
- Heart Rhythm Center, Corewell East William Beaumont University Hospital, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA.
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Reddy VY, Peichl P, Anter E, Rackauskas G, Petru J, Funasako M, Minami K, Koruth JS, Natale A, Jais P, Marinskis G, Aidietis A, Kautzner J, Neuzil P. A Focal Ablation Catheter Toggling Between Radiofrequency and Pulsed Field Energy to Treat Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:1786-1801. [PMID: 37227340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of its safety, "single-shot" pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheters have been developed for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, most atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures are performed with focal catheters to permit flexibility of lesion sets beyond PVI. OBJECTIVES This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of a focal ablation catheter able to toggle between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or PFA to treat paroxysmal or persistent AF. METHODS In a first-in-human study, a focal 9-mm lattice tip catheter was used for PFA posteriorly and either irrigated RFA (RF/PF) or PFA (PF/PF) anteriorly. Protocol-driven remapping was at ∼3 months postablation. The remapping data prompted PFA waveform evolution: PULSE1 (n = 76), PULSE2 (n = 47), and the optimized PULSE3 (n = 55). RESULTS The study included 178 patients (paroxysmal/persistent AF = 70/108). Linear lesions, either PFA or RFA, included 78 mitral, 121 cavotricuspid isthmus, and 130 left atrial roof lines. All lesion sets (100%) were acutely successful. Invasive remapping of 122 patients revealed improvement of PVI durability with waveform evolution: PULSE1: 51%; PULSE2: 87%; and PULSE3: 97%. After 348 ± 652 days of follow-up, the 1-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for freedom from atrial arrhythmias were 78.3% ± 5.0% and 77.9% ± 4.1% for paroxysmal and persistent AF, respectively, and 84.8% ± 4.9% for the subset of persistent AF patients receiving the PULSE3 waveform. There was 1 primary adverse event-inflammatory pericardial effusion not requiring intervention. CONCLUSIONS AF ablation with a focal RF/PF catheter allows efficient procedures, chronic lesion durability, and good freedom from atrial arrhythmias-for both paroxysmal and persistent AF. (Safety and Performance Assessment of the Sphere-9 Catheter and the Affera Mapping and RF/PF Ablation System to Treat Atrial Fibrillation; NCT04141007 and NCT04194307).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Y Reddy
- Department of Cardiology, Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic; Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Petr Peichl
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Elad Anter
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Section, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gediminas Rackauskas
- Centre for Cardiology and Angiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jan Petru
- Department of Cardiology, Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Kentaro Minami
- Department of Cardiology, Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jacob S Koruth
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David's Medical Center, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Pierre Jais
- University of Bordeaux, CHU Bordeaux, IHU LIRYC (L'Institut des maladies du rhythm cardiaque) ANR-10-IAHU-04, Bordeaux, France
| | - Germanas Marinskis
- Centre for Cardiology and Angiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Aidietis
- Centre for Cardiology and Angiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Neuzil
- Department of Cardiology, Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Kos B, Mattison L, Ramirez D, Cindrič H, Sigg DC, Iaizzo PA, Stewart MT, Miklavčič D. Determination of lethal electric field threshold for pulsed field ablation in ex vivo perfused porcine and human hearts. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1160231. [PMID: 37424913 PMCID: PMC10326317 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1160231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulsed field ablation is an emerging modality for catheter-based cardiac ablation. The main mechanism of action is irreversible electroporation (IRE), a threshold-based phenomenon in which cells die after exposure to intense pulsed electric fields. Lethal electric field threshold for IRE is a tissue property that determines treatment feasibility and enables the development of new devices and therapeutic applications, but it is greatly dependent on the number of pulses and their duration. Methods In the study, lesions were generated by applying IRE in porcine and human left ventricles using a pair of parallel needle electrodes at different voltages (500-1500 V) and two different pulse waveforms: a proprietary biphasic waveform (Medtronic) and monophasic 48 × 100 μs pulses. The lethal electric field threshold, anisotropy ratio, and conductivity increase by electroporation were determined by numerical modeling, comparing the model outputs with segmented lesion images. Results The median threshold was 535 V/cm in porcine ((N = 51 lesions in n = 6 hearts) and 416 V/cm in the human donor hearts ((N = 21 lesions in n = 3 hearts) for the biphasic waveform. The median threshold value was 368 V/cm in porcine hearts ((N = 35 lesions in n = 9 hearts) cm for 48 × 100 μs pulses. Discussion The values obtained are compared with an extensive literature review of published lethal electric field thresholds in other tissues and were found to be lower than most other tissues, except for skeletal muscle. These findings, albeit preliminary, from a limited number of hearts suggest that treatments in humans with parameters optimized in pigs should result in equal or greater lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Kos
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lars Mattison
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - David Ramirez
- Department of Surgery, Visible Heart® Laboratories, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Helena Cindrič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daniel C. Sigg
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul A. Iaizzo
- Department of Surgery, Visible Heart® Laboratories, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark T. Stewart
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Alkukhun L, Sandhu U, Hodovan J, Zhao Y, Chiang K, Castellvi Q, Stenzel P, Woltjer R, Li X, Barajas RF, Nazer B. Multi-modality imaging assessment of microbubbles and cerebral emboli in left ventricular pulsed field ablation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023:10.1007/s10840-023-01529-5. [PMID: 37188871 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) may have a superior safety profile compared to other technologies, but it has the potential to cause gaseous microbubbles (MB), which may be associated with cerebral emboli. Limited relative safety data has been published regarding PFA in the left ventricle (LV). METHODS Healthy and chronic myocardial infarction (MI) swine underwent PFA (monopolar, biphasic, 25 Amps) in the LV using an irrigated focal catheter under intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance for MB monitoring. Two control swine received air MBs through the lumen of the ablation catheter. Swine underwent brain MRI before and after PFA (or control air MB injection). Gross pathology and histology of brains with abnormal MRI findings were performed. RESULTS Four healthy and 5 chronic MI swine underwent 124 left ventricular PFA applications. No PFA-related MB formation was noted on ICE. Both control swine developed multiple acute emboli in the thalamus and caudate on DWI, ADC, and FLAIR brain MRI images in response to air MB injection. Of the 9 PFA swine, there were no abnormalities on ADC or FLAIR images. There was one hyperintense focus in the left putamen on the DWI trace image, but the absence of ADC or FLAIR affirmation suggested it was artifact. Gross pathology and histopathology of this region did not detect any abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Focal monopolar biphasic PFA of both healthy and chronically infarcted left ventricular myocardium does not generate any MB or cerebral emboli observable on ICE and brain MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Alkukhun
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 9723, USA
| | - Uday Sandhu
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 9723, USA
| | - James Hodovan
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 9723, USA
| | - Yan Zhao
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 9723, USA
| | | | | | - Peter Stenzel
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Randy Woltjer
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ramon F Barajas
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Translational Oncology Program, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Babak Nazer
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 9723, USA.
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Russo AM. Pulsed Field Ablation: Is It Better Than Conventional Thermal Ablation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation? Circulation 2023; 147:1433-1435. [PMID: 37155587 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.123.064329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
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Tondo C. How the new technologies and tools will change the electrophysiology of the future. Eur Heart J Suppl 2023; 25:C249-C252. [PMID: 37125295 PMCID: PMC10132569 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartjsupp/suad024] [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] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Novel technologies and therapies are evolving rapidly in the field of electrophysiology and cardiac ablation, particularly with the aim of improving the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) where pharmacologic treatment fails. High-power short-duration radiofrequency (RF) ablation, in association with the optimized cooling process of the electrode-tissue interface, is one of the most promising approaches for treating durable lesions and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Cryo energy, laser, and RF current are examples of novel tools used by competitive balloon catheter platforms and these tools are specifically created to properly promote an effective PVI. Specific mention deserves to be made on the linear array ablation with ultra-low temperature cryoablation that appears promising for durable lesions. It is needless to remind here about the novel evolving energy source in the form of pulsed electrical field (PFA), which results in an irreversible electroporation of myocardial tissue, sparing the surrounding tissue, and thus, apparently with a significant reduction of potential untoward effects. Furthermore, intensive research is in place to specifically investigate the activation pattern of AF so as to devise a patient-('tailored') target ablation, although with inhomogeneous results. Overall, it seems that technologies and therapies are evolving so rapidly than ever with the hope of achieving better long-term clinical results and an improved quality of life for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Tondo
- Corresponding author. Tel: +39 025 800 2480, Fax: +39 025 800 2782, ;
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37
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Hartl S, Reinsch N, Füting A, Neven K. Pearls and Pitfalls of Pulsed Field Ablation. Korean Circ J 2023; 53:273-293. [PMID: 37161743 PMCID: PMC10172271 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2023.0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) was recently rediscovered as an emerging treatment modality for the ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. Ultra-short high voltage pulses are leading to irreversible electroporation of cardiac cells subsequently resulting in cell death. Current literature of PFA for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) consistently reported excellent acute and long-term efficacy along with a very low adverse event rate. The undeniable benefit of the novel ablation technique is that cardiac cells are more susceptible to electrical fields whereas surrounding structures such as the pulmonary veins, the phrenic nerve or the esophagus are not, or if at all, minimally affected, which results in a favorable safety profile that is expected to be superior to the current standard of care without compromising efficacy. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms of electroporation are not yet entirely understood on a cellular basis and pulsed electrical field protocols of different manufactures are not comparable among one another and require their own validation for each indication. Importantly, randomized controlled trials and comparative data to current standard of care modalities, such as radiofrequency- or cryoballoon ablation, are still missing. This review focuses on the "pearls" and "pitfalls" of PFA, a technology that has the potential to become the future leading energy source for PVI and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hartl
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Nico Reinsch
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Anna Füting
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Kars Neven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
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Schaack D, Schmidt B, Tohoku S, Bordignon S, Urbanek L, Ebrahimi R, Hirokami J, Efe TH, Chen S, Chun KRJ. Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2023; 12:e11. [PMID: 37427302 PMCID: PMC10326665 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2022.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Catheter ablation is a widely used, effective and safe treatment for AF. Pulsed field ablation (PFA), as a novel energy source for cardiac ablation, has been shown to be tissue selective and is expected to decrease damage to non-cardiac tissue while providing high efficacy in pulmonary vein isolation. The FARAPULSE ablation system (Boston Scientific) follows the idea of single-shot ablation and is the first device approved for clinical use in Europe. Since its approval, multiple high-volume centres have performed increasing numbers of PFA procedures in patients with AF and have published their experiences. This review summarises the current clinical experience regarding the use of PFA for AF using the FARAPULSE system. It provides an overview of its efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Schaack
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Boris Schmidt
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Medizinische Klinik 3 – Klinik für Kardiologie, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shota Tohoku
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Lukas Urbanek
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ramin Ebrahimi
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jun Hirokami
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tolga Han Efe
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
- Die Sektion Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - KR Julian Chun
- Cardioangiologisches Centrum Bethanien, Frankfurt, Germany
- Die Sektion Medizin, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Wang Y, Qiu J, Wang D. Experience in Application of a Three-Dimensional Pulsed Field Ablation System Integrating Mapping and Ablation. CARDIOVASCULAR INNOVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS 2023. [DOI: 10.15212/cvia.2023.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA), a promising technology for ablating arrhythmias, has significantly better efficiency and potentially greater safety than traditional ablation techniques using thermal injury. However, most clinical research on PFA for ablation to date has used basket- or flower-shaped catheters, thus requiring a large introducing sheath and catheter location under fluoroscopic guidance. Herein, we describe our initial experience in using a three-dimensional PFA system integrating mapping and ablation, and an annular catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Daowen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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PV Isolation Using a Spherical Array PFA Catheter: Application Repetition and Lesion Durability (PULSE-EU Study). JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:638-648. [PMID: 36828771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.01.009] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies have revealed that pulsed field ablation (PFA) lesion dimensions increase with repetitive applications at a similar electric field. OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) durability varies with single vs repetitive pulsed field (PF) applications. METHODS Atrial fibrillation patients underwent PVI using a spherical multielectrode array PFA catheter delivered with a 19-F deflectable sheath under intracardiac echocardiographic guidance. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed within 1 to 3 days, and invasive remapping at ∼2 to 3 months. RESULTS The patient cohort (n = 21; age 63 ± 11 years; 67% women) underwent PVI in either of 2 groups: group 1 (n = 11)-single PF application/PV; and group 2 (n = 10)-3 PF applications/PV. In both groups, PVI was acutely successful in all (100%) patients. Despite significantly longer pulse delivery times (75.2 ± 7.4 s/patient vs 24.5 ± 5.5 s/patient) the procedure times (73.2 ± 13.7 minutes vs 93.7 ± 18.5 minutes) were shorter with group 2 vs group 1. There was no stroke/transient ischemic attack, pericardial effusion, phrenic nerve injury, or esophageal complications. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was normal in both groups of patients (n = 9). Screening brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed asymptomatic cerebral lesions (diffusion weighted imaging+/ fluid attenuated inversion recovery-) in 3 of 16 (18.7%) patients. PV remapping revealed durable PVI in 62.5% PVs in group 1 (n = 10), compared with all 100% PVs in group 2 (n = 9); this translates to all PVs being durably isolated in 30% vs 100% (P < 0.05) of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In his first-in-human trial, the "single-shot" spherical array PFA catheter was shown to safely isolate PVs. Repetitive PF application is key for lesion consolidation to maximize PVI durability.
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Koruth J, Verma A, Kawamura I, Reinders D, Andrade JG, Deyell MW, Mehta N, Reddy VY. PV Isolation Using a Spherical Array PFA Catheter: Preclinical Assessment and Comparison to Radiofrequency Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:652-666. [PMID: 36842871 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.01.022] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A multielectrode spherical array catheter capable of single-shot mapping and ablation has been introduced. OBJECTIVES This study sought to compare the efficacy and safety of circumferential, linear, and focal ablation using either microsecond pulsed field (PF) and radiofrequency (RF) ablation in preclinical model. METHODS Under general anesthesia, a 122 gold-plated multielectrode array was introduced into the left atrium. Twenty-nine canines underwent isolation of two pulmonary veins (PVs), with linear and focal left atrial ablation with both RF (n = 12) and PF (n = 17). PF was also delivered within the superior vena cava and atop the esophagus in three swine. Animals were sacrificed acutely (immediately for RF [6 of 12] and 3 days for PF [6 of 17]) and the remaining (n = 17) at 14 to 30 days. Detailed necropsy and histopathology were performed. RESULTS All PVs were acutely (58 of 58) and durably (34 of 34) isolated and exhibited wide confluent lesions. Lesions were transmural for 97% to 100% of sections with depths of 2.5 to 3.4 mm and 2.5 to 3.5 mm in the acute and chronic cohorts, respectively. Linear and focal lesions displayed transmurality rates of 85% to 100% with depths of 3.5 millimeters to 4.2 millimeters in the acute cohort. In the chronic cohorts, linear lesions created with RF, PF+RF, and PF had no significant differences in depth (3.5 ± 1.8 millimeters, 4.0 ± 1.4 millimeters, and 3.9 ± 0.9 millimeters) or transmurality (83.3%, 100%, and 80%). Current of injury was seen on local unipolar electrogram immediately after PF and RF, and this occurred to a wider extent with PF. PF but not RF elicited bradycardia from ganglionated plexi stimulation. There were no instances of phrenic palsy, venous stenosis, esophageal damage, or thromboembolism. CONCLUSIONS Circumferential, linear, and focal mapping and ablation can be achieved with this novel catheter using both PF and RF, with excellent efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Koruth
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Division of Cardiology, University of Toronto, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Iwanari Kawamura
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jason G Andrade
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marc W Deyell
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Cardiovascular Innovation, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nishaki Mehta
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Corewell William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Efficacy and Safety of Pulsed Field Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020719. [PMID: 36675649 PMCID: PMC9861350 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia associated with high morbidity and mortality. AF treatment is guided by a patient-provider risk-benefit discussion regarding drug versus ablation or combination. Thermal ablation has a high rate of adverse events compared to pulsed field ablation (PFA). In this systematic review, we aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of PFA. METHODS The electronic search for relevant articles in English was completed in PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane library, Scopus, and Embase databases till July 2022. The screening was completed via the use of Covidence software. The risk of bias assessment and data extraction from the included studies was performed, and the narrative synthesis was performed accordingly. RESULTS A total of six studies were selected for review and 1897 patients receiving PFA were involved in these studies. Our review was focused on pulmonary vein isolation success, major adverse events, and arrhythmia recurrence. Successful pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was completed in 100% of cases except in two studies. In one of them, six out of seven patients (86%) in the epicardial cohort had successful PVI. In the MANIFEST-PF survey, the acute PVI success rate was 99.9%. The major complications were rare and included pericardial tamponade, vascular complications requiring surgery, and stroke. The atrial arrhythmia recurrence was higher in the thermal group than in the PFA group (39% vs. 11%). CONCLUSIONS The success rate of PVI by PFA is high, and major adverse events are low. PFA is found to decrease the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia compared to thermal ablation. Substantial randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of PFA over conventional methods.
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Casciola M, Feaster TK, Caiola MJ, Keck D, Blinova K. Human in vitro assay for irreversible electroporation cardiac ablation. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1064168. [PMID: 36699682 PMCID: PMC9869257 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1064168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pulsed electric field (PEF) cardiac ablation has been recently proposed as a technique to treat drug resistant atrial fibrillation by inducing cell death through irreversible electroporation (IRE). Improper PEF dosing can result in thermal damage or reversible electroporation. The lack of comprehensive and systematic studies to select PEF parameters for safe and effective IRE cardiac treatments hinders device development and regulatory decision-making. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been proposed as an alternative to animal models in the evaluation of cardiac electrophysiology safety. Methods: We developed a novel high-throughput in vitro assay to quantify the electric field threshold (EFT) for electroporation (acute effect) and cell death (long-term effect) in hiPSC-CMs. Monolayers of hiPSC-CMs were cultured in high-throughput format and exposed to clinically relevant biphasic PEF treatments. Electroporation and cell death areas were identified using fluorescent probes and confocal microscopy; electroporation and cell death EFTs were quantified by comparison of fluorescent images with electric field numerical simulations. Results: Study results confirmed that PEF induces electroporation and cell death in hiPSC-CMs, dependent on the number of pulses and the amplitude, duration, and repetition frequency. In addition, PEF-induced temperature increase, absorbed dose, and total treatment time for each PEF parameter combination are reported. Discussion: Upon verification of the translatability of the in vitro results presented here to in vivo models, this novel hiPSC-CM-based assay could be used as an alternative to animal or human studies and can assist in early nonclinical device development, as well as inform regulatory decision-making for cardiac ablation medical devices.
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Kawamura I, Reddy VY, Santos-Gallego CG, Wang BJ, Chaudhry HW, Buck ED, Mavroudis G, Jerrell S, Schneider CW, Speltz M, Dukkipati SR, Koruth JS. Electrophysiology, Pathology, and Imaging of Pulsed Field Ablation of Scarred and Healthy Ventricles in Swine. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2023; 16:e011369. [PMID: 36595634 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.011369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has recently been shown to penetrate ischemic scar, but details on its efficacy, risk of arrhythmias, and imaging insights are lacking. In a porcine model of myocardial scar, we studied the ability of ventricular PFA to penetrate scarred tissue, induce ventricular arrhythmias, and assess the influence of QRS gating during pulse delivery. METHODS Of a total of 6 swine, 5 underwent coronary occlusion and 1 underwent radiofrequency ablation to create infarct scar and iatrogenic scar models, respectively. Two additional swine served as healthy controls. An 8 Fr focal PFA catheter was used to deliver bipolar, biphasic PFA (2.0 kV) lesions guided by electroanatomical mapping, fluoroscopy, and intracardiac echocardiography over both scarred and healthy myocardium. Swine underwent magnetic resonance imaging 2-7 days post-PFA. RESULTS PFA successfully penetrated scar without significant difference in lesion depth between lesion at the infarct border (5.9±1.0 mm, n=41) and healthy myocardium (5.7±1.3 mm, n=26; P=0.53). PFA penetration of both infarct and iatrogenic radiofrequency abalation scar was observed in all examined sections. Sustained ventricular arrhythmias requiring defibrillation occurred in 4 of 187 (2.1%) ungated applications, whereas no ventricular arrhythmias occurred during gated PFA applications (0 of 64 [0%]). Dark-blood late-gadolinium-enhanced sequences allowed for improved endocardial border detection as well as lesion boundaries compared with conventional bright-blood late-gadolinium-enhanced sequences. CONCLUSIONS PFA penetrates infarct and iatrogenic scar successfully to create deep lesions. Gated delivery eliminates the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias observed with ungated porcine PFA. Optimized magnetic resonance imaging sequences can be helpful in detecting lesion boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwanari Kawamura
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (I.K., V.Y.R., S.R.D., J.S.K.)
| | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (I.K., V.Y.R., S.R.D., J.S.K.)
| | | | - Bingyan J Wang
- Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (B.J.W., H.W.C.)
| | - Hina W Chaudhry
- Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY (B.J.W., H.W.C.)
| | - Eric D Buck
- FARAPULSE, Menlo Park, CA (E.D.B., G.M., S.J., C.W.S.). R. & M. Speltz, LLC, Pathology Services, Stanchfield, MN
| | - George Mavroudis
- FARAPULSE, Menlo Park, CA (E.D.B., G.M., S.J., C.W.S.). R. & M. Speltz, LLC, Pathology Services, Stanchfield, MN
| | - Samantha Jerrell
- FARAPULSE, Menlo Park, CA (E.D.B., G.M., S.J., C.W.S.). R. & M. Speltz, LLC, Pathology Services, Stanchfield, MN
| | - Christopher W Schneider
- FARAPULSE, Menlo Park, CA (E.D.B., G.M., S.J., C.W.S.). R. & M. Speltz, LLC, Pathology Services, Stanchfield, MN
| | | | | | - Jacob S Koruth
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center (I.K., V.Y.R., S.R.D., J.S.K.)
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Verma A, Neal R, Evans J, Castellvi Q, Vachani A, Deneke T, Nakagawa H. Characteristics of pulsed electric field cardiac ablation porcine treatment zones with a focal catheter. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:99-107. [PMID: 36335638 PMCID: PMC10100505 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulsed electric field (PEF) therapies employ punctuated energy delivery to kill cells in a volume of tissue through mechanisms that are not dependent on thermal processes. A key component to successful cardiac ablation procedures is ensuring the generation of transmural, contiguous ablation zones, which requires in-depth knowledge regarding treatment sizes for a given therapeutic application. METHODS In this study, a series of acute treatments were delivered to porcine ventricles, where triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) vitality stain was used to identify treatment effect sizes for the three focal monopolar CENTAURI PEF cardiac ablation energy settings. RESULTS Treatment depths were 5.7, 7.2, and 8.2 mm for the 19, 22, and 25 A energy settings, respectively. Gross pathology indicated umbral zones of hemorrhage surrounded by pale avital TTC-negative-negative tissue, which contrasted significantly from radiofrequency ablation (RF) controls. Histologically, treatment zones are identified by regions of contraction band necrosis and cardiomyocytolysis, which contrasted with RF control lesions composed primarily of coagulation necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data indicate the ability for focal monopolar PEF treatments to generate deep treatment zones in cardiac ablation without incurring the gross or histological coagulative characteristics of RF thermal lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Verma
- Division of Cardiology, Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Canada
| | | | - John Evans
- Galaxy Medical, San Carlos, California, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas Deneke
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Clinic Bad Neustadt ad Saale, Bad Neustadt ad Saale, Germany
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Reddy VY, Petru J, Funasako M, Kopriva K, Hala P, Chovanec M, Janotka M, Kralovec S, Neuzil P. Coronary Arterial Spasm During Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation 2022; 146:1808-1819. [PMID: 36134574 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.122.061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has a unique safety profile when used to treat atrial fibrillation, largely related to its preferentiality for myocardial tissue ablation, in particular, esophageal sparing. A pentaspline catheter was the first such PFA system studied clinically for atrial fibrillation ablation; in these initial regulatory trials, the catheter was used for pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial posterior wall ablation. Since its regulatory approval in Europe, in clinical practice, physicians have ablated beyond pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial posterior wall ablation to expanded lesion sets in closer proximity to coronary arteries. This is an unstudied important issue because preclinical and clinical data have raised the potential for coronary arterial spasm. Herein, we studied the vasospastic potential of PFA lesion sets, both remote from and adjacent to coronary arteries. METHODS During routine atrial fibrillation ablation using the pentaspline PFA catheter, coronary angiography was performed before, during, and after pulsed field applications. The lesion sets studied included: (1) those remote from the coronary arteries such as pulmonary vein isolation (n=25 patients) and left atrial posterior wall ablation (n=5), and (2) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (n=20) that is situated adjacent to the right coronary artery. RESULTS During pulmonary vein isolation and left atrial posterior wall ablation, coronary spasm did not occur, but cavotricuspid isthmus ablation provoked severe subtotal vasospasm in 5 of 5 (100%) consecutive patients, and this was relieved by intracoronary nitroglycerin in 5.5±3.5 minutes. ST-segment elevation was not observed. However, no patient (0%, P=0.004) had severe spasm if first administered parenteral nitroglycerin, either intracoronary (n=5) or intravenous (n=10), before treatment. CONCLUSIONS Coronary vasospasm was not provoked during PFA at locations remote from coronary arteries, but when the energy is delivered adjacent to a coronary artery, PFA routinely provokes subclinical vasospasm. This phenomenon is attenuated by nitroglycerin, administered either post hoc to treat spasm or as prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Y Reddy
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.).,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (V.Y.R.)
| | - Jan Petru
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Moritoshi Funasako
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Karel Kopriva
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Pavel Hala
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Milan Chovanec
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Marek Janotka
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Stepan Kralovec
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
| | - Petr Neuzil
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic (V.Y.R., J.P., M.F., K.K., P.H., M.C., M.J., S.K., P.N.)
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Haskova J, Sramko M, Cvek J, Kautzner J. Stereotactic Radiotherapy in the Management of Ventricular Tachycardias: More Questions than Answers? Card Electrophysiol Clin 2022; 14:779-792. [PMID: 36396193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccep.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a recent promising therapeutic alternative in cases of failed catheter ablation for recurrent ventricular tachycardias (VTs) in patients with structural heart disease. Initial clinical experience with a single radiation dose of 25 Gy shows reasonable efficacy in the reduction of VT recurrences with acceptable acute toxicity. Many unanswered questions remain, including unknown mechanism of action, variable time to effect, optimal method of substrate targeting, long-term safety, and definition of an optimal candidate for this treatment."
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Haskova
- Department of Cardiology, IKEM, Vídeňská 1958/9, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic.
| | - Marek Sramko
- Department of Cardiology, IKEM, Vídeňská 1958/9, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Cvek
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Ostrava and Ostrava University Medical School, 17 listopadu 1790/5, Ostrava-Poruba 708 00 Czech Republic
| | - Josef Kautzner
- Department of Cardiology, IKEM, Vídeňská 1958/9, Prague 140 21, Czech Republic; Palacky University Medical School, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Magni FT, Mulder BA, Groenveld HF, Wiesfeld ACP, Tieleman RG, Cox MG, Van Gelder IC, Smilde T, Tan ES, Rienstra M, Blaauw Y. Initial experience with pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:959186. [PMID: 36426226 PMCID: PMC9679623 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.959186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulsed field ablation (PFA) was recently introduced for the treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) with the claim of selectively ablating the myocardium while sparing surrounding tissues. We present our initial experience with a PFA catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and describe procedural findings and peri-procedural safety of the first 100 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated 100 patients treated for symptomatic AF using the FARAWAVE PFA catheter (Farapulse, Menlo Park, CA, USA) between July 2021 and March 2022. Procedure workflow and electrophysiological findings at the time of ablation, peri-procedural complications, and operator learning curves are described. RESULTS The mean age of patients was 62.9 ± 9.4 years, 62% were male subjects and 80% had paroxysmal AF. The median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.5 (IQR: 1.0-2.0) and the mean left atrial volume index was 35.7 ± 9.6 ml/m2. In 88 (88%) patients, PVI alone was performed and in 12 (12%) patients additional ablation of the posterior wall was performed. 3D-electroanatomic mapping was performed in 18 (18%) patients. Procedures without mapping lasted for 52.3 ± 16.6 min. The mean number of applications per pulmonary vein (PV) was 8.1 ± 0.6. In all patients (100%), all PVs were confirmed to be isolated. The learning curves of the two operators who performed > 20 procedures showed a negligible variation of performance over time and practice did not significantly predict procedure time [Operator 1 (senior): R 2 = 0.034, p = 0.35; Operator 2 (junior): R 2 = 0.004, p = 0.73]. There was no difference between the procedure times between senior and junior operators (Operator 1: 46.9 ± 9.7 min vs. Operator 2: 45.9 ± 9.9 min; p = 0.73). The only complications observed were two cases of bleeding at the site of percutaneous access. CONCLUSION Our initial experience shows that use of the PFA catheter for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is safe, fast, and easy to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico T. Magni
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Cardio-thoracic Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Bart A. Mulder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hessel F. Groenveld
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Ans C. P. Wiesfeld
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Robert G. Tieleman
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Moniek G. Cox
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle C. Van Gelder
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Tom Smilde
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Eng S. Tan
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Michiel Rienstra
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Yuri Blaauw
- Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Reinsch N, Füting A, Höwel D, Bell J, Lin Y, Neven K. Cerebral safety after pulsed field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:1813-1818. [PMID: 35718318 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, nonthermal ablation modality that can ablate myocardial tissue with minimal effects on surrounding tissue. Preclinical data show an absence of cerebral emboli after extensive PFA. However, clinical data on silent cerebral lesions (SCLs) and/or silent cerebral events (SCEs) after PFA are lacking. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of neurological deficits and SCL and/or SCE after PFA in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) using National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS In patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using PFA was performed. NIHSS scores were assessed before and 2 days and 30 days after PVI. One day after PVI, patients underwent cerebral 1.5-T MRI scanning using diffusion-weighted imaging and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences to document the occurrence of SCL/SCE. RESULTS PFA was performed in 30 patients (age 63 ± 10 years). No patient showed neurological deficits. All NIHSS scores showed the minimum value of 0. Cerebral MRI scans were normal in 29 of 30 patients (97%). In 1 patient (3%), a single 7-mm cerebellar lesion was observed. Forty days after the procedure, follow-up cerebral MRI scan showed complete regression of the lesion. CONCLUSION In patients treated with PFA for symptomatic paroxysmal AF, the incidence of MRI-detected asymptomatic thromboembolic cerebral events or lesions was as low as 3%. No neurological deficits occurred in any of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Reinsch
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
| | - Anna Füting
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Dennis Höwel
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - John Bell
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Yali Lin
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Kars Neven
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Theofilis P, Oikonomou E, Antonopoulos AS, Siasos G, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Percutaneous Treatment Approaches in Atrial Fibrillation: Current Landscape and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092268. [PMID: 36140368 PMCID: PMC9496262 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice, represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality, with an increasing prevalence. Pharmacologic treatment remains the cornerstone of its management through rhythm and rate control, as well as the prevention of thromboembolism with the use of oral anticoagulants. Recent progress in percutaneous interventional approaches have provided additional options in the therapeutic arsenal, however. The use of the different catheter ablation techniques can now lead to long arrhythmia-free intervals and significantly lower AF burden, thus reducing the rate of its complications. Particularly encouraging evidence is now available for patients with persistent AF or concomitant heart failure, situations in which catheter ablation could even be a first-line option. In the field of stroke prevention, targeting the left atrial appendage with percutaneous device implantation may reduce the risk of thromboembolism to lower rates than that predicted with conventional ischemic risk scores. Left atrial appendage occlusion through the approved Watchman or Amplatzer devices is a well-established, efficacious, and safe method, especially in high-ischemic and bleeding risk patients with contraindications for oral anticoagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- First Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital “Sotiria”, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexios S. Antonopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Department of Cardiology, Thoracic Diseases General Hospital “Sotiria”, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, “Hippokration” General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence:
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