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Pachon-M JC, Pachon-M EI, Pachon CTC, Santillana-P TG, Lobo TJ, Pachon-M JC, Higuti C, Zerpa-A JC, Pachon MZC, Ortencio FA, Osorio TG, Peixoto LA. Long-term outcomes of cardioneuroablation with and without extra-cardiac vagal stimulation confirmation in severe cardioinhibitory neurocardiogenic syncope. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:641-650. [PMID: 38240356 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a novel therapeutic approach for functional bradyarrhythmias, specifically neurocardiogenic syncope or atrial fibrillation, achieved through endocardial radiofrequency catheter ablation of vagal innervation, obviating the need for pacemaker implantation. Originating in the nineties, the first series of CNA procedures was published in 2005. Extra-cardiac vagal stimulation (ECVS) is employed as a direct method for stepwise denervation control during CNA. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with severe cardioinhibitory syncope undergoing CNA with and without denervation confirmation via ECVS. METHOD A cohort of 48 patients, predominantly female (56.3%), suffering from recurrent syncope (5.1 ± 2.5 episodes annually) that remained unresponsive to clinical and pharmacological interventions, underwent CNA, divided into two groups: ECVS and NoECVS, consisting of 34 and 14 cases, respectively. ECVS procedures were conducted with and without atrial pacing. RESULTS Demographic characteristics, left atrial size, and ejection fraction displayed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Follow-up duration was comparable, with 29.1 ± 15 months for the ECVS group and 31.9 ± 20 months for the NoECVS group (p = .24). Notably, syncope recurrence was significantly lower in the ECVS group (two cases vs. four cases, Log Rank p = .04). Moreover, the Hazard ratio revealed a fivefold higher risk of syncope recurrence in the NoECVS group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that concluding CNA with denervation confirmation via ECVS yields a higher success rate and a substantially reduced risk of syncope recurrence compared to procedures without ECVS confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Carlos Pachon-M
- Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Sao Paulo Heart Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Enrique I Pachon-M
- Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Sao Paulo Heart Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juan C Pachon-M
- Sao Paulo University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Sao Paulo Heart Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Xu X, He S, Liu Q, Liu R, Zhang L, Chen W, Yin Y, Lu T. Cardioneuroablation for successful treatment of symptomatic bradycardia in a 12-year-old child after a 6-month follow-up. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1290482. [PMID: 38099231 PMCID: PMC10720979 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1290482] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is recognized as a promising therapeutic option for adults with severe symptomatic bradycardia caused by excessive vagal tone. However, no pediatric cases have been reported to date. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of CNA in children. Methods A 12-year-old male patient was hospitalized with symptoms of fatigue, palpitations, and syncope for more than 2 months, and was definitively diagnosed with functional sinoatrial node dysfunction by using a 12-lead electrocardiogram, 24-h Holter monitoring, loading dose of atropine test (0.04 mg/kg), and treadmill exercise test. Simultaneously, whole-exome sequencing was performed on the child and his core family members. After completing the preoperative examination and signing the informed consent form, the child underwent CNA therapy. Results First, the electroanatomic structures of both atria were mapped out by using the Carto 3 system, according to the protocol of purely anatomy-guided and local fractionated intracardiac electrogram-guided CNA methods. Then, the local fractionated intracardiac electrograms of each cardiac ganglionated plexus (GP), including the GP between the aortic root and the medial wall of the superior vena cava, the GP between the posterior wall of the coronary sinus ostium and the left atrium, the GP between the anterior antrum of the right superior pulmonary vein and the superior vena cava, the GP in the superolateral area around the root of the left superior pulmonary vein, the GP around the root of the right inferior pulmonary vein, and the GP around the root of the left inferior pulmonary vein, were used as targets for ablation at a power of 30 W with an ablation index of 350-400. At a 6-month follow-up, the child's heart rhythm saw a complete restoration to sinus rhythm and clinical symptoms disappeared. Conclusion The first application of CNA in a child with symptomatic sinus bradycardia was achieved with better clinical outcomes. CNA can be carried out cautiously in children under suitable indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang He
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruixi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Weijie Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuehui Yin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tiewei Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
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Cai S, Zheng L, Yao Y. Selection of patients with symptomatic vagal-induced sinus node dysfunction: Who will be the best candidate for cardioneuroablation? Front Physiol 2023; 14:1088881. [PMID: 36824466 PMCID: PMC9942778 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1088881] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinus node dysfunction is a multifaceted disorder with variable manifestations, the prevalence of which increases with age. In a specific group of patients, excessive vagal activity may be the sole cause for this condition. These patients are characterized as having recurrent daytime symptoms attributed to bradyarrhythmia, no evidence of organic sinus node lesions, cardiac vagal overactivation, and are non-elderly. For sinus node dysfunction patients, a permanent pacemaker implantation appears to be the ultimate solution, although it is not an etiological treatment. Cardioneuroablation is a promising emerging therapy that can fundamentally eliminate symptoms in a highly selective sub-set of sinus node dysfunction patients by cardiac vagal nerve denervation. Denervation with ablation for vagal-induced sinus node dysfunction can effectively improve sinus bradycardia and reduce syncope. To date, guidelines for selection of suitable candidates for cardioneuroablation remain lacking. The primary objective of this study was to distinguish the nature of abnormal sinus node function and to find methods for quantifying vagal tone. Clear selection criteria could help physicians in identification of patients with autonomic imbalance, thereby maximizing patient benefits and the success rate of cardioneuroablations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Cai
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Heart Center, The People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Huazhong Fuwai Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lihui Zheng
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lihui Zheng, ; Yan Yao,
| | - Yan Yao
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Lihui Zheng, ; Yan Yao,
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Matusik PS, Zhong C, Matusik PT, Alomar O, Stein PK. Neuroimaging Studies of the Neural Correlates of Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031016. [PMID: 36769662 PMCID: PMC9917610 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct and indirect links between brain regions and cardiac function have been reported. We performed a systematic literature review to summarize current knowledge regarding the associations of heart rate variability (HRV) and brain region morphology, activity and connectivity involved in autonomic control at rest in healthy subjects. Both positive and negative correlations of cortical thickness and gray matter volumes of brain structures with HRV were observed. The strongest were found for a cluster located within the cingulate cortex. A decline in HRV, as well as cortical thickness with increasing age, especially in the orbitofrontal cortex were noted. When associations of region-specific brain activity with HRV were examined, HRV correlated most strongly with activity in the insula, cingulate cortex, frontal and prefrontal cortices, hippocampus, thalamus, striatum and amygdala. Furthermore, significant correlations, largely positive, between HRV and brain region connectivity (in the amygdala, cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex) were observed. Notably, right-sided neural structures may be preferentially involved in heart rate and HRV control. However, the evidence for left hemispheric control of cardiac vagal function has also been reported. Our findings provide support for the premise that the brain and the heart are interconnected by both structural and functional networks and indicate complex multi-level interactions. Further studies of brain-heart associations promise to yield insights into their relationship to health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja S. Matusik
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Hospital, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Chuwen Zhong
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paweł T. Matusik
- Department of Electrocardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Kraków, Poland
| | - Omar Alomar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Phyllis K. Stein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardioneuroablation is increasingly being utilized to improve outcomes in patients with vagally mediated bradyarrhythmias. However, there are still controversial issues in the field including patient selection, safety and efficacy, and procedural end-points. AREAS COVERED In this review, the current role of cardioneuroablation is summarized, and controversial issues related to the modality are discussed. EXPERT OPINION According to small open-label cohort studies, overall freedom from syncope recurrence was higher than 90% after cardioneuroablation in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS). Use of the electrogram-based strategy or high-frequency stimulation demonstrate similar success rate except in procedures limited to the right atrium. Based on a recently published randomized controlled trial and metanalysis, it may be possible now to make a strong recommendation for cardioneuroablation in patients <40 years of age, and those with the cardioinhibitory or mixed type of VVS who continue to experience frequent and/or burdensome syncope recurrences. Considering patients with VVS are prone to significant placebo/expectation effect, sham-controlled trials may help to quantify the placebo effect. In well-selected patients with functional atrioventricular block and sinus bradycardia, may result in encouraging medium-term outcomes. However, functional bradycardia is identified in a minority of patients presenting with high-grade atrioventricular block or sinus node dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Aksu
- Department of Cardiology, Yeditepe University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asad Khan
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Henry Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
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