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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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Chun KRJ, Miklavčič D, Vlachos K, Bordignon S, Scherr D, Jais P, Schmidt B. State-of-the-art pulsed field ablation for cardiac arrhythmias: ongoing evolution and future perspective. Europace 2024; 26:euae134. [PMID: 38848447 PMCID: PMC11160504 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae134] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an innovative approach in the field of cardiac electrophysiology aimed at treating cardiac arrhythmias. Unlike traditional catheter ablation energies, which use radiofrequency or cryothermal energy to create lesions in the heart, PFA utilizes pulsed electric fields to induce irreversible electroporation, leading to targeted tissue destruction. This state-of-the-art review summarizes biophysical principles and clinical applications of PFA, highlighting its potential advantages over conventional ablation methods. Clinical data of contemporary PFA devices are discussed, which combine predictable procedural outcomes and a reduced risk of thermal collateral damage. Overall, these technological developments have propelled the rapid evolution of contemporary PFA catheters, with future advancements potentially impacting patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ryul Julian Chun
- CCB Frankfurt, Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
- Klinik für Rhythmologie, UKSH, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Laboratory of Biocybernetics, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Konstantinos Vlachos
- Site Hôpital Xavier Arnozan, Bordeaux University Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Avenue du Haut-Lévêque, –Pessac, France
| | - Stefano Bordignon
- CCB Frankfurt, Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Klinische Abteilung für Kardiologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Pierre Jais
- Site Hôpital Xavier Arnozan, Bordeaux University Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Avenue du Haut-Lévêque, –Pessac, France
| | - Boris Schmidt
- CCB Frankfurt, Med. Klinik III, Markuskrankenhaus, Wilhelm-Epstein Str. 4, 60431 Frankfurt, Germany
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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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Estevez-Laborí F, O'Brien B, González-Suárez A. Difference between endocardial and epicardial application of pulsed fields for targeting Epicardial Ganglia: An in-silico modelling study. Comput Biol Med 2024; 174:108490. [PMID: 38642490 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108490] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) has recently been proposed as a non-thermal energy to treat atrial fibrillation by selective ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) embedded in epicardial fat. While some of PFA-technologies use an endocardial approach, others use epicardial access with promising pre-clinical results. However, as each technology uses a different and sometimes proprietary pulse application protocol, the comparation between endocardial vs. epicardial approach is almost impossible in experimental terms. For this reason, our study, based on a computational model, allows a direct comparison of electric field distribution and thermal-side effects of both approaches under equal conditions in terms of electrode design, pulse protocol and anatomical characteristics of the tissues involved. METHODS 2D computational models with axial symmetry were built for endocardial and epicardial approaches. Atrial (1.5-2.5 mm) and fat (1-5 mm) thicknesses were varied to simulate a representative sample of what happens during PFA ablation for different applied voltage values (1000, 1500 and 2000 V) and number of pulses (30 and 50). RESULTS The epicardial approach was superior for capturing greater volumes of fat when the applied voltage was increased: 231 mm3/kV with the epicardial approach vs. 182 mm3/kV with the endocardial approach. In relation to collateral damage to the myocardium, the epicardial approach considerably spares the myocardium, unlike what happens with the endocardial approach. Although the epicardial approach caused much more thermal damage in the fat, there is not a significant difference between the approaches in terms of size of thermal damage in the myocardium. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that epicardial PFA ablation of GPs is more effective than an endocardial approach. The proximity and directionality of the electric field deposited using an epicardial approach are key to ensuring that higher electric field strengths and increased temperatures are obtained within the epicardial fat, thus contributing to selective ablation of the GPs with minimal myocardial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana González-Suárez
- Translational Medical Device Lab, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Ireland; IBIO, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Chang D, Arbogast A, Chinyere IR. Pulsed Field Ablation and Neurocardiology: Inert to Efferents or Delayed Destruction? Rev Cardiovasc Med 2024; 25:106. [PMID: 38764610 PMCID: PMC11101192 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2503106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The therapeutic use of irreversible electroporation in clinical cardiac laboratories, termed pulsed field ablation (PFA), is gaining pre-regulatory approval momentum among rhythm specialists for the mitigation of arrhythmogenic substrate without increased procedural risk. Though electroporation has been utilized in other branches of science and medicine for decades, apprehension regarding all the possible off-target complications of PFA have yet to be thoroughly identified and investigated. Methods This brief review will summarize the preclinical and adult clinical data published to date on PFA's effects on the autonomic system that interplays closely with the cardiovascular system, termed the neurocardiovascular system. These data are contrasted with the findings of efferent destruction secondary to thermal cardiac ablation modalities, namely radiofrequency energy and liquid nitrogen-based cryoablation. Results In vitro neurocardiology findings, in vivo neurocardiology findings, and clinical neurocardiology findings to date nearly unanimously support the preservation of a critical mass of perineural structures and extracellular matrices to allow for long-term nervous regeneration in both cardiac and non-cardiac settings. Conclusions Limited histopathologic data exist for neurocardiovascular outcomes post-PFA. Neuron damage is not only theoretically possible, but has been observed with irreversible electroporation, however regeneration is almost always concomitantly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek Chang
- Banner University Medicine, Banner Health, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Andrew Arbogast
- Banner University Medicine, Banner Health, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
| | - Ikeotunye Royal Chinyere
- Banner University Medicine, Banner Health, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA
- Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Giannino G, Braia V, Griffith Brookles C, Giacobbe F, D'Ascenzo F, Angelini F, Saglietto A, De Ferrari GM, Dusi V. The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Implications. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:105. [PMID: 38392323 PMCID: PMC10887082 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a pivotal role in cardiac homeostasis as well as in cardiac pathology. The first level of cardiac autonomic control, the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS), is located within the epicardial fat pads and is physically organized in ganglionated plexi (GPs). The ICNS system does not only contain parasympathetic cardiac efferent neurons, as long believed, but also afferent neurons and local circuit neurons. Thanks to its high degree of connectivity, combined with neuronal plasticity and memory capacity, the ICNS allows for a beat-to-beat control of all cardiac functions and responses as well as integration with extracardiac and higher centers for longer-term cardiovascular reflexes. The present review provides a detailed overview of the current knowledge of the bidirectional connection between the ICNS and the most studied cardiac pathologies/conditions (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias and heart transplant) and the potential therapeutic implications. Indeed, GP modulation with efferent activity inhibition, differently achieved, has been studied for atrial fibrillation and functional bradyarrhythmias, while GP modulation with efferent activity stimulation has been evaluated for myocardial infarction, heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Electrical therapy has the unique potential to allow for both kinds of ICNS modulation while preserving the anatomical integrity of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Giannino
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Braia
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Carola Griffith Brookles
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Giacobbe
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Fabrizio D'Ascenzo
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Angelini
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Saglietto
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maria De Ferrari
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Veronica Dusi
- Cardiology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Department, 'Città della Salute e della Scienza' Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Repp ML, Chinyere IR. Opportunities and Challenges in Catheter-Based Irreversible Electroporation for Ventricular Tachycardia. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2024; 31:32-43. [PMID: 38251047 PMCID: PMC10801500 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010003] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of catheter-based irreversible electroporation in clinical cardiac laboratories, termed pulsed-field ablation (PFA), is gaining international momentum among cardiac electrophysiology proceduralists for the non-thermal management of both atrial and ventricular tachyrhythmogenic substrates. One area of potential application for PFA is in the mitigation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) risk in the setting of ischemia-mediated myocardial fibrosis, as evidenced by recently published clinical case reports. The efficacy of tissue electroporation has been documented in other branches of science and medicine; however, ventricular PFA's potential advantages and pitfalls are less understood. This comprehensive review will briefly summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VT and then summarize the pre-clinical and adult clinical data published to date on PFA's effectiveness in treating monomorphic VT. These data will be contrasted with the effectiveness ascribed to thermal cardiac ablation modalities to treat VT, namely radiofrequency energy and liquid nitrogen-based cryoablation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ikeotunye Royal Chinyere
- Department of Medecine, Banner University Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
- Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona, 1501 North Campbell Avenue, Room 6154, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Pu S, Liu F, Chen Y, Luo C, Li P, Chen Y, Fu L, Liu H, Ye X, Wu S, Xue Y, Lin W. 'Single-shot' pulmonary vein isolation using a novel lotos pulsed field ablation catheter: a pre-clinical evaluation of feasibility, safety, and 30-day efficacy. Europace 2023; 26:euad362. [PMID: 38109928 PMCID: PMC10757452 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad362] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is emerging as a non-thermal, tissue-specific technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation therapy. This pre-clinical study aims to investigate the feasibility and safety of PVI using a novel PFA system including a nanosecond-scale PFA generator, a novel lotos PFA catheter, and a customized 12 Fr steerable sheath. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 11 Yorkshire swine were included in this study, with 4 in the acute cohort and 7 in the chronic cohort. Under general anaesthesia, transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein (PV) angiography was initially performed. The PFA catheter was navigated to position at the right and left PV antrum after the electroanatomic reconstruction of the left atrium. Biphasic PFA applications were performed on PVs in both the spindle-shaped and the lotos-shaped poses. Pulmonary vein isolation and PFA-associated safety were assessed 30 min after ablation in both cohorts and 30 days later in the chronic cohort. Detailed necropsy and histopathology were performed. Additional intracardiac echocardiography and coronary angiogram were evaluated for safety. All target PVs (n = 20) were successfully isolated on the first attempt. No spasm of coronary artery or microbubble was seen during the procedure. Eleven of 12 PVs (91.6%) remained in isolation at the 30-day invasive study. No evidence of PV stenosis was observed in any targets. However, transient diaphragm capture occurred in 17.6%. Histopathological examinations showed no evidence of collateral injury. CONCLUSION This study provides scientific evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the novel PFA catheter and system for single-shot PVI, which shows great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Pu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Fangzhou Liu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Cihua Luo
- Insight Medtech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Li
- Insight Medtech Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanlin Chen
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lu Fu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huiyi Liu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingdong Ye
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shulin Wu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yumei Xue
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weidong Lin
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, 106 Zhongshan Er Rd, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Pérez JJ, González-Suárez A. How intramyocardial fat can alter the electric field distribution during Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA): Qualitative findings from computer modeling. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287614. [PMID: 37917621 PMCID: PMC10621855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though the preliminary experimental data suggests that cardiac Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) could be superior to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in terms of being able to ablate the viable myocardium separated from the catheter by collagen and fat, as yet there is no formal physical-based analysis that describes the process by which fat can affect the electric field distribution. Our objective was thus to determine the electrical impact of intramyocardial fat during PFA by means of computer modeling. Computer models were built considering a PFA 3.5-mm blunt-tip catheter in contact with a 7-mm ventricular wall (with and without a scar) and a 2-mm epicardial fat layer. High voltage was set to obtain delivered currents of 19, 22 and 25 A. An electric field value of 1000 V/cm was considered as the lethal threshold. We found that the presence of fibrotic tissue in the scar seems to have a similar impact on the electric field distribution and lesion size to that of healthy myocardium only. However, intramyocardial fat considerably alters the electrical field distribution and the resulting lesion shape. The electric field tends to peak in zones with fat, even away from the ablation electrode, so that 'cold points' (i.e. low electric fields) appear around the fat at the current entry and exit points, while 'hot points' (high electric fields) occur in the lateral areas of the fat zones. The results show that intramyocardial fat can alter the electric field distribution and lesion size during PFA due to its much lower electrical conductivity than that of myocardium and fibrotic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Pérez
- BioMIT, Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana González-Suárez
- Translational Medical Device Lab, School of Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Universidad Internacional de Valencia—VIU, Valencia, Spain
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Musikantow DR, Reddy VY, Skalsky I, Shaburishvili T, van Zyl M, O'Brien B, Coffey K, Reilly J, Neuzil P, Asirvatham S, de Groot JR. Targeted ablation of epicardial ganglionated plexi during cardiac surgery with pulsed field electroporation (NEURAL AF). J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023:10.1007/s10840-023-01615-8. [PMID: 37561246 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01615-8] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modulation of the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a promising adjuvant therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). In pre-clinical models, pulsed field (PF) energy has the advantage of selectively ablating the epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP) that govern the ANS. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of epicardial ablation of the GPs with PF during cardiac surgery with a primary efficacy outcome of prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period (AERP). METHODS In a single-arm, prospective analysis, patients with or without a history of AF underwent epicardial GP ablation with PF during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). AERP was determined immediately pre- and post- GP ablation to assess cardiac ANS function. Holter monitors were performed to determine rhythm status and heart rate variability (HRV) at baseline and at 1-month post-procedure. RESULTS Of 24 patients, 23 (96%) received the full ablation protocol. No device-related adverse effects were noted. GP ablation resulted in a 20.7 ± 19.9% extension in AERP (P < 0.001). Post-operative AF was observed in 7 (29%) patients. Holter monitoring demonstrated an increase in mean heart rate (74.0 ± 8.7 vs. 80.6 ± 12.3, P = 0.01). There were no significant changes in HRV. There were no study-related complications. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of epicardial ablation of the GP using PF to modulate the ANS during cardiac surgery. Large, randomized analyses are necessary to determine whether epicardial PF ablation can offer a meaningful impact on the cardiac ANS and reduce AF. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trial registration: NCT04775264.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Musikantow
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1030, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1030, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Homolka Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
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11
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O'Brien B, Reilly J, Coffey K, González-Suárez A, Quinlan L, van Zyl M. Cardioneuroablation Using Epicardial Pulsed Field Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:238. [PMID: 37367403 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10060238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting millions of people worldwide. The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) is widely recognized as playing a key role in both the initiation and propagation of AF. This paper reviews the background and development of a unique cardioneuroablation technique for the modulation of the cardiac ANS as a potential treatment for AF. The treatment uses pulsed electric field energy to selectively electroporate ANS structures on the epicardial surface of the heart. Insights from in vitro studies and electric field models are presented as well as data from both pre-clinical and early clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry O'Brien
- AtriAN Medical Ltd., Unit 204, Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 W60E Galway, Ireland
| | - John Reilly
- AtriAN Medical Ltd., Unit 204, Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 W60E Galway, Ireland
| | - Ken Coffey
- AtriAN Medical Ltd., Unit 204, Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 W60E Galway, Ireland
| | - Ana González-Suárez
- School of Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland
| | - Leo Quinlan
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CURAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Device, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin van Zyl
- Cardiac Electrophysiology, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8, Canada
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12
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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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13
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Vaiciuleviciute R, Uzieliene I, Bernotas P, Novickij V, Alaburda A, Bernotiene E. Electrical Stimulation in Cartilage Tissue Engineering. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10040454. [PMID: 37106641 PMCID: PMC10135934 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10040454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation (ES) has been frequently used in different biomedical applications both in vitro and in vivo. Numerous studies have demonstrated positive effects of ES on cellular functions, including metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation. The application of ES to cartilage tissue for increasing extracellular matrix formation is of interest, as cartilage is not able to restore its lesions owing to its avascular nature and lack of cells. Various ES approaches have been used to stimulate chondrogenic differentiation in chondrocytes and stem cells; however, there is a huge gap in systematizing ES protocols used for chondrogenic differentiation of cells. This review focuses on the application of ES for chondrocyte and mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis for cartilage tissue regeneration. The effects of different types of ES on cellular functions and chondrogenic differentiation are reviewed, systematically providing ES protocols and their advantageous effects. Moreover, cartilage 3D modeling using cells in scaffolds/hydrogels under ES are observed, and recommendations on reporting about the use of ES in different studies are provided to ensure adequate consolidation of knowledge in the area of ES. This review brings novel insights into the further application of ES in in vitro studies, which are promising for further cartilage repair techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raminta Vaiciuleviciute
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ilona Uzieliene
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Bernotas
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariškių g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Electronics, High Magnetic Field Institute, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Plytines g. 27, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aidas Alaburda
- Life Sciences Center, Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, 10257 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Eiva Bernotiene
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
- VilniusTech, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Sauletekio al. 11, 10223 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Comparative Analysis of Temperature Rise between Convective Heat Transfer Method and Computational Fluid Dynamics Method in an Anatomy-Based Left Atrium Model during Pulsed Field Ablation: A Computational Study. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10020056. [PMID: 36826552 PMCID: PMC9968112 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10020056] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The non-thermal effects are considered one of the prominent advantages of pulsed field ablation (PFA). However, at higher PFA doses, the temperature rise in the tissue during PFA may exceed the thermal damage threshold, at which time intracardiac pulsatile blood flow plays a crucial role in suppressing this temperature rise. This study aims to compare the effect of heat dissipation of the different methods in simulating the pulsatile blood flow during PFA. This study first constructed an anatomy-based left atrium (LA) model and then applied the convective heat transfer (CHT) method and the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to the model, respectively, and the thermal convective coefficients used in the CHT method are 984 (W/m2*K) (blood-myocardium interface) and 4372 (W/m2*K) (blood-catheter interface), respectively. Then, it compared the effect of the above two methods on the maximum temperature of myocardium and blood, as well as the myocardial ablation volumes caused by irreversible electroporation (IRE) and hyperthermia under different PFA parameters. Compared with the CFD method, the CHT method underestimates the maximum temperature of myocardium and blood; the differences in the maximum temperature of myocardium and blood between the two methods at the end of the last pulse are significant (>1 °C), and the differences in the maximum temperature of blood at the end of the last pulse interval are significant (>1 °C) only at a pulse amplitude greater than 1000 V or pulse number greater than 10. Under the same pulse amplitude and different heat dissipation methods, the IRE ablation volumes are the same. Compared with the CFD method, the CHT method underestimates the hyperthermia ablation volume; the differences in the hyperthermia ablation volume are significant (>1 mm3) only at a pulse amplitude greater than 1000 V, a pulse interval of 250 ms, or a pulse number greater than 10. Additionally, the hyperthermia ablation isosurfaces are completely wrapped by the IRE ablation isosurfaces in the myocardium. Thus, during PFA, compared with the CFD method, the CHT method cannot accurately simulate the maximum myocardial temperature; however, except at the above PFA parameters, the CHT method can accurately simulate the maximum blood temperature and the myocardial ablation volume caused by IRE and hyperthermia. Additionally, within the range of the PFA parameters used in this study, the temperature rise during PFA may not lead to the appearance of additional hyperthermia ablation areas beyond the IRE ablation area in the myocardium.
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15
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González-Suárez A, Pérez JJ, O’Brien B, Elahi A. In Silico Modelling to Assess the Electrical and Thermal Disturbance Provoked by a Metal Intracoronary Stent during Epicardial Pulsed Electric Field Ablation. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9120458. [PMID: 36547455 PMCID: PMC9784210 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9120458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation has been recently proposed to ablate cardiac ganglionic plexi (GP) aimed to treat atrial fibrillation. The effect of metal intracoronary stents in the vicinity of the ablation electrode has not been yet assessed. Methods: A 2D numerical model was developed accounting for the different tissues involved in PEF ablation with an irrigated ablation device. A coronary artery (with and without a metal intracoronary stent) was considered near the ablation source (0.25 and 1 mm separation). The 1000 V/cm threshold was used to estimate the ‘PEF-zone’. Results: The presence of the coronary artery (with or without stent) distorts the E-field distribution, creating hot spots (higher E-field values) in the front and rear of the artery, and cold spots (lower E-field values) on the sides of the artery. The value of the E-field inside the coronary artery is very low (~200 V/cm), and almost zero with a metal stent. Despite this distortion, the PEF-zone contour is almost identical with and without artery/stent, remaining almost completely confined within the fat layer in any case. The mentioned hot spots of E-field translate into a moderate temperature increase (<48 °C) in the area between the artery and electrode. These thermal side effects are similar for pulse intervals of 10 and 100 μs. Conclusions: The presence of a metal intracoronary stent near the ablation device during PEF ablation simply ‘amplifies’ the E-field distortion already caused by the presence of the vessel. This distortion may involve moderate heating (<48 °C) in the tissue between the artery and ablation electrode without associated thermal damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana González-Suárez
- School of Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Juan J. Pérez
- BioMIT, Department of Electronic Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Barry O’Brien
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, University of Galway Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, H91 W60E Galway, Ireland
| | - Adnan Elahi
- School of Engineering, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
- Translational Medical Device Lab, University of Galway, H91 YR71 Galway, Ireland
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16
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Casciola M, Keck D, Feaster TK, Blinova K. Human cardiomyocytes are more susceptible to irreversible electroporation by pulsed electric field than human esophageal cells. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15493. [PMID: 36301726 PMCID: PMC9612150 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulse electric field-based (PEF) ablation is a technique whereby short high-intensity electric fields inducing irreversible electroporation (IRE) are applied to various tissues. Here, we implemented a standardized in vitro model to compare the effects of biphasic symmetrical pulses (100 pulses, 1-10 μs phase duration (d), 10-1000 Hz pulse repetition rate (f)) using two different human cellular models: human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and human esophageal smooth muscle cells (hESMCs) cultured in monolayer format. We report the PEF-induced irreversibly electroporated cell monolayer areas and the corresponding electric field thresholds (EFTs) for both cardiac and esophageal cultures. Our results suggest marked cell type specificity with EFT estimated to be 2-2.5 times lower in hiPSC-CMs than in hESMCs when subjected to identical PEF treatments (e.g., 0.90 vs 1.85 kV/cm for the treatment of 100 pulses with d = 5 μs, f = 10 Hz, and 0.65 vs 1.67 kV/cm for the treatment of 100 pulses with d = 10 μs, f = 10 Hz). PEF treatment can result in increased temperature around the stimulating electrodes and lead to unanticipated thermal tissue damage that is proportional to the peak temperature rise and to the duration of the PEF-induced elevated temperatures. In our study, temperature increases ranged from less than 1°C to as high as 30°C, however, all temperature changes were transient and quickly returned to baseline and the highest observed ∆T returned to 50% of its maximum recorded temperature in tens of seconds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Casciola
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthUS Food and Drug AdministrationSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Devin Keck
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthUS Food and Drug AdministrationSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Tromondae K. Feaster
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthUS Food and Drug AdministrationSilver SpringMarylandUSA
| | - Ksenia Blinova
- Division of Biomedical Physics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological HealthUS Food and Drug AdministrationSilver SpringMarylandUSA
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17
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Zhao Z, Chen Y, Wu B, Qiu G, Hong L, Chen X, Zhang X. Study of necrotic apoptosis by pulsed electric field ablation in rabbit left ventricular myocardium. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1012020. [PMID: 36225956 PMCID: PMC9548611 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1012020] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveWe investigate the characteristics of histological damage to myocardial cells in the ablation region and surrounding areas of the left ventricular epicardium in rabbits using our self-developed cardiac pulsed electric field (PEF) ablation instrument and ablation catheter.MethodsForty eight New Zealand rabbits underwent ablation on the left ventricular myocardium after open-heart exposure with a cardiac arrhythmia PEF ablation device and ablation catheter developed by the Medical Translation Laboratory of Pulsed Electric Field Technology in Zhejiang Province. The ablation parameters were set as biphasic electrical pulses; voltage, ±800 V; pulse width, 10 μs; interphase delay, 500 us. Six rabbits were included in the sham group and 42 other rabbits were randomly divided into immediately, 6-h, 1-, 3-day, 1-, 2-, and 4-week post-ablation groups, with six rabbits in each group. Creatine kinase- (CK)-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured before and at different time points after PEF ablation to analyze their dynamic evolution. Masson staining of tissue block sections of left ventricular myocardial ablation and adjacent tissue heart specimens was performed, and the occurrence of TUNEL apoptosis in myocardium tissue was analyzed.ResultsAll rabbits completed the PEF ablation procedure and the follow-up process. After PEF ablation, the levels of cardiac enzymes, including CK-MB, CK, and AST, increased significantly, peaking 1–3 days after the procedure. In particular, those of CK and CK-MB increased by 15–20 times but returned to the preoperative level after 2 weeks. Based on general observation, it was found that the myocardium in the ablation area was swollen immediately after PEF ablation. Masson staining analysis revealed that cardiomyocytes were broken and infiltrated by erythrocytes after 6 h. After 1 day, the cells started to experience atrophy and necrosis; after 3 days, fibrotic replacement of the necrotic area became obvious. Then, by 4 weeks, the myocardial cells were completely replaced by hyperplasia. Apoptosis occurred significantly at 6 h and peaked at 24 h post-ablation, demonstrating a 37.7-fold increase; apoptotic cell counts decreased significantly at 3 days post-ablation, and no significant apoptotic cardiomyocytes were seen after 1 week.ConclusionAfter PEF ablation, cardiomyocytes showed apoptotic process and dyed, at least partially, through a secondary necrosis, the ablation boundary was clear, the ablation area was replaced by structurally intact fibroblasts, no island myocardium tissue were seen, and the ablation area vessels and nerves were not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yonggang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gaodong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangjie Hong
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xinhua Chen
| | - Xingwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Xingwei Zhang
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18
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Effect of Anisotropic Electrical Conductivity Induced by Fiber Orientation on Ablation Characteristics of Pulsed Field Ablation in Atrial Fibrillation Treatment: A Computational Study. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9100319. [DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising new ablation modality for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, the effect of fiber orientation on the ablation characteristics of PFA in AF treatment is still unclear, which is likely an essential factor in influencing the ablation characteristics. This study constructed an anatomy-based left atrium (LA) model incorporating fiber orientation and selected various electrical conductivity and ablation targets to investigate the effect of anisotropic electrical conductivity (AC), compared with isotropic electrical conductivity (IC), on the ablation characteristics of PFA in AF treatment. The results show that the percentage differences in the size of the surface ablation area between AC and IC are greater than 73.71%; the maximum difference in the size of the ablation isosurface between AC and IC at different locations in the atrial wall is 3.65 mm (X-axis), 3.65 mm (Z-axis), and 4.03 mm (X-axis), respectively; and the percentage differences in the size of the ablation volume are greater than 6.9%. Under the condition of the pulse, the amplitude is 1000 V, the total PFA duration is 1 s, and the pulse train interval is 198.4 ms; the differences in the temperature increase between AC and IC in LA are less than 2.46 °C. Hence, this study suggests that in further exploration of the computational study of PFA in AF treatment using the same or similar conditions as those used here (myocardial electrical conductivity, pulse parameters, and electric field intensity damage threshold), to obtain more accurate computational results, it is necessary to adopt AC rather than IC to investigate the size of the surface ablation area, the size of the ablation isosurface, or the size of the ablation volume generated by PFA in LA. Moreover, if only investigating the temperature increase generated by PFA in LA, adopting IC instead of AC for simplifying the model construction process is reasonable.
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19
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Avazzadeh S, Hosseinzahdehkordi M, Owens P, Jalali A, O'Brien B, Coffey K, O'Halloran M, Fernhead HO, Keane D, Quinlan LR. Establishing electroporation thresholds for targeted cell specific cardiac ablation in a 2D culture model. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2022; 33:2050-2061. [PMID: 35924470 PMCID: PMC9543844 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irreversible electroporation has emerged as a new modality to overcome issues associated with other energy sources for cardiac ablation. Strong evidence on the optimal, effective, and selective voltage threshold is lacking for both in-vitro and pre-clinical in-vivo studies. The aim of this study is to examine the optimal threshold for selective cell ablation on cardiac associated cell types. METHODS Conventional monophasic and biphasic pulses of different field strength were delivered in a monolayer culture system of cardiomyocytes, neurons and adipocytes. The dynamics of cell death mechanisms were examined at different time points. RESULTS Neurons exhibit higher susceptibility to electroporation and cell death at higher field strength of 1250 V/cm in comparison to cardiomyocytes. Cardiac adipocytes showed lower susceptibility to electroporation in comparison to other cell types. A significant proportion of cardiomyocytes recovered after 24 hours post-electroporation, while neuronal cell death remained consistent but with a significant delayed cell death at a higher voltage threshold. Caspase 3/7 activity was observed in both cardiomyocytes and neurons, with a higher level of activity in cardiomyocytes in response to electroporation. Biphasic and monophasic pulses showed no significant difference in both cell types, and significantly lower cell death in neurons when inter pulse interval was reduced. CONCLUSIONS This study presents important findings on the differences in the susceptibility of neurons and cardiomyocytes to IRE. Cell type alone yielded selective and different dynamics in terms of the evolution and signaling mechanism of cell death in response to electroporation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Avazzadeh
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human biology building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Ireland
| | - Mahshid Hosseinzahdehkordi
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Ireland
| | - Peter Owens
- Centre for Microscopy and Imaging, Human Biology Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Ireland
| | - Amirhossein Jalali
- Department of Mathematics and statistics, University of limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Barry O'Brien
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ken Coffey
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin O'Halloran
- Translational Medical Devise Lab (TMDLab), Lambe Institute of Translational Research, University College Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway
| | - Howard O Fernhead
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Ireland
| | - David Keane
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Leo R Quinlan
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human biology building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Ireland
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20
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Electroporation Parameters for Human Cardiomyocyte Ablation In Vitro. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9080240. [PMID: 36005404 PMCID: PMC9409892 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9080240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac ablation with irreversible electroporation (IRE) is quickly being established as a modality of choice for atrial fibrillation treatment. While it has not yet been optimised, IRE has the potential to significantly limit collateral damage and improve cell-specific targeting associated with other energy sources. However, more tissue and cell-specific evidence is required to demonstrate the selective threshold parameters for human cells. The aim here is to determine the optimal ablation threshold parameters related to lesion size for human cardiomyocytes in 2D culture. Conventional biphasic pulses of different field strengths and on-times were delivered in a monolayer culture system of human AC16 cardiomyocytes. The dynamics of cell death and lesion dimensions were examined at different time points. Human cardiomyocytes are susceptible to significant electroporation and cell death at a field strength of 750 V/cm or higher with 100 μs pulses. Increasing the IRE on-time from 3 ms to 60 ms reduces the effective field threshold to 250 V/cm. Using very short pulses of 2 μs and 5 μs also causes significant cell death, but only at fields higher than 1000 V/cm. A longer on-time results in more cell death and induced greater lesion area in 2D models. In addition, different forms of cell death are predicted based on the evolution of cell death over time. This study presents important findings on the ability of different IRE parameters to induce human cardiomyocyte cell death. Lesion size can be tuned by appropriate choice of IRE parameters and cardiomyocytes display an upregulation of delayed cell death 24 h after electroporation, which is an important consideration for clinical practice.
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van Zyl M, Khabsa M, Tri JA, Ladas TP, Yasin OZ, Ladejobi AO, Reilly J, O'Brien B, Coffey K, Asirvatham SJ. Open-chest Pulsed Electric Field Ablation of Cardiac Ganglionated Plexi in Acute Canine Models. J Innov Card Rhythm Manag 2022; 13:5061-5069. [PMID: 35949650 PMCID: PMC9359425 DOI: 10.19102/icrm.2022.130704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and acute effect on markers of cardiac autonomic tone following pulsed electric fields (PEFs) delivered to epicardial ganglionated plexi (GP) during a cardiac surgical procedure. Ablation of GP as a treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) has shown promise, but thermal ablation energy sources are limited by the risk of inadvertent collateral tissue injury. In acute canine experiments, median sternotomy was performed to facilitate the identification of 5 epicardial GP regions using an anatomy-guided approach. Each site was targeted with saline-irrigated PEF (1000 V, 100 μs, 10 electrocardiogram [ECG]-synchronized pulse sequences). Atrial effective refractory period (AERP) and local electrogram (EGM) amplitude were measured before and after each treatment. Histology was performed on samples from treatment-adjacent structures. In 5 animals, 30 (n = 2) and 60 (n = 3) pulses were successfully delivered to each of the 5 target sites. There was no difference in local atrial EGM amplitude before and after PEF application at each site (1.83 ± 0.41 vs. 1.92 ± 0.53 mV, P = .72). The mean AERP increased from 97 ± 15 ms at baseline to 115 ± 7 ms following treatment at all sites (18.6% increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.9–35.2; P = .037). There were no sustained ventricular arrhythmias or acute evidence of ischemia following delivery. Histology showed complete preservation of adjacent atrial myocardium, phrenic nerves, pericardium, and esophagus. Use of PEF to target regions rich in cardiac GP in open-chest canine experiments was feasible and effective at acutely altering markers of cardiac autonomic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin van Zyl
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mariam Khabsa
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jason A Tri
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Thomas P Ladas
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Omar Z Yasin
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Samuel J Asirvatham
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Departments of Pediatric Cardiology, Laboratory Medicine, and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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22
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González-Suárez A, Irastorza RM, Deane S, O'Brien B, O'Halloran M, Elahi A. Full torso and limited-domain computer models for epicardial pulsed electric field ablation. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 221:106886. [PMID: 35597202 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) ablation has been proposed as a non-thermal energy to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) by ablation of ganglionated plexi using the epicardial approach. The electric field distribution at the target site (heart) and its surroundings has not yet been assessed previously, using epicardial ablation technique. Our objective was to develop computational models, incorporating the real anatomy of the heart and the patient's torso, to assess the electric field distribution when applying epicardial monopolar PEF. METHODS A novel 3D realistic full torso model was built with the multi-electrode ablation device placed on the epicardium and a dispersive pad on the patient's back to evaluate the electric field distribution. The 400 V/cm isoline was used to estimate the 'PEF-zone'. A 3D limited-domain model was also built including only the region of interest around the ablation device to assess its validity in comparison with the full torso model. RESULTS The electrical field is mainly limited to the target site (PEF-zone with lengths of 25.79 to 29.00 mm, depths of 5.98-7.02 mm and maximum widths of 8.75-10.57 mm) and is practically negligible in adjacent organs (<30 V/cm and <36 V/cm in oesophagus and lungs, respectively). The electrical currents ranged from 3.67 A to 7.44 A. The 3D limited-domain model provided a similar electric field distribution to those obtained from the 3D full torso models (differences < 0.5 mm in PEF-zone depth). CONCLUSIONS Computational results suggest that PEF-zone is very focused around the ablation catheter. Limited-domain models offer similar results in terms of PEF-zone size, reducing the complexity of the modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana González-Suárez
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Translational Medical Device Lab, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland.
| | - Ramiro M Irastorza
- Instituto de Física de Líquidos y Sistemas Biológicos (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina; Departamento de Ingeniería Mecánica, Universidad Tecnológica Nacional, Facultad Regional La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Stuart Deane
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland
| | - Barry O'Brien
- AtriAN Medical Limited, Unit 204, NUIG Business Innovation Centre, Upper Newcastle, Galway, Ireland
| | - Martin O'Halloran
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Translational Medical Device Lab, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Adnan Elahi
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Translational Medical Device Lab, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
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Di Monaco A, Vitulano N, Troisi F, Quadrini F, Romanazzi I, Calvi V, Grimaldi M. Pulsed Field Ablation to Treat Atrial Fibrillation: A Review of the Literature. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9040094. [PMID: 35448070 PMCID: PMC9030965 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9040094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and catheter ablation, which can be used in symptomatic patients refractory to antiarrhythmic therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains the cornerstone of any ablation procedure. A major limitation of current catheter ablation procedures is important to recognize because even when the PVI is performed in highly experienced centers, PVI reconnection was documented in about 20% of patients. Therefore, better technology is needed to improve ablation lesions. One of the novelties in recent years is pulsed filed ablation (PFA), a non-thermal energy that uses trains of high-voltage, very-short-duration pulses to kill the cells. The mechanism of action of this energy consists of creating pores in the myocardiocyte cell membrane in a highly selective and tissue-specific way; this leads to death of the target cells reducing the risk of damage to surrounding non-cardiac tissues. In particular during the animal studies, PVI and atrial lines were performed effectively without PV stenosis. Using PFA directly on coronary arteries, there was no luminal narrowing, there has been no evidence of incidental phrenic nerve injury, and finally, PFA has been shown not to injure esophageal tissue when directly applied to the esophagus or indirectly through ablation in the left atrium. The aim of this review is to report all published animal and clinical studies regarding this new technology to treat paroxysmal and persistent AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Di Monaco
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-33-9735-1594
| | - Nicola Vitulano
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federica Troisi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Federico Quadrini
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
| | - Imma Romanazzi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Valeria Calvi
- Department of Cardiology, Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—Azienda O.U. Policlinico “G. Rodolico”—San Marco, 95125 Catania, Italy; (I.R.); (V.C.)
| | - Massimo Grimaldi
- Department of Cardiology, General Regional Hospital “F. Miulli”, 70021 Bari, Italy; (N.V.); (F.T.); (F.Q.); (M.G.)
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