Improved Resource Utilization With Similar Efficacy During Early Adoption of Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation as Compared to Radiofrequency Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Characterization of pulmonary vein reconnection post Cryoballoon ablation

Background

The Arctic Front Cryoballoon System is a technology in which substrate alterations in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence have not been well characterized. In this study, we evaluated sites of pulmonary vein (PV) reconnections and the accuracy of the Achieve™ circular mapping catheter in detecting these reconnections after cryoablation.

Methods

This study included 15 patients undergoing redo AF ablation after a prior single cryoablation procedure. PV reconnection sites were determined by measuring PV signals and high output pacing from 4 vectors of the Achieve catheter. The results were compared with a roving mapping catheter guided by rotational intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in the left atrium.

Results

All patients had PV reconnections (2.1 ± 0.8 veins/patient). The left superior PV was most commonly reconnected (n = 11), whereas the right inferior PV was least likely (n = 3). Both carinas (left: n = 11; right: n = 7) and left atrial appendage ridge (n = 11) were also frequently reconnected. Mapping with the Achieve catheter showed a positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 96% when compared with ICE guided mapping. In 2 patients, right superior PV reconnection was not identified by the Achieve.

Conclusion

During redo AF ablation after index cryoablation, multiple PVs are usually reconnected, with both carinas and left atrial appendage ridge being common sites of reconnection. The Achieve mapping catheter was able to identify reconnection with high positive and negative predictive values.

Improvement in ejection fraction after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in individuals with systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is commonly used for rhythm control of atrial fibrillation (AF). Data are limited examining the outcomes of cryoballoon PVI in patients with systolic dysfunction. We evaluate the impact of cryoballoon PVI in patients with systolic dysfunction.

METHODS

We evaluated a single-center prospective registry of patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI between 8/2011 and 6/2016. Patients with systolic dysfunction (EF < 55%) between the time of AF diagnosis and their cryoballoon PVI procedure were assessed for AF recurrence at 6 months and 1 year post-procedure, with a 3-month blanking period.

RESULTS

Final analysis included 66 patients with systolic dysfunction undergoing cryoballoon PVI. An AF diagnosis for ≥ 1 year prior to PVI was present in 62.1% (n = 41), and 53.0% (n = 35) had systolic dysfunction for ≥ 1 year pre-procedure. The proportion of AF-free patients at 1 year was 51.5%. Of patients with echocardiograms performed at 1 year (n = 43), a greater proportion of individuals without AF recurrence had an improvement in EF of ≥ 10% than in those with AF recurrence (54.2% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.039). Of the patients who had systolic dysfunction at the time of the ablation (EF < 55%), there was a significant increase in EF post-procedure (36.5% pre-procedure vs. 48.3% post-procedure, mean change 11.8%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In patients with systolic dysfunction, cryoballoon PVI provides an acceptable AF recurrence-free rate at 1 year. AF recurrence-free individuals were more likely to have improvement in EF. Further evaluation is needed to determine the potential role of early cryoballoon PVI in patients with a new diagnosis of systolic dysfunction and AF.

Incidence and Predictors of Complications During Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has emerged as an alternative to radiofrequency PVI for atrial fibrillation (AF). Data are lacking to define the rates and predictors of complications, particularly phrenic nerve injury (PNI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated a single-center prospective registry of 450 consecutive patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI between 2011 and 2015. Patients were 59±10 years old, 26% were women, 58% had hypertension, their mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 1.7±1.3, 30% had persistent atrial fibrillation, and 92% received a second-generation 28-mm balloon. Predefined major complications were persistent PNI, pericardial effusion, deep vein thrombosis, arteriovenous fistula, atrioesophageal fistula, bleeding requiring transfusion, stroke, and death. PNI was categorized as persistent if it persisted after discharge from the laboratory. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of complications and specifically PNI. We identified a major complication in 10 (2.2%) patients. In 49 (10.8%) patients, at least transient PNI was observed; only 5 persisted beyond the procedure (1.1%). All cases of PNI resolved eventually, with the longest time to resolution being 48 days. We also describe 2 cases of PNI manifesting after the index hospitalization. Regression analysis identified 23-mm balloon use (16.3% versus 5.2%, odds ratio 2.94, P=0.011) and increased age (62.8±7.7 versus 58.7±0.12 years, odds ratio 1.058, P=0.014) as independent significant predictors of PNI. There were no significant predictors of major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large contemporary cohort, cryoballoon PVI is associated with low procedural risk, including lower rates of PNI than previously reported. Older age and 23-mm balloon use were associated with PNI. Our low rate of PNI may reflect more sensitive detection methods, including compound motor action potential monitoring and forced double-deflation.

Long-Term Evolution of Patients Treated for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation with First and Second Generation Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation with a Prospective Protocol Guided by Complete Bidirectional Left Atrium-Pulmonary Veins Disconnection after Adenosine as Main Target end Point to achieved. Seven Years Follow-up of Patients with a rough estimation profile of Low ALARMEc Score. A Single Center Report

INTRODUCTION

Cryoballoon ablation (CB) has proven effective for treating patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). We analyzed our seven year follow-up of patients, treated for PAF with first (CB1) and second generation (CB2), with demonstration of LA-PV disconnection with bidirectional block (BB) after adenosine (AD).

METHODS

Since November 2008 to May 2015, 128 patients, 97 male (58±7 years), without heart disease, highly symptomatic, refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) were treated, and follow-up (1411 ±727 days). Left atrial size: 37±6 mm.

RESULTS

A total of 439 PV were successfully isolated (91.9%). Acute reconduction: 44 PV (9%): 16 after CB; 16 unmasked by AD; 12 extrapulmonary muscular connections (EMC). Main complication was phrenic nerve palsy (PNP): 9 (7 %). On follow-up, 114 patients (89%) remain asymptomatic in sinus rhythm (SR), free of medication. Fourteen patients (11%) had arrhythmia recurrence: 12 male (52±8 years). Early recurrences occurred in 9 male. Late recurrences presented 3 male at 24, 27 and 60 months, and 2 female at 7 and 40 months respectively. All recurrence patients were Redo, and remain in SR without medication during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

CB alone is very effective and safe for the definitive treatment of patients suffering PAF with 72.6% success rate, increasing up to 89.1% when this protocol is applied in a single procedure. After Redo, all population group (100%), remain in sinus rhythm, freedom of arrhythmia, without AAD, in this very long term follow-up. Checking for BB, AD protocol, and ruling out EMC allowed-us to identified 14.8% of patients with underlying substrate for potential arrhythmia recurrence. CB2 applications entail a highest risk of PNP. Patients with a rough estimated profile of low ALARMEc score (≤ 1) have an excellent long term outcome, being this series the largest follow-up described so far, for patients treated for PAF with CB.