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O’Neill L, De Becker B, De Smet M, Francois C, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Knecht S. Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion for AF Ablation; A Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2438. [PMID: 38673710 PMCID: PMC11050818 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The outcomes of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are modest with various adjunctive strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) yielding largely disappointing results in randomised controlled trials. Linear ablation is a commonly employed adjunct strategy but is limited by difficulty in achieving durable bidirectional block, particularly at the mitral isthmus. Epicardial connections play a role in AF initiation and perpetuation. The ligament of Marshall has been implicated as a source of AF triggers and is known to harbour sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres that contribute to AF perpetuation. Ethanol infusion into the Vein of Marshall, a remnant of the superior vena cava and key component of the ligament of Marshall, may eliminate these AF triggers and can facilitate the ease of obtaining durable mitral isthmus block. While early trials have demonstrated the potential of Vein of Marshall 'ethanolisation' to reduce arrhythmia recurrence after persistent AF ablation, further randomised trials are needed to fully determine the potential long-term outcome benefits afforded by this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O’Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
- Department of Cardiology, Blackrock Clinic, A94 E4X7 Dublin, Ireland
- King’s College London, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Benjamin De Becker
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Maarten De Smet
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Clara Francois
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Rene Tavernier
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Mattias Duytschaever
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
| | | | - Sebastien Knecht
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (B.D.B.); (S.K.)
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De Becker B, Francois C, De Smet M, Tavernier R, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Duytschaever M, Knecht S. Severe coronary spasm occurring remotely from pulsed field application during right inferior pulmonary vein isolation. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023:10.1007/s10840-023-01720-8. [PMID: 38103111 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-023-01720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin De Becker
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium.
| | - Clara Francois
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Maarten De Smet
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium
| | - René Tavernier
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | - Mattias Duytschaever
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Knecht
- Cardiology Department, AZ Sint-Jan AV: AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Ruddershove 10, 8000, Bruges, Belgium
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De Becker B, O’Neill L, Pierard S, Le Polain De Waroux JB. Cardiac resynchronization therapy using conduction system pacing after double-switch surgery for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a case report. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2023; 7:ytad382. [PMID: 37637094 PMCID: PMC10456210 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytad382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) are at risk of developing conduction disease and complete atrio-ventricular block and this risk increases after corrective cardiac surgery. However, the optimum pacing modality remains controversial. Case summary Twelve years after a double-switch surgery with ventricular septal defect correction, a 16-year-old ccTGA female was referred with an indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy. In the absence of coronary sinus (CS) or direct access to the conduction system, several therapeutic options were considered. Finally, using a three-dimensional navigation system and customized sheaths, a left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) lead was successfully implanted. The implantation resulted in stable pacing parameters and positive haemodynamic changes. At 9-month follow-up, pacing parameters were stable and the patient reported a significant improvement in quality of life. Discussion Cardiac resynchronization therapy in adults with repaired congenital heart disease remains challenging, especially in the absence of CS or direct access to the conduction system. In such a situation, LBBAP appears as an attractive alternative pacing modality. However, pre-operative management is critical to the success of the implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin De Becker
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Ruddershove 10, Bruges 8000, Belgium
| | - Louisa O’Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Ruddershove 10, Bruges 8000, Belgium
| | - Sophie Pierard
- Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Hilfiker G, De Becker B, Haddad ME, O'Neill L, Gillis K, Wielandts JY, Tavernier R, De Waroux JBLP, Duytschaever M, Knecht S. Evaluation of a standardized approach using optimized and contiguous RF applications for electrical isolation of the superior vena cava. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 46:198-200. [PMID: 36436209 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The superior vena cava (SVC) is well described as one of the most common non-pulmonary vein (PV)-triggers for atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA). In our study we evaluated a standardized approach for electrical isolation of the SVC from the right atrium using a horseshoe-shaped lesion set with optimized and contiguous ostial RF lesions. The results are promising, demonstrating a very high rate of acute SVC isolation in a safe and time efficient manner (mostly less than 10 min).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Milad El Haddad
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Louisa O'Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Kris Gillis
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | - René Tavernier
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, Bruges, Belgium
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O'Neill L, El Haddad M, Berte B, Kobza R, Hilfiker G, Scherr D, Manninger M, Wijnmaalen AP, Trines SA, Wielandts JY, Gillis K, Lycke M, De Becker B, Tavernier R, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Knecht S, Duytschaever M. Very High-Power Ablation for Contiguous Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Results From the Randomized POWER PLUS Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 9:511-522. [PMID: 36752467 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very high-power, short-duration (90-W/4-second) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may reduce procedural times. However, shorter applications with higher power may impact lesion quality. OBJECTIVES In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, we compared procedural efficiency, efficacy, and safety of PVI using 90-W/4-second ablation to 35/50-W ablation. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing first-time PVI were randomized to pulmonary vein encirclement with contiguous applications using very high-power, short-duration applications (90 W over 4 seconds) or 35/50-W applications (titrated up to ablation index >550 anteriorly and >400 posteriorly). Prospective endpoints were procedural efficiency (procedure time and first-pass isolation), safety (including esophageal endoscopic evaluation), and 6-month effectiveness using repetitive Holter monitoring. RESULTS One hundred eighty patients were randomized, 90 to the 90-W group (mean age: 64.2 ± 8.9 years) and 90 to the 35/50-W group (mean age: 62.3 ± 10.8 years). Procedural time was shorter in the 90-W group vs the 35/50-W group (70 [interquartile range: 60-80] vs 75 [interquartile range: 65-88.3] minutes; P = 0.009). A nonsignificant trend towards lower rates of first-pass isolation was seen in the 90-W group (83.9% vs 90%; P = 0.0852). No major complications were observed in both groups with esophageal injury occurring in 1 patient per group. At 6 months, 17% of patients in the 90-W group vs 15% in the 35/50-W group experienced recurrent arrhythmia (P = 0.681). CONCLUSIONS Contiguous ablation using very high-power, short-duration applications results in a significant but modest reduction in procedure time with similar safety and 6-month efficacy vs a conventional approach. A hybrid approach combining both ablation modalities might be the most optimal strategy. (POWER PLUS [Very High Power Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Schedule for a First Pulmonary Vein Isolation]; NCT04784013).
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O'Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium.
| | - Milad El Haddad
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | | | - Gabriela Hilfiker
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium; Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Scherr
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Manninger
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Adrianus P Wijnmaalen
- Department of Cardiology, Willem Einthoven Center for Cardiac Arrhythmia Research and Management, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Serge A Trines
- Department of Cardiology, Willem Einthoven Center for Cardiac Arrhythmia Research and Management, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kris Gillis
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | - Michelle Lycke
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | - Rene Tavernier
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
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O’Neill L, De Becker B, De Smet M, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M, Knecht S. Atrial tachycardia occurring after a prior atrial fibrillation ablation procedure: Does non-inducibility matter? Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1073239. [PMID: 36568552 PMCID: PMC9769961 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1073239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT) is a common phenomenon after catheter ablation for AF, particularly in the setting of additional substrate ablation, with many studies demonstrating gap-related macro re-entrant AT (predominantly mitral and roof dependent) to be the dominant mechanism. Although multiple inducible ATs after ablation of the clinical AT are commonly described at repeat procedures, the optimal ablation strategy, and procedural endpoints are unclear in this setting. A recent randomized study addressing the question of non-inducibility as a procedural endpoint demonstrated no additional benefits to the ablation of all induced, non-clinical ATs, but it was limited by small numbers and high rates of non-inducibility. Nevertheless, once ablation of the clinical AT has been successfully performed, ensuring durable linear block and PV isolation may be sufficient for the prevention of further AT. Durable linear block, particularly at the mitral isthmus, is difficult to achieve but may be facilitated by the real-time evaluation of lesion quality and contiguity and the novel technique of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion. Large-scale, randomized trials are needed, nonetheless, to fully assess the optimal ablation strategy in the setting of recurrent AT post-AF ablation.
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O’Neill L, Gillis K, Wielandts JY, De Becker B, Tavernier R, Le Polain De Waroux JB. Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator update allows for unexpected diagnosis of paroxysmal atrioventricular block causing recurrent syncope. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022; 9:59-60. [PMID: 36685689 PMCID: PMC9845644 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O’Neill
- Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Louisa O’Neill, Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Ruddershove 10, 8000 Bruges, Belgium.
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O’Neill L, Duytschaever M, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Konrad T, Rostock T, Derval N, Pambrun T, Rollin A, Maury P, Knecht S. Noninducibility as an Ablation Strategy for Atrial Tachycardia After First-Time Persistent AF Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:1320-1322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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O'Neill L, Gillis K, Wielandts JY, De Becker B, Knecht S, Duytschaever M, Tavernier R, Le Polain De Waroux JB. Septal coronary vein infringement during LBBAP. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2022; 66:507. [PMID: 35396613 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01206-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O'Neill
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium.
| | - Kris Gillis
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Rene Tavernier
- Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium
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O’Neill L, Gillis K, Wielandts JY, Hilfiker G, Knecht S, Duytschaever M, Tavernier R, Le Polain De Waroux JB. Flatline on the alternate vector…Is this subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator lead fractured? HeartRhythm Case Rep 2021; 7:758-761. [PMID: 34820275 PMCID: PMC8602115 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Louisa O’Neill
- Address reprint requests and correspondence: Dr Louisa O’Neill, Department of Cardiology, AZ Sint-Jan Hospital, Bruges, Belgium.
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Lycke M, O’Neill L, Gillis K, Wielandts JY, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Tavernier R, Knecht S, Duytschaever M. How Close Are We toward an Optimal Balance in Safety and Efficacy in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation? Lessons from the CLOSE Protocol. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184268. [PMID: 34575379 PMCID: PMC8469113 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common treatment strategy in patients with drug-resistant, symptomatic AF. In patients with paroxysmal and short-standing persistent AF, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is often enough to prevent recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA). Point-by-point encircling of the PVs with radiofrequency (RF) applications, together with cryoballoon ablation, have been the mainstay strategies for the last 10 to 20 years. Each of these strategies, however, suffers from the delicate balance between preventing PV reconnection, on the one hand (toward more energy), and preventing (mainly esophageal) complications (toward less energy), on the other. The CLOSE protocol was developed as an RF ablation strategy that would result in the safe creation of durable isolation leading to improved outcomes. Basically, the aim of the protocol is to enclose the pulmonary veins with stable, contiguous (intertag distance, ITD ≤ 6 mm) and optimized lesions (35 Watts, W, RF applications up to ablation index targets of ≥400 and ≥550 at the posterior and anterior wall). In this review, we describe the background of the CLOSE protocol and the studies from the St Jan Bruges research group on procedural performance, efficacy, and safety of the CLOSE protocol in (a) single-center prospective PILOT study (CLOSE-PILOT), (b) a single-center prospective study with continuous rhythm monitoring (CLOSE to CURE), (c) a database of systematic esophageal endoscopic studies, (d) a multicenter prospective study (VISTAX), and (e) the CLOSE database (comprising > 400 patients). We also discuss the results of the randomized POWER-AF study comparing conventional CLOSE to high power CLOSE (up to 50 W). Finally, we discuss the performance, safety, and efficacy of the CLOSE protocol in light of the emerging changes in the field of catheter ablation being ultra-short high-power ablation and electroporation.
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O’Neill L, Wielandts JY, Gillis K, Hilfiker G, Le Polain De Waroux JB, Tavernier R, Duytschaever M, Knecht S. Catheter Ablation in Persistent AF, the Evolution towards a More Pragmatic Strategy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184060. [PMID: 34575173 PMCID: PMC8467025 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and represents a heterogeneous disorder with a complex pathological basis. While significant technological advances have taken place over the last decade in the field of catheter ablation of AF, response to ablation varies and long-term success rates in those with persistent AF remain modest. Mechanistic studies have highlighted potentially different sustaining factors for AF in the persistent AF population with substrate-driven focal and re-entrant sources in the body of the atria identified on invasive and non-invasive mapping studies. Translation to clinical practice, however, remains challenging and the application of such mapping techniques to clinical ablation has yet to demonstrate a significant benefit beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone in the persistent AF cohort. Recent advances in catheter and ablation technology have centered on improving the durability of ablation lesions at index procedure and although encouraging results have been demonstrated with early studies, large-scale trials are awaited. Further meaningful improvement in clinical outcomes in the persistent AF population requires ongoing advancement in the understanding of AF mechanisms, coupled with continuing progress in catheter technology capable of delivering durable transmural lesions.
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