scholarly journals Improving pulmonary vein isolation during cryoballoon ablation using the re-look angiography technique

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Reichert ◽  
E Tomaiko ◽  
M Patel ◽  
M Zawaneh ◽  
P Weiss ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation is contact-dependent. Currently, occlusion assessment using the cryoballoon is most commonly performed using contrast venogram prior to ablation. However, there is a known difference in balloon size/shape between the inflated and ablation state, due to significant increase in cryoballoon pressure, which can cause potential undetected leak and, thus, failure of PV isolation. This phenomenon is currently not detected using standard techniques and effectiveness of mitigation techniques have not been assessed. Purpose We hypothesize that repeat injection of contrast five seconds after the initiation of cryoballoon ablation can be used to assess changes in shape and confirm ongoing occlusion during ablation; the re-look angiography technique. The incidence of PVI leak and the ability for the relook angiography to remedy the leak is assessed. Methods A total of 125 patients (440 PVs) undergoing cryoballoon ablation (Medtronic Arctic Front Advance Balloon™) were assessed using the re-look angiography technique unless they required occlusion with a segmental approach. Fifteen patients were excluded from contrast use due to renal insufficiency. Results Successful single occlusion was seen in 330 (75%) PVs and the re-look angiography technique was employed in each of those events. In 180 of the 330 (55%) single PV occlusions, a new PV leak undetected during the initial PV angiogram was identified. This prompted repositioning of the balloon to achieve complete PV isolation in 85 of 180 of the PV cases, with 95 of the cases requiring additional segmental ablation to complete full PV isolation. Conclusion A significant amount of insufficient PV antral contact during cryo-ablation may not be detected with conventional single PV angiography and may explain inadequate PV isolation. The re-look angiography technique is a simple tool to confirm robust balloon contact and guide repositioning as well as identify the need for additional segmental ablation. Additional follow up is needed for translation to improved clinical outcomes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4S) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
T. Y. Chichkova ◽  
S. E. Mamchur ◽  
E. A. Khomenko

Aim. To estimate the clinical success of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods.230 patients (males: 49.6%, mean age 57 (53; 62) with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) resistant to antiarrhythmic therapy were included in a single-center prospective study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups to undergo either cryoballoon ablation (n = 122) or radiofrequency (RF) (n = 108) ablation. Both groups were comparable in baseline parameters. The follow-up period was 12 months. Clinical outcomes were estimated with the use of a three-stage scale. The rates of cardiovascular rehospitalizations, direct-current cardioversions and repeated ablations during were estimated within the follow-up. The quality of life (QoL) in the cryoablation group was measured using the AFEQT scale.Results.77% (n = 94) of patients in the cryoballoon ablation group and 71.3% (n = 77) of patients in the RF group (р = 0.71) demonstrated reported the optimal clinical effects. Both groups, cryo ablation and RF ablation, had similar rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations (23.8 vs 28.7%, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4–1.4; р = 0.39), direct-current cardioversions (12.3 vs 17.6%, OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.4; р = 0.26) and repeated ablations (9.8–11.1%, OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4–2.0; р = 0.75). The patients treated with cryoballoon as opposed to RF ablation had significantly more successful usage of “pill-in-pocket” strategy – 14.8 vs 6.5% (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.01–6.2; р = 0.04). Significant improvements of the QoL parameters with strong size effect have been found in the cryoablation group, i.e. global score (GS) increased by 8.9±6.9 (95% CI 6.6–10.1; dCohen 1.2; р<0.001), symptoms (S) – by 8.3±7.9 (95% CI 4.2–8.8; dCohen 1.5; р<0.001), daily activities (DA) – by 10.0±6.9 (95% CI = 6.4–10.6; dCohen 0.9; р<0.001), treatment concerns (TC) – by 5.5±6.0 (95% CI 6.3–9.2; dCohen 1.2; р<0.001) and treatment satisfaction (TS) – by 5.5±6.0 (95% CI 5.4–9.8; dCohen 0.9; р<0.001).Conclusion.The both catheter-based technologies had comparable clinical success. Cryoablation was characterized by improvement in all QoL parameters based on the AFEQT score.


Heart Rhythm ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 673-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Ciconte ◽  
Carlo de Asmundis ◽  
Juan Sieira ◽  
Giulio Conte ◽  
Giacomo Di Giovanni ◽  
...  

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O H M A Riad ◽  
T Wong ◽  
A N Ali ◽  
M T Ibrahim ◽  
M A Abdelhamid ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the mainstay of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). There are two commonly used methods to isolate the pulmonary veins, either point-by-point delivery of circumferential lesion sets around ipsilateral pulmonary veins using radiofrequency energy, or the application of the cryoballoon to the pulmonary vein antrum with occlusion of the vein ostium. The cryoballoon has proven to be a reliable alternative to radiofrequency ablation in acute and long-term freedom from AF. We describe our results using both modalities. Aim and Objectives to compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon (CB) ablation and radiofrequency (RF) ablation in treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Patients and Methods Forty-four consecutive patients having paroxysmal AF underwent PVI using the second generation cryoballoon were compared to a retrospective cohort of 69 patients who had radiofrequency induced PVI, either by conventional RF catheter (n = 32), or a contact-force sensing-catheter (n = 37). The study took place at Ain Shams university hospitals and Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS trust. Patient data, procedural data and follow up data- at 3, 6 and 12 months- were collected and analysed. Recurrence was defined as documented AF or atrial arrhythmias with duration exceeding 30 seconds, either by 12 lead ECG or an ambulatory monitoring device. Results A total of 113 patients were studied. The mean age was 53.84 ± 15.01 for the CB group and 55.78 ± 14.84 for the RF group and females representing 40.9% vs 34.8% respectively. The mean procedural times in minutes were significantly less in the CB group (94.37 ± 39.32 vs 184.57 ± 88.19, p &lt; 0.0001), while the median fluoroscopy times were similar [30 (11.04 - 40) vs 37.25 (14.2 - 70), p = 0.172]. Procedural complications were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.06) with 1 patient (2.3%) having long term phrenic nerve paresis. At 1 year follow up, after an initial 90-day blanking period, recurrence rate of CB was similar to RF (27.3% vs 30.4% respectively, p = 0.719), the Kaplan Meier estimates of AF- free survival for a period of 1 year were comparable between both groups (log rank test, p = 0.606). Conclusion Cryoballoon is a feasible method for pulmonary vein isolation with similar success rates to radiofrequency ablation. Cryoballoon ablation is safe with shorter duration of the procedure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karapet V. Davtyan ◽  
Arpi H. Topchyan ◽  
Hakob A. Brutyan ◽  
Elena N. Kalemberg ◽  
Maria S. Kharlap ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA) after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation do not predict procedural failure. A well-demarcated homogeneous lesion delivered by cryoballoon is less arrhythmogenic, and the recommended three-months blanking period may not refer to cryoballoon ablation (CBA). Objective We aimed to evaluate the predictive role of ERAA after second-generation CBA using an implantable loop recorder. Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 100 patients (58 males, median age 58) with paroxysmal/persistent AF undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) CBA using second-generation cryoballoon with simultaneous ECG loop recorder implantation. The duration of follow-up was 12 months, with scheduled visits at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results 99 patients from 100 completed the 12-month follow-up period. ERAA occurred in 31.3 % of patients. 83.9 % of patients with ERAA also developed late recurrences. The 12-month freedom from AF in patients with ERAA was significantly lower than in those without ERAA (p < 0.0001). Non-paroxysmal AF and longer arrhythmia history were associated with increased risk of both early (HR 3.27; 95 % CI 1.32–8.08; p = 0.010 and HR 1.0147; 95 % CI 1.008–1.086; p = 0.015, respectively) and late recurrences (HR 3.89; 95 % CI 1.67–9.04; p = 0.002 and HR 1.0142; 95 % CI 1.007–1.078; p = 0.019, respectively) of AF. ERAA were another predictor for procedural failure (HR 15.2; 95 % CI (6.42–35.99; p = 0.019). Conclusions ERAA occurred in the third of the patients after PV second-generation CBA and are strongly associated with procedural failure. Longer duration of AF history and persistent AF are independent predictors of AF’s early and late recurrence.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan J. Davies ◽  
Nick Jackson ◽  
Malcolm Barlow ◽  
James Leitch

Open Heart ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Zeljkovic ◽  
Sven Knecht ◽  
Nikola Pavlovic ◽  
Umut Celikyrut ◽  
Florian Spies ◽  
...  

IntroductionMyocardial injury markers such as high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) reflects the amount of myocardial injury with ablation. The aim of the study was to identify the value of myocardial injury markers to predict outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using three different ablation technologies.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing PVI using a standard 3.5 mm irrigated-tip radiofrequency catheter (RF-group), an irrigated multielectrode radiofrequency catheter (IMEA-group) and a second-generation cryoballoon (CB-group) were analysed. Blood samples to measure injury markers were taken before and 18–24 hours after the ablation. Procedural complications were collected and standardised follow-up was performed. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of recurrence and complications.Results96 patients (RF group: n=40, IMEA-group: n=17, CB-group: n=39) undergoing PVI only were analysed (82% male, age 59±10 years). After a follow-up of 12 months, atrial fibrillation (AF) recurred in 45% in the RF-group, 29% in the IMEA-group and 36% in the CB-group (p=0.492). Symptomatic pericarditis was observed in 20% of patients in the RF-group, 15% in the IMEA-group and 5% in the CB-group (p=0.131). None of the injury markers was predictive of AF recurrence or PV reconnection after a single procedure. However, hs-cTnT was identified as a predictor of symptomatic pericarditis (OR: 1.003 [1.001 to 1.005], p=0.015).ConclusionHs-cTnT and CK-MB were significantly elevated after PVI, irrespective of the ablation technology used. None of the myocardial injury markers were predictive for AF recurrence or PV reconnection, but hs-cTnT release predicts the occurrence of symptomatic pericarditis after PVI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 4283
Author(s):  
E. N. Kalemberg ◽  
K. V. Davtyan ◽  
O. V. Blagova ◽  
E. A. Kogan ◽  
A. G. Topchyan ◽  
...  

Aim. To study the association between morphological changes and comorbidities and atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation efficacy, and to evaluate morphological predictors of AF recurrence in patients with durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) after catheter intervention.Material and methods. Fifty-four patients with paroxysmal/persistent AF without severe structural heart disease were enrolled in this study who underwent primary pulmonary vein cryoballoon ablation (CBA) with simultaneous implantation of an electrocardiogram loop recorder (Medtronic Reveal XT) and interatrial/interventricular septum biopsy. The follow-up duration was 12 months with scheduled 3, 6 and 12 month visits. Patients with recurrent AF were referred for redo procedure, where the PVI durability was assessed. The follow-up duration after the second procedure was also 12 months. The patients were divided into two groups: patients without recurrent AF and patients with recurrent AF after two catheter interventions.Results. In interventricular septum biopsy samples we found the morphological criteria of myocarditis in 70% of the patients (n=34). Individual morphological changes were detected in all patients. The most common types were cardiomyocyte hypertrophy — 98,1% (n= 52), overcrossing of cardiomyocytes — 77,4% (n=41) and lymphohistiocytic infiltration of the interstitium by more than 14 cells — 75,5% (n=40). Patients with persistent AF were significantly more likely to have endothelial cell swelling (55% vs 45%, p=0,022). Interstitial tissue edema was the only morphological parameter significantly associated with AF recurrence (p=0,03).Conclusion. In patients with AF and no structural heart disease who underwent drug-resistant AF cryoballoon ablation, morphological changes in the myocardium of the atria and ventricles are detected in 100% of cases. The predominant biopsy diagnosis is myocarditis. Morphological signs of the inflammatory process activity, as interstitial tissue edema are associated with the high incidence of non-venous AF. Further preoperative evaluation is needed to identify patients with non-venous atrial fibrillation, which will increase the effectiveness of interventional approach.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 204-205
Author(s):  
Gongru Wang ◽  
Yingyao Chen ◽  
Lizheng Shi ◽  
Danni Chen ◽  
Hui Sun

INTRODUCTION:Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a new effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) (1). The standard of care for ablation methods using radiofrequency (RF) is time-consuming and technically challenging (2), and restricted to a few specialized centers, which causes the limited availability of ablation therapy (3). Therefore, cryoballoon (CB) ablation has been developed to shorten and simplify the procedure. The objective of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of AF.METHODS:We searched the Cochrane Library and PubMed from 2009 to October 2016 to screen the eligible literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effectiveness measures were the acute pulmonary vein (PV) isolation rate, procedure time, complications and the proportion of patients free from AF (follow-up > 3 months). Meta-analysis and descriptive statistics were used in this study.RESULTS:A total of seventeen articles with 5,806 cases (2,288 from CBA group, 3,518 from RFA group) from seven different countries were reviewed and analyzed. Pooled analyses indicated that CBA was more beneficial in terms of procedural time (Standard mean difference, SMD = -.501; 95%CI: -.893– -.109; P<.05) for RFA; but the acute PV isolation rate (Odds ratio, OR = .06; 95 percent Confidence Interval, CI: .03–.13; P < .05) in RFA was higher than for CBA; also, after median follow-up of 14 months (range 9–28 months), the proportion of patients free from AF (OR = .965; 95 percent CI:.859—1.085; P = .554) and the total complication rates (OR = .937; 95 percent CI:.753–1.167; P = .562) were not significantly different between CBA and RFA.In the four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the seventeen studies, the proportion of patients free from AF (OR = .951; 95 percent CI:.752–1.202; P = .672) and the complications (OR = 1.521; 95 percent CI:.570–4.058; P = .402) were not significantly different between CBA and RFA.CONCLUSIONS:Overall, compared with RFA for the treatment of patients with AF, CBA had similar clinical effectiveness on the proportion of people free from AF and the number of complications, and yet greater improvement in total procedure time referred for CBA and higher acute PVI rate referred for RFA.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Yano ◽  
M Nishino ◽  
H Nakamura ◽  
Y Matsuhiro ◽  
K Yasumura ◽  
...  

Abstract Background High sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI), subunit of cardiac troponin complex, is a sensitive and specific marker of myocardium injury as troponin T. Several studies showed hs-TnI was associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes but relationship between serum hs-TnI level in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and AF recurrence remains unclear. Methods We enrolled 444 consecutive AF patients who underwent PVI from May 2017 to September 2018. We investigated the difference of relationship between serum hs-TnI, inflammation markers at 48 hours after PVI and early or late recurrence of AF (ERAF, <3 months and LRAF, during 1 year after PVI in patients with AF) between radiofrequency ablation (RFA) group and cryoballoon ablation (CBA) group. Results RFA and CBA were performed in 328 and 116 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between RFA group and CBA group. Serum hs-TnI in RFA group was significantly lower than in CBA group (1.93 ng/ml±3.28 vs 5.08 ng/ml±4.29, p<0.001), while hs-CRP was significantly higher in RFA group than CB group (1.97±2.38 mg/dl vs 1.10±0.84 mg/dl, p<0.001). The incidence of ERAF was similar between the two groups (RFA group: 26.8% and CBA group: 21.6%, p=0.262). There was no significant difference of hs-TnI and hs-CRP between patients with ERAF and without ERAF (table). In 213 patients who were followed during 1 year (PVIs were performed from May 2017 to January 2018, RFA 149 and CBA 64 patients), there was no significant association between hs-TnI, hs-CRP and incidence of LRAF (table). TnI and CRP between RFA and CBA RFA (n=328) CBA (n=116) P value hs-TnI 1.93±3.28 5.08±4.29 <0.001 hs-CRP 1.97±2.38 1.10±0.84 <0.001 3 months follow-up RFA (n=328) CBA (n=116) ERAF (+) ERAF (−) P value ERAF (+) ERAF (−) P value hs-TnI 1.68±1.90 2.02±3.66 0.410 5.03±3.17 5.10±4.56 0.943 hs-CRP 2.23±2.65 1.88±2.27 0.238 1.01±0.84 1.13±0.85 0.524 1 year follow-up RFA (n=149) CBA (n=64) LRAF (+) LRAF (−) P value LRAF (+) LRAF(−) P value hs-TnI 1.61±1.77 1.87±2.69 0.570 4.71±2.14 5.60±5.69 0.664 hs-CRP 2.18±2.24 1.92±2.24 0.550 1.12±0.64 1.12±0.98 0.991 Conclusion CBA may cause more myocardial injury than RFA, on the contrary RFA may cause more inflammation than CBA. These markers did not affect ERAF and LRAF after PVI.


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