scholarly journals Orientation of the right superior pulmonary vein affects outcome after pulmonary vein isolation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Vecsey-Nagy ◽  
N Szegedi ◽  
J Simon ◽  
B Szilveszter ◽  
M Kolossvary ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Aims Controversial results have been published regarding the influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomical variations on outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, no data is available on the impact of PV orientation on the long-term success rates of point-by-point PVI. We sought to determine the impact of PV anatomy and orientation on atrial fibrillation (AF)-free survival in patients undergoing PVI using the radiofrequency point-by-point technique. Methods and results We retrospectively included 448 patients who underwent initial point-by-point radiofrequency ablation for AF at our department. Left atrial CT-angiography (CTA) was performed before each procedure. PV anatomical variations, ostial parameters (area, effective diameter and eccentricity), orientation and their associations with 24-month AF-free survival were analyzed. PV anatomical variations and ostial parameters were not predictive for AF-free survival (all p > 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that female sex (p = 0.025) was associated with higher rates of AF recurrence, ventral-caudal (p = 0.002), dorsal-cranial (p = 0.034) and dorsal-caudal (p = 0.042) orientation of the right superior PV (RSPV), on the other hand, showed an association with lower rates of AF recurrence, as compared to the reference ventral-cranial orientation. On multivariate analysis, both female sex [odds ratio(OR) 1.83, 95% CI 1.15-2.93, p = 0.011] and ventral-caudal RSPV orientation, compared with ventral-cranial orientation, proved to be independent predictors of 24-month AF recurrence (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.71, p = 0.003). Conclusion   Female sex and ventral-caudal RSPV orientation have an impact on long-term arrhythmia-free survival. Assessment of PV orientation may be a useful tool in predicting AF-free survival and may contribute to a more personalized management of AF.

Author(s):  
Nándor Szegedi ◽  
Milán Vecsey-Nagy ◽  
Judit Simon ◽  
Bálint Szilveszter ◽  
Szilvia Herczeg ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Controversial results have been published regarding the influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomical variations on outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, no data are available on the impact of PV orientation on the long-term success rates of point-by-point PVI. We sought to determine the impact of PV anatomy and orientation on atrial fibrillation (AF)-free survival in patients undergoing PVI using the radiofrequency point-by-point technique. Methods and results We retrospectively included 448 patients who underwent initial point-by-point radiofrequency ablation for AF at our department. Left atrial computed tomography angiography was performed before each procedure. PV anatomical variations, ostial parameters (area, effective diameter, and eccentricity), orientation, and their associations with 24-month AF-free survival were analysed. PV anatomical variations and ostial parameters were not predictive for AF-free survival (all P > 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that female sex (P = 0.025) was associated with higher rates of AF recurrence, ventral-caudal (P = 0.002), dorsal-cranial (P = 0.034), and dorsal-caudal (P = 0.042) orientation of the right superior PV (RSPV), on the other hand, showed an association with lower rates of AF recurrence, when compared with the reference ventral-cranial orientation. On multivariate analysis, both female sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.83, 95% CI 1.15–2.93, P = 0.011] and ventral-caudal RSPV orientation, compared with ventral-cranial orientation, proved to be independent predictors of 24-month AF recurrence (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19–0.71, P = 0.003). Conclusion Female sex and ventral-caudal RSPV orientation have an impact on long-term arrhythmia-free survival. Assessment of PV orientation may be a useful tool in predicting AF-free survival and may contribute to a more personalized management of AF.


EP Europace ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 567-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruhong Jiang ◽  
Minglong Chen ◽  
Bing Yang ◽  
Qiang Liu ◽  
Zuwen Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims The optimal procedural endpoint to achieve permanent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unknown. We aimed to compare the impact of prolonged waiting periods and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing after PVI on long-term freedom from AF. Methods and results In total, 538 patients (median age 61 years, 62% male) undergoing first-time radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized into four groups: Group 1 [PVI (no testing), n = 121], Group 2 (PVI + 30min waiting phase, n = 151), Group 3 (PVI+ATP, n = 131), and Group 4 (PVI + 30min+ATP, n = 135). The primary endpoint was freedom from AF. Repeat mapping to assess for late pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection was performed in patients who remained AF-free for >3 years (n = 46) and in those who had repeat ablation for AF recurrence (n = 82). During initial procedure, acute PV reconnection was observed in 33%, 26%, and 42% of patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. At 36 months, no significant differences in freedom from AF recurrence were observed among all four groups (55%, 61%, 50%, and 62% for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively; P = 0.258). Late PV reconnection was commonly observed, with a similar incidence between patients with and without AF recurrence (74% vs. 83%; P = 0.224). Conclusion Although PVI remains the cornerstone for AF ablation, intraprocedural techniques to assess for PV reconnection did not improve long-term success. Patients without AF recurrence after 3 years exhibited similarly high rates of PV reconnection as those that underwent repeat ablation for AF recurrence. The therapeutic mechanisms of AF ablation may not be solely predicated upon durable PVI.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Saberito ◽  
N Milstein ◽  
A Bhatt ◽  
M Habibi ◽  
T Sichrovsky ◽  
...  

Abstract Background At time of cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), some patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are on an antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) while others are not. The impact of AAD use at time of CB PVI on the duration of post-ablation blanking period (BP) is unknown. Objective To determine whether the optimal BP duration differs between pts who were and were not taking an AAD at time of CB PVI. Methods We enrolled consecutive pts with AF who had initial CB PVI; all pts had an implantable loop recorder (ILR). We prospectively followed all pts and determined the time to last AF episode during the 90-day post-PVI BP. This was then correlated with likelihood of having an AF recurrence between 3–12 months post-PVI. Results The cohort included 165 pts (66±9 years; 99 [60%] male; 91 [55%] PAF; CHA2DS2-VASc 2.7±1.6). An AAD was being used at some point prior to ablation in 120 (73%) pts. An AAD was being used at time of CB PVI in 92 (77%) of these 120 pts; this was stopped at a median of 80 [36, 105] days post-PVI. We defined 4 distinct groups: (1) no AF in 90-day BP (n=75 [45%]); (2) last AF within 30 days of PVI (n=32 [19%]); (3) last AF within 60 days of PVI (n=17 [10%]); and (4) last AF within 90 days of PVI (n=41 [25%]). Patients not exposed to an AAD prior to CB PVI had significantly lower likelihood of having no AF in the first 90-days post ablation (p=0.004, Figure). In contrast, if AF was observed post-ablation, as time from ablation to recurrence increased, so did likelihood of long-term failure from ablation (Figure); this relationship was not impacted by use of an AAD. Conclusion The best long-term outcomes post CB PVI are seen in pts who had no prior exposure to an AAD and had no AF within the first 90 days of ablation. Subsequently, as the time from ablation to AF recurrence increased within the 90-day BP, so did likelihood of recurrent AF during long-term follow-up, irrespective of whether an AAD was or was not used. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-68
Author(s):  
Svetla Dineva ◽  
Milko Stoyanov ◽  
Aneliya Partenova ◽  
Boyan Kunev ◽  
Victoria Stoyanova ◽  
...  

Anatomical variants of pulmonary venous drainage in the left atrium are often found. Divergent results have been reported on the impact of variant anatomy on atrial fi brillation (AF) recurrence after catheter ablation. We aimed to study the frequency of different anatomical variants of pulmonary venous drainage and their relationship with documented recurrences of AF after ablation. Material and methods: A retrospective study of patients with AF in whom radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation was done after previously performed cardiac contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography. Clinical and procedural characteristics, type and frequency of anatomical variants of the veno-atrial junction and their association with AF recurrences were studied. Results: One hundred seventy-seven patients (112 men, 63.3%) with AF were studied, of which 148 (83.6%) with paroxysmal AF. Variant anatomy was found in 91 patients (51.4%). In 20.9% there was a common left trunk, in 23.2% – more or less than two right-sided veins, and in 7.3% – variations for both right and left veins. No differences in clinical and procedural characteristics were found between the groups with normal and variant anatomy. Recurrences of AF and their association with pulmonary venous anatomy were studied in 104 patients with follow-up ≥ 3 months. No signifi cant relation was found between the presence of variant anatomy and AF recurrences within the blinding period after ablation, OR = 0.864, 95% CI = 0.397 – 1.88, p = 0.843, nor afterwards, OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 0.5 – 2.5, p = 0.839. Cox regression analysis showed no differences in AF recurrence-free survival regardless of the anatomical variant of pulmonary venous drainage, HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.58 – 2.05, p = 0.779. Conclusion: In this local population of patients with AF, the incidence of variant pulmonary venous drainage is just over 50%. No association was found between variant anatomy and the rate of AF recurrences after fi rst pulmonary vein isolation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo D. Dallaglio ◽  
Timothy R. Betts ◽  
Matthew Ginks ◽  
Yaver Bashir ◽  
Ignasi Anguera ◽  
...  

The cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), which can be achieved in more than 95% of patients at the end of the procedure. However, AF recurrence rates remain high and are related to recovery of PV conduction. Adenosine testing is used to unmask dormant pulmonary vein conduction (DC). The aim of this study is to review the available literature addressing the role of adenosine testing and determine the impact of ablation at sites of PV reconnection on freedom from AF. Adenosine infusion, by restoring the excitability threshold, unmasks reversible injury that could lead to recovery of PV conduction. The studies included in this review suggest that adenosine is useful to unmask nontransmural lesions at risk of reconnection and that further ablation at sites of DC is associated with improvement in freedom from AF. Nevertheless it has been demonstrated that adenosine is not able to predict all veins at risk of later reconnection, which means that veins without DC are not necessarily at low risk. The role of the waiting period in the setting of adenosine testing has also been analyzed, suggesting that in the acute phase adenosine use should be accompanied by enough waiting time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Nascimento Matos ◽  
D Cavaco ◽  
G Rodrigues ◽  
J Carmo ◽  
M S Carvalho ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is a common cause of relapse after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, some patients have AF recurrence despite durable PV isolation. The aim of this study was to assess the PV isolation status at the time of a second catheter ablation (redo) procedure, and its relationship with subsequent AF relapse. Methods Consecutive patients with symptomatic drug-resistant AF who underwent redo procedures from January 2006 to December 2017 were identified in a single-center observational registry. Pulmonary vein isolation status was assessed during the electrophysiologic study with a circular mapping catheter. Additional radiofrequency (RF) energy applications were also recorded. AF relapse was defined as symptomatic or documented AF/atrial tachycardia/atrial flutter after a 3-month blanking period. Results We identified 240 patients (77 [32%] females, median age 61 [IQR 53–67] years, 85 [35%] with non-paroxysmal AF) undergoing redo procedures during the study period. At the time of redo, 17 (7%) of the patients presented bidirectional conduction block of all PVs. PV reconnection occurred in 157 (65%) of cases in the left superior vein, 142 (59%) in the left inferior vein, 177 (73%) in the right superior vein, and 163 (68%) in the right inferior vein (table). All of the PVs were reconducted in 91 (38%) patients. Additional RF applications were performed in the left atrium (LA) roof, LA posterior wall, cavotricuspid isthmus, mitral isthmus, superior vena cava, coronary sinus, and left atrial appendage ostium, at the operator's discretion (table 1). Over a median follow-up of 2-years (IQR 1–5), 126 patients (53%) suffered AF recurrence, yielding a mean relapse rate of 17%/year. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the lack of PV reconnection at the time of redo emerged as an independent predictor of subsequent relapse (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.12–3.49, p=0.019) even after adjustment for univariate predictors including non-paroxysmal AF, body mass index, female sex, and active smoking. Conclusion In patients undergoing redo AF ablation procedures, less than 10% present with complete PV isolation. Despite being relatively infrequent, this finding is independently associated with greater likelihood of subsequent recurrence, suggesting that other mechanisms, not fully addressed by additional RF applications, are at play.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
U Canpolat ◽  
D Kocyigit ◽  
M U Yalcin ◽  
C Coteli ◽  
Y Z Sener ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Currently available second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) is accepted as an effective and safe tool for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although much more data exists about 1-year outcomes of CB2 ablation, data on long-term outcomes are scarce. Objective: We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of PVI using CB2 in a large-scale symptomatic AF population at our tertiary referral center. Methods In this non-randomized prospective observational study, a total of 486 patients with paroxysmal (71%) or persistent (29%) AF who underwent index PVI using CB2 at our hospital between January 2013 and June 2017 were enrolled. Atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) free survival was defined as absence of AF, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia recurrence >30 s following 3-months blanking period. Predictors of recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results Acute procedural success rate was 99.8% (1898/1902 PVs). Mean procedural and fluoroscopy time were 64.9±9.2 and 12.1±2.6, respectively. At median 39 (IQR: 26–56) months follow-up, ATa free survival was 78.6% after a single procedure (280/345 [81.2%] for paroxysmal AF vs 102/141 [72.3%] for persistent AF, p=0.019) and 84.4% after a mean 1.48±0.42 ablations.Cox regression analysis showed that left atrium diameter, duration of AF history and early ATa recurrence were found as the independent predictors of late recurrence. PNP was observed in 17 (3.5%) patients. Figure 1 Conclusions Second-generation CB based PVI is effective to maintain sinus rhythm in a significant proportion of paroxysmal and early persistent AF patients with an acceptable complication rates at long-term follow-up.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Musat ◽  
N Milstein ◽  
R Shaw ◽  
A Bhatt ◽  
M Preminger ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is increasingly being used in patients (pts) with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are limited data about the pattern of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence in these pts. Objective To assess, using an implantable loop recorder (ILR), the patterns of AF recurrence following CB PVI in pts with persistent atrial fibrillation. Methods We enrolled consecutive pts with persistent AF ablation undergoing their first CB ablation. Other cavotricuspid isthmus ablation when indicated, no other ablation was performed. A Reveal LINQ ILR (Medtronic) was implanted <3 months following ablation; all pts had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. The recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia was determined and adjudicated; 4 distinct AF patterns were characterized (Figure). Results We studied 64 pts (66±9 years; 50 [78%] male; CHA2DS2-VASc 2.6±1.9) with persistent AF; 52 (81%) pts were on an antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) peri-ablation. During 803±361 days of follow-up, 33 (52%) pts had their 1st AF recurrence 91–365 days post-ablation and another 17 (27%) pts had their 1st AF recurrence >365 days post-ablation. No AF was seen in 14 (31%) pts. Most pts (33 of 50, 66%) with AF recurrence presented with 1 of 3 distinct patterns of paroxysmal AF (Figure), which ranged from 22 min to 124 hours. In 2/3 of these pts, all AF recurrences lasted <24 hours. Only 17 (34%) pts recurred with persistent AF. Conclusion Following single CB PVI, most pts with persistent AF remained free of persistent AF during long-term follow-up. Most pts with recurrent AF have 1 of 3 distinct patterns with episodes commonly last <24 hours. These data suggest that CB PVI ablation may halt AF progression in pts initially presenting with persistent AF.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Guhl ◽  
Donald Siddoway ◽  
Evan Adelstein ◽  
Samir Saba ◽  
Andrew Voigt ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has emerged as an alternative to radiofrequency PVI for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The optimal ablation strategy for patients with persistent AF is unclear, as data on Cryoballoon PVI alone are limited. Methods: We analyzed a prospective registry of consecutive patients with persistent AF who underwent Cryoballoon PVI at a single center between 2011 and 2014. Patients were assessed for AF recurrence (including any atrial arrhythmia) after a 3 month blanking period at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and as needed for symptoms post PVI. Recurrence was based on typical symptoms or ECG/ event monitor evidence of AF. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate AF-free survival. Results: The 69 patients who underwent Cryoballoon PVI were aged 59 ± 8 years, 86% male, 54% HTN, had a CHADS2-VASC score 1.6 ± 1.2, and had a LA dimension 4.5 ± 0.6 cm. The AF recurrence-free rate at 1-year post-procedure was 59%. Overall, AF-free survival was 50% at the mean follow-up of 607 days. In comparing patients with persistent AF duration <1 year vs. >1 year, there was a trend toward greater AF recurrence-free rates in the <1 year group (66% vs 55%, p=0.09) Conclusions: Cryoballoon PVI appears to be an effective initial strategy in treating persistent AF, with an AF recurrence-free rate of 59% at 1 year.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Musat ◽  
NS Milstein ◽  
M Saberito ◽  
A Bhatt ◽  
M Habibi ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB) is an accepted method for ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A three-month blanking period (BP) is commonly used in clinical trials and practice. However, the actual BP duration in patients (pts) on an antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) at time of ablation remains undefined. Objective To objectively define the BP duration in pts undergoing CB while taking an AAD. Methods We enrolled consecutive pts with AF who had CB PVI while on an AAD. All pts had an implantable loop recorder (ILR). We prospectively followed all pts and determined the time to last AF episode during the 90-day post-PVI BP. This was then correlated with likelihood of having an AF recurrence between 3-12 months post-PVI. Results The cohort included 92 pts (66 ± 10 years; 62 [67%] male; 33 [36%] PAF; CHA2DS2-VASc 2.6 ± 1.7). AADs used included dofetilide (42), dronedarone (14), amiodarone (25), sotalol and propafenone (3 each), and flecainide (5). The AAD was stopped at a median of 80 [36, 105] days post-PVI.  We defined 4 distinct groups: (1) no AF in 90-day BP (n = 45 [49%]); (2) last AF within 30 days of PVI (n = 17 [18%]); (3) last AF within 60 days of PVI (n = 13 [15%]); and (4) last AF within 90 days of PVI (n = 17 [18%]). Following the 90-day BP, 47 (51%) pts had a recurrence of AF. Once recurrent AF was observed &gt; 30 days post-ablation, patients had high likelihood of having a long term AF recurrence (p = 0.037, Figure). Conclusion Our data suggest that the optimal BP duration in AF patients undergoing CB PVI while taking an AAD is 30 days. An AF recurrence after 30 days is associated with a very high likelihood of recurrent AF during longer-term follow-up. Abstract Figure.


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