P2848Electrical reconnections after pulmonary vein isolation with or without contact force-guided catheters: a comparison of the proficiency of atrial fibrillation ablation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Fujimoto ◽  
K Yodogawa ◽  
Y Iwasaki ◽  
M Hachisuka ◽  
R Mimuro ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is the most commonly performed catheter ablation (CA) procedure today. The 2015 ACC/AHA/HRS Advanced Training Statement reported that the success rate of AF ablation is higher in high-volume centers than in low-volume centers. We tested whether the procedure proficiency of each operator was associated with the outcome of AF ablation, and whether the ablation outcome depended on whether contact force (CF)-guided catheters were used or not, in a high-volume center. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study including all AF patients who underwent radiofrequency CA with or without CF support since 2016 at our hospital. The patients who underwent CA at other hospitals or underwent a balloon or surgical ablation in the first session were excluded. Each ipsilateral pulmonary vein (PV) pair was divided into 8 segments. The reconnection numbers and sites of the PV segment were evaluated in the second session. Operators were divided into the experienced group (≥100 AF cases/year, at least every 3 years) and developing group (other than the experienced group), respectively. Results Among 728 patients who underwent an initial AF ablation and were followed for 510±306 days, 131 (90 males, 65±10 years) received a second ablation procedure and were analyzed. A total of 260 and 264 PV isolations (PVI) were performed by the experienced and developing group operators in the initial ablation, respectively. Compared to the experienced group, the developing group had a longer procedure time for the PVI (35±15 vs. 28±10 min, p<0.001), higher frequency of reconnections of the PVs (73% vs. 59%, p=0.01) and higher number of reconnection gaps (2.1±2.0 vs. 1.5±2.0, p=0.02), respectively. There were no significantly differences in the number of gaps between the catheters with and without CF (1.6±2.0 vs. 1.4±2.0, p=0.65) in the experienced group, however, in the developing group a smaller total number of gaps (1.5±1.6 vs. 2.4±2.1, p=0.006) and less frequency reconnection gaps of the posterosuperior segment of the right PV (10% vs. 45%, p=0.005) were seen with catheters with CF than without. There was no significant difference in the procedure time for the PVI between catheters with and without CF. Conclusions The operator proficiency may predict the outcome after AF ablation even in high-volume centers. It is preferable to perform PVI with a CF-sensing catheter for operators without adequate proficiency. Acknowledgement/Funding JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP18K15865

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kohki Nakamura ◽  
Shigeto Naito ◽  
Takehito Sasaki ◽  
Kentaro Minami ◽  
Eri Goto ◽  
...  

Purpose: To prospectively investigate the differences in pulmonary vein reconnections (PVRs) and clinical outcomes between contact force (CF)-guided and conventional circumferential PV isolation (CPVI) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: A total of 120 consecutive AF patients (63±10 years; 88 males) undergoing an initial CPVI were randomized to ablation with a target CF of 20g (CF-group; n=60) or that with operators blinded to the CF information (Blind-group; n=60). The right and left CPVI lines were each divided into 12 segments, and the occurrence of PVRs and CF-related parameters were evaluated in each segment. Time-dependent and adenosine-dependent PVRs were assessed twice during the procedure, just after completing the CPVI and at the end of the procedure. Results: The CF-group had significantly fewer PVRs (0.67±0.91/patient vs. 1.16±1.16/patient; P=0.007), a higher percentage of adenosine-dependent transient PVRs (60.5% vs. 28.8%; P=0.001), and lower percentage of persistent PVRs than the Blind-group. The mean CF was higher in the CF-group than in the Blind-group (Median, 18.0g vs. 16.1g; P<0.001), with the most significant difference observed along the posterior right-sided PVs (P-RPVs) and anterior left-sided PVs (A-LPVs). In multiple logistic regression models, the mean CF was a negative predictor of PVRs along the P-RPVs and A-LPVs in the Blind-group (odds ratios, 0.728 and 0.786; P<0.001 and 0.007), while no significant predictor was identified in the CF-group or along the anterior RPVs and posterior LPVs in the Blind-group. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the arrhythmia-free survival rate at 12 months was 91.2% in the CF-group (29.8% with antiarrhythmic drugs [AADs]) and 89.4% in the Blind-group (21.1% with AADs), respectively (P=0.596). Conclusions: CF-guided CPVI can reduce PVRs and result in a higher percentage of adenosine-dependent transient PVRs, and may be particularly beneficial along regions where a relatively low CF tends to be applied: the P-RPVs and A-LPVs. The comparable clinical outcomes may be due to (1) the learning curve effect obtained by the CF-guided technique, which improved the ablation electrode-tissue contact in the Blind-group, and (2) repeated provocation and elimination of dormant PV conduction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Di Cori ◽  
L Segreti ◽  
G Zucchelli ◽  
S Viani ◽  
F Tarasco ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Contact force catheter ablation is the gold standard for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Local tissue impedance (LI) evaluation has been recently studied to evaluate lesion formation during radiofrequency ablation. Purpose Aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of an irrigated catether with LI alghorithm compared to contact force (CF)-sensing catheters in the treatment of symptomatic AF. Methods A prospective, single-center, nonrandomized study was conducted, to compare outcomes between CF-AF ablation (Group 1) and LI-AF ablation (Group 2). For Group 1 ablation was performed using the Carto 3© System with the SmartTouch SF catheter and, as ablation target, an ablation index value of 500 anterior and 400 posterior. For Group 2, ablation was performed using the Rhythmia™ System with novel ablation catheter with a dedicated algorithm (DirectSense) used to measure LI at the distal electrode of this catheter. An absolute impedance drop greater than 20Ω was used at each targeted. According to the Close Protocol, ablation included a point by point pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with an Inter-lesion space ≤5 mm in both Groups. Procedural endpoint was PVI, with confirmed bidirectional block. Results A total of 116 patients were enrolled, 59 patients in Group 1 (CF) and 57 in Group 2 (LI), 65 (63%) with a paroxismal AF and 36 (37%) with a persistent AF. Baseline patients features were not different between groups (P=ns). LI-Group showed a comparable procedural time (180±89 vs 180±56, P=0.59) but with a longer fluoroscopy time (20±12 vs 13±9 min, P=0.002). Wide antral isolation was more often observed in CF-Group (95% vs 80%, P=0.022), while LI-Group 2 required frequently additional right or left carina ablation (28% vs 14%, P=0.013). The mean LI was 106±14Ω prior to ablation and 92.5±11Ω after ablation (mean LI drop of 13.5±8Ω) during a median RF time of 26 [19–34] sec for each ablation spot. No steam pops or complications during the procedures were reported. The acute procedural success was 100%, with all PVs successfully isolated in all study patients. Regarding safety, only minor vascular complications were observed (5%), without differences between groups (p=0.97). During follow up, 9-month freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter/atrial tachycardia recurrence was 86% in Group 1 and 75% in Group 2 (P=0.2). Conclusions An LI-guided PV ablation strategy seems to be safe and effective, with acute and mid-term outcomes comparable to the current contact force strategy. LI monitoring could be a promising complementary parameter to evaluate not only wall contact but also lesion formation during power delivery. Procedural Outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Weber ◽  
Sabine Fredersdorf ◽  
Clemens Jilek ◽  
Norbert Heinicke ◽  
Carsten Jungbauer ◽  
...  

Background: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most time consuming procedures in interventional electrophysiology. Currently, the selection of catheters and ablation techniques is still a matter of debate. Due to the rapidly increasing demand of ablation procedures, technical advances would be helpful to reduce complexity and procedure time in AF ablation. Therefore we investigated the feasibility of a novel decapolar ablation catheter (PVAC) combined with a duty-cycled, low-power RF generator for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. The system does not require 3D mapping and is the first to enable mapping, pacing and circular as well as segmental ablation with a single catheter. Methods: AF mapping and ablation was performed in 15 consecutive patients with intermittent AF (mean age 58±12 years, 6 males) using the PVAC- catheter. To visualize the pulmonary vein anatomy, CT or MRI scan was performed in addition to PV angiography before ablation procedure. Additionally all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial (LA) thrombi. Ablation procedure was performed by introducing the PVAC to the LA via single transseptal puncture. An optimal and stable catheter position for mapping and ablation was achieved by using a steerable sheath and an over the wire technique. RF energy was typically delivered for 60s for circular and 30 to 60s for segmental ablations. Ablation success was defined by disappearance of PV signals and complete exit block obtained by PVAC stimulation. Results: Isolation of all four PVs could be achieved in 59/60 veins (98%). A very small and hypoplastic right inferior PV could not be reached. The median RF application time until all PV were isolated successfully was 23±7 min. First half of ablations were performed by circular RF application, second half with segmental applications until isolation. Procedure time for ablation was 81±14 min. Total fluoroscopy time was 31±9 min. There were no procedural complications. Conclusion: Mapping and ablation of pulmonary veins can be performed safe and fast, with low procedure times using a single catheter without 3D navigation or assisted steering. Thus this system may be of high interest not only for high volume but all centers performing AF ablation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zak Loring ◽  
DaJuanicia N. Holmes ◽  
Roland A. Matsouaka ◽  
Anne B. Curtis ◽  
John D. Day ◽  
...  

Background: Catheter ablation is an increasingly used treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are limited prospective, nationwide data on patient selection and procedural characteristics. This study describes patient characteristics, techniques, treatment patterns, and safety outcomes of patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods: A total of 3139 patients undergoing AF ablation between 2016 and 2018 in the Get With The Guidelines-Atrial Fibrillation registry from 24 US centers were included. Patient demographics, medical history, procedural details, and complications were abstracted. Differences between paroxysmal and patients with persistent AF were compared using Pearson χ 2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results: Patients undergoing AF ablation were predominantly male (63.9%) and White (93.2%) with a median age of 65. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (67.6%), and patients with persistent AF had more comorbidities than patients with paroxysmal AF. Drug refractory, paroxysmal AF was the most common ablation indication (class I, 53.6%) followed by drug refractory, persistent AF (class I, 41.8%). Radiofrequency ablation with contact force sensing was the most common ablation modality (70.5%); 23.7% of patients underwent cryoballoon ablation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 94.6% of de novo ablations; the most common adjunctive lesions included left atrial roof or posterior/inferior lines, and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Complications were uncommon (5.1%) and were life-threatening in 0.7% of cases. Conclusions: More than 98% of AF ablations among participating sites are performed for class I or class IIA indications. Contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation is the dominant technique and pulmonary vein isolation the principal lesion set. In-hospital complications are uncommon and rarely life-threatening.


EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 1480-1486
Author(s):  
Philipp Hoffmann ◽  
Ivan Diaz Ramirez ◽  
Gerd Baldenhofer ◽  
Karl Stangl ◽  
Lluís Mont ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims While the CLOSE protocol proposes a maximally tolerable interlesion distance (ILD) of 6 mm for ablation index ablation index-guided atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, a target ILD has never been defined. This randomized study sought to establish a target ILD for ablation index-guided AF ablation. Methods and results Consecutive patients scheduled for first-time pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) were randomly assigned to ablation protocols with a target ILD of 5.0–6.0 mm or 3.0–4.0 mm, with the primary endpoint of first-pass PVI. In compliance with the CLOSE protocol, the maximum tolerated ILD was 6.0 mm in both study protocols. A target ablation index of ≥550 (anterior) or ≥400 (posterior) was defined for the ‘5–6 mm’ protocol and ≥500 (anterior) or ≥350 (posterior) for the ‘3–4 mm’ protocol. The study was terminated early for superiority of the ‘3–4 mm’ protocol. Forty-two consecutive patients were randomized and 84 ipsilateral PV pairs encircled according to the study protocol. First-pass PVI was accomplished in 35.0% of the ‘5–6 mm’ group and 90.9% of the ‘3–4 mm’ group (P &lt; 0.0001). Median ILD was 5.2 mm in the ‘5–6 mm’ group and 3.6 mm in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (P &lt; 0.0001). In line with the distinct ablation index targets, median ablation index was lower in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (416 vs. 452, P &lt; 0.0001). While mean procedure time was shorter in the ‘3–4 mm’ group (149 ± 27 vs. 167 ± 33min, P = 0.004), fluoroscopy times did not differ significantly (4.7 ± 2.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.8 min, P = 0.565). Conclusion In ablation index-guided AF ablation, an ILD of 3.0–4.0 mm should be targeted rather than 5.0–6.0 mm. Moreover, the lower target ILD may allow for less extensive ablation at each given point.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e000058
Author(s):  
Joseph G Akar ◽  
James P Hummel ◽  
Xiaoxi Yao ◽  
Lindsey Sangaralingham ◽  
Sanket Dhruva ◽  
...  

ObjectivesContact force-sensing catheters allow real-time catheter-tissue contact force monitoring during atrial fibrillation. These catheters were rapidly adopted into clinical practice following market introduction in 2014, but concerns have been raised regarding collateral damage such as esophageal injury. We sought to examine whether the introduction of force-sensing catheters was associated with a change in short-term and intermediate-term acute care use, complications and mortality following atrial fibrillation ablation.DesignRetrospective cohort analysis. We used inverse probability treatment weight matching to account for the differences in baseline characteristics between groups.SettingWe examined patients included in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse who underwent ablation for atrial fibrillation before (2011–2013) and after (2015–2017) the market introduction of contact force-sensing catheters.Main outcome measuresWe examined 30-day and 90-day rates of all-cause acute care use, including hospitalizations and emergency department visits, as well as death and hospitalization for catheter-related complications, including atrioesophageal fistula, pericarditis, cardiac tamponade/perforation and stroke/transient ischemic attack.ResultsOur sample included 3470 and 5772 patients who underwent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation before and after market introduction of contact force-sensing catheters, respectively. Complication rates were low and did not differ between the two periods (p>0.10 for each outcome). The 30-day and 90-day mortality was 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively after market introduction and unchanged from prior to 2014. The 90-day rates of all-cause acute care use decreased, from 27.0% in 2011–2013 to 23.9% in 2015–2017 (p<0.001).ConclusionsAF ablation-related catheter complications and mortality are low and there has been no significant change following the introduction of force-sensing catheters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Jing Wang ◽  
Huan Sun ◽  
Xiao-Fei Fan ◽  
Meng-Chao Zhang ◽  
Ping Yang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The ablation targets of atrial fibrillation (AF) are adjacent to bronchi and pulmonary arteries (PAs). We used computed tomography (CT) to evaluate the anatomical correlation between left atrium (LA)-pulmonary vein (PV) and adjacent structures. Methods Data were collected from 126 consecutive patients using coronary artery CT angiography. The LA roof was divided into three layers and nine points. The minimal spatial distances from the nine points and four PV orifices to the adjacent bronchi and PAs were measured. The distances from the PV orifices to the nearest contact points of the PVs, bronchi, and PAs were measured. Results The anterior points of the LA roof were farther to the bronchi than the middle or posterior points. The distances from the nine points to the PAs were shorter than those to the bronchi (5.19 ± 3.33 mm vs 8.62 ± 3.07 mm; P < .001). The bilateral superior PV orifices, especially the right superior PV orifices were closer to the PAs than the inferior PV orifices (left superior PV: 7.59 ± 4.14 mm; right superior PV: 4.43 ± 2.51 mm; left inferior PV: 24.74 ± 5.26 mm; right inferior PV: 22.33 ± 4.75 mm) (P < .001). Conclusions The right superior PV orifices were closer to the bronchi and PAs than other PV orifices. The ablation at the mid-posterior LA roof had a higher possibility to damage bronchi. CT is a feasible method to assess the anatomical adjacency in vivo, which might provide guidance for AF ablation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8s1 ◽  
pp. CMC.S15036 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Dewire ◽  
Irfan M. Khurram ◽  
Farhad Pashakhanloo ◽  
David Spragg ◽  
Joseph E. Marine ◽  
...  

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation is associated with left atrial (LA) fibrosis on late gadolinium enhanced (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We sought to determine pre-ablation, clinical characteristics that associate with the extent of LA fibrosis in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results Consecutive patients presenting for catheter ablation of AF were enrolled and underwent LGE-MRI prior to initial AF ablation. The extent of fibrosis as a percentage of total LA myocardium was calculated in all patients prior to ablation. The cohort was divided into quartiles based on the percentage of fibrosis. Of 60 patients enrolled in the cohort, 13 had <5% fibrosis (Group 1), 15 had 5-7% fibrosis (Group 2), 17 had 8-13% fibrosis (Group 3), and 15 had 14-36% fibrosis (Group 4). The extent of LA fibrosis was positively associated with time in continuous AF, and the presence of persistent or longstanding persistent AF. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the presence of comorbid conditions, age, BMI, LA volume, or family history of AF among the four groups. After adjusting for diabetes and hypertension in a multivariable linear regression model, paroxysmal AF remained independently and negatively associated with the extent of fibrosis (-4.0 ± 1.8, P = 0.034). Conclusion The extent of LA fibrosis in patients undergoing AF ablation is associated with AF type and time in continuous AF. Our results suggest that the presence and duration of AF are primary determinants of increased atrial LGE.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
ANL Hermans ◽  
P Van Duijnhoven ◽  
DVM Verhaert ◽  
S Philippens ◽  
M Lahaije ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. Nowadays frequently deployed invasive catheter ablation therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is unfortunately associated with distress such as preoperative anxiety. Improving preoperative patient information may lower anxiety towards AF ablation procedures. Purpose. To evaluate whether a lifelike 360˚ virtual reality (VR) patient information video decreases anxiety levels and improves patient preparation towards AF ablation as compared to standard preoperative patient information. Methods. Consecutive patients planned for AF ablation were recruited from the outpatient AF clinic and were randomized into two groups: the control group and the intervention group (VR group). The control group received standard preoperative information through oral counselling and information leaflets, the VR group received the standard information as well as a short dedicated 360˚ VR video (via in-hospital VR headset and disposable cardboard VR glasses for home use). Online questionnaires (aimed at information provision, anxiety and procedural experience) were administered both pre- and post-ablation. Results. A total of 103 patients (39.8% female, age 64 [58-71] years) were included in the analysis. The VR group (n = 58) reported to be clearly better informed about catheterization laboratory environment (78% vs. 73%) and the course of the procedure (82% vs. 78%), indicated fewer concerns about the procedure (47% vs. 55%) and were eager to learn even more (82% vs. 74%) as compared to controls (n = 45). However, there was no significant difference in the anxiety scores between the VR group and controls (10 [8-12] vs. 10 [8-14], p = 0.548). Home use of the video was satisfactory and resulted in discussion with relatives. Patient overall satisfaction was higher in VR group as compared to controls (84% vs. 81%). Conclusions. This study shows that a dedicated 360˚ VR video reduces concerns but does not reduce anxiety scores. Though, it easily improves procedural knowledge, patient information and patient satisfaction. Especially in times of remote patient care, this new way of informing patients may be of added value.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan L Musat ◽  
Nicolle S Milstein ◽  
Jacqueline Pimienta ◽  
Advay Bhatt ◽  
Tina C Sichrovsky ◽  
...  

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures to treat symptomatic AF. Ablation success is defined by absence of AF recurrence >30 seconds. However, reduction in AF burden (AFB) is also an important endpoint. Whether patients with paroxysmal (PAF) and persistent AF (PeAF) have similar reduction in AFB post-ablation is unknown. Objective: To compare the decrease in AFB following cryoballoon (CB) PVI in patients with PAF and PeAF. Methods: We enrolled consecutive pts with an implantable loop recorder (ILR) who subsequently underwent CB PVI. All patients were followed prospectively for at least one year, or until repeat ablation; we compared AFB pre and post-ablation. Results: The cohort included had 47 patients (66 ± 10 years; 32 [68%] male; PAF [n=23, 49%]; CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc 2.7 ± 1.7, 34 [72%] on AAD at the time of ablation). A median of 136 days [IQR 280, 73; minimum of 30 days] of ILR data pre-ablation were available. The median AFB for PAF was 4.7% [IQR 0.9, 14.8] and PeAF was 6.8% [IQR 1.1, 40.4]. After excluding a 3-month post-ablation blanking period, recurrent AF occurred in 12 (52%) PAF and 11 (46%) PeAF patients. The median AFB post-ablation for PAF and PeAF cohorts was 0.03%, [IQR 0, 0.3] and 0.04%, [IQR 0, 1.1], respectively. This represents a >99% reduction in AFB. Conclusion: Although 50% of patients undergoing CB PVI for PAF or PeAF had a recurrence of AF, there was >99% reduction in AFB in both groups. These data highlight the importance of using AFB burden as a marker of therapeutic efficacy post-AF ablation.


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