3D mapping for the identification of the fossa ovalis in left atrial ablation procedures: a pilot study of a first step towards an electroanatomic-guided transseptal puncture

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 732-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Eichenlaub ◽  
Reinhold Weber ◽  
Jan Minners ◽  
Hans-Jürgen Allgeier ◽  
Amir Jadidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
3D Mapping ◽  
Transseptal Puncture ◽  
Atrial Ablation ◽  
Vena Cava Superior ◽  
Mapping Catheter

Abstract Aims Transseptal puncture (TP) for left atrial (LA) catheter ablation procedures is routinely performed under fluoroscopic guidance. To decrease radiation exposure and increase safety alternative techniques are desirable. The aim of this study was to assess whether right atrial (RA) electroanatomic 3D mapping can reliably identify the fossa ovalis (FO) in preparation of TP. Methods and results Between May 2019 and August 2019, electroanatomic RA mapping was performed before TP in 61 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Three electroanatomic methods for FO identification, mapping catheter-induced FO protrusion, electroanatomic-guided analysis, and voltage mapping, were evaluated and compared with transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE). Mapping catheter-induced FO protrusion was feasible in 60 patients (98%) with a mean displacement of 6.8 ± 2.5 mm, confirmed by TOE, and proofed to be the most valuable and easiest marker for FO identification. Electroanatomic-guided analysis localized the FO midpoint consistently in the lower half (43 ± 7%) and posterior (18.2 ± 4.4 mm) to a line between coronary sinus and vena cava superior. Analysis of RA voltage maps during sinus rhythm (n = 40, low-voltage cut-off value 1.0 and 1.5 mV) allowed secure FO recognition in 33% and 18%, only. A step-by-step approach, combining FO protrusion (first step) with anatomy criteria in case of protrusion failure (second step) would have allowed for the correct localization of a TP site within the FO in all patients. Conclusion Right atrial electroanatomic 3D mapping prior to TP proofed to be a simple tool for FO identification and may potentially be of use in the safe and radiation-free performance of TP prior to LA ablation procedures.

scholarly journals Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: How Do You Perform? Left and Right Atrial Linear Ablation in Addition to Pulmonary Vein Isolation

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114
Author(s):  
Michele Brunelli ◽  
Mark Adrian Sammut
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Superior Vena ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Linear Ablation

Catheter ablation of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation is not yet clearly defined with respect to endpoints, and different ablative strategies are offered to patients. Presented here is an approach aiming at biatrial debulking in the form of extensive linear ablation, specifically targeting areas of low-voltage complex fractionated electrograms, in addition to pulmonary vein isolation. Its main advantage is that it is not dependent on operator/system variability, since the strategy of isolating the pulmonary veins, superior vena cava and left atrial posterior wall together with achievement of bidirectional block during linear ablation provides objective endpoints that can consistently be reproduced.

scholarly journals Transseptal puncture for ablation of atrial fibrillation in a patient with an implanted atrial flow regulator: a case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Cornelia Biller ◽  
Karlo Filipovic ◽  
Jakob Lüker ◽  
Daniel Steven
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Transseptal Puncture ◽  
First Case ◽  
Three Dimensional Mapping ◽  
Atrial Ablation ◽  
Flow Regulator

Abstract Background Atrial flow regulator (AFR) (Occlutech, Helsingborg, Sweden) are self-expanding, circular devices. A flexible waist in the centre connects the two discs and has a centrally located shunt. Case summary We report a case of an 80-year-old woman undergoing a repeat left atrial ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation with an implanted AFR. The AFR was implanted 1 year prior to the procedure for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction as part of the AFR-PRELIEVE trial. A single, fluoroscopy-guided, transseptal puncture was performed infero-posterior to the device, allowing the positioning of the mapping (LASSO® 20 mm, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and ablation (Thermocool Smarttouch SF, CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) catheter in the left atrium. Three-dimensional mapping (CARTO®, Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and left atrial ablation were successfully performed. After the procedure, fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography showed an unchanged device position. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transseptal puncture in a patient with an implanted AFR. Transseptal puncture in patients with an implanted AFR seems to be safe and feasible. With device diameters of 21–23 mm and based on previous studies on similar devices, transseptal puncture should be possible in most patients, as opposed to puncture through the device.

scholarly journals Left and right atrial appendage functional features as predictors for voltage-defined left atrial remodelling in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radoslaw Marek Kiedrowicz ◽  
Maciej Wielusinski ◽  
Andrzej Wojtarowicz ◽  
Jaroslaw Kazmierczak
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Flow Velocities

AbstractIt was hypothesised that left atrial (LA) fibrosis identified by the presence of low-voltage areas (LVA) may influence the mechanical and electrical function of the left (LAA) and right (RAA) atrial appendage among the long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) population. 140 consecutive patients underwent voltage mapping of LA with a multielectrode catheter following pulmonary vein isolation and restoration of sinus rhythm with cardioversion. Echocardiography determined LAA peak outflow and inflow velocities and intracardiac catheter-based mean LAA and RAA AF cycle length (AFCL) were obtained during AF before ablation. The impact of flow velocities and AFCL on the prevalence and location of LVA was further evaluated. LVA were detected in 54% of the patients. 14% of the patients presented severe global LVA burden > 20% of the total LA surface area. 29% of the patients presented a disseminated pattern of remodelling as 3 out of 5 LA segments were affected. LAA AFCL, RAA AFCL, LAA flow velocities did not predict the absolute presence of LVA. However LAA AFCL > 155 ms predicted disseminated LVA pattern and LAA AFCL > 165 ms severe LVA incidence. LAA AFCL > 155 ms was predictive for existence of LVA within antero-septal LA segments whilst LAA emptying velocity ≤ 0.2 m/s within lateral wall. Moreover RAA AFCL > 165 ms was strongly related to the presence of LAA AFCL > 15 ms and > 165 ms. LAA and RAA functional assessment was predictive of the presence of advanced stages of voltage-defined LA fibrosis and its regional distribution among LSPAF population

scholarly journals A case report of pulmonary vein isolation with radiofrequency catheter using superior vena cava approach in patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and inferior vena cava filter

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masatoshi Narikawa ◽  
Masayoshi Kiyokuni ◽  
Junya Hosoda ◽  
Toshiyuki Ishikawa
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Inferior Vena Cava ◽  
Left Atrium ◽  
Inferior Vena ◽  
Superior Vena ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
Ivc Filter ◽  
Transseptal Puncture ◽  
Mapping Catheter ◽  
Steerable Sheath

Abstract Background Transseptal puncture and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are generally performed via the inferior vena cava (IVC). However, in cases where the IVC is inaccessible, a specific strategy may be needed. Case summary An 86-year-old woman with paroxysmal AF and an IVC filter in situ was referred to our hospital for ablation therapy. An IVC filter for pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis had been implanted 15 years prior, therefore we selected a transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE)-guided transseptal puncture using a superior vena cava (SVC) approach. After the single transseptal puncture, we performed fast anatomical mapping, voltage mapping by multipolar mapping catheter, and then PVI by contact force-guided radiofrequency catheter using a steerable sheath. Following the ablation, bidirectional conduction block between the four pulmonary veins and the left atrium was confirmed by both radiofrequency and mapping catheter. No complications occurred and no recurrence of AF was documented in the 12 months after the procedure. Discussion When performing a transseptal puncture during AF ablation, an SVC approach, via access through the right internal jugular vein, enables the sheath to directly approach the left atrium without angulation and improves operability of the ablation catheter. Combining the use of general anaesthesia, TOE, a steerable sheath, and contact force-guided ablation may contribute to achieving minimally invasive PVI with a single transseptal puncture via an SVC approach.

scholarly journals Atypical drainage of a persistent left vena cava superior into the left atrial appendage detected by multidimensional imaging: a case report and review of the literature

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Lengning ◽  
René Aschenbach ◽  
P. Christian Schulze ◽  
Marcus Franz
Keyword(s):  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Incidental Finding ◽  
Vena Cava ◽  
Atrial Appendage ◽  
Venous Anomaly ◽  
Cerebral Lesions ◽  
Pulmonary Scintigraphy ◽  
Vena Cava Superior ◽  
Left Vena

Abstract Background While it is the most common thoracic venous anomaly, a persistent left vena cava superior may present in atypical variations, which are important to consider during clinical management. Case presentation Here we report a 35-year-old Caucasian female patient with drainage into the left atrial appendage who presented with shortness of breath accompanied by mild hypoxemia. Venous contrast filling in the context of pulmonary scintigraphy suspected an additional superior caval vein connected to the left atrial appendage. Diagnosis was confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization revealed a minor right-to-left shunt. The symptoms could be allocated to a bronchial asthma and treated according to guidelines. Cerebral lesions detected in the patient were due to a coincident multiple sclerosis rather than cerebral embolisms. Thus, the venous anomaly was classified as an incidental finding currently requiring no treatment. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a persistent left vena cava superior draining into the left atrial appendage.

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