scholarly journals Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation without pulmonary vein isolation

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Futyma ◽  
L Zarebski ◽  
A Wrzos ◽  
M Futyma ◽  
P Kulakowski

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone for catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF), however, long-term efficacy of PVI is frequently below expectations. PVI is invasive, expensive and may be associated with devastating complications. It has been postulated that vagally-mediated AF can be treated by attenuation of parasympathetic drive to the heart using cardioneuroablation by means of radiofrequency CA (RFCA) of the right anterior ganglionated plexus (RAGP), however, data in literature and guidelines are lacking. Purpose To examine the efficacy of RFCA targeting RAGP without PVI in management of vagal AF. Methods We included consecutive 9 male patients with vagal AF who underwent RFCA of RAGP without PVI. RAGP was targeted anatomically from the right atrium (RA) at the postero-septal area below superior vena cava (SVC) and from the left atrium (LA) if needed. The aim was to achieve >30% increase in heart rate (HR) . The follow up consisted of regular visits and Holter ECG conducted every 3 months. Results A total number of 9 patients (age 52 ± 13) with vagally-mediated AF underwent RFCA of RAGP (mean RAGP RF time 147 ± 85, max power 34 ± 8W). The mean procedure time was 60 ± 29min. HR increase >30% was achieved in 8 (89%) patients (pre-RF vs post-RF: 58 ± 8bpm vs 87 ± 12bpm, p = 0.00002) . Transseptal  to reach RAGP also from the LA was needed in 2 (22%) patients. There were no major complications during the procedures. The follow up lasted 6 ± 2 months. Antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued in 8 (89%) patients. There was 1 (11%) AF recurrence in the patient in whom targeted HR acceleration during RFCA was not achieved. B-blockers were administered in  6 (67%) patients due to increased HR and such treatment was well tolerated by all. Conclusions Catheter ablation of RAGP without performing PVI is feasible and can be effective in majority of patients with vagally-mediated AF. Increased HR after such cardioneuroablation can be well controlled using b-blockers and is usually associated with mild symptoms. The role of cardioneuroablation for treatment of vagally-mediated AF needs to be determined in prospective trials. Abstract Figure. Cardioneuroablation in vagal AF

Author(s):  
Ingrid Overeinder ◽  
Thiago Guimarães Osório ◽  
Paul-Adrian Călburean ◽  
Antonio Bisignani ◽  
Gezim Bala ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be triggered by non-pulmonary vein foci, like the superior vena cava (SVC). The latter is correlated with improved result in terms of freedom from atrial tachycardias (ATs), when electrical isolation of this vessel utilizing radiofrequency energy (RF) is achieved. Objectives Evaluate the clinical impact, in patients with PAF, of the SVC isolation (SVCi) in addition to ordinary pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by means of the second-generation cryoballoon (CB) Methods A total of 100 consecutive patients that underwent CB ablation for PAF were retrospectively selected. Fifty consecutive patients received PVI followed by SVCi by CB application, and the following 50 consecutive patients received standard PVI. All patients were followed 12 months. Results The mean time to SVCi was 36.7 ± 29.0 s and temperature at SVC isolation was − 35 (− 18 to − 40) °C. Real-time recording (RTR) during SVCi was observed in 42 (84.0%) patients. At the end of 12 months of follow-up, freedom from ATs was achieved in 36 (72%) patients in the PVI only group and in 45 (90%) patients of the SVC and PV isolation group (Fisher’s exact test p = 0.039, binary logistic regression: p = 0.027, OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.09–0.86). In survival analysis, SVC and PV isolation group was also associated with improved freedom from ATs (log-rank test: p = 0.017, Cox regression: p = 0.026, HR = 0.31, 95%CI = 0.11–0.87). Conclusion Superior vena cava isolation with the CB in addition to PVI might improve freedom from ATs if compared to PVI alone at 1-year follow-up.


EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Schmidt ◽  
S Tohoku ◽  
S Bordignon ◽  
S Chen ◽  
S Zanchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): CardioFocus Background The endoscopic ablation system (EAS) is an established ablation device for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). In randomized studies, however, point-by-point laser ablation resulted in longer procedure times. The novel X3 EAS is now equipped with a motor driven laser generator that sweeps the diode laser beam around the individual PV ostium at a pre-defined speed (2.25°/sec) thus allowing for contiguous circumferential ablation (RAPID mode).  Purpose To determine the feasibility of single sweep ablation using the new X3 EAS. Methods Consecutive AF patients were enrolled. After single transseptal puncture selective PV angiographies were performed. A 3D enabled circular mapping catheter was used to record PV potentials and to create a 3D map of the left atrium. Then, the transseptal sheath was exchanged for the 12F EAS delivery sheath. The EAS was inflated to obtain optimal circumferential contact to the PV ostium. Before ablation, the laser generator was retracted to ensure optimal contact behind the catheter shaft (blind spot). Ideally, RAPID mode ablation was employed at 13-15W. In case of esophageal heating >39°C or suboptimal tissue exposure point-by-point ablation (5.5-12W for 20-30 secs) was used instead. During ablation at the septal PVs phrenic nerve pacing was performed via a diagnostic catheter in the superior vena cava. Single sweep ablation was defined as one single RAPID energy application per PV to complete the singular, circular lesion set. PV conduction was re-assessed after all PVs had been treated. In case of residual PV conduction, gap mapping followed by EAS guided ablation was performed. If EAS failed to achieve complete PVI, touch up ablation was allowed at the discretion of the operator. Hemostasis was achieved by means of a figure of 8 suture.  Procedure time was defined as initial groin puncture to groin closure.  Follow-up included office visits at 3, 6 and 12 months including 72 h Holter monitoring. Results One-hundred AF patients (56% male, mean age 6810 years, 66% PAF) with normal LV ejection fraction (mean 60 ± 10%) and normal LA size (41 ± 6mm) underwent X3 EAS ablation. Of 382 PVs 378 (99%) were isolated with the X3 EAS. In 214 PVs (56%) single sweep isolation was achieved. First pass isolation and RAPID mode only PVI was achieved in 362 (95%) and 357 (94%), respectively. Single sweep isolation rates varied across PVs from 46% at LIPV to 64% at RSPV.  The mean total procedure and fluoroscopy times were 43 ± 10 and 4 ± 2 mins, respectively. Safety data and the complete follow-up will be reported. Conclusion The new X3 EAS equipped with a motor driven laser generator allows for single sweep PVI in 56% of PVs. Almost all PVs (94%) may be isolated with RAPID mode only leading to a very high first pass isolation rate. Altogether, this leads to substantially faster procedure times compared to the predecessor EAS.


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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1562-1569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sousuke Sugimura ◽  
Takashi Kurita ◽  
Kazuaki Kaitani ◽  
Ryobun Yasuoka ◽  
Shunichi Miyazaki

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-114
Author(s):  
Michele Brunelli ◽  
Mark Adrian Sammut

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.


Circulation ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 1317-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masahiko Goya ◽  
Feifan Ouyang ◽  
Sabine Ernst ◽  
Marius Volkmer ◽  
Matthias Antz ◽  
...  

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