Abstract 4653: Isolation Of Pulmonary Veins Using A Novel Decapolar Catheter For Mapping And Ablation

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.

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

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.1157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Y Fujimoto ◽

K Yodogawa ◽

Y Iwasaki ◽

M Hachisuka ◽

R Mimuro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Contact Force ◽

High Volume ◽

Procedure Time ◽

Surgical Ablation ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Right ◽

Posterosuperior Segment

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

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Cryoballoon Ablation Strategy in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.758408 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Florian Straube ◽

Janis Pongratz ◽

Alexander Kosmalla ◽

Benedikt Brueck ◽

Lukas Riess ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cryoballoon Ablation ◽

Ablation Procedure ◽

Phrenic Nerve Palsy ◽

Dose Area Product ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Predictors Of Recurrence

Background: Cryoballoon ablation is established for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The objective was to evaluate CBA strategy in consecutive patients with persistent AF in the initial AF ablation procedure.Material and Methods: Prospectively, patients with symptomatic persistent AF scheduled for AF ablation all underwent cryoballoon PVI. Technical enhancements, laboratory management, safety, single-procedure outcome, predictors of recurrence, and durability of PVI were evaluated.Results: From 2007 to 2020, a total of 1,140 patients with persistent AF, median age 68 years, underwent cryoballoon ablation (CBA). Median left atrial (LA) diameter was 45 mm (interquantile range, IQR, 8), and Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years (doubled), Diabetes mellitus, prior Stroke or TIA or thromboembolism (doubled), Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category (CHA2DS2-VASc) score was 3. Acute isolation was achieved in 99.6% of the pulmonary veins by CBA. Median LA time and median dose area product decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001). Major complications occurred in 17 (1.5%) patients including 2 (0.2%) stroke/transitory ischemic attack (TIA), 1 (0.1%) tamponade, relevant groin complications, 1 (0.1%) significant ASD, and 4 (0.4%) persistent phrenic nerve palsy (PNP). Transient PNP occurred in 66 (5.5%) patients. No atrio-esophageal fistula was documented. Five deaths (0.4%), unrelated to the procedure, occurred very late during follow-up. After initial CBA, arrhythmia recurrences occurred in 46.6% of the patients. Freedom from atrial arrhythmias at 1-, and 2-year was 81.8 and 61.7%, respectively. Independent predictors of recurrence were LA diameter, female sex, and use of the first cryoballoon generation. Repeat ablations due to recurrences were performed in 268 (23.5%) of the 1,140 patients. No pulmonary vein (PV) reconduction was found in 49.6% of the patients and 73.5% of PVs. This rate increased to 66.4% of the patients and 88% of PVs if an advanced cryoballoon was used in the first AF ablation procedure.Conclusion: Cryoballoon ablation for symptomatic persistent AF is a reasonable strategy in the initial AF ablation procedure.

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Abstract 15934: Comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Burden Reduction in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.15934 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Dan L Musat ◽

Nicolle S Milstein ◽

Jacqueline Pimienta ◽

Advay Bhatt ◽

Tina C Sichrovsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Loop Recorder ◽

Similar Reduction ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Ablation Success ◽

One Year ◽

Af Recurrence

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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Redo ablation for atrial fibrillation recurrence post radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation: a high volume single-centre experience

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.102 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

M Ribeiro Da Silva ◽

G Santos Silva ◽

P Ribeiro Queiros ◽

R Teixeira ◽

J Almeida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

High Volume ◽

Cryoballoon Ablation ◽

Single Centre ◽

Electrophysiologic Study ◽

Electroanatomic Mapping System ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Time To Recurrence

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is a well-established procedure for the treatment of AF. The cornerstone of AF ablation is the complete and durable isolation of pulmonary veins (PV) through radiofrequency (RF) or cryoballoon (CB) ablation. However, PVI durability between RF or CB was not yet established, as reablation strategy and outcomes in patients (pt) undergoing a redo ablation. Purpose To compare RF versus CB regarding PVI status, reablation procedure and outcomes in pts undergoing a second procedure. Methods Single-centre retrospective study of consecutive pts who underwent a redo between 2016 and 2020. PVI status was assessed during electrophysiologic study with electroanatomic mapping system. Index procedures included second generation CB, conventional RF before 2018 and CLOSE protocol guided RF ablation after 2018. We assessed time-to-redo, number and location of reconnected PVs, procedural characteristics, acute and long-term outcomes between RF and CB index PVI. Results Seventy-four (55 RF and 19 CB) pts were included, 68,9% were male, most pts had paroxysmal AF (71,6%) and a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1,14 ± 1,0. No statistically significant differences were noticed in clinical and echocardiographic characteristics between pts within RF or CB cohorts. Median time to reablation was significantly longer in the RF cohort (38,6 months ±33,6) compared to CB (17,0 months ±9,5) (p = 0,014). The number of reconnected PV was higher in CB than the RF cohort, although not significant (2,37 ±1,2 vs 1,75 ±1,4;p = 0,080). Right inferior PV was significantly more reconnected in pts within the CB compared to RF group (73,7% vs 45,6%;p = 0,034), without differences in the other PV reconnection rates. Regarding reablation procedure, all pts were submitted to RF-redo. Fluoroscopy time was shorter for CB than RF cohort (7,4 ±2,9 vs 13,3 ±8,4;p = 0,002). There were no significant differences between the type of reablation (PVI only vs PVI plus other lesions or cavotricuspid isthmus ablation), with no difference in overall acute success. After the redo procedure, no differences were observed in recurrence rate in the blanking period and after 91 days from reablation. Nevertheless, time-to-recurrence (>91 days) was longer for RF than CB group (13,4 months ±10,7 vs 4,3 months ±1,5;p = 0,016). There were 2 pts in the RF group that were submitted to a third ablation procedure (p = 0,725). There were no differences between groups in the composite of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes (stroke/transient ischemic attack, emergency room visit for AF, hospitalization for AF or CV death); p = 0,715. Conclusions After the index procedure, reablation occur later in RF than CB cohort. Although the number of reconnected PV were similar between groups, right inferior PV was significantly more reconnected in pts originally treated with CB. After redo, time-to-recurrence was shorter for CB cohort. Recurrence and composite of adverse CV outcomes were similar.

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Shorter interlesion distance is associated with a longer procedure time but not with poorer acute results of pulmonary vein isolation: results from a prospective ablation index registry

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.238 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

N Gasimova ◽

EB Kropotkin ◽

EA Ivanitsky ◽

GV Kolunin ◽

AA Nechepurenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multicenter Study ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Anterior Wall ◽

Procedure Time ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Ablation Index ◽

First Pass ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education grant (Russian Federation President Grant) #MD-2314.2020.7. Background/Introduction. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the mainstay of invasive management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Amongst a variety of performance indicators, interlesion distance (ILD) has a potential to become a guiding one. Uptodate clinical AF RFA protocols suggest that ILD has to be less than 6 mm, however the research is still lacking in regard to its actual targeted value. Purpose. The aim of the research is to study a relationship between ILD and first-pass isolation (FPI) in ablation-index guided AF ablation procedures. Methods. This was a prospective observational multicenter study. Data were derived from the web-based system. Pulmonary veins (PV) isolation procedures were performed according to the local practice, and RFA settings depended on operators’ preferences. A total of 446 patients were enrolled, 407 of them underwent first-time AF ablation, data on ILD available in 322 subjects (177 (55%) males, mean age 62 ± 9 years old, 259 (80%) with paroxysmal AF). A mean ILD was calculated manually in each case as a sum of all ILDs divided by number of ablation tag points. FPI was considered in cases when no additional applications were required for bidirectional PV block following creation of a one circle around ipsilateral PVs and after a 20-min waiting period. Patients were divided into two groups according to ILD (Group 1 ILD≤ 4 mm, 163 patients and Group 2 ILD > 4m, 159 patients) post-procedurally. Results. The mean procedure time was 102 ± 52 min, the median fluoro time was 9 min [IQR 6; 15]. The following VisiTag parameters were used: the median target ablation index 400 [IQR 400; 500] on the left atrial anterior wall and 380 [IQR 380; 400] on the posterior segments, the median minimal contact force 3g [IQR 3; 4], median minimal time per a point - 4 sec [IQR 3; 15], mean catheter stability 3 mm (ranged between 2.5 and 3 mm). In 261 (81%) cases operators used 3 mm ablation tag size, and in 19% - 2 mm. The mean ILD was 4,1 ± 1,0 mm (3,2 ± 0,5 mm in Group 1 vs 4,6 ± 0,5 mm Group 2). FPI was achieved in 189 (59%) cases. In the "ILD ≤ 4 mm" group FPI was achieved in 93 (49,2%) cases and there were 96 (50,8%) cases of durable FPI in the "ILD >4 mm" group (χ2 = 2,4, p = 0,124). The mean procedure time was 111 ± 46 min and 100 ± 35 min in Group 1 and 2 (p = 0,01), respectively. The mean fluoro time was 13 ± 4 min and 11 ± 4 min in Group 1 and 2 (p = 0,08), respectively Conclusion(s). The results of our multicenter study suggest that shortening of the distance ≤4 mm has no effect on the achievement of first-pass PV isolation, but required more procedure and relatively more X-ray exposure time.

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Pulmonary Vein Activity Organization to Determine Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence: Preliminary Data from a Pilot Study

Mathematics ◽

10.3390/math8101813 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 1813

Author(s):

Raquel Cervigón ◽

Javier Moreno ◽

José Millet ◽

Julián Pérez-Villacastín ◽

Francisco Castells

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Cross Correlation ◽

Spatial Organization ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Transfer Entropy ◽

First Year ◽

Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence ◽

Ablation Procedure ◽

Af Recurrence

Ablation of pulmonary veins has emerged as a key procedure for normal rhythm restoration in atrial fibrillation patients. However, up to half of ablated Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients suffer recurrences during the first year. In this article, simultaneous intra-atrial recordings registered at pulmonary veins previous to the ablation procedure were analyzed. Spatial cross-correlation and transfer entropy were computed in order to estimate spatial organization. Results showed that, in patients with arrhythmia recurrence, pulmonary vein electrical activity was less correlated than in patients that maintained sinus rhythm. Moreover, correlation function between dipoles showed higher delays in patients with AF recurrence. Results with transfer entropy were consistent with spatial cross-correlation measurements. These results show that arrhythmia drivers located at the pulmonary veins are associated with a higher organization of the electrical activations after the ablation of these sites.

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Abstract 2755: Increased Efficacy of Catheter Ablation Of Atrial Fibrillation by Using Adenosine to Reveal Dormant Pulmonary Vein Conduction

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_772-a ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Laurent Macle ◽

Atul Verma ◽

Paul Novak ◽

Paul Khairy ◽

Mario Talajic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Historical Control Group ◽

Historical Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Dormant Conduction ◽

Af Recurrence

Recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation are frequently associated with recovery of conduction between the pulmonary veins (PV) and the atrium. The recovery of PV conduction could be explained by the presence of dormant conduction between the PV and the atrium. Adenosine can be used during AF ablation procedures to reveal transient re-conduction of the isolated pulmonary vein (dormant PV conduction). We prospectively evaluate the utility of iv adenosine to guide elimination of dormant PV conduction by additional radiofrequency (RF) applications during AF ablation procedures. Thirty-four consecutive patients (30 male; age 51+/−8 years) referred for catheter ablation of drug-refractory AF (Paroxysmal 31/Persistent 3) were studied. Electrical PV isolation (PVI) was performed using Irrigated-tip radiofrequency (RF) ablation and was guided by a circular mapping catheter. After PVI, the presence of dormant conduction in each vein was assessed by injection of 12 mg of adenosine. If dormant conduction was present, additional RF energy was delivered at sites of transient re-conduction. Abolition of the dormant conduction was then demonstrated by repeated injections of adenosine. The recurrence rate of arrhythmia after one procedure was evaluated. The results were compared to an historical control group comprising the previous 34 consecutive patients who underwent PVI without the use of adenosine. Electrical PVI was achieved in 100% of PV’s and all 34 patients underwent the adenosine evaluation. Dormant PV conduction was observed in 17/34 patients and could be eliminated in all by additional RF delivery. Procedural and fluoroscopy times were 163±30 and 49±13 minutes, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 8.0±3.1 months, 6/34 (18%) patients experienced AF recurrence with 28/34 (82%) remaining free of arrhythmia without the use of antiarrhythmic drugs. When compared to the 14/34 patients (41%) from the historical control group who had AF recurrence, a significant reduction was observed (P<0.01). The use of adenosine to guide elimination of dormant PV conduction increases the success rate of AF ablation procedures. This needs to be evaluated in a randomized multicenter trial.

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Prevalence and predictor factors of persistent pulmonary vein isolation in redo AF ablation procedure

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

M Ribeiro Da Silva ◽

G Santos Silva ◽

P Ribeiro Queiros ◽

R Teixeira ◽

J Almeida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Ablation Procedure ◽

Electrophysiologic Study ◽

Index Procedure ◽

Electroanatomic Mapping System ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Mapping System ◽

Predictor Factors ◽

Af Recurrence

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation is a well-established procedure for the treatment of AF. The cornerstone of AF ablation is the complete isolation of pulmonary veins (PV). However, persistent PV isolation (PVI) is difficult to accomplish, with PV reconnection rates of > 70%. The factors associated with persistent PVI are still uncertain. Purpose To assess the PVI status in patients (pts) undergoing a redo ablation and to determinate the predictors associated with persistent PVI. Methods Consecutive pts who underwent a redo ablation between 2016 and 2020 were identified in a single-centre retrospective study. PVI status was assessed during electrophysiologic study with electroanatomic mapping system. Index procedures included second generation cryoballoon (CB), conventional radiofrequency (RF) before 2018 and CLOSE protocol guided RF ablation after 2018. Persistent PVI was defined by the absence of reconnection of all pulmonary veins. Results We included 83 pts with a mean age of 55,9 ± 11,9 years; 71,1% (n = 59) were male with a mean CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1,14 ±1,0. Seventy-five percent had paroxysmal AF and undergone a redo 35,0 months (±30,9) after the index PVI. Seventeen pts (20,5%) had persistent PVI whereas 66 pts (79,5%) had at least one PV reconnected after the index procedure, with a reconnection rate of 51,8% for right superior and inferior PV, 47,0% for left superior PV and 36,1% for left inferior PV. No statistically significant differences were noticed between pts with persistent and non-persistent PVI in baseline (clinical and echocardiographic) characteristics. Regarding index ablation procedure, persistent PVI occurred more frequently in patients who underwent a "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI compared to RF pre-2018 and CB (45,5% vs 16,7%; p = 0,043). Twenty-nine percent of pts with persistent PVI had a "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI whereas only 9,1% of non-persistent PVI pts had a "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI (p = 0,043). In this cohort, "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI was the only predictor of persistent PVI (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.1-15.9; p = 0.037). Conclusions In patients undergoing redo AF ablation procedures, only 20,5% had persistent PVI. "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI presented significantly higher rates of persistent PVI. "CLOSE" protocol-guided index PVI was the only predictor for persistent PVI in patients with AF recurrence requiring a redo procedure.

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Symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in a patient with unilateral pulmonary vein atresia

The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles ◽

10.12746/swrccc.v3i9.182 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 3 (9) ◽

pp. 49

Author(s):

Sharmila Sehli ◽

David M Donaldson

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Left Atrial Appendage ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

Atrial Appendage ◽

Electroanatomic Mapping System ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Number Of Patients

A 52-year-old man with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was offered an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedure. His echocardiogram indicated that he had no structural heart disease. A cardiac computed tomographic (CT) scan showed enlargement of the right pulmonary veins, absence of the left pulmonary veins, a prominent left atrial appendage, and a hypoplastic left lung. Cardiac CT with an electroanatomic mapping system confirmed a prominent left atrial appendage and the absence of the left pulmonary veins. Due to the limited number of patients with this condition, information about ablation remains very limited, and his ablation was deferred. Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a rare condition in adults which results from failure of incorporation of the common pulmonary vein into the left atrium. This case demonstrates the clinical importance of preprocedural imaging prior to AF ablation.

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P1059Recurrence of AF after pulmonary vein isolation: how many times?

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euaa162.316 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

P Silverio Antonio ◽

N Cortez-Dias ◽

A Nunes-Ferreira ◽

G Lima ◽

I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prospective Study ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽

Pulmonary Veins ◽

High Rate ◽

Isolation Rate ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Mitral Isthmus ◽

The Right ◽

Af Recurrence

Abstract Introduction Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) by catheter is an effective therapy, particularly in cases of refractoriness to medical therapy. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has a significative long-term recurrence rate of AF, but the recurrence factors after this procedure are poorly defined. Purpose To characterize the causes of AF recurrence after PVI and to evaluate complementary strategies that can optimize the therapeutic efficacy. Methods A single centre prospective study of patients (pts) with AF submitted consecutively to PVI since September 2004. The variables responsible for the recurrence of AF, the complementary strategies of optimization of AF ablation and the occurrence of other dysrhythmias were evaluated. Results A population of 521 pts were submitted to PVI as a primary strategy for AF treatment - 36.1% for paroxysmal AF, 32.5% for persistent AF <1 year, 14.5% persistent AF> 1 year. Eighty-three pts needed to perform 2 ablations and 10 pts performed 3 ablations. The higher the number of AF ablations, the higher the incidence of atypical atrial flutter (2% in the 1st AF ablation, 17% in the 2nd and 44% after 3 ablations). In the pts with recurrence of AF undergoing the 2nd ablation, it was verified that most of the pulmonary veins (PV) were not isolated, with an isolation rate of only 34.1% for the right inferior PV; 29.4% for superior PV right, 29.4% lower left VP, 28.2% upper left PV. In this group, in addition to a new PVI in the pts with re-conduction of PV, 45% performed complementary ablation strategies such as: ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (52.6%); ablation of the left atrium roof line (29%); mitral isthmus ablation line (26%); applications in the scar zone (26%); posterior atrial left line (8%), atrioventricular nodal reentrant atrioventricular ablation (5%), atrial tachycardia ablation (2.6%). In the pts submitted to the 3rd ablation, again a low PV isolation rate was confirmed: only 44.4% for the both left PV and upper right PV, and 55.6% for the right lower VP. 33.3% also performed cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation, 22.2% lower mitral isthmus isolation and 22.2% re-isolation of gaps in the roof or intracicritricial line. Conclusion This prospective study demonstrates a high rate of PV re-conduction after PVI and its role in AF recurrence. Therefore, the need for a more effective and definitive IVP technique is evident.

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