Abstract 16237: Zero Fluoroscopy Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: A Safety and Feasibility Study

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Di Biase ◽  
Rodney Horton ◽  
Chintan Trivedi ◽  
Prasant Mohanty ◽  
Sanghamitra Mohanty ◽  
...  

Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation is performed under fluoroscopic guidance and therefore carries radiation risk exposure for the both the patient and the operator. Three-dimensional mapping systems and newer technologies to allow non-fluoroscopic catheter visualization together with intracardiac echo have reduced but not abolished the fluoroscopy exposure. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility, the safety and the efficacy of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation without the use of fluoroscopy. Methods: A totally fluoro-less approach was developed for AF ablation at our Institution. 94 consecutive AF patients underwent zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. In the zero fluoroscopy cases, the fluoroscopy arm was kept far away from the patient table. Access including double trans-septal, mapping with the Carto 3 system and ablation were all performed without fluoroscopy with the use of ICE and the Carto 3 system. These 94 patients were compared with 94 control patients matched for age, sex and type of AF who underwent AF ablation by the same operator with the use of fluoroscopy. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between fluoroless (N=94, Age=64.5 ± 10.1, 75.5% male, 48% paroxysmal) and control (N=94, Age=65.1 ± 9.9, 72.3% male, 50% paroxysmal) group. Non-PV triggers were detected and ablated in 51 (54.3%) and 56 (59.6%) patients in fluoroless and control group respectively (p=0.5). Average fluoro time in control group was 10.1 ± 4.7 minutes. Procedure duration was comparable (120.4 ± 25.8 vs. 122.2 ± 28.7, p =0.6). After the short term median follow-up of 4.5 (4 – 6.5) months, 10 (10.6 %) patients in flourless and 9 (9.6%) patients in control group experienced recurrences (p=0.8).One pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocenteis occurred in the fluoroless group. Conclusions: Our series show that zero fluoroscopy ablation of atrial fibrillation with the use of newer technologies is feasible, safe and efficacious at the short term follow up. Importantly in our series the double transeptal was performed without fluoroscopy and the ablation was not limited to the pulmonary veins only but included ablation of the posterior wall, the coronary sinus and the left atrial appendage.

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Macle ◽  
Atul Verma ◽  
Paul Novak ◽  
Paul Khairy ◽  
Mario Talajic ◽  
...  

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.


10.2196/21436 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e21436
Author(s):  
Leticia Goni ◽  
Víctor de la O ◽  
M Teresa Barrio-López ◽  
Pablo Ramos ◽  
Luis Tercedor ◽  
...  

Background The Prevention With Mediterranean Diet (PREDIMED) trial supported the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention conducted by a dietitian to prevent cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of a remote intervention to follow the Mediterranean diet has been less explored. Objective This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a remotely provided Mediterranean diet–based nutritional intervention in obtaining favorable dietary changes in the context of a secondary prevention trial of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods The PREvention of recurrent arrhythmias with Mediterranean diet (PREDIMAR) study is a 2-year multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial to assess the effect of the Mediterranean diet enriched with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) on the prevention of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation. Participants in sinus rhythm after ablation were randomly assigned to an intervention group (Mediterranean diet enriched with EVOO) or a control group (usual clinical care). The remote nutritional intervention included phone contacts (1 per 3 months) and web-based interventions with provision of dietary recommendations, and participants had access to a web page, a mobile app, and printed resources. The information is divided into 6 areas: Recommended foods, Menus, News and Online resources, Practical tips, Mediterranean diet classroom, and Your personal experience. At baseline and at 1-year and 2-year follow-up, the 14-item Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) questionnaire and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire were collected by a dietitian by phone. Results A total of 720 subjects were randomized (365 to the intervention group, 355 to the control group). Up to September 2020, 560 subjects completed the first year (560/574, retention rate 95.6%) and 304 completed the second year (304/322, retention rate 94.4%) of the intervention. After 24 months of follow-up, increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet was observed in both groups, but the improvement was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (net between-group difference: 1.8 points in the MEDAS questionnaire (95% CI 1.4-2.2; P<.001). Compared with the control group, the Mediterranean diet intervention group showed a significant increase in the consumption of fruits (P<.001), olive oil (P<.001), whole grain cereals (P=.002), pulses (P<.001), nuts (P<.001), white fish (P<.001), fatty fish (P<.001), and white meat (P=.007), and a significant reduction in refined cereals (P<.001), red and processed meat (P<.001), and sweets (P<.001) at 2 years of intervention. In terms of nutrients, the intervention group significantly increased their intake of omega-3 (P<.001) and fiber (P<.001), and they decreased their intake of carbohydrates (P=.02) and saturated fatty acids (P<.001) compared with the control group. Conclusions The remote nutritional intervention using a website and phone calls seems to be effective in increasing adherence to the Mediterranean diet pattern among AF patients treated with catheter ablation. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03053843; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03053843


Author(s):  
Mohsin Uzzaman ◽  
Imthiaz Manoly ◽  
Mohini Panikkar ◽  
Maciej Matuszewski ◽  
Nicolas Nikolaidis ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND/AIM To evaluate outcomes of concurrent Cox-Maze procedures in elderly patients undergoing high-risk cardiac surgery. MEHODS We retrospectively identified patients aged over 70 years with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) from 2011 to 2017 who had two or more other cardiac procedures. They were subdivided into two groups: 1. Cox-Maze IV AF ablation 2. No-Surgical AF treatment. Patients requiring redo procedures or those who had isolated PVI or LAAO were excluded. Heart rhythm assessed from Holter reports or 12-lead ECG. Follow-up data collected through telephone consultations and medical records. RESULTS There were 239 patients. Median follow up was 61 months. 70 patients had Cox-Maze IV procedures (29.3%). Demographic, intra- and post-operative outcomes were similar between groups although duration of pre-operative AF was shorter in Cox-Maze group (p=0.001). One (1.4%) patient in Cox maze group with 30-day mortality compared to 14 (8.2%) the control group (p=0.05). Sinus rhythm at annual and latest follow-up was 84.9% and 80.0% respectively in Maze group - significantly better than No-Surgical AF treatment groups (P<0.001). 160 patients (66.9%) were alive at long-term follow-up with better survival curves in Cox Maze group compared to No-Surgical treatment group (p=0.02). There was significantly higher proportion of patients in NYHA 1 status in Cox-Maze group (p=0.009). No differences observed in freedom from stroke (p=0.80) or permanent pacemaker (p=0.33). CONCLUSIONS. Surgical ablation is beneficial in elderly patients undergoing high-risk surgery - promoting excellent long-term freedom from AF and symptomatic/prognostic benefits. Therefore, surgical risk need not be reason to deny benefits of concomitant AF-ablation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Okajima ◽  
H Imai ◽  
Y Murase ◽  
N Kano ◽  
Y Ogawa ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Atrial arrhythmia recurrence is experienced in up to 20% of patients after initially receiving a catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Therefore, it is important to define predictors of atrial arrhythmia recurrence. Atrial ectopy (AE) with short coupling interval (S-AE) has been reported to be a trigger of AF. On the other hand, high burden of AE has been reported to be a useful predictor of atrial arrhythmia recurrences after AF ablation. Thus, the combination of the incidence of S-AE and AE burden during a 24-hour Holter recording could be a useful predictor of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after AF ablation. Purpose To investigate this hypothesis, we performed a retrospective case-controlled study. Methods We enrolled 180 patients who underwent their first catheter ablation procedure for AF and performed a 24-hour Holter recording between 90 to 365 days after their ablation procedure. Patients who performed an additional ablation procedure before the Holter recording were excluded. Finally, we analyzed 173 patients (age: 65±10 years, female: 28.3%, non-paroxysmal: 27.7%). The Holter recordings were analyzed by the same experienced technicians. We defined AE as a narrow QRS complex occurring &gt;25% than prior R-R interval, and S-AE as AE occurring &gt;55% earlier than expected. The relationship between the characteristics of AE during the Holter recording and atrial arrhythmia recurrences was investigated. Results The Holter recordings were performed at a median of 103 (IQR: 98–138) days after ablation. The median number of AE were 144 (IQR: 54–699) beats per day, and S-AE was recorded in 49 patients (28.3%). Forty-two patients (24.3%) had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia during a median 488-day follow up period. Patients with S-AE had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia more frequently than those without S-AE (44.9% vs 16.1%, p&lt;0.001). We found the cut-off point of AE burden as 241 beats per day by the receiver operating characteristic curve with 74% sensitivity and 70% specificity to predict atrial arrhythmia recurrence. We divided the patients into four groups according to the presence or absence of S-AE and high AE burden. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with S-AE and high AE burden had the highest atrial arrhythmia recurrence rate (Log-rank test: p&lt;0.001). In the Cox multivariate analysis, S-AE with high AE burden was an independent predictor of atrial arrhythmia recurrence (HR: 4.27, 95% CI: 2.32–7.85, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion For AF patients who underwent their first catheter ablation, S-AE (&gt;55% earlier than expected) with high AE burden (&gt;241 beats per day) during the 24-hour Holter recording predicted recurrences of atrial arrhythmia. These results can help to develop follow-up strategies after AF ablation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Medicina ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 465
Author(s):  
Masako Baba ◽  
Kentaro Yoshida ◽  
Yoshihisa Naruse ◽  
Ai Hattori ◽  
Yoshiaki Yui ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is a major reason for recurrence after catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, the timing of the recurrence varies between patients, and recurrence >1 year after ablation is not uncommon. We sought to elucidate the characteristics of atrial fibrillation (AF) that recurred in different follow-up periods. Materials and Methods: Study subjects comprised 151 consecutive patients undergoing initial catheter ablation of PAF. Left atrial volume index (LAVi) and atrial/brain natriuretic peptide (ANP/BNP) levels were systematically measured annually over 3 years until AF recurred. Results: Study subjects were classified into four groups: non-recurrence group (n = 84), and short-term- (within 1 year) (n = 30), mid-term- (1–3 years) (n = 26), and long-term-recurrence group (>3 years) (n = 11). The short-term-recurrence group was characterized by a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio 2.639 (95% confidence interval, 1.174–5.932), p = 0.019 by the Cox method), frequent AF episodes (≥1/week) before ablation (4.038 (1.545–10.557), p = 0.004), and higher BNP level at baseline (per 10 pg/mL) (1.054 (1.029–1.081), p < 0.0001). The mid-term-recurrence group was associated with higher BNP level (1.163 (1.070–1.265), p = 0.0004), larger LAVi (mL/m2) (1.033 (1.007–1.060), p = 0.013), and longer AF cycle length at baseline (per 10 ms) (1.194 (1.058–1.348), p = 0.004). In the long-term-recurrence group, the ANP and BNP levels were low throughout follow-up, as with those in the non-recurrence group, and AF cycle length was shorter (0.694 (0.522–0.924), p = 0.012) than those in the other recurrence groups. Conclusions: Distinct characteristics of AF were found according to the time to first recurrence after PAF ablation. The presence of secondary factors beyond PV reconnections could be considered as mechanisms for the recurrence of PAF in each follow-up period.


QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O H M A Riad ◽  
T Wong ◽  
A N Ali ◽  
M T Ibrahim ◽  
M A Abdelhamid ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become the mainstay of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). There are two commonly used methods to isolate the pulmonary veins, either point-by-point delivery of circumferential lesion sets around ipsilateral pulmonary veins using radiofrequency energy, or the application of the cryoballoon to the pulmonary vein antrum with occlusion of the vein ostium. The cryoballoon has proven to be a reliable alternative to radiofrequency ablation in acute and long-term freedom from AF. We describe our results using both modalities. Aim and Objectives to compare the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon (CB) ablation and radiofrequency (RF) ablation in treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Patients and Methods Forty-four consecutive patients having paroxysmal AF underwent PVI using the second generation cryoballoon were compared to a retrospective cohort of 69 patients who had radiofrequency induced PVI, either by conventional RF catheter (n = 32), or a contact-force sensing-catheter (n = 37). The study took place at Ain Shams university hospitals and Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS trust. Patient data, procedural data and follow up data- at 3, 6 and 12 months- were collected and analysed. Recurrence was defined as documented AF or atrial arrhythmias with duration exceeding 30 seconds, either by 12 lead ECG or an ambulatory monitoring device. Results A total of 113 patients were studied. The mean age was 53.84 ± 15.01 for the CB group and 55.78 ± 14.84 for the RF group and females representing 40.9% vs 34.8% respectively. The mean procedural times in minutes were significantly less in the CB group (94.37 ± 39.32 vs 184.57 ± 88.19, p &lt; 0.0001), while the median fluoroscopy times were similar [30 (11.04 - 40) vs 37.25 (14.2 - 70), p = 0.172]. Procedural complications were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.06) with 1 patient (2.3%) having long term phrenic nerve paresis. At 1 year follow up, after an initial 90-day blanking period, recurrence rate of CB was similar to RF (27.3% vs 30.4% respectively, p = 0.719), the Kaplan Meier estimates of AF- free survival for a period of 1 year were comparable between both groups (log rank test, p = 0.606). Conclusion Cryoballoon is a feasible method for pulmonary vein isolation with similar success rates to radiofrequency ablation. Cryoballoon ablation is safe with shorter duration of the procedure.


Author(s):  
yi he chen ◽  
Liangguo Wang ◽  
Xiaodong Zhou ◽  
ying fang ◽  
Lan Su ◽  
...  

Background: Simultaneous atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation and left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is sometimes recommended for both rhythm control and stroke prevention. However, the advantages of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance for this combined procedure have been scarcely reported. To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of ICE guided LAAC within a zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation procedure. Methods and Results:From April 2019 to April 2020, 56 patients with symptomatic AF underwent concomitant catheter ablation and LAAC. ICE with a multi-angled imaging protocol mimicking the TEE echo windows was used to guide LAAC. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation and LAAC was achieved in all patients. Procedure-related adverse event rate was 3.6%. During the 12-month follow-up, 77.8% of patients became free of arrhythmia recurrences and oral anticoagulants were discontinued in 96.4% of patients. No ischemic stroke occurred despite two cases of device-related thrombosis versus an expected stroke rate of 4.8% based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The overall major bleeding events rate was 1.8%, which represented a relative reduction of 68% versus an expected bleeding rate of 5.7% based on the HAS-BLED score of the patient cohort. The incidence of iatrogenic atrial septal defect secondary to a single transseptal access dropped from 57.9% at 2 months to 4.2% at 12 months TEE follow-up. Conclusion:The combination of catheter ablation and LAAC under ICE guidance was safe and effective in AF patients with high stroke risk. ICE with our novel protocol was technically feasible for comprehensive and systematic assessment of device implantation.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Tae Yu ◽  
Tae-Hoon Kim ◽  
Jae-Sun Uhm ◽  
Jong-Youn Kim ◽  
Boyoung Joung ◽  
...  

Introduction: Although radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) increases a sinus heart rate (HR) after rhythm control, its mechanism and prognosis have not yet been clearly elucidated. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that post-procedural high sinus HR is associated with better clinical outcome of AF ablation without hemodynamic adverse effects. Methods: We included 991 AF patients (75% male, 58 ± 11 years old, 70% paroxysmal AF [PAF]) who had analyzable HR variability (HRV) at 3-months and 1-year after RFCA, and pre- and post-1-year echocardiogram. Average HR measured by 24-hour Holter greater than 2SD (≥92bpm) was defined as post-ablation high sinus HR. Results: 1. Average heart rate was increased significantly (68.8±13.1 to 71.4±10.7bpm, p<0.001), and high sinus HR (≥92bpm) was observed in 28 patients (2.8%) at 3-months after AF ablation. All of them tolerated well, 21% (6/28) were taking low dose β-blocker, and 36% (10/28) kept average HR≥92bpm at 1-year after RFCA. 2. High sinus HR was independently associated with pre-procedural high average HR (OR 1.097; 95% CI 1.029 to 1.169, p=0.005), high left atrial (LA) voltage (OR 3.545; 95% CI 1.183 to 10.618, p=0.024), and reduced rMSSD at 3-months HRV (OR 0.959; 95% CI 0.919 to 0.999, p=0.047). 3. At 1-year follow-up echocardiogram, LA reverse remodeling (ΔLA; -1.1±3.7 vs. -3.0±4.6mm, p=0.055) and the improvement of ejection fraction (ΔEF; 0.7±8.4 vs. 1.7±7.7%, p=0.529) were not significantly different between the patients with high sinus HR and those without. 4. During 27±17 months of follow-up, the patients with high sinus HR at 3-months after RFCA showed significantly lower clinical recurrence than those without (log rank, p=0.020). Conclusions: High sinus HR 3-months after AF ablation is observed in patients with less remodeled LA with significant post-procedure vagal modulation. High sinus HR after AF ablation did not show hemodynamic adverse effect and was associated with lower clinical recurrence rate of AF after RFCA.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (42) ◽  
pp. 26-27
Author(s):  
Michał Farkowski

There is an ongoing debate whether atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation simply alleviates symptoms or does it influence hard end points: stroke, mortality. The Authors conducted an analysis of administrative medical databases in Sweden, identified AF patients who were ablated and compared them to the control group similar in terms of 51 variables (propensity scoring) save for the procedure itself. During mean follow up of 4.4 ± 2 years the hazard ratio for stroke or death were significantly lower than in control group: HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51-0.93 and HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.37-0.62, respectively.


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