scholarly journals Safety and Efficacy of Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Patients and Predictors of Arrhythmia Recurrence

Author(s):  
Tauseef Akhtar ◽  
Usama Daimee ◽  
Bhradeev Sivasambu ◽  
Erica Hart ◽  
Eunice Yang ◽  
...  

Introduction: There are limited data describing the experience of index radiofrequency (RF) vs. cryoballoon (CB) ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) among elderly patients in the United States. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients > 75 years of age undergoing index AF ablation between January 2010 and March 2019 at our center. Major complications and efficacy, defined as freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) lasting ≥30 seconds after one year of follow-up, were assessed in patients with index RF vs. CB ablation. Predictors of ATA recurrence at 1 year follow-up were also evaluated. Results: In our cohort of 194 patients, the mean age was 78 ± 3.1 years, 58.2% were men, and 39.4% had persistent AF. The mean left atrial (LA) diameter was 4.5 ± 0.7, while the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.5 ± 1.2. The majority (n=149, 76.8%) underwent RF ablation. The incidence of complications was similar in the two sub-groups (RF: 1.3% vs. CB: 2.2%, p=0.67). No significant difference in success rate at 1-year follow-up was found between patients receiving RF vs. CB ablation (59.7% vs. 66.7%, p=0.68). In a multivariable model adjusting for the relevant covariates only LA size [HR=1.64, CI: 1.15-2.34, p<0.01] was independently associated with ATA recurrence at 1year follow-up. Conclusion: In our cohort of elderly patients undergoing index CA for AF, RF ablation was the predominant modality with similar safety and efficacy relative to CB ablation. LA size was a significant predictor of ATA recurrence at 1year independent of index ablation modality.

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tauseef Akhtar ◽  
Usama A Daimee ◽  
Bhradeev Sivasambu ◽  
Erica Hart ◽  
Joseph E Marine ◽  
...  

Introduction: Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is widely performed, with a rising proportion of patients of advanced age receiving the procedure. There are limited data describing the experience of index radiofrequency (RF) vs. cryoballoon (CB) ablation for AF among elderly patients in the United States. Hypothesis: CB ablation is associated with better outcomes in elderly patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients > 75 years undergoing index AF ablation between January 2001 and March 2019 at our center. Major complications and efficacy, defined as freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) lasting ≥30 seconds after 1 year of follow-up, were assessed in patients with index RF vs. CB ablation. Predictors of ATA recurrence at 1year follow-up were also evaluated. Results: In our cohort of 194 patients, the mean age was 78 + 3.1 years, 58.2% were men, and 39.4% had persistent AF. The mean left atrial (LA) diameter was 4.5 + 0.7, while mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.5 + 1.2. The majority (n=149, 76.8%) underwent RF ablation. The incidence of major complications, including bleeding and cardiac tamponade, was similar in the two sub-groups (RF: 2% vs. CB: 0%, p=0.63). No significant difference in success rate at 1year follow-up was found between patients receiving RF vs. CB ablation (57.7% vs. 64.4% Figure, p=0.94). In a multivariable model adjusting for the age, sex, CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score, AF type, and index RF vs CB ablation, only LA size was associated with ATA recurrence at 1 year follow-up with each increment of 1 cm in LA size was associated with 1.6-fold greater risk of recurrence [HR=1.59, CI: 1.05-2.41, p=0.02]. Conclusion: In elderly patients undergoing index CA for AF, RF ablation was the predominant modality with similar safety and efficacy relative to CB ablation. LA size was the significant predictor of ATA recurrence at 1year independent of index ablation modality.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 4281-4291
Author(s):  
Paul Zei ◽  
Kenneth Quadros ◽  
Paul Clopton ◽  
Amit Thosani ◽  
John Ferguson ◽  
...  

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (CA) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) that traditionally requires fluoroscopic imaging to guide catheter movement and positioning. However, advances in electroanatomic mapping (EAM) technology and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) have reduced procedural reliance on fluoroscopy. We conducted a prospective registry study of 162 patients enrolled at five centers proficient in high-volume, minimal-fluoroscopy CA between March 2016 and March 2018 for the CA of symptomatic, drug-refractory paroxysmal, or persistent AF that sought to assess the safety and efficacy of minimal- versus zero-fluoroscopy AF CA. We evaluated procedural details, acute procedural outcomes and complications, and one-year follow-up data. All operators used an EAM system (CARTO®; Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) and ICE. Ultimately, two patients did not pursue CA postenrollment. A total of 104 (66%) patients had paroxysmal AF with a mean ejection fraction of 58% ± 9%. Twenty-six (16.3%) patients were scheduled for repeat ablation. A total of 100 (63%) procedures were performed with zero fluoroscopy. The mean fluoroscopy time in the minimal-fluoroscopy group was 1.7 minutes ± 2.8 minutes. Further, the mean procedure duration was 192 minutes ± 37 minutes in the zero-fluoroscopy group and 201 minutes ± 29 minutes in the minimal-fluoroscopy group (p = 0.96). Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 153 patients (100%), with an acute procedural complication rate of 1.8%. One-year follow-up data were available for 152 (95%) patients with a mean follow-up time of 11.3 months ± 1.8 months. A total of 118 (76%) patients remained free from arrhythmia for up to 12 months, with no difference between the minimal- and zero-fluoroscopy cohorts (p = 0.18).


Author(s):  
Juan Vivanco‐Suarez ◽  
Alan Mendez‐Ruiz ◽  
Farooqui Mudassir ◽  
Cynthia B Zevallos ◽  
Milagros Galecio‐Castillo ◽  
...  

Introduction : Flow diversion has established itself as standard treatment of wide complex intracranial aneurysms (IA). Its recognition has been validated with positive occlusion rates and favorable clinical outcomes. The Surpass Streamline (SS) flow diverter (FD) is a braided cobalt/chromium alloy implant with 72 or 96 wires approved by the FDA in 2018. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of the SS in a post‐marketing large US cohort. Methods : We performed a multicenter, retrospective study for consecutive patients treated with the SS FD for IA between January 2018 and June 2021 in the United States. Inclusion criteria for participants were: 1. Adults (≥ 18 years) and 2. Treatment with SS FD for IA. Primary safety end point was a major ipsilateral stroke (increase in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score of ≥ 4) or neurological death within 12 months. Primary efficacy was assessed using the 3‐point Raymond‐Roy (RR) occlusion scale on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) at 6‐12‐month follow‐up. Results : A total of 276 patients with 313 aneurysms were enrolled. The median age was 59 years and 199 (72%) were females. The most common comorbidities included hypertension in 156 (57%) subjects followed by hyperlipidemia in 76 (28%) patients. One hundred and twenty‐two (44%) patients were asymptomatic while subarachnoid hemorrhage was present in only 10 (4%) patients. A total of 143 (46%) aneurysms were left‐sided. Aneurysms were located as follows: 274 (88%) were in the anterior circulation with paraophthalmic being the most common in 120 (38%) followed by petrocavernous ICA in 81 (26%); 33 (11%) aneurysms were located in the posterior circulation with basilar trunk being the most common in 14 (5%). The mean maximum aneurysm dome width was 5.77 ± 4.7 mm, neck width 4.22 ± 3.8 mm and dome to neck ratio was 1.63 ± 1.3 mm. The mean number of SS FD implanted per aneurysm was 1.06 (range 1–3) with more than one SS FD implanted in 21 (7%) aneurysms. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2 was present in 206/213 (97%) patients at 6–12 month follow‐up. The complete aneurysm occlusion (RR 1) rate was 145/175 (83%) among subjects who had angiographic follow‐up at 6–12 months. Major stroke and death was encountered in 7 (2%) and 5 (1.8%) of the patients respectively. Conclusions : Our data represent the largest real‐world study using SS FD. These results corroborate its post‐marketing safety and efficacy for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms showing more favorable rates to the initial experience during SCENT trial.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 210-213
Author(s):  
Zheng-Feng Liu ◽  
◽  
Da-Dong Guo ◽  
Mei-Hua Ding ◽  
Hong-Sheng Bi ◽  
...  

AIM: To evaluate the one-year outcome of intravitreal conbercept injections for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathological myopia (pm-CNV) by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: The medical records of 26 consecutive eyes of 23 patients who received intravitreal injections of conbercept for pm-CNV with a follow-up of one year were retrospectively reviewed. All the patients were diagnosed by fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and OCTA at the first visit. All approaches were performed as “1+PRN” treatment. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and the mean CNV area by OCTA. RESULTS: Mean Logarithm BCVA improved from (0.66±0.51) at baseline to (0.39±0.38) at one year (t=3.528, P=0.004). The CFT before treatment and after one year after were 275.08±48.74) μm and (205.15±43.74) μm respectively (t=4.630, P=0.001). The mean pm-CNV areas before treatment and after one year treatment were (0.48±0.24) mm2 and (0.15±0.11) mm2 respectively, with a significant difference among them (t=5.329, P=0.000). Twenty-one eyes had no needs after the first treatment. Four eyes received 2 injections and only one eye received 3 injections. No severe adverse events were noted relevant to the therapy. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal conbercept can improve the vision and relieve CFT and CNV area for the treatment of pm-CNV with “1+PRN” by OCTA for one year, however, long-term follow-up still need to be performed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Rordorf ◽  
S Cornara ◽  
L Frigerio ◽  
A Sanzo ◽  
E Chieffo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pulmonary veins isolation (PVI)is an effective therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), recommended by current guidelines. However, recurrences after first radio-frequency (RF) catheter ablation (CA) are still high. PV reconnection could be due to ineffective transmural lesions; automated ablation lesion tags (the VisiTag algorithm) based on predefined parameters of catheter stability and contact force (CF) have been developed to allow the detection of ineffective ablation lesion, nevertheless there is a lack of multicenter studies exploring this technology. Objective the aim of our study was to assess the rate of recurrence after a first PVI procedure in a large, multicentric Italian population and to explore the efficacy of Visitag algorithm (CARTO 3) used to guide RF ablation of AF. Methods we analyzed 214 patients of the SMOP-AF study (Substrate Mapping as Outcome Predictor in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation), a prospective multi-centric study enrolling patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF undergoing a first PVI procedure after an high-density mapping during sinus rhythm. During the procedure, ablation was guided by an automated annotation system in which tag based on predefined parameters were displayed real-time in each lesion site on the electroanatomical map. Visitag settings for the catheter position stability were a 2,5 mm distance limit for at least 7 sec and a minimum CF of 5 g over 30% of the ablation and a FTI>400 g*s. Where available (n=106, 49.5%), Ablation Index (AI), which also incorporates information on delivered RF power, was used instead of FTI to guide RF ablation with a threshold range of 400–550 for anterior/roof and 330–420 for posterior/inferior segments. Minimum and mean contact force, time and power values for each RF-lesion were recorded while both FTI and AI values were calculated automatically by the CARTO system. Comparison between groups were made by cross-tables, Mann-Whitney or Student T test as appropriated. Results the mean age of the enrolled population was 59±9 years, left ventricular ejection fraction was 59±9%. AF was paroxysmal in 89.7%, persistent in 10.3% of the patients and refractory to at least one anti-arrhythmic drug in 86.4% of the population. At 3 months follow-up 85% of the patients were free from AF recurrences and the success rate increased to 90.8% at 3–6 months, and 86.3% at 3–12 months follow-up. The mean ablation time was shorter in AI-guided vs. FTI-guided procedures (31±9 vs 46±29 min; p<0.001). There was a trend toward a reduction in AF recurrences when AI vs. FTI was used, both at 6 and 12 months (respectively 5,4% vs 13.6%; p 0.06 and 9.6% vs 18.5%; p 0.08). Conclusion PVI isolation using dedicated algorithms developed to guide the effectiveness of RFCA leads to a very high success-rate after a single procedure. The use of AI, which integrates contact force information with delivered power, reduces the procedural time and increases the overall success-rate


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lior Jankelson ◽  
Matthew Dai ◽  
Scott Bernstein ◽  
David Park ◽  
Douglas Holmes ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundOptimal ablation technique, including catheter-tissue contact during atrial fibrillation (AF) radiofrequency (RF) ablation is associated with improved procedural outcomes. We used a custom developed software to analyze high frequency catheter position data to study the interaction between catheter excursion during lesion placement, lesion-set sequentiality and arrhythmia recurrence.Methods100 consecutive patients undergoing first time RF ablation for paroxysmal AF were analyzed. Spatial positioning of the ablation catheter sampled at 60 Hz during RF application was extracted from the CARTO3 system (Biosense Webster Inc., USA) and analyzed using custom developed MATLAB software to determine precise catheter spatial 3D excursion during RF ablation. The primary end point was freedom from atrial arrhythmia lasting longer than 30 seconds after a single ablation procedure.ResultsAt one year, 86% of patients were free from recurrent arrhythmia. There was no significant difference in clinical, echocardiographic or ablation characteristics between patients with and without recurrent arrhythmia. Analyzing 15,356,998 position data-points revealed that lesion-set sequentiality and mean lesion catheter excursion were predictors of arrhythmia recurrence. Analyzing arrhythmia recurrence by mean single-lesion catheter excursion (excursion > 2.81mm) and by sequentiality (using 46% of lesions with inter-lesion distance >6mm as cutoff) revealed significantly increased arrhythmia recurrence in the higher excursion group (23% vs. 6%, p=0.03) and in the less sequential group (24% vs. 4%, p=0.02).ConclusionAblation lesion sequentiality measured by catheter inter-lesion distance and catheter stability measured by catheter excursion during lesion placement are potentially modifiable factors affecting arrhythmia recurrence after RF ablation for AF.


2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (7) ◽  
pp. 1270-1276
Author(s):  
David N. Townshend ◽  
Andrew J. F. Bing ◽  
Timothy M. Clough ◽  
Ian T. Sharpe ◽  
Andy Goldberg ◽  
...  

Aims This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes. Methods Patients were recruited from 11 specialist centres between June 2016 and November 2019. Demographic, radiological, and functional outcome data (Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, Manchester Oxford Questionnaire, and EuroQol five-dimension five-level score) were collected preoperatively, at six months, one year, and two years. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS) grading system was used to stratify deformity. Early and late complications and reoperations were recorded as adverse events. Radiographs were assessed for lucencies, cysts, and/or subsidence. Results In all, 500 patients reached six-month follow-up, 420 reached one-year follow-up, and 188 reached two-year follow-up. The mean age was 67.8 years (23.9 to 88.5). A total of 38 patients (7.5%) presented with inflammatory arthritis. A total of 101 (20.0%) of implantations used patient-specific instrumentation; 167 patients (33.1%) underwent an additional procedure at the time of surgery. A total of seven patients died of unrelated causes, two withdrew, and one was lost to follow-up. The mean follow-up was 16.2 months (6 to 36). There was a significant improvement from baseline across all functional outcome scores at six months, one, and two years. There was no significant difference in outcomes with the use of patient-specific instrumentation, type of arthritis, or COFAS type. Five (1.0%) implants were revised. The overall complication rate was 8.8%. The non-revision reoperation rate was 1.4%. The 30-day readmission rate was 1.2% and the one-year mortality 0.74%. Conclusion The early experience and complications reported in this study support the current use of the INFINITY TAA as a safe and effective implant in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7):1270–1276.


Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao-Feng Chen

Backgroup: Limited comparative data exist regarding catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) using second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) ablation versus radiofrequency (RF) ablation in elderly patients (>75 years ). This study aims to compare the costs and periprocedural outcomes in elderly patients using these two strategies. Methods: Elderly patients (>75years) with symptomatic drug-refractory AF were included in the study. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed in all patients by CB or RF. The costs and periprocedural outcomes of the two strategies are compared using SPSS 22. Results: 324 elderly patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal/short-lasting persistent AF received PVI using RF (n=176) and CB-2 (n=148) from September 2016 to April 2019. The CB-2 was associated with shorter procedure duration and left atrial dwell time (128.9±18.3 vs. 152.8±18.9 minutes, P<0.001; 89.4±18.4 vs. 101.9± 22.2minutes, P <0.001), but greater fluoroscopy utilization (24.3±10.9 vs. 19.2±7.5 minutes, P <0.001). Periprocedural complications occurred in 3.4% (CB-2) and 9.1% (RF) of patients (P=0.037). There was no significant difference between 2 groups for AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence until discharge (16.2 vs. 18.7%, P = 0.552). The length of stay after ablation was shorter, but the costs were greater in the CB-2 group ( P <0.001). Conclusions: Both CB-2 and RF ablation appear to be safe and effective for AF in elderly patients (>75 years). In addition, CB-2 is associated with shorter procedure time, left atrial dwell time, and length of stay after ablation, as well as lower complication rates, but its costs and fluoroscopy time are greater than those of the RF group.


Author(s):  
Jacob R. Lepard ◽  
Irene Kim ◽  
Anastasia Arynchyna ◽  
Sean M. Lew ◽  
Robert J. Bollo ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Pediatric stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) has been increasingly performed in the United States, with published literature being limited primarily to large single-center case series. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience of pediatric epilepsy centers, where the technique has been adopted in the last several years, via a multicenter case series studying patient demographics, outcomes, and complications. METHODS A retrospective cohort methodology was used based on the STROBE criteria. ANOVA was used to evaluate for significant differences between the means of continuous variables among centers. Dichotomous outcomes were assessed between centers using a univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 170 SEEG insertion procedures were included in the study from 6 different level 4 pediatric epilepsy centers. The mean patient age at time of SEEG insertion was 12.3 ± 4.7 years. There was no significant difference between the mean age at the time of SEEG insertion between centers (p = 0.3). The mean number of SEEG trajectories per patient was 11.3 ± 3.6, with significant variation between centers (p < 0.001). Epileptogenic loci were identified in 84.7% of cases (144/170). Patients in 140 cases (140/170, 82.4%) underwent a follow-up surgical intervention, with 47.1% (66/140) being seizure free at a mean follow-up of 30.6 months. An overall postoperative hemorrhage rate of 5.3% (9/170) was noted, with patients in 4 of these cases (4/170, 2.4%) experiencing a symptomatic hemorrhage and patients in 3 of these cases (3/170, 1.8%) requiring operative evacuation of the hemorrhage. There were no mortalities or long-term complications. CONCLUSIONS As the first multicenter case series in pediatric SEEG, this study has aided in establishing normative practice patterns in the application of a novel surgical technique, provided a framework for anticipated outcomes that is generalizable and useful for patient selection, and allowed for discussion of what is an acceptable complication rate relative to the experiences of multiple institutions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (B) ◽  
pp. 636-645
Author(s):  
Nasser El-Ghandour ◽  
Mohamed Sawan ◽  
Atul Goel ◽  
Ahmed Assem Abdelkhalek ◽  
Ahmad M. Abdelmotleb ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in lumbar spondylolisthesis have not been validated in many prospective randomized trials. AIM: We aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of TLIF and PLIF surgery in lumbar spondylolisthesis using the clinical, radiographic, and cost-utility outcomes. METHODS: The data of surgically treated single-level spondylolisthesis patients were randomized prospectively into two groups. The groups were compared regarding demographics, perioperative complications, hospital stay, total expenditure, fusion rate, and clinical outcomes (visual analog scale, Oswestry disability index, Zurich claudication scale, and Odom’s criteria). A review of literature was done to compare the outcomes with the ones from higher-income nations. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent prospective randomization. The improvement in the clinical outcomes at 12-month follow-up showed improvement in the TLIF group more than the PLIF group but with no significant difference. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the PLIF (p < 0.05), also, the blood loss was significantly less in the TLIF (p < 0.001). The complications frequency did not show any statistical significance between both groups and no significant difference in the patient’s post-operative patient satisfaction (p = 0.6). The mean hospital stay was non-significantly longer in the PLIF (p = 0.7). At 12-month follow-up, 93.3% of the TLIF patients were fused versus 86.7% of the PLIF (p = 0.5). The total cost of the TLIF was significantly less (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both PLIF and TLIF could achieve similar fusion rates and clinical satisfaction in the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis. The TLIF group was significantly better in terms of financial burden, operative time, and blood loss.


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