scholarly journals Cryoballoon Ablation Strategy in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

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.

scholarly journals Pulmonary veins reconnection pattern differences after failed radiofrequency ablation and cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Antoun ◽  
B Sihdu ◽  
A Mavilakandy ◽  
L Merzaka ◽  
P Stafford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Ablation Procedure ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Mapping System ◽  
The Right ◽  
Electrocardiogram Ecg

Abstract   Point-by-point radiofrequency ablation (RF) and one-shot cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) electrically isolate pulmonary veins (PVs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) using different techniques and energies. This study aimed to examine differences in PVs reconnection pattern and ablation lesions required to re-isolate PVs after failed RF and failed CRYO. Methods Twenty-four patients who had their repeat ablation between January 2017-December 2020 were studied with six months of learning curve for CRYO. Fourteen patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Failed first ablations were defined by electrocardiogram (ECG) documented AF within twelve months following three months blanking period. Repeat ablations were performed using CARTO3® mapping system, which was utilized to locate ablation lesions and impedance drop details. Results 2,260 lesions were collected from 63 reconnected PVs (31 isolated after RF vs 32 isolated veins after CRYO). 849 lesions were targeted towards triggers. Repeat ablation procedure time was similar between both cohorts. However, repeat ablation after failed CRYO had longer fluoroscopy time (19.8±2 vs 12.4±2.1 minutes, P=0.019). The right lower pulmonary vein (RLPV) was reconnected after failed CRYO for AF in 92% of patients and 100% in PAF patients. Although PV reconnection pattern was similar between both cohorts, RLPV and left upper pulmonary vein (LUPV) required more ablation lesions after failed CRYO. Left lower pulmonary vein (LLPV) and right upper pulmonary vein (RUPV) required more ablation lesions after failed RF. Impedance drop was similar in both cohorts. Conclusion After failed CRYO for PAF, RLPV was reconnected in all patients. RUPV and LLPV required more ablation lesions after failed RF, while RLPV and LLPV required more ablation lesions after failed CRYO. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. PVs reconnection pattern Lesions number and percentage comparison

scholarly journals Clinical success of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4S) ◽  
pp. 6-14
Author(s):  
T. Y. Chichkova ◽  
S. E. Mamchur ◽  
E. A. Khomenko
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Rf Ablation

Aim. To estimate the clinical success of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Methods.230 patients (males: 49.6%, mean age 57 (53; 62) with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) resistant to antiarrhythmic therapy were included in a single-center prospective study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups to undergo either cryoballoon ablation (n = 122) or radiofrequency (RF) (n = 108) ablation. Both groups were comparable in baseline parameters. The follow-up period was 12 months. Clinical outcomes were estimated with the use of a three-stage scale. The rates of cardiovascular rehospitalizations, direct-current cardioversions and repeated ablations during were estimated within the follow-up. The quality of life (QoL) in the cryoablation group was measured using the AFEQT scale.Results.77% (n = 94) of patients in the cryoballoon ablation group and 71.3% (n = 77) of patients in the RF group (р = 0.71) demonstrated reported the optimal clinical effects. Both groups, cryo ablation and RF ablation, had similar rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations (23.8 vs 28.7%, OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.4–1.4; р = 0.39), direct-current cardioversions (12.3 vs 17.6%, OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3–1.4; р = 0.26) and repeated ablations (9.8–11.1%, OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4–2.0; р = 0.75). The patients treated with cryoballoon as opposed to RF ablation had significantly more successful usage of “pill-in-pocket” strategy – 14.8 vs 6.5% (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.01–6.2; р = 0.04). Significant improvements of the QoL parameters with strong size effect have been found in the cryoablation group, i.e. global score (GS) increased by 8.9±6.9 (95% CI 6.6–10.1; dCohen 1.2; р<0.001), symptoms (S) – by 8.3±7.9 (95% CI 4.2–8.8; dCohen 1.5; р<0.001), daily activities (DA) – by 10.0±6.9 (95% CI = 6.4–10.6; dCohen 0.9; р<0.001), treatment concerns (TC) – by 5.5±6.0 (95% CI 6.3–9.2; dCohen 1.2; р<0.001) and treatment satisfaction (TS) – by 5.5±6.0 (95% CI 5.4–9.8; dCohen 0.9; р<0.001).Conclusion.The both catheter-based technologies had comparable clinical success. Cryoablation was characterized by improvement in all QoL parameters based on the AFEQT score.

scholarly journals Safety and efficacy of cryoballoon-ablation for atrial fibrillation performed at local hospitals: results of the german register on cryoballoon-ablation in local hospitals (REGIONAL)

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Michaelsen ◽  
U Parade ◽  
H Bauerle ◽  
K-D Winter ◽  
U Rauschenbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Phrenic Nerve ◽  
Nerve Palsy ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Hospital Death ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Community Hospitals ◽  
Phrenic Nerve Palsy ◽  
Safety And Efficacy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf REGIONAL Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon ablation (CBA) has become an established procedure for the treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The safety and efficacy of PVI at community hospitals with low to moderate case numbers is unknown. Aim To determine safety and efficacy of PVI using CBA performed at community hospitals with limited annual case numbers. Methods 1004 PVI performed consecutively between 01/2019 and 09/2020 at 20 community hospitals (each &lt;100 PVI using CBA/year) for symptomatic paroxysmal AF (n = 563) or persistentAF (n= 441) were included in this registry. CBA was performed considering local standards. Procedural data, efficacy and complications were determined. Results Mean number of PVI using CBA/year was 59 ± 26. Mean procedure time was 90.1 ± 31.6 min and mean fluoroscopy time was 19.2 ± 11.4 min. Isolation of all pulmonary veins could be achieved in 97.9% of patients, early termination of CBA due to phrenic nerve palsy was the most frequent reason for incomplete isolation. There was no in-hospital death. 2 patients (0.2%) suffered a clinical stroke. Pericardial effusion occurred in 6 patients (0.6%), 2 of them (0.2%) required pericardial drainage. Vascular complications occurred in 24 patients (2.4%), in 2 of these patients (0.2%) vascular surgery was required. In 48 patients (4.8 %) phrenic nerve palsy was noticed which persisted up to hospital discharge in 6 patients (0.6%). Conclusions PVI for paroxysmal or persistent AF using CBA can be performed at community hospitals with high efficacy and low complication rates despite low to moderate annual procedure numbers.

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

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Weber ◽  
Sabine Fredersdorf ◽  
Clemens Jilek ◽  
Norbert Heinicke ◽  
Carsten Jungbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Procedure Time ◽  
Ablation Procedure ◽  
Catheter Position ◽  
3D Navigation ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Ablation Success ◽  
Increasing Demand

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.

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

Circulation ◽  
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.

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

EP Europace ◽  
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 (&gt;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.

scholarly journals Pulmonary Vein Capture is a Predictor for Long-Term Success of Stand-Alone Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexey Babak ◽  
Christine Bienvenue Kauffman ◽  
Cynthia Lynady ◽  
Reginald McClellan ◽  
Kalpathi Venkatachalam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Initial Strategy ◽  
Study Completion ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Medications ◽  
Better Than

Background: It is unknown whether cryoballoon technology for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a reasonable initial strategy for patients with persistent AF (perAF). Methods: 390 consecutive procedures using cryoballoon for initial AF ablation were evaluated and divided first by clinical presentation: paroxysmal AF (PAF) or perAF, and then whether PV potentials associated PV pacing (PV capture) were identified after ablation. Patients were followed for recurrent AF (median 20 months). Results: PV capture was identified in patients with PAF and perAF (PAF: 20.3% vs. perAF: 14.6%; p < 0.05). No patient charactieristic differences were identified between those patients with or without PV capture. The presence of PV capture was not associated with different outcomes in patients with PAF. However, in patients with perAF, the presence of PV capture was associated with long-term outcomes similar to patients with PAF and significantly better than patients with perAF without PV capture (p < 0.001). In patients with perAF and PV capture, a strategy of reisolation of the PVs only for recurrent AF resulted in 20/23 (87%) patients in sinus rhythm off antiarrhythmic medications at study completion. In patients with PV capture, specific electrophysiologic properties of PV tissue did not have an impact on AF recurrence. Conclusion: PV capture (and not specific PV electrophysiologic characteristics) was associated with decreased recurrent AF in patients with perAF. PV capture may identify those patients with perAF in whom PV isolation alone is sufficient at initial ablation procedure and also as the primary ablation strategy for recurrent AF.

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