First experience of focal pulsed field ablation for premature ventricular contractions

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as a novel strategy to achieve ablation of cardiac tissue. Clinical evidence suggests a remarkable lesion durability and safety profile for AF ablation. Nonetheless, a growing interest exists in broadening its field of application for catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA). The CENTAURI system arises as a promising PFA system for targeting VA as it allows pulsed electric field (PEF) delivery via standard, commercially available focal ablation catheters and concomitant coupling with their mapping systems. Purpose To assess, for the first time, the feasibility of focal PFA via the CENTAURI system for premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation. Methods We conducted a prospective analysis of patients with either high burden (>10%) or symptomatic idiopathic PVC undergoing focal PFA using CENTAURI system at our institution. Procedures were performed between December 2022 and August 2023. Acute and long-term success were defined as no PVC recurrence during a 24h in-hospital monitoring period, and ≥80% burden reduction with absence of symptoms after at least 30 days post-ablation, respectively. PVC monitoring was performed by implantable loop recorder (ILR) or surface ECG Holter monitoring. Results Fourteen patients (age range: 16-87 years; 10 females) were included. Procedures were performed via the CENTAURI system in combination with CARTO 3 system and EnSite X EP system in 4 (28.6%) and 10 cases (71.4%) respectively. Targeted ablation sites were the right ventricular outflow tract (6 cases), right moderator band (2 cases), left postero-medial papillary muscle -PM- (2 cases), and right posterior PM, tricuspid annulus, left posterior fascicle and aortomitral continuity (AMC) in one case. On average, 6.5 applications were delivered to the site of origin with a mean contact force of 11g. Procedural duration and fluoroscopy time were 102 and 8.9 minutes. Two minor complications were observed: one transitory ST depression (solved after i.v. nitrate administration) after repeated applications to AMC, and a femoral pseudoaneurysm. The remaining 12 procedures were uneventful. Although most of the procedures were performed under general anesthesia due to concerns about potential significant muscular contraction, 3 cases (21.4%) were successfully managed with light sedation, without significant muscular contraction nor map shift. Incomplete abolishment of PVC during first 24 h was observed in 2 patients (14.3%). After a median follow-up of 113 days (IQR: 83-188), recurrences were detected in one patient (7.14%). Conclusion Herein we report the feasibility and efficacy of PVC ablation using a focal PEF delivery system (CENTAURI). Furthermore, we describe the possibility of performing PVC ablation with this technology under light sedation, which might be important for minimizing anesthesia impact on PVC burden.Table of characteristicsPVC morphologies