Surgical patch angioplasty for pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation

Patient: Male, 78-year-oldFinal Diagnosis: Pulmonary vein stenosisSymptoms: DyspneaMedication:—Clinical Procedure: Radiofrequency ablation • stenting of the pulmonary veinSpecialty: PulmonologyObjective:Unusual clinical courseBackground:Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare condition characterized by progressive luminal size reduction of one or more pulmonary veins (PVs), which can increase postcapillary pressure resulting in shortness of breath, cough, hemoptysis, and pulmonary hypertension (PH). The diagnosis of PV stenosis requires a high degree of suspicion. PV stenosis is a rare but recognized complication of catheter-based radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF).Case Report:We present a case of a 78-year-old man who underwent a surgical MAZE procedure followed by catheter-based RFA to treat AF. He subsequently developed shortness of breath, exercise limitation, and PH. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with PV stenosis, which was a sequela of the RFA and the cause of his PH. The patient was treated by stenting of his PV, with improvement in his exercise capacity and PH. Follow-up imaging showed improved pulmonary blood flow and reduced pulmonary pressures.Conclusions:We conclude that PV stenosis should be high in the differential as the cause of dyspnea in patients with PH and a previous history of RFA for AF management. Early recognition and treatment can prevent complete occlusion of the affected PV and lead to an improvement in the patient’s symptoms and quality of life.

Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) may provide incremental benefits for arrhythmia management in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to compare efficacy and safety of endocardial ablation and LAA exclusion with LARIAT device for electrical and mechanical exclusion of LAA. We compared patients who underwent endocardial LAA isolation during index RFA for persistent AF and underwent a repeat RFA to patients who underwent LAA exclusion with LARIAT device followed by RFA for AF in this multicenter registry. Efficacy of electrical and mechanical isolation of LAA was assessed. We included 182 patients of which 91 patients underwent endocardial LAA isolation during RFA for AF, and 91 patients underwent LAA exclusion with LARIAT device followed by RFA for AF. Baseline characteristics were similar except for higher CHA2DS2-VASc score, coronary artery disease, and prior stroke rate in LARIAT arm. Persistence of electrical isolation (measured at beginning of second procedure) after LARIAT procedure was higher than one-time AF-RFA (96.7% vs 52.8%, p < 0.01). Acute pulmonary vein isolation rates were similar in both arms. AF recurrence rate after second isolation attempts at 1 year was similar in both arms. No difference in major complications was noted between both arms. LAA exclusion with LARIAT device appears to be more efficacious as compared to one-time endocardial ablation, but not compared to repeat isolation, in achieving complete electrical isolation of LAA for persistent AF.

Results of catheter based interventional treatment for pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation remain suboptimal. Surgical repair may represent an alternative therapy, though long-term results have not been thoroughly investigated. We retrospectively assessed all patients in our centre undergoing surgical repair for radiofrequency-induced PVS. Data regarding surgical technique, clinical outcome, and rate of pulmonary vein (PV) restenosis were collected and analysed. Between 2004 and 2016, the rate for PVS resulting from RFA for atrial fibrillation in our institution was 0.79% (76/9633). During this period, five male patients with multiple PVS (3 ± 1) underwent surgical repair of a total of 13 symptomatic PVS. Surgery was performed in a standard setting under cardiopulmonary bypass. Stenotic veins were incised longitudinally followed by a patch augmentation plasty using either bovine pericard (n = 7) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patches (n = 5). Localization of incision was on the anterior side of the PV only (n = 8) or on both the anterior and posterior sides (n = 4). In one PVS lesion, mechanical dilatation was sufficient. Long-term follow-up after 60 ± 69 months revealed an average restenosis rate of 38%. Restenosis was defined as narrowing >70%. All patients reported clinical improvement of symptoms at follow-up. Even in the era of wide circumferential lesions, PVS still occurs. While surgical PV patch plasty represents a valuable treatment option, restenosis remains an issue during follow-up. Nevertheless, surgical repair achieves highly acceptable long-term results for RFA-acquired PVS. Hence, it should be routinely discussed as a therapeutic option in cases with multiple PVS.

Decreased Pulmonary Perfusion in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Radiofrequency Ablation: Assessment With Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Perfusion Imaging

PULMONARY VEIN STENOSIS: A SERIOUS AND UNDERDIAGNOSED COMPLICATION OF PULMONARY VEIN ISOLATION THERAPY

Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety and recurrence rate between ablation index (AI) and contact force (CF) guided radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in elderly patients. Methods: Elderly patients (age ≥60 years) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who received radiofrequency ablation for the first time at Department of Cardiology, Beijing Friendship Hospital from April 2018 to April 2019 were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: AI-group (n=40) and CF group (n=37) depending on their ablation methods. Follow-up was performed until 1 year post the procedure, and efficacy related indexes like first-pass pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) rate, ablation duration, operation duration and major complications were compared between 2 groups. The recurrence rates between 2 groups and related risk factors after radiofrequency ablation were analyzed. Results: A total of 77 patients [mean age (68.5±6.4) years, 40 were male] were enrolled at last. In AI guided patients, frequency of first-pass PVI rate was higher [52.5%(21 cases) vs 29.7%(3 cases), P=0.011] with a shorter ablation duration [(24.5±1.7) min vs (33.7±2.2) min, P<0.001] and operation duration [(136.6±6.1) min vs (139.7±7.4) min, P=0.048] compared with CF guided group. At 1 year follow-up, AI group showed an amendatory recurrence rate in Kaplan-Meier analysis (22.5% vs 40.5%,log-rank P=0.048). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CF guided ablation (HR=3.272,95%CI:1.319-8.114,P=0.011), enlarged anteroposterior diameter of the left atrium (HR=4.233,95%CI:1.511-11.862,P=0.006) and complicated with coronary heart disease (HR=4.829,95%CI:1.399-16.666,P=0.013) were independent risk factors for recurrence of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients. Conclusions: Compared with CF guided ablation, radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in elderly patients guided by AI showed a higher first-pass PVI rate, shorter procedure duration of both ablation time and total operation time, meanwhile a lower recurrence rate. Further analysis revealed that different ablation alternation (AI or CF), enlarged anteroposterior diameter of left atrium, and complicated with coronary heart disease are independent risk factors for recurrence after radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients.

A 50-Year-Old Woman With a History of Atrial Fibrillation Presents With Acute Dyspnea and Pleuritic Chest Pain

The development of pulmonary vein stenosis has recently been described after radiofrequency ablation (RF) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to examine expression of TGFbeta1 in pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation of dogs. About 28 mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group (n = 7), the AF group (n = 7), AF + RF group (n = 7), and RF group (n = 7). In AF or AF + RF groups, dogs underwent chronic pulmonary vein (PV) pacing to induce sustained AF. RF application was applied around the PVs until electrical activity was eliminated. Histological assessment of pulmonary veins was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining; TGFbeta1 gene expression in pulmonary veins was examined by RT-PCR analysis; expression of TGFbeta1 protein in pulmonary veins was assessed by Western blot analysis. Rapid pacing from the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) induced sustained AF in AF group and AF + RF group. Pulmonary vein ablation terminated the chronic atrial fibrillation in dogs. Histological examination revealed necrotic tissues in various stages of collagen replacement, intimal thickening, and cartilaginous metaplasia with chondroblasts and chondroclasts. Compared with sham-operated and AF group, TGFbeta1 gene and protein expressions was increased in AF + RF or RF groups. It was concluded that TGFbeta1 might be associated with pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation of dogs.

BackgroundPulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) after radiofrequency ablation for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is an uncommon but serious complication. PVS stenting can rapidly restore pulmonary flow and improve symptoms with long-term low incidence of restenosis. However, high risk of thrombosis remains if AF is recurrent, especially for CHA2DS2-VASc > 2.Case presentationA 67-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension and a history of stroke underwent radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation for persistent AF 1 year ago. Six months later he developed recurrent respiratory infection and massive hemoptysis. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography revealed severe left pulmonary vein stenosis. Simultaneous percutaneous PVS stenting and left atrial appendage occlusion were performed to resolve recurrent hemoptysis and prevent stroke. The clinical follow-up indicated a good short and mid-term result with significant improvement of symptoms.ConclusionsSimultaneous PVS stenting and left atrial appendage occlusion is feasible and effective in patients with recurrence of AF and hemoptysis induced by radiofrequency ablation for AF.

Background: Esophageal injury is a feared complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Esophageal temperature monitoring has been used as a surrogate marker for potential esophageal thermal injury. Often times, rise in esophageal temperature during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for AF limits the ability to deliver RF energy. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the EsoSure® (Northeast Scientific, Inc., Waterbury, CT), a mechanical esophageal deviation tool, during RFA for AF. Methods: In this prospective observational series, we evaluated 135 consecutive patients from 4 centers in whom luminal esophageal temperature (LET) rise or likely rise was limiting RFA lesion delivery on the posterior wall of the LA. EsoSure® was used to deflect the esophagus away from the ablation site in the LA. Light Barium was used to visualize and confirm esophageal displacement in all patients. Baseline demographics, procedural variables and complication rates were collected and evaluated. Patients were followed up to 3 months for clinical signs and symptoms of esophageal injury. Results: The mean age of our sample was 64 ± 10 years and 77 (57%) patients were males. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.72 ± 1 and 97 (74 %) patients had paroxysmal AF. The mean deviation of the trailing edge of the esophagus with EsoSure® was 2.6 ± 1 cm (range: 0.8 - 4.5 cm). Successful intra-procedural end point, defined as successful pulmonary vein isolation, was achieved in 100% of patients. Among the 96 (71%) patients in whom EsoSure® was used after an increase in LET, the mean peak rise of LET was 1.3 ± 0.2° C prior to the EsoSure® use and 0.2 ± 0.1° C after the EsoSure® use (p&lt;0.001). There were no complications related to the EsoSure® use through 3-month follow-up. No symptoms suggestive of esophageal injury were noted related to AF ablation. Conclusions: Mechanical displacement of the esophagus with EsoSure® device appears to be safe and efficacious in enabling adequate RF energy delivery to the posterior wall of the LA during RFA for AF without significant luminal temperature rise and obvious clinical signs or symptoms of esophageal injury up to 3 months of follow up.

Safety and efficacy of cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients: A real-world evidence

A 53-year-old man was admitted with productive cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis. Eight months earlier, he had undergone radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation originating from the right upper and both left pulmonary veins. Computed tomography demonstrated bronchopneumonic infiltrates in both upper lobes (Figure 1). A perfusion scintigram, performed to exclude pulmonary embolism, showed hypoperfusion of both upper lobes, despite a normal ventilation scintigram (Figure 2). Catheter angiography …

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 &gt; 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.

Cryoballoons (CBs) have proven to be effective for achieving pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Dissociated PV activity (DPVA) after successful radiofrequency PVI is sometimes observed inside the PV and has been found to prove the achievement of electrical disconnection from the left atrium. However, little is known about the incidence or characteristics of DPVA after CB-PVI. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and characteristics of DPVA in patients undergoing CB and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for AF. Two hundred and ninety-four propensity score-matched patients from 440 consecutive patients who underwent initial catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were included in the present study (CB-PVI 147, RF-PVI 147). DPVA was more frequently observed after CB-PVI than after RF-PVI (32 vs. 19% of the PVs, P<0.001), especially in the left superior PV (52 vs. 29%, P<0.001) and left inferior PV (22 vs. 7%, P<0.001). The AF-free rate after the initial ablation in the patients with and without DPVA was similar in both the CB (P=0.23) and RF (P=0.39) groups. During repeat ablation procedures for recurrent AF, PV reconnection was similarly observed in PVs with and without DPVA during the initial procedure, both in the CB (30 vs. 44%, P=0.29) and RF (65 vs. 58%, P=0.41) groups. DPVA was more frequently observed after CB-PVI than after RF-PVI. The presence of DPVA was not related to the ablation outcome or chronic PV reconnection following CB-PVI.

Mechanical esophageal deviation: an approach for pulmonary vein reconnection attributed to esophageal heating