Ablation Group Research Articles

Lower recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation in early compared to late ablation – a Danish nationwide study

Abstract Introduction Guidelines recommend antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) before ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, recently published randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that ablation is more effective in maintaining sinus rhythm compared to AAD as first line therapy. Therefore, data pertaining the impact of early ablation on AF recurrence in large, unselected cohorts is highly warranted. Purpose To examine clinically relevant AF recurrence after ablation by time from AF diagnosis to ablation. Method Using Danish nationwide registries, all Danish patients above 18 years who underwent first-time AF ablation from January1st 2010 to December31st 2018 were identified and included at the date of ablation. The patients were categorized by time from diagnosis with AF to ablation. Recurrent AF was defined using a composite endpoint comprising claimed prescriptions of AAD, hospital admissions due to AF, re-ablation, or electrical cardioversions. The cumulative incidence of recurrent AF by time from diagnosis to ablation at 1-year follow-up after a blanking period of 90 days, was estimated using the Aalen-Johansen estimator, taking death as a competing risk into account. The relative rates of recurrent AF by time from diagnosis to ablation were examined using Cox models adjusted for sex, age, procedure-year, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Results The study cohort consisted of 8,098 patients. Median age [IQR] increased from 60 [52 to 66] in the early ablation group (AF ablation within 1 year after diagnosis) to 64 [57 to 70] in the late ablation group (ablation at least 3 years after diagnosis). The number of patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or more increased from 44% in the early ablation group to 51% in the late ablation group. Use of amiodarone remained stable, while use of Class IC anti-arrhythmic medication increased by time from diagnosis to ablation. Figure 1 shows the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent AF, hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) stratified by time from diagnosis to ablation in years and depict that the risk of recurrent AF increased incrementally and significantly by time from diagnosis to ablation compared to the early ablation group. Figure 2 shows the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent AF, hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI 95%) stratified by time from diagnosis to ablation in months and depict that very early ablation (within 6 months) is associated with less recurrent AF. Conclusion In this large nationwide study examining recurrent AF post ablation, recurrence rates of AF increased incrementally according to time from AF diagnosis to AF ablation. Early ablation could potentially provide substantial benefits and improve outcomes after ablation, indicating ablation as first-line therapy might be more ideal. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Prognostic impact of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial flutter in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Abstract Background The CASTLE-AF trial in 2018, showed that pulmonary vein isolation provides a survival benefit and a reduced hospitalization rate in patients with heart failure and concomitant atrial fibrillation. Typical atrial flutter (AFL) can also induce heart failure (tachymyopathy) or, if cardiomyopathy of other origin is prevalent, can further worsen it. Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (CTI) is a simple, invasive electrophysiological procedure that can effectively treat AFL. Prognostic data on the impact of CTI in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is lacking. Purpose This study focused on the analysis of the clinical impact of CTI vs. medical therapy in patients with HFrEF. Methods The present retrospective, international, multi-center study included 104 patients <85 years with AFL and heart failure (LVEF <50%). 64 patients underwent an electrophysiological study with successful CTI (ablation group), whereas 40 patients received medical therapy alone with frequency or rhythm control and guideline-compliant heart failure therapy (medical therapy group). Patients were followed up for a total of 2 years, with particular emphasis on recording the change in LVEF over time. The primary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for cardiac causes. Results Patients after CTI showed a significant increase in LVEF after 1 year (with the exception of valvular cardiomyopathy). The optimization of LVEF was also reflected in the Kaplan-Meier curves, as the ablation group had a significantly lower 2-year, cardiovascular mortality (p<0.001). The hospitalization rate for cardiac causes in the overall cohort showed a tendency towards reduced hospitalizations (p=0.072). Elderly patients also benefited from CTI in this study. Specifically, Patients ≥70 years of age showed a significantly lower re-hospialization rate after CTI (p=0.043) as well as a significantly reduced mortality after 2 years (p=0.012). Conclusions CTI in patients with AFL and HFrEF was associated with significant optimization of LVEF and lower rates of hospitalization and mortality after 2 years. Patient age should not be a primary exclusion criterion for CTI because in this study, patients ≥70 years also benefited significantly from intervention in terms of mortality and hospitalization. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Assessing outcomes following catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices

Abstract Background Management of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after implant of a durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is challenging, without consensus on optimal therapy. Multiple small studies have examined catheter ablation of VT in these patients with low reported incidence of complications. Purpose We sought to evaluate periprocedural outcomes following VT ablation among LVAD recipients. Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample from 2011 to 2019 to conduct our study. Baseline characteristics include age, sex, race, and comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease. Comorbidity severity was assessed using the Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index (Deyo-CCI). Patients with any supraventricular arrhythmias were excluded. Outcomes investigated include heart transplant procedure, all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and periprocedural complications. Multivariate regression was used to analyze outcomes associations adjusted for baseline characteristics that were significantly different (P<0.05) between cohorts expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). SPSS v28.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY) was used to carry out all calculations. Results We identified 56 patients who underwent ablation among 2,202 LVAD recipients hospitalized for VT. Patients who underwent ablation were more likely to have ischemic cardiomyopathy (33.9% vs. 22.2%, p=0.03) or an automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (55.4% vs 34.3%, p=0.001). There were otherwise no significant differences between cohorts (mean Deyo-CCI score of 2.3 for both, p=0.48). Between those who did and did not undergo ablation, there were no significant differences in heart transplant (5.4 vs 5.0%, p=0.9), mortality (7.1% vs 7.0%, p=0.96), total strokes (3.6% vs 5.0%, p=0.48), myocardial infarction (3.6% vs 4.6%, p=0.71), overall MACE (8.9% vs 10.2%, p=0.26) or total complications (35.7% vs 41.9%, p=0.35). There were no incidents of pump thrombosis in the ablation group, but 92 events (4.3%) were found in the medical therapy group. Multivariate analysis affirmed no significant association between ablation and mortality (aOR 1.277, CI [0.450–3.629]), MACE (aOR 1.125, CI [0.436–2.902]), or total complications (aOR 0.932, CI [0.528–1.645]). Conclusion Overall complications following VT ablation among LVAD patients were higher than previously reported but no statistically significant differences were found compared to conservative management. While ablation appears safe to perform, particularly among those with structural heart disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy, longer duration studies are needed to determine the efficacy of this procedure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

How to perform effective cryoballooon ablation of left atrial roof: considerations after experiences of more than 1000 cases

Abstract Introduction Although pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, concomitant cryoballoon ablation of left atrial (LA) roof has been expected to improve clinical outcomes after ablation. We demonstrate characteristics and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation of LA roof through our experiences from a large volume of procedures. Methods We had performed cryoballoon ablation of LA roof in 1036 procedures including 202 redo procedures in AF patients since June 2016. Among these procedures, we analyzed 834 patients (309 paroxysmal AF) who had undergone de novo ablation for AF. We confirmed whether the complete conduction block of LA roof line was obtained after the ablation. Results LA roof line block was obtained in 767 patients (92.0%) without touch up ablation with a radiofrequency catheter (Group A). LA diameter (LAD) was significantly smaller (43.6±6.6mm vs 47.4±7.5mm, p<0.01) and body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower (24.9±4.0kg/m2 vs 26.3±4.6kg/m2, p=0.01) in those in Group A compared with those without LA roof line block after cryoballoon ablation (Group B). Compared with those in Group B, cryoballoon application number of LA roof (4.1±1.2 vs 4.5±1.6, p<0.01) and mean nadir of cryoballoon temperature during cryoballoon ablation of LA roof (−44.5±5.6°C vs −40.5±7.5°C, p<0.01) were significantly lower in those in Group A. Regarding cryoballoon application number, the number of the cryoballoon application in which a cryoballoon was applied to LA roof with the guiding catheter located in a left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) was significantly lower in patients in Group A (1.3±0.8 vs 1.6±1.0, p=0.02), and when the number was less than 2, mean nadir of cryoballoon temperature was significantly lower compared with when it was 2 or more than 2 (−44.8±5.8°C vs −42.8±5.6°C, p<0.01). Among those refer to first ablation procedures, one-year Kaplan-Meier atrial arrhythmias free rate estimates, 80.6% for those in Group A and 59.0% for those in Group B (p<0.01). Multivariate analysis identified LA roof line block without touch up ablation as one of the predictors of atrial arrhythmias recurrences. Atrial tachycardia depending on LA roof occurred after cryoballoon ablation of LA roof in 8 patients, although LA roof line block without touch up ablation could be obtained in the index ablation procedure in 6 patients among them. Conclusion LA roof line block could be obtained by solely cryoballoon with a reasonable success rate, especially in those with smaller LAD and lower BMI. To obtaine LA roof line block, cryoballoon ablation with the guiding catheter located in LSPV is preferable. LA roof line block without touch up ablation brings better clinical outcomes in those who underwent cryoballoon ablation of LA roof. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Ablation of residual potentials along the circumferential line reduces acute reconnection in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation

Abstract Introduction Acute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection is frequently encountered in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) subjected to PV isolation (PVI). Purpose In this prospective, multicenter, randomized study, we investigated whether the identification and ablation of sites along the circumferential line with specific electrogram criteria indicative of nontrasmurality, after initial achievement of PVI, reduces acute PV reconnection rate. Methods Patients referred for AF ablation at five European centers were enrolled. PVI with antral circumferential isolation of ipsilateral PVs was performed using a contact force sensing ablation catheter delivering 35–40W at the anterior/superior and 30W at the posterior wall with target ablation index of 550 at the anterior wall/roof and 400 at the posterior/inferior segments. Following PVI, mapping with the ablation catheter was performed to identify residual potentials (RP) along the ablation line, defined as bipolar amplitude ≥0.2 mV or 0.1–0.19 mV combined with negative component of the unipolar electrogram as recorded by the 3D mapping system. Ipsilateral PV sets with RPs were randomized to either no further ablation (Group B) or to additional ablation of RPs (Group C). The primary study endpoint was defined as spontaneous or adenosine-mediated recovery of conduction after 30-minute waiting period which was also evaluated in ipsilateral PV sets without residual potentials (Group A). Results In total, 109 patients (59.3±10.6 years, 47% hypertension, 9.3% diabetes, left atrial diameter 39.1±4.6mm) were enrolled in the study. After initial isolation of 194 PV pairs, 98 PV pairs had no RPs (Group A) while the remaining 96 with RPs were randomized to either Group B or C (48 PV pairs each). The number of sites with RPs did not differ between groups B and C (4.1±2.5 vs 4.7±3.2, p=0.27). The occurrence of the primary endpoint in Group A was 7.1%. Ablation of residual potentials resulted in significant reduction of spontaneous or adenosine mediated reconnection (14.6% vs 47.9%, p<0.001). Conclusion Following initial PVI achievement, ablation of RPs along the antral circumferential line reduces spontaneous or adenosine-mediated acute PV reconnection rate in patients undergoing first-time AF ablation. Therefore, scanning of the PVI line in search of weak links with specific electrogram criteria indicative of nontrasmurality, and subsequent deployment of bonus lesions, could represent a convenient and practical way to reduce acute PV reconnection. Further studies are required to assess long term effects on AF recurrence rates. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of high-power and very high-power short-duration radiofrequency ablation on procedure characteristics and first-pass isolation during pulmonary vein isolation

Abstract Introduction High-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation has been proposed as a method for producing rapid and effective lesions for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We aimed to evaluate the procedural characteristics and the first-pass isolation (FPI) rate of HPSD and very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) ablation compared to low-power long-duration (LPLD) ablation technique. Methods 156 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled and assigned to LPLD, HPSD, or vHPSD PVI. The energy setting was 30W, 50W, and 90W in the LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD groups, respectively. Results Bilateral PVI was achieved in all cases. The procedure time was 85 [75–101] min, 79 [65–91] min, and 70 [53–83] min in the LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Left atrial (LA) dwelling times were also decreased significantly with the increase of RF energy (61 [55–70] min, 53 [41–56] min, and 45 [34–52] min, in the LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD groups, respectively, p<0.0001). The total RF ablation time was 1567 [1366–1761] sec, 1398 [1021–1711] sec, and 336 [247–386] sec in the LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD group, respectively (p<0.0001). The bilateral FPI rate was 57%, 78%, and 80% in the LPLD, HPSD, and vHPSD groups, respectively (p=0.0097). On the left side, FPI was achieved in 66% in the LPLD, 92% in the HPSD, and 85% in the vHPSD ablation group (p=0.0015). FPI on the right side was achieved in 72% in the LPLD, 88% in the HPSD, and 88% in the vHPSD ablation group (p=0.0188). The univariate analysis revealed that the use of HPSD (both sides: OR=2.72, 95% CI 1.15–6.44, p=0.023; right side: OR=2.90, 95% CI 1.02–8.20, p=0.045; left side: OR=5.91, 95% CI 1.84–19.04, p=0.003) and vHPSD (both sides: OR=2.90, 95% CI 1.24–6.44, p=0.014; right side: OR=3.09, 95% CI 1.09–8.74, p=0.045; left side: OR=2.89, 95% CI 1.13–7.43, p=0.027) ablation techniques were associated with a higher probability of FPI. The mid-term arrhythmia-free survival was similarly high in all three groups. Conclusion Our prospective, observational cohort study showed that both HPSD and vHPSD RF ablation is effective, as it shortens procedure time and RF time and results in a higher rate of FPI compared to LPLD ablation. Moreover, the mid-term arrhythmia-free survival was similarly high in all three groups. In our study, no safety concerns were raised for HPSD or vHPSD ablation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Outcomes of very high-power short-duration ablation using 90w for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a real world observation study

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) ablation is the established gold standard therapy for patients with symptomatic drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Advancements in radiofrequency (RF) ablation, have led to the development of the novel contact force-sensing temperature-controlled very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) RF ablation. This setting delivers 90W for up to 4 seconds with a constant irrigation flow rate of 8ml/min. The aim of this study was to compare procedural outcomes and safety with conventional radiofrequency ablation. Methods An observational study was conducted with patients who underwent first time PVI ablation from 2019 to 2021. The cohort was divided in to: 1) vHPSD ablation – QMODE+ via QDOT MICRO catheter, 2) QMODE via QDOT MICRO catheter and 3) Conventional power-controlled RF (PCRF) ablation via THERMOCOOOL SMARRTOUCH SF (STSF) catheter. The QMODE+ vHPSD ablation group was prospectively recruited while the QMODE and PCRF group were retrospectively collected. Primary outcomes were procedural success, PVI duration, ablation duration and incidence of perioperative adverse events. Secondary outcomes were intraprocedural morphine and midazolam requirement. Results A total of 155 patients were included in the study with 80, 30 and 45 patients in the QMODE+ (vHPSD), QMODE and PCRF, respectively. PVI was successfully attained in all patients. QMODE+ (vHPSD) demonstrated significantly reduced time required for PVI and total energy application in comparison to the QMODE and PCRF groups (68.3±3.30 vs. 92.9±4.86 vs. 93.6±4.34 min, P<0.0001; 9.7±0.452 vs. 33.9±0.452 vs. 36.0±1.56 min, P<0.0001, respectively) (Figure 1). Intravenous morphine and midazolam requirement was lower in the QMODE+ (vHPSD) group compared to the QMODE and PCRF groups (10.3±0.45 vs. 16.1±0.935 vs. 15.3±0.686 mg, P<0.0001; 4.05±0.402 vs. 8.63±1.07 vs. 8.58±0.821 mg, P<0.0001) (Figure 2). QMODE+ (vHPSD) observed a non-significant reduction in fluoroscopy time compared to QMODE and PCRF. One cardiac tamponade were observed in both the QMODE+ (vHPSD) and QMODE group while the PCRF group exhibited an embolic stoke and two pericardial effusions that did not require drainage. Conclusion In this study, QMODE+ (vHPSD) demonstrated a comparable safety profile to the other treatment arms. Procedural duration and energy application time was substantially reduced while a non-significant reduction was observed for fluoroscopy time for QMODE+. Furthermore, sedation requirement was reduced and thus potentially conveyed greater patient tolerability of the procedure when conducted with QMODE+. Notwithstanding the limitations of observational study design, these preliminary findings are promising with respect to periprocedural outcomes and safety of QMODE+. Longer term outcomes with respect to maintenance of sinus rhythm and symptomatic burden will be essential to assessing the overall efficacy of this novel technology. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Efficacy and Safety of Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Surgery for Thyroid Nodules

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency (RF) ablation versus surgery for benign thyroid nodules for 24 months period. Methods: From January 2019 to January 2021, 200 patients with nodular goiters who underwent surgery (group A) and 183 patients treated by radiofrequency ablation (group B) were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were the following: 1) cosmetic problem, 2) nodule-related symptoms, 3) refusal of surgery (for group B). An internally cooled radiofrequency ablation system and an 18 g internally cooled electrode were used. We compared the 2 groups in terms of efficacy, and safety during a 2-year follow-up. Results: Nodule type did not differ between groups, although in total 60.1 % were solid, 31.3 % were mixed, and 8.6 % were cystic. However, the number of nodules, median volume before surgery, and diameter of the nodule differed significantly. The median volume reduction was 34.6 % at 1 month, 56.1 % at 3 months, 70.6 % at 6 months, 73.9 % at 12 months, and 74.9 % at 24 months. Any volume reduction between follow-up intervals was statistically significant (p < 0.000). The most patients had no complications. However, surgical patients were more likely to have complications such as bleeding, hoarseness, and infection (14.5 %) than the RFA group (1.6 %). Conclusion: Surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation are both effective treatments of nodular goiter. Compared with surgery, the advantages of radiofrequency ablation include fewer complications, preservation of thyroid function, and fewer hospitalization days. Therefore, radiofrequency ablation should be considered a first-line treatment for benign thyroid nodules.

Effect of repeat catheter ablation vs. antiarrhythmic drug therapy among patients with recurrent atrial tachycardia/atrial fibrillation after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: data from CHINA-AF registry.

Although several studies have proved that repeat catheter ablation is beneficial to recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT)/atrial fibrillation (AF) after AF catheter ablation, the hard endpoints of the effect of catheter ablation on recurrent AT/AF patients after AF catheter ablation remains unclear. Our study aims to compare the effect of catheter ablation and drug therapy on recurrent AT/AF patients after AF catheter ablation. Four thousand nine hundred and thirteen consecutive patients with recurrent AT/AF after catheter ablation from the China-AF registry were enrolled. The patients were divided into two study groups: the repeat catheter ablation group and the medical therapy group. The primary endpoint is a composite of cardiovascular mortality or ischaemic stroke or major bleeding events. Secondary endpoints were each component of the primary endpoints and AF recurrence rate. Landmark analysis and Cox regression were used in the statistical analysis. We chose landmark 36 months as the primary landmark date. Over a median follow-up period of 40 ± 24 months, 4913 patients were divided into either the repeat ablation group or the medical therapy group. The cumulative incidence of the composite primary outcome was significantly lower in the repeat ablation group than the medical therapy group (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.35-0.89; P = 0.015) of landmark 36 months (2359 patients were included in medical therapy group and 704 patients were included in repeat ablation group at landmark 36 months). However, all secondary endpoints were not statistically different in the two groups, including cardiovascular mortality, ischaemic stroke, major bleeding events, and AF recurrence rate. Based on this research, in recurrent AT/AF patients after a catheter ablation procedure, compared with medical therapy, repeat catheter ablation may significantly reduce the risk of the endpoint of composite cardiovascular mortality, ischaemic stroke, and major bleeding events.

Catheter Ablation versus Medical Therapy of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Heart Failure: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist and synergistically contribute to an increased risk of hospitalization, stroke, and mortality. Objective: To compare the efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) versus medical therapy (MT) in HF patients with AF. Methods: Electronic databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CA versus MT of AF in patients with HF. Risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were measured using the Mantel–Haenszel method. Results: A total of nine RCTs enrolling 2155 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to MT, CA led to a significant reduction in the composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization (24.6% vs. 37.1%; RR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.53–0.80); p < 0.0001), all-cause mortality (8.8% vs. 13.6%; RR: 0.65 (95% CI: 0.51–0.82); p = 0.0005), HF hospitalization (15.4% vs. 22.4%; (RR: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.54–0.82); p = 0.0001), AF recurrence (31.8% vs. 77.0%; RR: 0.36 (95% CI: 0.24–0.54); p < 0.0001), and cardiovascular (CV) death (4.9% vs. 8.4%; RR: 0.58 (95% CI: 0.39–0.86); p = 0.007). CA improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (MD:4.76% (95% CI: 2.35–7.18); p = 0.0001), 6 min walk test (MD: 20.48 m (95% CI: 10.83–30.14); p < 0.0001), peak oxygen consumption (MD: 3.1 2mL/kg/min (95% CI: 1.01–5.22); p = 0.004), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score (MD: −6.98 (95% CI: −12–03, −1.93); p = 0.007), and brain natriuretic peptide levels (MD:−133.94 pg/mL (95% CI: −197.33, −70.55); p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In HF patients, AF catheter ablation was superior to MT in reducing CV and all-cause mortality. Further significant benefits occurred within the ablation group in terms of HF hospitalizations, AF recurrences, the systolic function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Laser Interstitial Therapy for In-Field Recurrence After Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Is Complete Ablation Required for Local Control?

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial therapy (MrLITT) presents a new valuable treatment alternative when the in-field recurrence (IFR) of metastatic brain tumors is difficult to safely access with open surgery or maximum radiation therapy has already been completed. To examine the effects of MrLITT on longevity outcomes based on volume of ablation. A retrospective study was carried out of 35 patients treated with MrLITT for IFR after radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors at a single institution from 2010 to 2016. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses according to ablation volume. Univariate and multivariate analyses further assessed risk factors based on ablation volume. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed no significant differences between total and subtotal ablation groups in OS (61.1 vs. 49.7 weeks) and PFS (45.1 and 42.7 weeks), respectively (P > 0.05). In the subtotal ablation group, independent risk factors included preoperative tumor volume (hazard ratio [HR], 1.24; P= 0.05) for OS and residual tumor volume (HR, 2.62; P= 0.01) for PFS. Multivariate Cox regressions suggested no significant differences in OS (HR, 1.03; P= 0.19) and PFS (HR, 1.02; P= 0.24) between total and subtotal ablation groups, whereas preoperative tumor volume remained a risk factor for decreased OS (HR, 1.23; P= 0.004). MrLITT is an effective treatment option for IFR after radiosurgery for metastatic brain tumors. The benefits of more aggressive gross total ablations of deep targets near eloquent cortices are limited compared with effective subtotal ablations, but the amount of residual tumor volume left must be appropriately balanced.

Impact of Catheter Ablation on Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Meta-Analysis

The role of catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in enhancing long-term outcomes remains unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of catheter ablation on stroke, all-cause mortality, hospitalization due to heart failure, and major bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation. This meta-analysis was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The data search was carried out by two authors independently using online databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library. The primary outcome was a stroke. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, and major bleeding events. Total, 10 articles were included in the current meta-analysis encompassing 275392 patients (33291 in the ablation group and 244974 in the non-ablation group). Among all included studies, one study was a randomized control trial, while the remaining other were retrospective cohorts. The current meta-analysis showed that catheter-based AF ablation reduced the risk of stroke (hazard ratio {HR}: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.77), all-cause mortality (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.51-0.71), and hospitalization for heart failure (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.43-0.76). No significant differences were reported in terms of major bleeding events between patients who received catheter-based AF ablation and patients who did not receive catheter-based AF ablation (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80-1.14). In the current meta-analysis, catheter-based AF ablation was associated with decreased risk of all-cause mortality, stroke, and hospitalization due to heart failure. However, no significant difference was reported in terms of major bleeding events.

Surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation during aortic and mitral valve surgery: A nationwide population-based cohort study

ObjectiveThere is limited evidence on the effectiveness of surgical atrial fibrillation ablation in reducing mortality or thromboembolic events during aortic/mitral valve surgery. We evaluated the association of surgical ablation versus no ablation with risks of all-cause death and ischemic stroke or systemic embolization among patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation undergoing concomitant aortic valve or mitral valve surgery. MethodsWith the use of administrative healthcare datasets from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database between 2003 and 2018, adult patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve replacement or mitral valve repair were enrolled, and their outcomes were compared according to the performance of concomitant surgical ablation. The primary end points were all-cause death and thromboembolic event of ischemic stroke or systemic embolization. ResultsAmong 17,247 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve surgery, 8716 (50.5%) received surgical ablation, whereas 8531 (49.5%) did not. During a median follow-up of 6.7 years (124,842.2 patient-years), death was less in the ablation group than in the no-ablation group (2.7 vs 4.1 patient-years; P < .001). The incidence of ischemic stroke or systemic embolization was also lower in the ablation group (0.9 vs 1.3 patient-years; P < .001). After adjustment with inverse probability of treatment weighting, surgical ablation was associated with decreased risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.92), ischemic stroke or systemic embolization (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.71), and hospitalization from heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.96). ConclusionsIn patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing aortic/mitral valve surgery, concomitant surgical ablation was significantly associated with lower risks of mortality and thromboembolic events.

Efficiency of endovenous laser and glue ablation methods in comparison with conventional surgery for the treatment of venous ulcers.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of endovenous laser and glue ablation techniques and compared the results with conventional surgical stripping. Between January 2005 and January 2020, among 3133 consecutive patients with superficial venous reflux disease receiving treatment at our institution, there were 112 consecutive patients with active venous ulcers. Patients were divided into 3 groups as receiving conventional open surgical treatment (Group 1, n: 70), endovenous glue ablation (Group 2, n: 20), and endovenous laser ablation (Group 3, n: 22). Comorbidity factors, duration and size of the ulcers, deep, perforating, and small saphenous vein disease detected with detailed Doppler ultrasonography, and duration for healing and recurrence were investigated. The age, gender, comorbidities, smoking, history of previous treatment, diameter of the small saphenous vein, number of refluxing perforating veins, size of the ulcer, and ulcer recurrence ratio were not significantly different between groups. There were 7 patients with bilateral disease and in total 119 legs were intervened. Mean durations for complete ulcer healing were significantly lower in Group 1 (53.28 ± 22.1days) than Group 2 (73.7 ± 39.6days); however, it did not differ significantly between Group 1 and Group 3 (62.59 ± 19.65days), and Group 2 and Group 3 (p: 0.26). Ulcers recurred in 23 patients (33%) in stripping group at a mean follow up of 14.42 ± 4.6months, in 7 patients (35%) in glue ablation group at a mean follow up of 11.97 ± 2.94months, and in 5 patients (23%) in laser ablation group at a mean follow up of 12.66 ± 3.48months (p > 0.05 for all). Increased body mass index, co-existence of chronic venous insufficiency, active cigarette smoking, non-compliance with physician advises and exercise and compression stockings, and depth of the ulcers were correlated with recurrence. The rationelle beyond treatment of the venous ulcers and prevention of recurrence relies on relief of the venous hypertension by interventional methods and/or compression therapy. None of the methods is superior over the others. Healing in short term without further recurrence may be achieved with successful intervention as well as good patient compliance.

One hundred percent utilization of a modified CryoMaze III procedure for atrial fibrillation with mitral surgery

ObjectivesConcomitant atrial fibrillation often goes untreated because of surgeon concerns regarding lesion set complexity and pump times. We describe a new cryoablation procedure to address this. MethodsFrom June 2013 to March 2021, a modified CryoMaze III procedure was used using 3 left atrial ± 3 right atrial cryo-applications creating the key lesions of the Cox Maze III procedure. Since 2018, 3-minute cryo-lesions were used for the left atrial box lesion for total cryoablation times of 8 minutes for the left atrium ± 6 minutes for the right atrium. By using propensity matching, patients undergoing mitral valve surgery with no atrial fibrillation history were compared with CryoMaze III–treated patients. ResultsA total of 100% of the 277 patients with atrial fibrillation requiring mitral valve surgery ± other procedures received the modified CryoMaze III procedure. After propensity score matching (n = 161 each group), the modified CryoMaze III group had mean crossclamp and bypass times 10.5 and 13.4 minutes longer than the control group, respectively. There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality, morbidity, pacemaker use, renal dysfunction, or late survival between groups, but there were less postoperative strokes in the CryoMaze III group. Freedom from atrial fibrillation off antiarrhythmics was 77% (mean follow-up of 3.0 ± 2.1 years). At 12 months, freedom from atrial fibrillation off antiarrhythmics was 90% for the 3-minute ablation group. Late survival was similar to age- and sex-matched Centers for Disease Control and Prevention controls. ConclusionsThe modified CryoMaze III technique is efficient, safe, and effective. Education of the surgical community regarding the late benefits of ablation and the simplicity of this new technique should improve adoption of the Class I Guidelines to treat concomitant atrial fibrillation.

Efficacy and safety of low voltage area ablation for atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the recurrence rate of AF after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) remains high. The efficacy and safety of low voltage area (LVA) ablation in the treatment of AF are uncertain. The studies comparing the efficacy and safety of LVA ablation and LVA non-ablation for AF were systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. Outcomes of interest included recurrent event, procedure time, and fluoroscopy time. Continuous variables were evaluated with mean deviation (MD) and standard mean difference (SMD). Odds ratio (OR) values and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used in meta-analysis of binary variables. Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion. The AF recurrence was similar between the two groups, with no statistical difference (25.7% (67/346) vs. 28% (63/225), P = 0.49). LVA ablation did not increase the incidence of AT (8.7% (20/231) vs. 14.5% (28/193), P = 0.66). Fluoroscopy time was longer in the LVA ablation group (31.4 ± 8.4min vs. 26.3 ± 7.8min, P < 0.05). Complication rates were similar between the two groups (26.6% (17/64) vs. 21.7% (13/60), P = 0.53). Patients with LVA had higher AT/AF recurrence (32.9% (213/647) vs. 24.2% (229/948), P < 0.05). Patients with left atrial LVA have a poor prognosis after catheter ablation. LVA ablation did not reduce the recurrence of AF nor did it increase the recurrence of atrial tachycardia.

EP News: Clinical

Parkash et al (Circulation 2022;145:1693, PMID 35313733) conducted a multicenter, open-label trial randomizing patients with paroxysmal (>4 episodes in 6 months) or persistent (duration <3 years) AF, New York Heart Association class II-III heart failure (HF), and elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to ablation-based rhythm control or rate control. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and all HF events. Secondary outcomes included left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 6-minute walk test, and NT-proBNP. Overall, 411 patients were randomized to ablation (n = 214) or rate control (n = 197). The primary outcome occurred in 50 patients (23.4%) in the ablation group and 64 patients (32.5%) in the rate control group (hazard ratio 0.71; P = .066). LVEF increased in the ablation group (10.1% ± 1.2% vs 3.8% ± 1.2%; P = .017); 6-minute walk distance improved (44.9 ± 9.1 m vs 27.5 ± 9.7 m; P = .025) and NT-proBNP decreased (−77.1% vs −39.2%; P < .0001). Adverse events were observed in 50% of patients in both groups. The authors conclude that there was no statistical difference in all-cause mortality or HF events with ablation-based rhythm control vs rate control. There was a nonsignificant trend for improved outcomes with ablation-based rhythm control over rate control.

Efficacy and Safety Results of Different Ablation Technologies for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Treatment.

Pulmonary vein isolation is the primary goal in treating patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using catheter ablation. This study's purpose is a comparative assessment of the efficacy and safety of two strategies for catheter treatment in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. The study included 127 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation during the last six months before inclusion in the study. The average follow-up period was 24 months. The primary efficacy endpoint (death, cerebrovascular event, or serious complications associated with treatment) occurred in 15 patients in the cryoballoon ablation group and 14 patients in the radiofrequency ablation group. The Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 30% and 28%, and the risk ratio 0.96 and 95% of the confidence interval. The treatment in patients with persistent atria fibrillation, using catheter ablation with contact force control catheter treatment with the pulmonary vein isolation, was more efficient.

Correlation analysis of I-131 SPECT/CT uptake parameters with the success ablation treatment of thyroid remnant in patients with low-intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer.

To predict the successful outcome of radioactive iodine-131 (I-131) ablation treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients using quantitative parameters from therapeutic I-131 SPECT/CT. This retrospective study enrolled 145 DTC patients (41 males and 104 females) who had radioactive iodine-131 (I-131) (RAI) ablation therapy following thyroidectomy surgery from July 2020 to May 2021. The median age was 47 years (24-65 years). All the patients underwent therapeutic I-131 thyroid SPECT/CT scan after RAI ablation. The I-131 uptake quantitative parameters SUV max , SUV mean %ID and ∆Tg (defined as the Tg level before RAI ablation minus the Tg level after six months) were assessem. Successful ablation treatment was defined as the level of TSH-stimulated Tg≤1 ng/mL and the disappearance of the thyroid bed on a whole-body I-131 scan six months or later after ablation treatment. The quantitative parameters from therapeutic I-131 SPECT/CT of the successful ablation (n=130) group with SUV max 7.74 (3.84, 18.78) g/ml, SUV mean 4.02 (2.11, 6.39) g/ml and %ID 2.21% (0.67%, 7.30%) were significantly higher than those of the unsuccessful (n=15) group 0.75 (0.53, 1.28) g/ml, 0.44 (0.29, 0.79) g/ml and 0.16% (0.06%, 1.48%) (Z=-5.87, -5.71 and -4.99, all P < 0.001). SUV max , SUV mean and %ID were positively correlated with ΔTg (all P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that %ID performed better predict value than either SUV max (AUC=0.914, and 0.874, P=0.009) or SUV mean (AUC= 0.863 P=0.002). SUV max , SUV mean and%ID (OR =1.50, 2.85 and 1.01 all P < 0.001) were all independent predictors of successful RAI ablation. The quantitative parameters of therapeutic I-131 SPECT/CT were related to the efficacy of ablation treatment, and %ID could predict the successful outcome of ablation treatment for DTC patients.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between cone beam CT-guided thermal ablation and helical tomotherapy in pulmonary metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma.

ObjectiveThis retrospective study compares the clinical results of cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided thermal ablation with those of helical tomotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with pulmonary metastases.MethodsA total of 110 patients undergoing thermal ablation or helical tomotherapy for pulmonary metastases from April 2014 to December 2020 were included in the study. The endpoints were local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), overall survival (OS), and complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazard model were conducted to identify independent factors (univariate: P < 0.1; multivariate: P < 0.05). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the LTPFS and OS rates.ResultsThe results of 106 patients were taken into the final analysis. The 1- and 3-year LTPFS rates were 50 and 19% for the thermal ablation group and 65 and 25% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median LTPFS in the thermal ablation group was 12.1 months, while it was 18.8 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.25). The 1- and 3-year OS rates were 75 and 26% for the thermal ablation group and 77 and 37% for the helical tomotherapy group. The median OS was 18.0 months in the thermal ablation group and 23.4 months in the helical tomotherapy group (P = 0.38). The multivariate analyses found that α-fetoprotein (AFP) at <400 ng/ml (P = 0.003) was significantly associated with better LTPFS. Tumor number <3 and AFP <400 ng/ml were favorable prognostic factors for OS. There were no grades 3–5 adverse events in both groups. Grade 2 was recorded in three patients (4.8%) in the thermal ablation group and two patients (4.7%) in the helical tomotherapy group.ConclusionsFor pulmonary metastases from HCC, CBCT-guided thermal ablation and helical tomotherapy provided comparable clinical effects and safety.