Catheter Ablation Of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Research Articles

Long-term risk of right coronary artery injury after catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus–dependent flutter

BackgroundRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)–dependent atrial flutter requires ablation of the tricuspid annulus overlying the right coronary artery (RCA). Although it is considered safe, reports of acute and subacute RCA injury in human and animal studies raise the possibility of late RCA stenosis. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of angiographic RCA stenoses in patients who have undergone CTI RFA with a control group to assess the long-term risk of RCA damage. MethodsA 2-center retrospective case-cohort study was performed including all patients from 2002 to 2018 undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) with CTI ablation (CTI + AF) or AF ablation alone with subsequent coronary angiography (CAG). The AF alone group served as controls because of anticipated similarity of baseline characteristics. Coronary arteries that are anatomically remote to the CTI were examined as prespecified falsification end points. CAG was scored by a blinded observer. ResultsThere were 156 patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation with subsequent CAG (CTI + AF, n = 81; AF alone, n = 75) with no difference in baseline characteristics including age, sex, comorbidities, and medications. Mean time from ablation to CAG was similar (CTI + AF, 5.0 ± 3.7 years; AF alone, 5.4 ± 3.9 years; P = .5). The mid and distal RCA showed no difference in the average number of angiographic stenoses or lesion severity. In regression analysis, CTI ablation was not a predictor of RCA stenosis severity (P = .6). There was no difference in coronary disease at sites remote to the CTI ablation (P = NS for all). ConclusionThere was no observed relationship between CTI RFA and the number or severity of angiographically apparent RCA stenoses in long-term follow-up.

Characterization and comparison of rhythm disturbances after atrial or arterial switch surgeries for dextro-transposition of the great arteries: a long-term follow-up study

Abstract Introduction and objectives Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is a congenital heart disease (CHD) palliated with atrial switch (ATR-S) and, more recently, with arterial switch (ART-S). As late complications from ATR-S are expected, novel challenges from ART-S surgery arises. Our aim was to evaluate these patients’ (pts) arrhythmic disturbances after a long-term follow-up. Methods We retrospectively analyzed D-TGA pts born between 1974 and 2001 and followed in Adult CHD Outpatient Clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Clinical records were used to collect pts data. Results A total of 79 pts were enrolled with a mean follow-up time after surgery of 27±6 years. Pts median age was 27 years-old and 46% were female. 54% were submitted to ATR-S, while 46% underwent ART-S; median age at intervention was 13 months and 10 days, respectively. Focusing arrhythmic events (Table 1), almost all ART-S pts remained in sinus rhythm versus 64% of ATR-S (p=0.002). The latter presented significantly higher frequencies of arrythmias (41% vs 3%, p < 0.001), mainly atrial flutter or fibrillation (26% vs 0%), as well as bradyarrhythmias (12% vs 0%). Chronotropic incompetence was also more frequent after ATR-S (46% vs 9%, p=0.011). Inversely, intraventricular (IV) conduction disturbances were more frequent after ART-S (54% vs 15%, p < 0.001), the majority due to incomplete right bundle branch block. Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) were implanted in 6 pts (5 pacemakers and 1 implantable cardioverter defibrillator) and 1 patient was submitted to catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus, all of them from ATR-S group. The overall median time to first arrhythmia was 23±9 years. Conclusion ATR-S presented significantly fewer pts in sinus rhythm and higher rates of chronotropic incompetence, as well as need for CIED. Additionally, ATR-S pts had higher rates of arrhythmia development, namely supraventricular (SV) ones. These findings highlight the advantages of ART-S over ATR-S in reducing SV arrhythmias occurrence. Curiously, IV conduction disturbances, mainly incomplete right bundle brunch block, were more frequent after ART-S. This fact emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up of all pts, regardless of the initial surgical approach, as ART-S pts were not arrhythmic-free. Our work raises awareness for arrhythmic disturbances in this subgroup of CHD pts, irrespective of surgical strategy adopted.Table 1

Optimized radiofrequency lesions through local impedance guidance for effective CTI ablation in right atrial flutter.

Although radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) is an established treatment for typical right atrial flutter (RAFL), it remains to be established whether local tissue impedance (LI) is able to predict effective CTI ablation and what LI drop values during ablation should be used to judge a lesion as effective. We aimed to investigate the ability of LI to predict ablation efficacy in patients with RAFL. RF delivery was guided by the DirectSense™ algorithm. Successful single RF application was defined according to a defragmentation of atrial potentials (DAP), reduction of voltage (RedV) by at least 80% or changes on unipolar electrogram (UPC). The ablation endpoint was the creation of bidirectional conduction block (BDB) across the isthmus. 392 point-by-point RF applications were analyzed in 48 consecutive RAFL patients. The mean baseline LI was 105.4±12Ω prior to ablation and 92.0±11Ω after ablation (p<0.0001). According to validation criteria, absolute drops in impedance were larger at successful ablation sites than at ineffective ablation sites (DAP: 17.8±6Ω vs. 8.7±4Ω; RedV: 17.2±6Ω vs. 7.8±5Ω; UPC: 19.6±6Ω vs. 10.1±5Ω, all p<0.0001). LI drop values significantly increased according to the number of criteria satisfied (ranging from 7.5Ω to 19.9). BDB was obtained in all cases. No procedure-related adverse events were reported. A LI-guided approach to CTI ablation was safe and effective in treating RAFL. The magnitude of LI drop was associated with effective lesion formation and BDB and could be used as a marker of ablation efficacy. Catheter Ablation of Arrhythmias with a High-Density Mapping System in Real-World Practice (CHARISMA). URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT03793998.

178 Catheter inversion during cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation: the new shaft visualization catheter reduces fluoroscopy use

Abstract Aims Catheter ablation (CA) is the choice therapy of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) atrial flutter. The aim of this study was to describe our approach to improve the CTI ablation using a zero-fluoroscopy (ZF). The procedural difficulties could be related to anatomical characteristics of the CTI. Methods and results One hundred eighty-eight patients that performed CA of CTI were retrospectively and consecutively evaluated between 2017 and 2019. The studied population was divided into two groups. Eighty-eight patients who were undergone CA using ablation catheter without shaft visualization catheter (NSV) were Group 1. One hundred patients were undergone CA using ablation catheter with a shaft visualization (SV); they were Group 2. The catheter was looped at the Eustachian ridge after 200 s of radiofrequencies (RF) without elimination of local electrogram. A conduction line block of CTI was obtained in all patients of Group 2 using a ZF approach. In 16 patients of Group 1, the catheter inversion was obtained using fluoroscopy to avoid damages during its loop. In Group 2, a complete CTI block was obtained with a catheter inversion approach in 10 patients without fluoroscopy, visualizing the shaft and the tip of the ablation catheter on the electroanatomic (EAM) map. In the overall population studied the use of SV had a linear correlation with the ZF approach (r = 0.629; P &amp;lt; 0.001). The duration of RF was lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (Group 1: 27.8 ± 6.3 vs. Group 2: 15.6 ± 7.2 min; P &amp;lt; 0.01). The procedure time between two groups was lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (Group 1: 58.4 ± 22.4 vs. Group 2: 42.2 ± 15.7 min; P &amp;lt; 0.01). No differences between two groups were documented regarding success and complications. Conclusions The visualization of the shaft’s catheter on the EAM permitted the catheter inversion safely in order to overcome some complex CTI anatomy and obtain bidirectional block. The SV reduced procedure time, RF applications, and fluoroscopy exposition during CTI ablation.

Catheter inversion during cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation: The new shaft visualization catheter reduces fluoroscopy use.

AimsCatheter ablation (CA) is the choice therapy of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) atrial flutter. The aim of this study was to describe our approach to improve the CTI ablation using a zero‐fluoroscopy (ZF). The procedural difficulties could be related to anatomical characteristics of the CTI.MethodsOne hundred eighty‐eight patients that performed CA of CTI were retrospectively and consecutively evaluated between 2017 and 2019. The studied population was divided into two groups. Eighty‐eight patients who were undergone CA using ablation catheter without shaft visualization catheter (NSV) were Group 1. One hundred patients were undergone CA using ablation catheter with a shaft visualization (SV); they were Group 2. The catheter was looped at the Eustachian ridge after 200 seconds of radiofrequencies (RF) without elimination of local electrogram.ResultsA conduction line block of CTI was obtained in all patients of Group 2 using a ZF approach. In 16 patients of Group 1, the catheter inversion was obtained using fluoroscopy to avoid damages during its loop. In Group 2, a complete CTI block was obtained with a catheter inversion approach in ten patients without fluoroscopy, visualizing the shaft and the tip of the ablation catheter on the electroanatomic (EAM) map. In the overall population studied the use of SV had a linear correlation with the ZF approach (r = .629; P < .001). The duration of RF was lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (Group 1: 27.8 ± 6.3 vs Group 2: 15.6 ± 7.2 minutes; P < .01). The procedure time between two groups was lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (Group 1: 58.4 ± 22.4 vs Group 2: 42.2 ± 15.7 minutes; P < .01). No differences between two groups were documented regarding success and complications.ConclusionsThe visualization of the shaft's catheter on the EAM permitted the catheter inversion safely in order to overcome some complex CTI anatomy and obtain bidirectional block. The SV reduced procedure time, RF applications and fluoroscopy exposition during CTI ablation.

HATCH VERSUS CHA2DS2-VASC SCORE AS PREDICTORS OF NEW-ONSET ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AFTER CATHETER ABALTION OF TYPICAL ATRIAL FLUTTER

Catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is recommended procedure for typical atrial flutter (AFL), but patients remain at an increased risk for new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF). Previously HATCH score was proposed to be independent predictor for both AF recurrence after AF ablation and incidence of new-onset of AF after typical AFL ablation. However, there are limited date to compare better predictability of new-onset of AF between the HATCH score and CHA2DS2-VASc score after typical AFL ablation without a prior history of AF.

Staged surgical treatment of patients with combination of non-paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation and isthmus-dependent atrial flutter

Objective. To improve the results of treatment for the patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in combination with isthmus-dependent (typical) atrial flutter (AFL) by determining the optimal surgical tactics.Material and methods. The research based on the study of treatment results for 37 patients who are consequentially underwent thoracoscopic radiofrequency fragmentation (TRF) of the left atrium (LA) in the period from April 2017 to December 2019. All of the patients suffered from a combination of 2 types of arrhythmias: non-paroxysmal AF and AFL. Depending on history of catheter ablation (CA) of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) before TRF, all patients divided into 2 groups: group 1 - there was anamnesis of CA of CTI before TRF (N = 16; 43%); group 2 - there was no CA of CTI before TRF of the LA (N = 21; 57%). In the postoperative period, all patients underwent examination and interviewed regarding cardiac arrhythmias. At the time of April 1, 2020, information about heart rhythm and its disorders during follow-up period was received from 100% of patients. The duration of the follow-up period after TRF was 17 (3; 35) months.Results. There was no supraventricular tachyarrhythmias (SVT) during all follow-up period after TRF among the patients of group 1. There was 8 patients (38%) of group 2 with AFL, which is developed in the period from 1 to 6 months after TRF. All these patients underwent a CA of CTI after the end of a “blanking” period. There was 2 of 8 patients with developing of SVT after CA of CTI. The source of new rhythm disorder was the ablation line formed during TRF on the roof of the LA.Conclusion. In order to achieve long-term freedom from SVT requiring surgical intervention in patients suffering from a non-paroxysmal AF in combination with a typical AFL it is reasonable to perform catheter radiofrequency ablation of CTI at the first stage before TFR of the LA.

Успешная радиочастотная катетерная аблация кавотрикуспидального истмуса доступом через вены верхнего плечевого пояса и шеи

Успешная радиочастотная катетерная аблация кавотрикуспидального истмуса доступом через вены верхнего плечевого пояса и шеи

Acute right coronary artery occlusion after radiofrequency catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus: Vascular response assessed by optical frequency domain imaging

Acute right coronary artery occlusion after radiofrequency catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus: Vascular response assessed by optical frequency domain imaging

The non-fluoroscopic navigation reduces significantly not only the fluoroscopic exposure during catheter ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus but the total radiofrequency time as well

Objective The non-fluoroscopic navigation (NFN) is known to reduce the fluoroscopic time during catheter ablation of various arrhythmias. We aimed to study the impact of NFN over several procedural parameters during radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with CTI-dependent atrial flutter.Methods Data about 124 consecutive patients with CTI ablation performed were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups: (1) ablation with two diagnostic catheters deployed in the coronary sinus and around the tricuspid annulus (NFN–, n = 62); (2) ablation with the same two catheters plus NFN system using cutaneous patches (NFN+, n = 62). Several procedural parameters were analysed. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant.Results Acute success was achieved in 122 patients (98.4%), recurrences of atrial flutter were observed in 11 patients (8.9%). There were no significant differences between the NFN + and NFN– groups in the procedural duration (169.6 vs 157.6 min) and the recurrences (6.5 vs 11.3%). In the NFN + group the fluoroscopic time was shorter (9.4 vs 16.7 min), DAP was lower (2,128.3 vs 4,129.9 μGy*m2), the total RF time was shorter (1,870.5 vs 2,335.5 sec), Р < 0.05 for all parameters.Conclusions NFN reduces significantly not only the x-ray exposure but the total RF time as well. It does not influence the procedural duration and the recurrence rate. The acute and long-term success of catheter ablation of CTI is high irrespective of the use of NFN.

Impact of cavotricuspid isthmus morphology in CRYO versus radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter

Objectives. Cryoablation (CRYO) is an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) for catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter (AFL). We aimed to study whether different CTI morphologies had different impacts on procedural success for CRYO and RF. Design. This study randomized 153 patients with CTI-dependent AFL (median age 65 years; range 34–82) to RF or CRYO (78 CRYO; 75 RF). Biplane angiography (RAO 30° and LAO 60°) was done before the ablation procedure and isthmuses were classified as straight (n = 81), concave (n = 43) or pouch-like (n = 29). RF was performed with a 3.5-mm open-irrigated tip catheter and CRYO was performed with a 9 F, 8-mm tip catheter. The ablation endpoint was bidirectional block of CTI. Results. Acute procedural success was achieved in 70/75 patients in the RF group and in 72/78 patients in the CRYO group. With regard to CRYO or RF, acute procedural success rates were similar between the three isthmus types: straight: CRYO (92%) and RF (96%); concave: CRYO (92%) and RF (94%); and pouch-like: CRYO (94%) and RF (85%). There were no significant differences regarding success rate between the different morphologies in the CRYO or the RF group. The CTI was longer in patients with acute failure compared to the patients with acute success (38 ± 7 mm versus 33 ± 6 mm, p = 0.045). Conclusion. The CTI morphology did not influence the acute success rate for either the CRYO or the RF ablation of CTI-dependent AFL. A longer CTI was associated with a lower success rate regardless of energy source.

Abstract 15328: Benefits of Prophylactic Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Reducing Future Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation for Typical Atrial Flutter: Results From a Randomized Trial (REDUCE AF)

Introduction: Catheter ablation of cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) is considered to be the most effective therapy for eliminating target arrhythmia in lone atrial flutter (AFL). However, many patients subsequently develop AF after CTI ablation. Therefore, prophylactic pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) along with CTI ablation could be considered as an alternate option in these patients. We aimed to compare long-term incidence of post-ablation atrial fibrillation following CTI alone or CTI plus PVAI in patients presenting with isolated AFL and no history of atrial fibrillation. Methods: This multi-center prospective randomized study enrolled 216 patients undergoing catheter ablation for isolated typical atrial flutter. Patients were randomized to CTI alone (group 1, n=108, 61.2±9.7 year, 75% male, LVEF 59±10%) or combined ablation CTI+PVAI (group 2, n=108, 62.4±9.3 year, 73% male, LVEF 57±11%). Insertible Loop Recorder (ILR) was implanted in 21 and 19 patients from group 1 and 2 respectively, on the day of the ablation procedure. Remaining patients were monitored for recurrence with event recorders, ECG, 7-day Holter and cardiology evaluation. All patients were followed up for 18±6 months for recurrence. Results: Compared to group 1, group 2 had significantly longer average procedural duration (75.9±33 min vs. 161±48 min [p &lt;0.001]) and fluoroscopy time (15.9±12.3 min vs 56.4+21 min [p&lt;0.001]). At the end of 18±6 months follow-up, 65 (60.2%) in group 1 and 77 (71.3%) in group 2 were arrhythmia free off-AAD (log-rank p=0.044). A subgroup analysis was performed with a 55 year age cut-off. In the &lt;55 age group the CTI only population had similar success as in CTI+PVI without undergoing the additional PVI (21 of 24 [83.3%] vs. 19 of 22 [86.4%] respectively, log-rank p=0.74). In the ≥55 group, having CTI+PVI showed significantly higher success compared to CTI only; 45 of 84 (53.6%) were AF/AT free in CTI only group compared to 58 of 86 (67.4%) with CTI+PVI (log-rank p= 0.029). Distribution of AF incidence was not different between patients with and without ILR. Conclusion: Prophylactic PVAI in lone atrial flutter caused marked reduction in new-onset AF in patients ≥ 55 years whereas younger patients (&lt;55 years) did not incur any benefit from the additional procedure.

A Zero‐Fluoroscopy Approach to Cavotricuspid Isthmus Catheter Ablation: Comparative Analysis of Two Electroanatomical Mapping Systems

Electroanatomical mapping systems have reduced the amount of fluoroscopy required to ablate the cavotricuspid isthmus. The aims of this study are to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a zero-fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and to compare the results of this approach with those of the zero-fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite-NavX™ system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA). Twenty consecutive procedures guided by the Carto®3 system (Group A) were compared with two case-control groups matched from 146 procedures guided with the Ensite-NavX™ system. Group B consisted of 20 matched procedures from the first 50 procedures performed in the electrophysiology unit, and Group C consisted of 20 matched procedures from the last 50 procedures. Acute success (bidirectional block), complications, and recurrences were analyzed. The procedure times were also compared. There were no differences in the rates of acute success (95%, 100%, and 100%, respectively), complications (0%, 5%, and 0%), and recurrences (5.2%, 0%, and 5%) in the three groups. A zero-fluoroscopy approach was attempted in all procedures, and electroanatomical mapping made it possible to successfully avoid fluoroscopy in 90% of the procedures in Group A, 85% in B, and 95% in C. The total procedure time was shorter in Group C. The fluoroscopy and radiofrequency times were not different. A zero-fluoroscopy approach to cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation using the Carto®3 system is feasible in most procedures. This approach has similar results to the zero-fluoroscopy approach using the Ensite-NavX™ system.

Structural and Functional Inverse Cardiac Remodeling After Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation in Patients With Typical Atrial Flutter

Introduction and objectivesThe purpose of the present study is to determine the structural and functional cardiac changes that occur in patients at 1-year follow-up after ablation of typical atrial flutter. MethodsWe enrolled 95 consecutive patients referred for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Echocardiography was performed at ≤6h post-procedure and 1-year follow-up. ResultsOf 95 patients initially included, 89 completed 1-year follow-up. Hypertensive cardiopathy was the most frequently associated condition (39%); 24% of patients presented low baseline left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We observed a significant reduction in right and left atrial areas, end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular diameters, and interventricular septum. We observed substantial improvement in right atrium contraction fraction and left ventricular ejection fraction, and a reduction in pulmonary hypertension. Changes in diastolic dysfunction pattern were observed: 60% of patients progressed from baseline grade III to grade I; at 1-year follow-up, this improvement was found in 81%. We found no structural differences between paroxysmal and persistent atrial flutter at baseline and 1-year follow-up, exception for basal diastolic function. ConclusionsIn patients with typical atrial flutter undergoing cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation, we found inverse structural and functional cardiac remodeling at 1-year follow-up with much improved left ventricular ejection fraction, right atrium contraction fraction, and diastolic dysfunction pattern.

Remodelado cardiaco inverso estructural y funcional en pacientes con aleteo auricular típico sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo

Introduction and objectivesThe purpose of the present study is to determine the structural and functional cardiac changes that occur in patients at 1-year follow-up after ablation of typical atrial flutter. MethodsWe enrolled 95 consecutive patients referred for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation. Echocardiography was performed at ≤6h post-procedure and 1-year follow-up. ResultsOf 95 patients initially included, 89 completed 1-year follow-up. Hypertensive cardiopathy was the most frequently associated condition (39%); 24% of patients presented low baseline left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We observed a significant reduction in right and left atrial areas, end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular diameters, and interventricular septum. We observed substantial improvement in right atrium contraction fraction and left ventricular ejection fraction, and a reduction in pulmonary hypertension. Changes in diastolic dysfunction pattern were observed: 60% of patients progressed from baseline grade III to grade I; at 1-year follow-up, this improvement was found in 81%. We found no structural differences between paroxysmal and persistent atrial flutter at baseline and 1-year follow-up, exception for basal diastolic function. ConclusionsIn patients with typical atrial flutter undergoing cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation, we found inverse structural and functional cardiac remodeling at 1-year follow-up with much improved left ventricular ejection fraction, right atrium contraction fraction, and diastolic dysfunction pattern.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org

Adenosine facilitates dormant conduction across cavotricuspid isthmus following catheter ablation

Recurrence of trans-isthmus conduction following catheter ablation of common right atrial flutter (AFL) has been reported to be as high as 15%-31% at 3 months with invasive follow-up. Intravenous adenosine has previously been shown to facilitate acute, transient reconnection of pulmonary veins following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. To determine whether intravenous adenosine can facilitate dormant trans-isthmus conduction after achieving bidirectional conduction block (BDB) with catheter ablation. Thirty-two patients underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) for common right AFL at 2 institutions. Once persistent BDB was achieved for 30 minutes and during isoproterenol infusion, 18 mg of intravenous adenosine was injected during coronary sinus pacing. Evidence for transient reconduction across the isthmus was observed. Additional ablation lesions were performed, and adenosine infusion was repeated to reassess for dormant conduction. Thirty-two (men 81%, hypertension 72%, coronary artery disease 15%, congestive heart failure 25%, diabetes mellitus 30%, left atrial size 42 ± 11 mm, left ventricular ejection fraction 51% ± 10%) patients underwent ablation of CTI. BDB was achieved in 30 of the 32 patients. Following adenosine infusion, transient reconduction was observed in 7 of the 30 patients (23%) for 10-45 seconds. Following additional ablation lesions, persistent BDB could be achieved in all 7 patients without evidence for reconduction with repeat adenosine infusion. During a mean follow-up of 19 ± 12 months, only 1 of 30 patients (3%) had clinical recurrence of AFL. None of the patients with transient reconduction after adenosine developed symptomatic recurrence of AFL. Adenosine infusion can facilitate dormant conduction across CTI following catheter ablation. Persistent BDB can be achieved with additional ablation. Adenosine challenge with additional ablation may improve long-term clinical outcome.

Diferencias en la calidad de vida en pacientes con flutter auricular típico sometidos a ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo

Introduction and objectives The aim of the study was to assess and measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in patients with typical atrial flutter following catheter ablation. The outcome was standardized and normalized to the Spanish population adjusted by age and sex. Methods Ninety-five consecutive patients who had undergone cavotricuspid isthmus ablation were included. The SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. We used the effect size and the standardized response mean as measures of responsiveness to quantify the change in HRQoL and the minimum clinically important difference to assess the smallest difference in score that patients perceived as beneficial. Results Of the 95 patients initially included, 88 completed the 1-year follow-up. We observed a large improvement (effect size ≥0.8) on the physical functioning, role-physical , general health, and vitality scales and on the physical component summary. We detected a moderate improvement (effect size ≥0.5) on the role-emotional, social functioning, and mental health scales and on the mental component summary. On all scales except bodily pain and social activity, the improvement was clinically perceived by patients. Conclusions A clinically significant improvement in HRQoL measures was found in patients with typical atrial flutter who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org

Quality of Life Differences in Patients With Typical Atrial Flutter Following Cavotricuspid Isthmus Ablation

Introduction and objectives The aim of the study was to assess and measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) changes in patients with typical atrial flutter following catheter ablation. The outcome was standardized and normalized to the Spanish population adjusted by age and sex. Methods Ninety-five consecutive patients who had undergone cavotricuspid isthmus ablation were included. The SF-36 questionnaire was self-administered before the procedure and at 1-year follow-up. We used the effect size and the standardized response mean as measures of responsiveness to quantify the change in HRQoL and the minimum clinically important difference to assess the smallest difference in score that patients perceived as beneficial. Results Of the 95 patients initially included, 88 completed the 1-year follow-up. We observed a large improvement (effect size ≥0.8) on the physical functioning, role-physical, general health, and vitality scales and on the physical component summary. We detected a moderate improvement (effect size ≥0.5) on the role-emotional, social functioning, and mental health scales and on the mental component summary. On all scales except bodily pain and social activity, the improvement was clinically perceived by patients. Conclusions A clinically significant improvement in HRQoL measures was found in patients with typical atrial flutter who underwent cavotricuspid isthmus catheter ablation.

Chemotherapy-Induced Arrhythmia Which Was Wide QRS Tachycardia Derived from Supra Vena Cava, Atrial Flutter, and Atrial Fibrillation with Syncope

Arrhythmias were reported as a side effect of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Arrhythmias induced by 5-fluorourasil, including ventricular tachycardia, are mostly ischemic in origin and usually occur in the context of coronary spasm produced by this drug. Cisplatin is associated with a very high rate atrial fibrillation. In general, chemotherapy-induced arrhythmia is an existing but poorly recognized and studied entity. A 66-year old male was diagnosed adenocarinoma of the transverse colon (stage IV), and received oxaliplatin (dose 130 mg/m2) and capecitabine (2000 mg/m2). After chemotherapy, the patient developed syncope. The ambulatory electrocardiography data revealed wide QRS tachycardia, but a programmed atrial stimulation induced tachycardia derived from supra vena cava (SVC), atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter, which was not ventricular tachycardia, were induced by the programmed atrial stimulations in electro physiological study. The patient was performed catheter ablation of cavotricuspid isthmus and SVC isolation without pulmonary vein isolation. After the catheter ablation, tachycardia and syncope was not appeared. We report that chemotherapy induced arrhythmias which was wide QRS tachycardia derived from SVC, atrial flutter, and atrial fibrillation was got well by catheter ablation.

Cavotricuspid Isthmus Catheter Ablation Without the Use of Fluoroscopy as a First-Line Treatment

The use of intracardiac navigation systems has enabled a significant reduction of the radiation dose in the majority of ablation procedures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of cavotricuspid isthmus ablation without the use of fluoroscopy as a first-line treatment. An observational study without a control group in patients referred for treatment of common atrial flutter. In all of the procedures, Ensite-NavX™ was the only guidance system used to visualize the catheters. One or two diagnostic catheters and a cooled-tip ablation catheter were used in each procedure. Bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block was considered to indicate a successful procedure. Eighty-three ablation procedures were performed in 80 patients (82.5% men, 61 ± 10 years of age). The procedure was repeated in 3 patients (3.75%) due to flutter recurrence. Success was obtained in 98.8% of the procedures; in 1 patient it was necessary to implant a pacemaker for sinus node dysfunction and 4 patients experienced minor complications. In 75 procedures (90.4%), fluoroscopy was not required. Visualization of the diagnostic catheters was the most common reason for using fluoroscopy. The time required to perform the ablation procedure was similar to that published in other series. Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a nonfluoroscopic three-dimensional (3D) navigation system is effective and safe.