Ganglionated plexus ablation of the left atrium for refractory vasovagal syncope: Analysis of the Safety, Effectiveness and Related Factors.

AimsCatheter ablation (CA) is widely used for atrial fibrillation (AF), but pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone is less effective in persistent AF (peAF) than paroxysmal AF (PAF). Real-world data on patient selection, outcomes, and complications with PVI or PVI plus (≥1 additional line or CFAE/ganglionated plexi ablation) are limited. We examined characteristics, trends, recurrence, and complications in peAF ablations.Methods and resultsPatients with peAF undergoing first-time catheter ablation between 2010 and 2020 were identified from the Danish National Ablation Database. They were categorized by ablation strategy (PVI or PVI plus), and baseline characteristics and trends were assessed. AF recurrence was analysed using cumulative incidence at one and five years, and across procedural years. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and procedure-related complications were also examined. Among 4144 peAF patients, 3.417 received PVI and 727 PVI plus. Baseline characteristics were similar, except the PVI plus group had longer diagnosis-to-ablation-time (mean 5.67 years vs. 3.9 years, P < 0.001) and more severe atrial enlargement (14.8% vs. 9.8%, P < 0.001). AF recurrence was higher with PVI plus at one- and five-years (54% vs. 46%, 77% vs. 68%). Recurrence rates declined over time (2010–2013 vs. 2018–2020). PVI plus use decreased from 58% to 15%. MACE and complication rates were low and similar.ConclusionPVI plus was used less frequently over time and was associated with longer diagnosis-to-ablation times and larger left atria. We observed a proportional decline for both groups in AF recurrence across procedural years, and complication rates were low and similar.

Cardiac autonomic modulation has emerged as a novel therapeutic frontier for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, addressing the limitations of conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs, ablation, and device therapies. This review summarizes recent progress in neuromodulation, focusing on mechanistic foundations, clinical applications, safety considerations, and future directions. Neuromodulatory techniques such as ganglionated plexus ablation, vagus nerve stimulation, renal denervation, and stellate ganglion modulation have shown potential to restore autonomic balance, reduce inflammation, and lower arrhythmic burden in refractory and inflammation-associated conditions. Advances in artificial intelligence-assisted mapping, high-resolution imaging, and closed-loop biofeedback systems are improving the precision and adaptability of these therapies. Despite encouraging results, translation remains limited by incomplete mechanistic understanding, anatomical variability, and lack of standardized protocols or objective biomarkers. Rigorous randomized trials and long-term studies are required to confirm durability and safety. The integration of neuromodulation with digital, imaging, and structural rhythm strategies represents a major step toward personalized electrophysiology and the next generation of arrhythmia management.

Abstract Background The AFACT study demonstrated that additional ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation in addition to thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation in patients with advanced atrial fibrillation (AF) did not significantly reduce late recurrence. However, its impact on early recurrence during the blanking period remains unclear. Methods This study is a sub-analysis of the AFACT cohort, which randomized 240 patients with advanced paroxysmal or persistent AF to undergo either GP ablation (targeting the four major GPs and the ligament of Marshall) or no GP ablation, in addition to pulmonary vein isolation. Follow-up at 10 days post-discharge was conducted for wound assessment, and symptomatic patients were encouraged to obtain additional rhythm recordings. Early recurrence was defined as AF recurrence within the 3-month blanking period, while late recurrence referred to AF recurrence beyond this period. We also analyzed very early recurrence at 0–12 days and 0–30 days. Cox proportional hazards models were used for risk assessment. Results Among 240 patients, the procedure was aborted in 2 patients, and 3 were excluded due to missing recurrence dates, resulting in a total of 235 patients included in the analysis. Among them, 71 experienced early recurrence, with 36 in the GP ablation group and 35 in the non-GP group. Early recurrence occurred in 23.94% (17/71) within the first 12 days, and 63.38% (45/71) within the first month. GP ablation suppressed recurrence within the first 12 days (HR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09–0.84, P = 0.02) (Figure 1). However, this effect diminished over time (1 month: HR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.46–1.48, P = 0.51; 3 months: HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.68–1.73, P = 0.73). In the GP group, persistent AF (HR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.18–6.15, P = 0.02) and left atrial volume index (LAVI) (HR = 1.02 per 10-ml increase, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04, P = 0.03) were associated with early recurrence, whereas these factors were not significant in the control group. Among patients who experienced early recurrence within the first month, those in the GP ablation group had a higher risk of late recurrence compared to the control group (HR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.18–9.82, P = 0.02). However, this association weakened as the early recurrence window extended (0–60 days: HR = 2.22; 0–90 days: HR = 1.69). In contrast, among patients without early recurrence, GP ablation showed a trend of reducing late AF recurrence, but these differences did not reach statistical significance (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusions GP ablation predominantly suppresses very early recurrence (≤12 days); however, its effect diminishes over time. Meanwhile, GP ablation significantly increases the risk of late recurrence in patients with early recurrence, particularly within the first month. This suggests that following GP ablation, early recurrence shifts from being trigger-driven (autonomic) to substrate-dependent.

Ectopy-triggering ganglionated plexus ablation is feasible as a solo strategy for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation treatment.

Surgical neuromodulation therapies to prevent postoperative atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis, meta-regression, and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The Efficacy of Left Atrial vs Biatrial Cardioneuroablation in Patients With Vasovagal Syncope: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Simplified 3-ganglionated plexus ablation for the treatment of recurrent vasovagal syncope and functional bradyarrhythmia.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major healthcare burden worldwide. The standard invasive treatment for AF that is resistant to pharmacological intervention is a pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure. Ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation can be used as an adjunctive therapy to PVIs, which together reduce the likelihood of AF recurrence. High-frequency stimulation (HFS) is a technique used to identify ectopy-triggering GP sites. However, to locate GP sites, sequential HFS must be delivered over the whole atria. Therefore, ensuring the safety of HFS delivery is integral to avoid irreversible damage from excessive pacing. We tested the Tau-20 version 2 neural simulator, a prototype of a custom-built novel electrophysiological pacing and recording system (patent reference: ASW100372P.EPP) that has the potential to guide intracardiac AF treatments. Using an ex vivo porcine Langendorff model that closely resembles the anatomy and physiology of a human heart, we confirmed that HFS can successfully trigger AF, suggesting that HFS-positive locations contain GP sites. Additionally, we found that HFS delivered via Tau-20 version 2 did not cause any damage to the heart. These findings are evidence that once fully optimized, the Tau-20 system could be suitable for use in clinical settings.

Preventing atrial fibrillation recurrence with combination of catheter ablation and renal denervation or ganglion plexus ablation: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling has been reported to play an important role in the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation, which significantly affects the long-term efficacy of this procedure. lncRNAs have been shown to interact in the pathological processes underlying heart diseases. However, the roles and mechanisms of lncRNAs in cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling during atrial fibrillation reduction after ganglionated plexus ablation remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which lncRNA- 056298 modulates GAP43 to affect cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling and facilitate the induction of atrial fibrillation after ganglionated plexus ablation. A canine model of right atrial ganglionated plexus ablation was established. The atrial electrophysiological characteristics and neural markers were detected before and after 6 months of ganglionated plexus ablation. High-throughput sequencing was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs in target atrial tissues, and lncRNA- 056298 was selected to further explore its effects and mechanisms on cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling. The induction rate of atrial fibrillation increased in dogs after ganglionated plexus ablation. Overexpression of lncRNA-056298 by lentivirus can shorten the atrial effective refractory period and increase the induction of atrial fibrillation. lncRNA- 056298 promoted cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling via endogenous competition with cfa-miR-185 to induce transcription of its target gene GAP43, thereby affecting the induction of atrial fibrillation. lncRNA-056298 regulates GAP43 by sponging miR-185, which affects cardiac intrinsic autonomic nerve remodelling and mediates atrial fibrillation induction after ganglionated plexus ablation.

Long-term outcomes of ganglionated plexus ablation as sole therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Abstract Background Cardioneuroablation has been proposed as a new therapeutic option in selected patients with symptomatic functional bradyarrhythmia including recurrent neurally-mediated syncope. The contribution of individual ganglionated plexi to cardiac autonomic regulations is not fully established. Purpose It appears that ablation of the left superior ganglionated plexus (LSGP) is inoperable for the denervation of the sinoatrial node (SAN) and infrequently required for the denervation of the atrioventricular node (AVN). We explored the conditions that are associated with the need for LSGP ablation. Methods The study included 177 otherwise healthy patients aged 41 ± 12 years; 55% of males; 36% with predominant AVN disorder (29% in males, 44% in females, P &amp;lt;0.05) who underwent their first cardioneuroablation for symptomatic bradyarrhythmias at our centre between 2019 – 2024. Anatomically-navigated radiofrequency ablation with a bi-atrial approach was performed. In all patients, we ablated first the superior paraseptal (former right superior) ganglionated plexus (SPSGP) and inferior paraseptal (former posteromedial left) ganglionated plexus (IPSGP). Extracardiac vagus nerve stimulation (ECVS) via right and left jugular vein in general anaesthesia was used to assess the residual parasympathetic modulation of the AVN. If AVN was not completely denervated after the SPSGP and IPSGP ablation, the LSGP was targeted. Results Ablation of SPSGP and IPSGP resulted in SAN and AVN denervation in the majority of patients. LSGP ablation was required in 39 / 177 (22%) patients; in 31% of females vs. 14% of males (P &amp;lt;0.01); in 41% vs. 12% (P &amp;lt;0.0001) of patients with predominant AVN vs. SAN disorder, respectively. The corresponding decomposition is provided in the Table. In multivariate analysis, both female gender (P &amp;lt;0.05) and AVN disorder (P &amp;lt;0.001) were independently associated with the need for LSGP ablation. When the population was dichotomized into early (September 2019 – December 2021) and recent period (January 2022 – February 2024), the need for LSGP ablation had a downward trend (28% vs. 16%, P &amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions LSGP ablation to finalize the AVN denervation is required in a minority of patients. This need is independently associated with the female gender and predominant AVN disorder. The ECVS guidance in the ablation of SPSGP and IPSGP contributes to the decreasing trend of LSGP ablation, i.e. minimizing the final lesion set.Rate of LSGP ablation

Introduction: Autonomic control of the heart is exerted by the neurocardiac axis, which comprises reflexes at three levels of cardiac activity: central (higher structures of the forebrain, brainstem, and spinal cord), intrathoracic extracardiac (stellate and dorsal root ganglia), and intracardiac. Neuromodulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (ganglion plexus ablation, epicardial drug infusion for temporary neurotoxicity, low-level vagus nerve stimulation, stellate ganglion blockade, baroreceptor stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, renal and pulmonary artery nerve fiber denervation) is a new therapeutic approach for managing heart rhythm disorders and cardiovascular pathologies. Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in up to 30% of patients after open cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the long-term follow-up. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the different neuromodulation approaches for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in clinical and experimental settings.Conclusion: ANS neuromodulation techniques have demonstrated high efficacy and safety for preventing POAF. Received 21 August 2023. Revised 16 October 2023. Accepted 31 October 2023. Funding: The study was supported by Russian Science Foundation (project No. 22-25-00672). Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: V.V. Shabanov, A.G. Filippenko, V.V. BeloborodovDrafting the article: V.V. Shabanov, A.G. Filippenko, T.U. Khalkhoghaev, V.I. MurtazinCritical revision of the article: V.V. ShabanovFinal approval of the version to be published: V.V. Shabanov, V.V. Beloborodov, T.U. Khalkhoghaev, V.I. Murtazin, A.G. Filippenko

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is one of the most common causes of syncope. Traditional treatment has not achieved satisfactory results. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of selective anatomical catheter ablation of left atrial ganglionated plexus (GP) as a therapeutic strategy for the patients of symptomatic VVS. A total of 70 patients with at least once recurrent syncopal episode of VVS with a positive head-up tilt test were enrolled. They were divided into GP ablation group and control group. Patients in GP ablation group received anatomical catheter ablation of left superior ganglionated plexus (LSGP) and right anterior ganglionated plexus (RAGP). Patients in the control group were guideline-directed conventional therapy. The primary endpoint was VVS recurrences. The secondary endpoint was the recurrence of syncope and prodrome events. There were no statistical differences in clinical characteristics between the ablation group (n=35) and the control group (n=35). Over a follow-up of 12 months, the ablation group had significantly lower syncope recurrence compared with the control group (5.7%vs. 25.7%, p=.02), and the ablation group had significantly lower syncope and prodrome recurrence compared with the control group (11.4%vs. 51.4%, p<.001). In GP ablation, 88.6% of the patients showed significant vagal response during LSGP ablation, and 88.6% of the patients showed significantly increased heart rate during RAGP ablation. For patients with recurrent VVS, selective anatomical catheter ablation of LSGP and RAGP is superior to conventional therapy in reducing syncope recurrence.

Sinus node dysfunction and atrial fibrillation-Relationships, clinical phenotypes, new mechanisms, and treatment approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Radionuclide bone scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) has been used to evaluate foci of inflammation within the spinal axis. Studies have reported its use as an tool for recognition of pain foci and spondolytic change. As an adjunctive test SPECT may prove to give valuable insight into areas of focal inflammation within the spinal axis and therefore serve as a tool for guiding operative and nonoperative intervention in patients with degenerative spine disease. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case series to identify patients with chronic neck/back pain who underwent SPECT imaging for pre-operative evaluation. Patient demographics, area of uptake, correlation with pain morphology, type of intervention, and degree of symptom resolution were quantified. Patients were excluded if they had prior surgery/intervention at the level corresponding to symptomatology. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent SPECT imaging. Patients presented with axial back pain (97%) and radicular pain (42%). Radiotracer uptake was seen in facet and/or disc space at the level of symptomology in 44% of patients, facet alone (22%), disc space alone (22%), and uncovertebral joint (12%). Interventions included facet injections (26 patients), basovertebral plexus ablation (7 patients), and open/minimally-invasive surgery (9 patients). Two patients underwent anterior cervical discectomy and the remainder of our cohort underwent lumbar instrumentation and fusion. All but one surgical patient (97%) reported significant relief of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: SPECT imaging may be useful adjunctive imaging modality to evaluate for focal areas of inflammation not readily observed on MRI or CT. Our experience suggests that SPECT can identify areas of pathology that responsive to various types of intervention.

Long-Term Outcome of Cardiac Denervation Procedures: The Anatomically Guided Septal Approach

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent clinical arrhythmia with a high incidence of disability and mortality. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in the onset and persistence of AF, and can lead to electrophysiological changes and alterations in atrial structure. Both animal models and clinical findings suggest that parasympathetic and sympathetic activity within the cardiac ANS could induce atrial remodeling and AF. Remodeling of the cardiac autonomic nerves is a significant structural basis for promoting AF. Given the challenges faced by conventional pharmacological and atrial ablation techniques in the treatment of AF, increasing attention has been paid to autonomic intervention strategies for AF. Current research has demonstrated that the frequency and severity of AF episodes can be significantly reduced by modulating the activity of ANS. ANS neuromodulation is expected to lead more effective and personalized treatment options for patients with AF. The objective of this review is to provide a broader perspective for future related studies by reviewing preclinical and clinical studies of neuromodulation methods for the treatment of AF, searching for relevant approaches to treat AF, as well as identifying the strengths and weaknesses demonstrated by current relevant studies, and providing researchers with a broader overview of the latest neurological treatments for AF. A narrative review was conducted on the literature on PubMed, WanFang data, and Google Scholar, including all relevant studies published until November 2023. In this review, we delve into the innervation of cardiac autonomic nerves, the role of the ANS in the development and maintenance of AF, and the current neuromodulation methods for AF treatment. These methods include stellate ganglion (SG) resection or ablation, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), thoracic subcutaneous nerve stimulation (ScNS), renal denervation (RDN) therapy, ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation, and epicardial botulinum toxin or CaCl2 injection. More and more research suggests that neuromodulation methods for the treatment of AF have broad prospects. ANS plays a crucial role in AF development and maintenance through cardiac autonomic nerve remodeling. Modulating ANS activity can significantly reduce AF frequency and severity, offering more personalized treatment options. Current research on autonomic interventions for AF shows promise for more effective and personalized treatments.

Ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation may be associated with improved syncope or arrhythmia-free survival arrhythmia patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS) and atrial fibrillation (AF), respectively. We aimed to compare the characteristics of vagal response (VR) and clarify the effect on heart rate after GP ablation based on clinical diagnosis. A total of 83 consecutive patients undergoing GP ablation were divided following two groups: (1) GP ablation for VVS (VVS group, n = 43) and (2) GP ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (AF group, n = 40). We examined VR characteristics during RF ablation and high frequency stimulation, respectively, in the VVS and AF groups. To evaluate immediate and long-term heart rate response, a standard 12-lead ECG was obtained at baseline at 24h after ablation and at the last follow-up visit. In the VVS group, the superior and inferior left atrial GPs were the most common GP sites at which a VR was observed. No VR was seen during radiofrequency application in the superior and inferior right atrial GPs in the VVS group. On the contrary, VR was more prevalent in the right-sided GPs during high-frequency stimulation in the AF group. VR was observed during ablation in only one patient with AF. Although the heart rate increased significantly after ablation in both groups, the effect was more prominent and durable in the VVS group. The autonomic response during GP ablation is different in VVS compared to AF, suggesting that VVS and AF may represent distinct forms of autonomic hyperactivity.