Single-procedure Success Rate Research Articles

Abstract 4125059: Techniques and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Patients with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava

Introduction/Background: Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC) presents unique challenges for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation due to its arrhythmogenic potential and complex anatomical variations. Understanding tailored approaches and outcomes in patients with PLSVC and AF is essential for improving procedural success and safety. Research Questions/Hypothesis: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and outcomes of tailored ablation strategies in patients with PLSVC and AF. Goals/Aims: To evaluate the procedural safety, acute success, and AF recurrence rate post-ablation in patients with PLSVC, and to determine the optimal ablation strategies for this population. Methods/Approach: This retrospective cohort study included 16 patients with PLSVC who underwent 21 AF ablation procedures between August 1, 2008, and February 14, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Procedures involved pre-ablation imaging, 3D electroanatomical mapping, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and targeted ablation strategies focusing on PLSVC-related triggers. The primary endpoints were procedural safety and AF recurrence post-ablation. Results/Data: The cohort's mean age was 51.9 ± 17.9 years, 31.2% of whom were female. Triggers from the PLSVC were identified in 66.7% of procedures. Tailored ablation strategies were employed to isolate PLSVC-left atrium/coronary sinus connections or directly target the induced triggers, with a success rate of 85% in achieving isolation or targeted ablation once triggers were induced. The recurrence rate of arrhythmia post-ablation was 58.3% in the patient-based analysis and 70.6% in the procedure-based analysis. No major complications occurred. Conclusion(s): This study highlights the significance of recognizing PLSVC as a potential source of AF triggers. The single procedure success rate is low compared to patients without PLSVC. Further studies are warranted to enhance outcomes in this challenging AF population.

Techniques and outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava.

To investigate tailored approaches, techniques, and outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. PLSVC presents unique challenges for AF ablation due to its potential as an arrhythmogenic source and the complex anatomical variations it introduces. The retrospective cohort included 16 patients with PLSVC that underwent 21 AF ablation procedures between August 1, 2008, and February 14, 2024, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Procedures involved pre-ablation imaging, 3D electroanatomical mapping, pulmonary vein isolation, and targeted ablation strategies focusing on the PLSVC-related ablation. The primary endpoints were procedural safety and AF recurrence postablation. The cohort's mean age was 51.9 ± 17.9 years, 31.2% of whom were female. Triggers from the PLSVC were identified in 66.7% of procedures. Tailored ablation strategies were employed to isolate PLSVC-left atrium/coronary sinus connections or directly target the induced triggers, with a success rate of 85% in achieving isolation or targeted ablation once triggers were induced. The recurrence rate of arrhythmia postablation was 46.7% in the patient-based analysis and 65% in the procedure-based analysis. No major complications occurred. This study highlights the significance of recognizing PLSVC as a potential source of AF triggers. The single procedure success rate is low compared to patients without PLSVC. Further studies are warranted to enhance outcomes in this challenging AF population.

Multielectrode catheter-based pulsed field ablation of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation.

Rhythm control of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly more challenging, as a result of arrhythmia perpetuation promoting atrial substrate changes and AF maintenance. We describe a tailored ablation strategy targeting multiple left atrial (LA) sites via a pentaspline pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter in persistent AF sustained beyond 6 months (PerAF > 6 m) and long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF). The ablation protocol included the following stages: pulmonary vein antral and posterior wall isolation plus anterior roof line ablation (Stage 1); electrogram-guided substrate ablation (Stage 2); atrial tachyarrhythmia regionalization and ablation (Stage 3). Seventy-two [age:68 ± 10years, 61.1%males; AF history: 25 (18-45) months] patients with PerAF > 6 m (52.8%) and LSPAF (47.2%) underwent their first PFA via the FarapulseTM system. LA substrate ablation (Stage 1 and 2) led to AF termination in 95.8% of patients. AF organized into a left-sided atrial flutter (AFlu) in 46 (74.2%) patients. The PFA catheter was used to identify LA sites showing diastolic, low-voltage electrograms and entrainment from its splines was performed to confirm the pacing site was inside the AFlu circuit. Left AFlu termination was achieved in all cases via PFA delivery. Total procedural and LA dwell times were 112 ± 25 min and 59 ± 22 min, respectively. Major complications occurred in 2 (2.8%) patients. Single-procedure success rate was 74.6% after 14.9 ± 2.7 months of follow-up; AF-free survival was 89.2%. In our cohort, PFA-based AF substrate ablation led to AF termination in 95.8% of cases. Very favourable clinical outcomes were observed during >1 year of follow-up.

Multielectrode catheter-based pulsed field ablation of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Rhythm control of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly more challenging, as a result of arrhythmia perpetuation promoting atrial substrate changes and AF maintenance. Purpose We describe a tailored ablation strategy targeting multiple left atrial (LA) sites via the multielectrode FarawaveTM pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter in patients with persistent AF sustained beyond 6 months (PerAF>6m) and long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF). Methods The ablation protocol included the following stages: pulmonary vein antral and posterior wall isolation plus anterior roof line ablation (Stage 1); electrogram-guided substrate ablation (Stage 2); atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) regionalization and ablation (Stage 3). Results Seventy-two [age:68±10y, 61.1%males; AF history: 25 (18-45) months] patients with PerAF>6m (52.8%) and LSPAF (47.2%) underwent their first PFA via the FarapulseTM system. LA substrate ablation (Stage 1 and 2) led to AF termination in 95.8% of patients. AF termination occurred while ablating the mitral edge of the postero-lateral ridge (40.3%), the inferior left atrium above the proximal coronary sinus (27.4%), the interatrial septum (22.6%), the superior aspect of the postero-lateral ridge (6.5%), the base of the appendage (3.2%). AF organized into a left-sided atrial flutter (AFlu) in 46 (74.2%) patients. The FarawaveTM catheter was used to identify LA sites showing diastolic, low-voltage electrograms and entrainment from its splines was performed to confirm the pacing site was inside the AFlu circuit (Figure 1). Left AFlu termination was achieved in all cases via PFA delivery. Total procedural and LA dwell times were 112±25min and 59±22 min, respectively. Major complications occurred in 2 (2.8%) patients with pre-existing left ventricular systolic dysfunction (EF<35%) who required inotropic therapy due to acute heart failure. Hemodynamics normalized within 24h and both patients were discharged after 2 and 3 additional hospital days. Transient ST-segment elevation was documented in 4 patients after peri-mitral PFA; timely nitrate administration led to ECG normalization within 10 minutes. Single-procedure success rate was 81.8% after 13.3±1.9 months of follow-up; AF-free survival was 93.1% (Figure 2). A subgroup of 36 patients completed a follow-up transthoracic echocardiography study to assess left atrial mechanical contraction changes after ablation. Median A-wave velocity was 30 (IQR: 20-35) cm/s post-ablation and 50 (IQR: 41-70) cm/s after a mean of 7.3±1.8 months post-ablation. Conclusions In our cohort, PFA-based AF substrate ablation led to AF termination in 95.8% of cases. Very favorable clinical outcomes were observed at one year of follow-up.Entrainment from the PFA Catheter.Kaplan-Meier Analysis.

Mid-term outcome of catheter ablation of idiopathic non-outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias

BackgroundCatheter ablation is recommended in patients with frequent and symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in an otherwise normal heart. Right or left outflow tract (OT) are the most common origins, and catheter ablation is highly effective with low complication rates. However, outcome of catheter ablation of VAs other than the OT (non-OTVAs) is limited. The aim of this single-center study was to assess the safety and mid-term outcome of catheter ablation for non-OTVAs.Method and ResultsFrom 2013 to 2018, 251 patients who underwent catheter ablation for idiopathic non-OTVAs were enrolled and grouped according to the origins including His-Purkinje system (HPS, n = 108), papillary muscle / moderator band (PM/MB, n = 47), tricuspid annulus (TA, n = 70), and mitral annulus (MA, n = 26), 244 (97.2%) had acute elimination of VAs. The time of VAs recurrence of the single procedure was 1.69 (0.12,9.72) months, with 66% occurring within the first 3 months. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in the PM/MB group than in the TA (p = 0.025) and MA groups (p = 0.023). The single procedure success rate in all patients was 70.1%, in which 66.7%, 59.6%, 80%, and 76.9% were achieved in the HPS, PM/MB, TA, and MA groups, respectively (p = 0.284). After multiple procedures, the total success rate was 76.5% at the follow-up of 4.38 ± 2.42 years. The rate was significantly lower in the PM/MB group than in the TA group (p = 0.035). In subgroup analysis, no significant difference was observed in the recurrence rate of single procedure in patients with different VA origins within the PM/MB (log-rank test, p = 0.546).ConclusionDespite a certain percentage of recurrences observed in the mid-term follow-up, catheter ablation remained feasible and effective for idiopathic non-OTVAs.

EUropean real-world outcomes with Pulsed field ablatiOn in patients with symptomatic atRIAl fibrillation: lessons from the multi-centre EU-PORIA registry.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a new, non-thermal ablation modality for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The multi-centre EUropean Real World Outcomes with Pulsed Field AblatiOn in Patients with Symptomatic AtRIAl Fibrillation (EU-PORIA) registry sought to determine the safety, efficacy, and learning curve characteristics for the pentaspline, multi-electrode PFA catheter. All-comer AF patients from seven high-volume centres were consecutively enrolled. Procedural and follow-up data were collected. Learning curve effects were analysed by operator ablation experience and primary ablation modality. In total, 1233 patients (61% male, mean age 66 ± 11years, 60% paroxysmal AF) were treated by 42 operators. In 169 patients (14%), additional lesions outside the PVs were performed, most commonly at the posterior wall (n = 127). Median procedure and fluoroscopy times were 58 (interquartile range: 40-87) and 14 (9-21) min, respectively, with no differences due to operator experience. Major complications occurred in 21/1233 procedures (1.7%) including pericardial tamponade (14; 1.1%) and transient ischaemic attack or stroke (n = 7; 0.6%), of which one was fatal. Prior cryoballoon users had less complication. At a median follow-up of 365 (323-386) days, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of arrhythmia-free survival was 74% (80% for paroxysmal and 66% for persistent AF). Freedom from arrhythmia was not influenced by operator experience. In 149 (12%) patients, a repeat procedure was performed due to AF recurrence and 418/584 (72%) PVs were durably isolated. The EU-PORIA registry demonstrates a high single-procedure success rate with an excellent safety profile and short procedure times in a real-world, all-comer AF patient population.

A Useful Method for the Practice of Pneumatic Retinopexy: Slit-Lamp Laser Photocoagulation through the Gas Bubble.

This study aimed to demonstrate the laser retinopexy method through the gas bubble under a slit-lamp biomicroscope using a wide-field contact lens to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with pneumatic retinopexy (PR) and report its anatomical and functional results. This single-center, retrospective case series included RRD patients treated with PR using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The demographics, preoperative factors, and anatomical and functional outcomes were collected from the patient files. The single-procedure success rate of PR at postoperative 6th months was 70.8% (17/24 eyes), and the final success rate after secondary surgeries was 100%. The BCVA was better in the successful PR eyes at postoperative 3rd (p = 0.011) and 6th month (p = 0.016) than in failed eyes. No single preoperative factor was associated with PR success. The single-procedure success rate of PR using the laser retinopexy method through the gas bubble with a wide-field contact lens system seems comparable to the PR literature.

Cryotherapy versus Laser Does Not Influence Anatomic Success after Vitrectomy for Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair: Registry Analysis of 2413 Patients

To determine whether a difference exists between cryotherapy and endolaser photocoagulation retinopexy in terms of the rates of anatomic success after primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Registry-based, nonrandomized, observational cohort study. Eyes with primary RRD in a binational retinal surgery registry that underwent repair with PPV and had a minimum of 3 months of follow-up. Cases were recorded prospectively by participating surgeons, and the outcomes were recorded at 3 months. A generalized mixed model approach was used to compare the effect of retinopexy type on the outcomes. Variables known to be associated with retinal surgical success were considered as covariates for the final model. The eyes were divided into 2 groups: Cryo group (receiving cryotherapy as the only form of retinopexy) and Laser group (receiving endolaser as the only form of retinopexy). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with stable retinal reattachment without the need for further retinal detachment surgery, assessed 3 months after the surgery. Failure was defined as either retinal redetachment or foveal attachment with long-term silicone oil tamponade at the endpoint. The secondary outcome measured was visual acuity at 3 months compared with baseline measurements. A total of 2413 patients were included, and the overall single-procedure success rate was 85%. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical success between the adjusted proportion of successful reattachment for the Cryo group (87%) and that of successful reattachment for the Laser group (82%) (P= 0.84; odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.46). There was no difference in the mean change in the visual outcomes at 3 months between the groups (adjusted mean change of-0.48 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] for the Cryo group vs.-0.50 logMAR for the Laser group, P= 0.82). The choice of cryotherapy versus endolaser retinopexy was observed to influence neither the anatomic success of PPV for RRD nor the visual acuity outcomes at 3 months after the surgery.

Pulmonary vein isolation with high power, short duration ablation leads to shorter procedure times associated with high success rates: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The single procedure success rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) varies between 85 and 90 %. This prospective, randomized study investigated the efficacy of high power, short duration ablation in a temperature-controlled mode versus standard power settings in terms of single-procedure arrhythmia-free outcome, safety and procedural time. Methods and results A total number of 176 patients undergoing de-novo catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized to two different treatment arms. In group-A patients, PVI was performed with RF-energy with standard power settings of 30 Watts in a temperature-controlled mode. The ablation procedure in group B was performed with RF-energy with higher power settings of 45 Watts. In both groups the ablation was performed with ablation index (AI) and following the CLOSE protocol (Biosense Webster Thermocool STSF). A total of 88 patients were randomized into each group without significant differences in baseline characteristics. During a mean follow-up of 12 ± 4 months after a single procedure, 79 (90%) patients of group A were free of arrhythmia recurrence versus 82 (93 %) patients in group B (p=ns). With regard to the procedural data, the procedure time was significantly shorter in group B (115.35 ± 15.38 versus 96.45 ± 17.19; p<0.01), the flouroscopy time and dose area were also significantly lower in Group B (9.66 ± 3.86 vs 5.45 ± 2.35; 330.84 ± 150.36 vs 202.51 ± 135.23) and total ablation times were significantly shorter in group B ((Table 1). Both procedures were performed with a low number of complications, no pericardial effusion was seen in either group, in both groups two patients had a significant hematoma of the groin with the need of surgical repair. Conclusions RF-ablation with high power (45 Watts) in combination with ablation index and following the CLOSE protocol leads to shorter procedure times, a lower total ablation time and a good safety profile.

Pulmonary vein isolation using cryoballoon ablation versus RF ablation using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol: A prospective randomized trial.

The single procedure success rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) varybetween 80% and 90%. This prospective, randomized study investigated the efficacy of cryoballoon PVI (CBA) versus PVI with radio-frequency (RF)-energy following the CLOSE protocol (ablation index [AI], interlesion distance ≤6 mm, surround flow catheter) in terms of single-procedure arrhythmia-free outcome and safety. A total number of 150 patients undergoing de novo catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized to two different treatment arms. In group A patients, PVI was performed with the 23 or 28 mm cryoballoon (Artic Front™Balloon in conjunction with an Achieve Mapping Catheter, Medtronic Inc.). The ablation procedure in group B was performed with RF-energy, using AI and following the CLOSE protocol. PVI using AI incorporates stability, contact force (CF), time, and power. The CLOSE protocol combines AI and ≤6 mm interlesion distance using a surround flow catheter (Biosense Webster Thermocool STSF). A total of 75 patients were randomized into each group without significant differences in baseline characteristics. During a mean follow-up of 12 ± 4.5 months after a single procedure, 64 (85.33%) patients of group A were free of arrhythmia recurrence versus 65 (86.67%) patients in group B (p = ns). A total of 14 patients (group A: 7 [9.33%]; group B: 7 [9.33%]; p = ns) underwent a redo-procedure. No significant difference between both groups was observed in terms of PV recovery (group A: 4 [5.33%] vs. group B: 3 [4%]; p = ns). In two patients of group A and four patients of group B, the PVs were durably isolated, whereas the patients had AF recurrence caused by extra-PV AF sources. Two patients of each group had continued paroxysmal AF but did not undergo redo-procedure. Patients of group A showed significantly more AF recurrence during the blanking period of 3 months (group A: 14 [18.67%] vs. group B: 6 [8%]; p < .05). With regard to the procedural data, the procedure time was significantly shorter in group A (70.53 ± 16.13 vs. 115.35 ± 15.38; p < .01); the flouroscopy time and dose area product showed no significant differences (Table 2). Both procedures were performed with a low number of complications; no pericardial effusion was seen in either group; in group A two patients had a significant hematoma of the groin with the need for surgical repair. Cryoballoon PVI and PVI using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol are equally efficient in achieving durable PV isolation. In this study, cryoballoon ablation led to significantly more AF recurrence during the blanking period.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with cor triatriatum sinister; case series and review of literature.

Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is a rare congenital heart defect characterized by fibromuscular septation of the left atrium associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). The incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in the AF ablation population and effect on ablation success are not known. Furthermore, little is known about the potential effect of CTS on arrhythmogenic substrate. We define the incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in patients undergoing AF ablation with RF and cryoballoon ablation, the technical challenges created by the left atrial partitioning, and the potentially arrhythmogenic effects of the membrane. We also review the literature of CA in patients with CTS. First-time AF ablation cases at our institution over a 10-year period were screened to identify patients with CTS. Retrospective review was performed to obtain clinical characteristics and ablation data. Of the 3953 consecutive patients undergoing initial AF ablation during the study period, four patients (0.10%) had CTS. Ablation was successful acutely in all patients. One patient had recurrent AF and required repeat ablation for a single procedure success rate of 75% and multi-procedure success rate of 100%. The CTS membrane was associated with low voltage zones in the two patients in whom it was measured and with substrate for macro-reentrant atrial tachycardia in one of these patients. The incidence of hemodynamically insignificant CTS in patients undergoing CA for AF is very low, but does not serve as a significant barrier to successful ablation as long as directed access to the superoposterior chamber is obtained.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of patients with permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia and long-term follow-up results.

Permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) is an infrequent form of atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia. We report the clinical and electrophysiological properties of PJRT and outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RCA) in a large group of patients. We included 62 patients with the diagnosis of PJRT. Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed in all. Location of accessory pathway was right posteroseptal in 37 (59,7%) cases, right midseptal in 3 (4,8%), left posterior in 7 (11,3%), left lateral in 5 (8,1%), left posterolateral in 3 (4,8%), left anterolateral in 2 (3,2%), left posteroseptal in 2 (3,2%), middle cardiac vein in 2 (3,2%), and left coronary cusp in 1 (1,6%). Single procedure success rate was 90.3%. None of patients had recurrence during follow-up after repeat ablations. Overall long-term success rate was 98.4%. Left ventricular systolic function recovered in all patients with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). Retrograde decremental accessory pathways are mainly located in posteroseptal region. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is a safe and effective approach in patients with PJRT.

Improved durable pulmonary vein isolation with shorter procedure times and lower energy levels using RF ablation with ablation index and a stringent lesion contiguity

BackgroundThe single procedure success rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) varies between 80 and 90%. Ablation index, incorporating contact force, stability, time and power is a more profound parameter of significant lesion size and has been established. Equally important is a stringent contiguity of the lesion set. Methods and resultsA total number of 100 consecutive patients undergoing de-novo catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were analyzed between 2016 and 2019. In the first 50 patients (group A) PVI was performed using a surround flow, contact force catheter (Biosense Webster Thermocool STSF, Biosense Webster, USA) with a drag-and-ablate technique to encircle the PVs. In the following 50 patients (group B), PVI was performed using ablation index and a stringent lesion contiguity with an interlesion distance (ILD) of <5 mm. The baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between both groups. During a mean follow-up of 18 ± 3 months after a single procedure, 36 (72%) patients of group A were free of arrhythmia recurrence versus 43 (86%) patients in group B (p = 0.047). A total of 14 patients (group A: 10 (20%), group B: 4 (8%); underwent a redo-procedure. 7 patients of group A (14%) and 2 patients of group B (4%) showed recovered veins. In 3 patients of group A and 2 patients of group B the PVs were durably isolated. In these patients persistent AF recurrence was caused by extra-PV AF sources. Four patients of group A and three patients of group B had continued paroxysmal or persistent AF but did not undergo redo-procedure. With regard to the procedural data, the procedure time, the total energy and the fluoroscopy time were significantly lower in group B (AI and ILD <5 mm) (128.86 ± 18.19 versus 115.35 ± 15.38; p < 0.05; 1619.16 ± 988.56 versus 1186.26 ± 756.34; p < 0.05; 11.49 ± 3.20 versus 9.66 ± 3.86; p = 0.04). Both procedures were performed with a low number of complications, no pericardial effusion was seen in either group. ConclusionsPVI using ablation index in combination with a stringent lesion contiguity improves clinical outcome after first-time PVI with lower PVI recovery, shorter procedure times, lower total energy and shorter fluoroscopy times and therefore, is more efficient.

Long term prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing catheter ablation for supraventricular tachycardia

Various forms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) occur in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). Despite the high efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for SVT, insufficient data exist regarding patients with PH. Thirty SVTs in 23 PH patients (age 47 [35–60] years; mean pulmonary artery pressure 44 [32–50] mmHg) were analyzed. Procedural success rate, short- and long-term clinical outcomes, were evaluated during a median follow-up of 5.1 years. Single-procedure success rate was 83%; 94% (17/18) in typical atrial flutter, 73% (8/11) in atrial tachycardia (AT), and 100% (1/1) in atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Antiarrhythmic drugs, serum brain natriuretic peptide levels and number of hospitalizations significantly decreased after RFCA than that before (p = 0.002, 0.04, and 0.002, respectively). Four patients had several procedures. After last RFCA, 12 patients had SVT and 8 patients died. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with SVT after the last RFCA had a lower survival rate compared to those without (p = 0.0297). Multivariate analysis identified any SVT after the last RFCA as significant risk factor of mortality (hazard ratio: 9.31; p = 0.016). RFCA for SVT in patients with PH is feasible and effective in the short-term, but SVT is common during long-term follow-up and associated with lower survival.

First-line treatment of persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation with single-stage hybrid ablation: a 2-year follow-up study.

AimsThis study evaluates the efficacy and safety of first-line single-stage hybrid ablation of (long-standing) persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), over a follow-up period of 2 years, and provides additional information on arrhythmia recurrences and electrophysiological findings at repeat ablation.Methods and resultsThis is a prospective cohort study that included 49 patients (65% persistent AF; 35% long-standing persistent AF) who underwent hybrid ablation as first-line ablation treatment (no previous endocardial ablation). Patients were relatively young (57.0 ± 8.5 years) and predominantly male (89.8%). Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.0 (0.5; 2.0) and mean left atrium volume index was 43.7 ± 10.9 mL/m2. Efficacy was assessed by 12-lead electrocardiography and 72-h Holter monitoring after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Recurrence was defined as AF/atrial flutter (AFL)/tachycardia (AT) recorded by electrocardiography or Holter monitoring lasting >30 s during 2-year follow-up. At 2-year follow-up, single and multiple procedure success rates were 67% and 82%, respectively. Two (4%) patients experienced a major complication (bleeding) requiring intervention following hybrid ablation. Among the 16 (33%) patients who experienced an AF/AFL/AT recurrence, 13 (81%) were ATs/AFLs and only 3 (19%) were AF. Repeat ablation was performed in 10 (20%) patients and resulted in sinus rhythm in 7 (70%) at 2-year follow-up.ConclusionFirst-line single-stage hybrid AF ablation is an effective treatment strategy for patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF with an acceptable rate of major complications. Recurrences are predominantly AFL/AT that can be successfully ablated percutaneously. Hybrid ablation seems a feasible approach for first-line ablation of (long-standing) persistent AF.

Final results from the EU focal impulse and rotor modulation (E-FIRM) registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Abbott Background The exact pathophysiology of how pulmonary vein (PV) triggers initiate or maintain episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been elusive. Catheter ablation at relatively circumscribed areas of rapidly spinning rotors or very rapid focal impulse formation can significantly affect AF. Targeted ablation of these sources using Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM™) shows promise. Purpose To assess the safety and effectiveness of FIRM-guided procedures for the treatment of any type of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods Two hundred and ninety-nine subjects were enrolled in the E-FIRM Registry at 9 clinical sites in Germany and the Netherlands. Subjects were eligible if they had reported incidence of at least 2 documented episodes of symptomatic AF during the preceding 3 months and had failed at least Class I or III anti-arrhythmia drug. Data was collected at enrollment/baseline, procedure, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Results A majority (59.5%, 178/299) had a history of previous ablation, 81.1% (133/164) in the left side, with an average of 1.5 ± 0.8 [range 0, 5] prior ablations. The primary safety endpoint was defined as freedom from procedure related Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) through 7-days and at 12-months. At 7-days, freedom from procedure related SAEs was 94.8% (257/271). At 12-months, freedom from procedure related SAEs was 84.4% (184/218). There were no deaths. Acute effectiveness success, defined as the elimination of all identified rotors, occurred in 64.0% (165/258) of treated patients. All patients for which data was reported had at least 1 rotor identified. The most common regions to find rotors were the lateral wall of the right atrium, the anterior/septal wall of the left atrium, and the posterior inferior region of the left atrium. 75.2% (194/258) of patients had at least one rotor identified in the right atrium, and 84.1% (217/258) of patients had at least one rotor identified in the left atrium. Success was defined as two sequential endpoints: single procedure freedom from AF recurrence at 3-months and single procedure freedom from AF recurrence. At 12-months, success was achieved in 46.4% (13/28) Paroxysmal, 42.9% (87/203) Persistent, and 0% (0/9) Long Standing AF subjects. Conclusions: Since acute success was reported as being achieved in only ∼2/3 of the treated subjects, it is possible that the full potential benefit of the FIRM-guided ablation was hidden in this evaluation of the full cohort. Considering the previous ablation and disease history of subjects, a single-procedure success rate at 12-months over 40% was considered a positive result. Based on these results, FIRM-guided RF ablation in conjunction with conventional RF ablation practices is both a safe and effective treatment strategy for patients with symptomatic AF.

Pulmonary vein isolation using Cryo Balloon ablation versus RF ablation using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol: a Prospective Randomized Trial

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The single procedure success rates of durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) varies between 80 and 90 %. This prospective, randomized study investigated the efficacy of Cryo-Balloon PVI versus pulmonary vein isolation with RF-energy following the CLOSE protocol (ablation index (AI), interlesion distance ≤ 6 mm, surround flow catheter) in terms of single-procedure arrhythmia-free outcome, safety and procedural time. Methods and results A total number of 150 patients undergoing de-novo catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF were randomized to two different treatment arms in a 1:1 fashion. In group-A patients, PVI was performed with the 23 or 28 mm Cryo-Balloon (Articfront Balloon, Medtronic Inc). The ablation procedure in group B was performed with RF-energy, using AI and following the CLOSE protocol. During a mean follow-up of 15 ± 6 months after a single procedure, 69 (92%) patients of group A were free of arrhythmia recurrence versus 68 (90.67%) patients in group B (p = ns). A total of 10 patients (group A: 4, group B: 6; p = ns) underwent a redo-procedure. No difference between both groups was observed in terms of patients with PV recovery (group A: 2 (2,67%) vs. group B: 3 (4%); p = ns). In 2 patients of group A and 3 patients of group B the PVs were durably isolated. Two patients of each group had continued paroxysmal AF but did not undergo redo-procedure. Significantly more patients of group A experienced AF recurrence during blanking period, whereas the outcome after 6 month showed no significant differences (group A 11 (14,66%), group B: 6 (8%); p&amp;lt; 0.05). With regard to the procedural data, the procedure time was significantly shorter in group A (115.35 ± 15.38 versus 70.53 ± 16.13; p &amp;lt; 0.01), the flouroscopy time and dose area product showed no significant differences (Table 1). Both procedures were performed with a low number of complications, in group A two patients had a significant groin hematoma, no PE. Conclusions Cryo-Balloon PVI and PVI using ablation index following the CLOSE protocol are equally efficient in achieving durable PV-isolation. Approximately 7 % of the patients with clinically paroxysmal AF are having extra-pulmonary vein AF sources. Cryo-Balloon ablation leads to significantly more AF recurrence during the blanking period. Procedural data Cryo-Balloon(group A) Ablation Index(group B) p-value Proc. Time (min) 70.53 ± 16.13 115.35 ± 15.38 &amp;lt;0,01 Fluoro time (min) 8.56 ± 3.18 9.66 ± 3.86 0,06 Dose Area Product(cGy/m2) 390.34 ± 268.57 330.84 ± 150.36 0,10

Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (Marshall-PLAN): Prospective, single-center study

Beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), the optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to examine a novel comprehensive ablation strategy (Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation [Marshall-PLAN]) strictly based on anatomical considerations. Left atrial (LA) sites were sequentially targeted as follows: (1) coronary sinus and vein of Marshall (CS-VOM) musculature; (2) PVI; and (3) anatomical isthmuses (mitral, roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus [CTI]). The primary endpoint was 12-month freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT). Seventy-five consecutive patients were included (age 61 ± 9 years; 10 women; AF duration 9 ± 11 months; mean LA volume 197 ± 43 mL). VOM ethanol infusion was completed in 69 patients (92%). The full Marshall-PLAN lesion set (VOM, PVI, mitral, roof, and CTI with block) was successfully completed in 68 patients (91%). At 12 months, 54 of 75 patients (72%) were free from AF/AT after a single procedure (no antiarrhythmic drugs) in the overall cohort. In the subset of patients with a complete Marshall-PLAN lesion set (n = 68), the single procedure success rate was 79%. After 1 or 2 procedures, 67 of 75 patients (89%) remained free from AF/AT (no antiarrhythmic drugs). After 1 or 2 procedures, VOM ethanol infusion was complete in 72 of 75 patients (96%). A novel ablation strategy that systematically targets anatomical atrial structures (VOM ethanol infusion, PVI, and prespecified linear lesions) is feasible, safe, and associated with a high rate of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months in patients with persistent AF.

Outcomes Of Manifest Right Free Wall Accessory Pathway Ablation: Data From A Single Center

Right free wall (RFW) accessory pathways (AP) typically present anatomical challenges to ablation leading to high rates of procedural failure and recovery of AP conduction. Patients with a diagnosis of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) and a manifest RFW AP undergoing an electrophysiology study (EPS) or an ablation at our center between 01/01/2008 and 08/01/2019 were identified from our databases using diagnosis codes and manual chart review. Twenty-one patients with manifest RFW AP underwent EPS, all of which were targeted for ablation. Single procedure success rate was 19 / 21 (90.5%). Of the 19 successful cases, 4 (17.4%) patients were found to have recurrent right free wall pathway conduction at follow-up and each underwent a successful 2nd procedure (9.5%). Fluoroscopic and 3D electroanatomic mapping software was used in all cases to guide ablation. A 4 mm or 8 mm non-irrigated radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter was used in 76% of cases while an 8 mm cryo-catheter was used in one case. More than one type of ablation catheter was used in four cases (16%). A steerable sheath was used in 68% of cases. In a tertiary center, RFW AP ablation has high acute success (>90%) but approximately 21% of patients with initially successful ablation required a 2nd procedure for recurrence of pathway conduction. A combination of a large tip ablation catheter and a steerable sheath were used in most cases.

Ablation of manifest septal accessory pathways: a single-center experience.

Ablation of septal accessory pathways (SAPs) is associated with an increased risk of heart block. Data on outcomes of SAP ablation in adults are limited. To describe outcomes of SAP ablation in our center. Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) undergoing an EP study at our center between January 2008 and August 2019 were identified from our institutional database. Location of the pathway was noted as anteroseptal (AS), midseptal (MS), or posteroseptal (PS). Outcomes of the ablation including success, complication rates, and recurrences were also recorded. Thirty-three patients with SAP underwent 35 EP studies: AS (n = 13), MS (n = 5), and PS (n = 15). Thirty pathways were targeted for ablation, two of which required a 2nd procedure resulting in 32 attempts at ablation in 30 patients. In the remaining 3 patients, SAP did not have malignant features and were not targeted for ablation. Single-procedure success rate was 28/30 (93.33%): 9/10 AS, 5/5 MS, and 14/15 PS ablations. One AS pathway was successfully ablated during a 2nd procedure. Two complications were observed: 1 pericardial effusion in a patient who underwent epicardial mapping and ablation of both PS and right free wall APs. Additionally, transient 2:1 AV block occurred during an MS pathway ablation that recovered during follow-up and did not require permanent pacing procedure. In this single-center experience, ablation of manifest SAP was associated with high success rates and low complication rates. No instances of permanent heart block requiring pacing occurred.