Total Fluoroscopy Time Research Articles

Conduction system pacing using electro-anatomical mapping-guided system vs. fluoroscopy: a systematic review, meta-analysis and economic evaluation

Electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) system has been shown as an alternative procedure to fluoroscopy for conduction system pacing (CSP) in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, however its beneficial and harmful effects has not been assessed in a systematic review (SR). We sought to assess their safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. A SR of the available scientific literature was conducted on the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of CSP using EAM system vs. fluoroscopy in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia. A partial economic evaluation was carried out to compare the costs of both strategies from the perspective of the Spanish National Health System. A budget impact analysis was also conducted with a five-year horizon. Seven comparative observational studies (N = 231), analyzing the use of EAM vs. fluoroscopy were selected. Statistically significant differences were observed in total fluoroscopy time: −9.87 min (95%CI:−14.20, −5.53, p < 0.01; I2 = 95%; k = 7; n = 231); His-lead fluoroscopic time: −8.08 min (95%CI:−10.36, −5.81, p < 0.01; I2 = 0%; k = 2; n = 50); and His-lead radiation dose: −17.21 mGy (95%CI:−24.08, −10.34, p < 0.01; k = 1; n = 20). No differences in total fluoroscopy dose, successful procedure or safety were found. The use of EAM represents an increase of EUR 1,397.81 per patient and a net budget impact of EUR 1.63 million. EAM is a valuable alternative for patients who should not be exposed to ionizing radiation with similar effectiveness and safety than fluoroscopy. However, the inclusion of EAM systems, for the indication under study, in routine clinical practice would mean an increase in costs for the Spanish National Health System.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=421072, identifier (CRD42023421072).

Radiation exposure during cardiac interventions in CHD: German Registry 2012-2020.

Since patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) frequently require life-long medical care and repeat invasive treatment, radiation exposure during interventional procedures is a relevant issue concerning potential radiation related risks. Therefore, an analysis on radiation data from the German Registry for Cardiac Operations and Interventions in patients with CHD was performed. From January 2012 until December 2020 a total of 28,374 cardiac catheter interventions were recorded. 8 specified interventions were selected for evaluation: ASD/PFO, PDA and VSD occlusion, CoA balloon dilatation and stent implantation, aortic valvuloplasty, pulmonary valvuloplasty and transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation. Radiation exposure data included total fluoroscopy time (TFT), dose area product (DAP) and DAP per body weight (DAP/BW). The cohort accounted for 9,350 procedures including 3,426 ASD/PFO occlusions, 2,039 PDA occlusions, 599 aortic and 1,536 pulmonary valvuloplasties, 383 balloon dilatations resp. 496 stent implantations for CoA, 168 VSD occlusions and 703 TPVI. 610 ASD/PFO procedures (17.8%) were performed without radiation. Median annual TFT, DAP and DAP/BW showed a continuous decrease while radiation burden correlated with intervention complexity: For ASD/PFO and PDA occlusion, aortic and pulmonary valvuloplasty and balloon dilatation of CoA median DAP/BW was <20.0 µGy*m²/kg, while median values of 26.3 µGy*m²/kg and 31.6 µGy*m²/kg were noted for stenting of CoA and VSD closure. Radiation burden was highest in TPVI with a median DAP/BW of 79.4 µGy*m²/kg. A decrease of radiation exposure was found in 8 cardiac interventions from 1/2012 - 12/2020. Comparison with international registries revealed a good quality of radiation protection.

Comparative Analysis of Real-World Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Pulsed Field Ablation System for Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The Prospective CIRCLE-PVI Study.

Background: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) represents a novel non-thermal approach for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) through pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). By utilizing irreversible electroporation, PFA creates lesions with minimal impact on adjacent tissues. This study investigates the procedural outcomes and safety of a novel circular PFA catheter in comparison to an established PFA system in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: This prospective, single-center study enrolled 125 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing first-time PVI with PFA at Ulm University Heart Center. Twenty-five patients underwent PFA PVI using a novel PFA system (PulseSelectTM, Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) which incorporates a new circular catheter design and additional features such as ECG-triggered energy application and phrenic nerve capture testing. In comparison, 100 patients were treated using the established PFA system (FarapulseTM, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA). Results: Acute PVI was achieved in 100% of the patients. Procedure duration, total left atrial (LA) time and fluoroscopy time remained comparable between both groups. The total number of energy deliveries was higher with the novel circular PFA catheter (34.0 vs. 32.0; p < 0.001). No procedure-related complications, including pericardial tamponade, phrenic nerve injury, atrial-esophageal fistula, vascular complications, embolisms, malignant cardiac arrhythmias, or coronary spasms were observed. Conclusions: The novel and the established PFA systems demonstrated comparable results in terms of procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, and LA time. In the hands of experienced operators, the novel circular PFA system enables an effective, consistent, and safe approach to successful PFA PVI.

Robotic endovascular peripheral arterial interventions: a proposal of a new learning model.

This study tests a suitable model for training robot-assisted peripheral vascular interventions and examines the learning curves of endovascular surgeons with different levels of previous experience and main focus of work, analyzing procedure time, fluoroscopy time, use of contrast, and radiation emission. Sixteen endovascular surgeons with different previous experience and training performed nine manual and 18 robotic angioplasties using the CorPath GRX platform on a 3D-printed life-size immersed infragenicular arterial phantom. All participants considered the model reliable. When analyzing manual angioplasty outcomes, the juniors took significantly longer to perform angioplasties than the seniors (p=0.044). Among the seniors, interventionists were faster only on the first angioplasty (p=0.046). Analysis of the robotic angioplasty results showed that only one junior failed to cannulate one of the target arteries once. The total duration, fluoroscopy time, and radiation emission did not differ between juniors and seniors (p=0.095, p=0.60, and p=0.64, respectively). In addition, the learning curves for the maximum benefit required two attempts for procedure duration, one for fluoroscopy time, and three for radiation emission. There were no significant differences between senior vascular surgeons and interventionists. Among juniors, residents had a significantly lower procedure duration (p=0.042) and radiation emission (p=0.046) only for the first angioplasty. The learning curves for robotic peripheral arterial interventions were short, with a plateau for the procedure and fluoroscopy times and radiation emission after the third attempt. We observed no differences in the learning curves in relation to previous experience or training.

Induction of supraventricular tachycardias in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is safe and reasonable.

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) may experience other supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) that can trigger AF and cause similar symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectivity of inducing SVT in patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for AF. In 61 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing CA between January 2022 and March 2023, an electrophysiological study was performed after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) to induce SVT. Induced arrhythmias were mapped and ablated. All patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure; seven-day ECG Holter monitoring was carried out 6 and 12 months after the procedure. In 24 patients (39%) an SVT was induced during the stimulation protocol. There was no significant difference in procedure time (P=0.408) or fluoroscopy dose (P=0.458) between patients with and without inducible arrhythmia. Further, none of the echocardiographic variables such as left atrial volume index (LAVI) (P=0.936), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.586), or right atrial (RA) area (P=0.716), differed significantly in these subgroups. Age was a significant factor in patients with arrhythmia inducibility compared with those without (64.5 ± 7.6 and 58.2 ± 10.5, P=0.04). SVT inducibility after successful PVI was 39%. Ablation of nonclinical arrhythmia is safe and did not prolong the total procedure or fluoroscopy time.

Procedural outcomes of fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Abstract Background Radiofrequency catheter ablation is superior therapy to antiarrhythmic drugs for maintaining sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Traditional fluoroscopy-guided AF ablation poses risks of prolonged radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff. Recent advancements in fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation techniques offer potential solutions, but comprehensive data on their effectiveness and safety are lacking. Purpose To evaluate the procedural outcomes and safety of fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for AF compared to fluoroscopy-guided ablation. Methods Retrospective observational study of consecutive AF ablations (N=881) conducted at a university teaching hospital (Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario) from November 2017 to September 2022. An electro-anatomical mapping system and ICE was used in all cases. Baseline characteristics and procedural outcomes between the fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy-guided groups were compared. Cases that used &amp;lt;60 seconds of fluoroscopy (occasionally used by operators during the placement of an esophageal probe) were included in the fluoroscopy-less group (N= 68). Results Mean age of individuals was 60.6 ± 11 years, 71.7% were male, 72.6% had paroxysmal AF, mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 1.6 ± 1.4, 11.1% had prior heart failure, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 57.5 ± 15%. There were no significant differences in patient baseline characteristics between the fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy groups. Total procedure and fluoroscopy times were lower in the fluoroscopy-less group compared to the fluoroscopy-guided group (169.3 ±42 minutes vs. 192.1 ±54 minutes, p&amp;lt;0.0001 and 0.024 ±0.10 vs. 10.0 ±7.4 minutes , p&amp;lt;0.0001). Fluoroscopy-less AF ablation remained an independent predictor of lower procedure times following adjusting for the use of general anesthesia, high-power short-duration, presence of trainees, AF pattern, redo cases, and type of mapping system. Complication rates were similar between fluoroscopy-less and fluoroscopy-guided ablation (1.9% vs. 3.8%, p=0.11). Conclusion Fluoroscopy-less catheter ablation for AF appears to have similar procedural outcomes and safety than fluoroscopy-guided AF ablation.

Comparative analysis of single plane and biplane angiography systems for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe choice of angiography system could influence the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but its impact is not yet well understood. This...

Differences in Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Radiation Exposure during Ankle Fracture ORIF between Orthopaedic Surgery and Podiatry

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Operative ankle fractures pose a unique situation as both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons manage these injuries. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is routinely used, however, excessive radiation can be harmful to both the patient and surgical team. The primary aim of this study is to determine if there is a difference in the amount of intraoperative radiation exposure during ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) when performed by orthopaedic surgeons versus podiatrists. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent ankle fracture ORIF at an urban level I trauma center between January 1st, 2018 and April 1st, 2023. The electronic health record was queried using International Classification of Diseases nine and 10 codes associated with ankle fractures. Patients greater than 18 years of age with an ankle fracture managed operatively were included. Subjects were then stratified by procedure. Mean total radiation dose (mRad) and mean total fluoroscopic time (seconds) were then compared between those performed by orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists. Results: Of the 333 included procedures, 186 were performed by orthopaedic surgeons and 147 were performed by podiatrists. Using multiple linear regression analysis to control for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and body mass index, patients undergoing isolated malleolus ORIF with syndesmosis repair performed by orthopaedic surgery were found to have a significantly lower mean fluoroscopic time compared those performed by podiatry (68.4s versus 104.8.s; p = 0.0280). Additionally, trimalleolar ORIF with syndesmotic repair performed by orthopaedic surgery had a significantly lower mean total radiation dose compared to those performed by podiatry (244.6 mRad v 565.6 mRad; p = 0.0090). Conclusion: Patients and surgical teams are exposed to significantly less radiation in isolated malleolar and trimalleolar fracture ORIF with syndesmosis repair when performed by an orthopaedic surgeon as compared to those performed by a podiatrist.

Acute procedural safety of the latest radiofrequency ablation catheters in atrial fibrillation ablation: Data from a large prospective ablation registry.

Safety data of the latest radiofrequency (RF) technologies during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in real-world clinical practice are limited. We sought to evaluate the acute procedural safety of the four latest ablation catheters commonly used for AF ablation. A total of 3957 AF ablation procedures performed between January 2022 and December 2023 at 20 centers with either the THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH SF (STSF), TactiCath (TC), QDOT Micro (QDM), or TactiFlex (TF) were retrospectively analyzed. In total, QDM, STSF, TF, and TC were used in 343 (8.7%), 1793 (45.3%), 1121 (28.4%), and 700(17.7%) procedures. Among 2406 index procedures, electrical pulmonary vein isolations were successfully achieved in 99.5%. Despite similar total procedure times in the four groups, the total fluoroscopic time was significantly shorter for QDM/STSF with CARTO than TF/TC with EnSite (18.7 ± 14 vs. 27.6 ± 20.6 min, p < .001) and longest in the TF group. The incidence of cardiac tamponade was 0.7% (0.5% and 0.9% during index and redo procedures, 0.8% and 0.3% for paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal AF) and was significantly lower for QDM/STSF than TF/TC (0.2% vs. 1.1%, p = .008) and highest in the TF group. The incidence of cardiac tamponade was higher for TF than TC and STSF than QDM. In the multivariate analysis, TF/TC with EnSite was a significant independent predictor of cardiac tamponade during both the index (odds ratio [OR] = 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-17.5, p = .02) and all procedures (OR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.3-7.2, p = .01). The incidence of cardiac tamponade and the fluoroscopic time during AF ablation significantly differed among the latest RF catheters and mapping systems in real-world clinical practice.

Comparative Evaluation of the Short-Term Outcome of Different Endovascular Aortic Arch Procedures.

Objectives: There are several endovascular treatment options to treat aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts. This study seeks to assess endovascular treatment methods for aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), comparing different treatment methods and evaluating technical success, intraoperative parameters and short-term outcomes. Methods: All patients undergoing elective or emergency endovascular treatment of aortic arch and thoracic aortic pathologies, with no acceptable landing zone for standard TEVAR, between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2024, at the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany were included. An acceptable landing zone was defined as a minimum of 2 cm for sufficient sealing. All patients were not suitable for open surgery. Patients were categorized by an endovascular treatment method for a comprehensive comparison of pre-, intra- and postoperative variables. IBM SPSS29 was used for data analysis. Results: The patient cohort comprised 21 patients, predominantly males (81%), with an average age of 70.9 ± 9 years with no acceptable proximal landing zone for standard TEVAR procedure. The most treated aortic pathologies were penetrating aortic ulcers and chronic post-dissection aneurysms. Patients were sub-grouped according to the applied procedure as follows: five patients with chimney thoracic endovascular aortic repair (chTEVAR), seven patients with in situ fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (isfTEVAR), six patients with custom-made fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmfTEVAR) and three patients with custom-made branched thoracic endovascular aortic repair (cmbTEVAR). Emergency procedures involved two patients. There were significant differences in the total procedure and fluoroscopy time, as well as in contrast agent usage among the treatment groups. cmfTEVAR had the shortest total procedure time, while chTEVAR exhibited the highest contrast agent usage. The overall mortality rate among all procedures was 9.5% (two patients) and 4.7% for elective procedures, respectively. Deaths were associated with either retrograde type A dissection or stent graft infection. Both patients were treated with chTEVAR. There was one minor and one major stroke; these patients were treated with isfTEVAR. No endoleak occurred during any procedure. The reintervention rate for chTEVAR was 20% and 0% for all other procedures during the in-hospital stay. The patients who were treated with cmfTEVAR had no complications, the shortest operating and fluoroscopy time, and less contrast agent was needed in comparison with other treatment methods. Conclusions: Complex endovascular procedures of the aortic arch with custom-made or surgeon-modified aortic stent grafts offer a safe solution, with acceptable complication rates for patients who are not suitable for open aortic arch repair. In terms of procedure-related parameters and complication rates, a custom-made fenestrated TEVAR is potentially advantageous compared to the other endovascular techniques.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Outcomes of High-power, Short-duration Ablation versus Low-power, Long-duration Ablation Strategy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects around 33 million people worldwide, rendering it a common cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter ablation (CA) has evolved as a leading therapeutic intervention for symptomatic AF. This umbrella review systematically evaluates existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the safety, efficacy, and potential of high-power, short-duration (HPSD) ablation as an alternative therapy option for AF. A thorough exploration was undertaken across PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify pertinent studies for inclusion in this umbrella review. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method was employed to assess the overall certainty of the evidence comprehensively, and the quality of the incorporated reviews was meticulously evaluated through use of the AMSTAR 2 tool, the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. In this study, we initially identified 35 systematic reviews and meta-analyses, narrowing them down to a final selection of 11 studies, which collectively integrated data from 6 randomized controlled trials and 26 observational studies. For primary efficacy outcomes, the HPSD approach led to a non-significant decrease in the risk of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence (risk ratio [RR], 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-1.12; I 2 = 90%; P = .31) and a significantly reduced risk of AF recurrence (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.42-0.67; I 2 = 0%; P < .00001) compared to the low-power, long-duration (LPLD) approach. In terms of primary safety outcomes, the HPSD approach significantly reduced the risk of esophageal thermal injury (ETI) (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.61-0.83; I 2 = 0%; P < .00001) and facilitated a non-significant decrease in the risk of other major complications (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.73-1.03; I 2 = 0%; P = .10). In conclusion, HPSD therapy is safer and more effective than LPLD therapy, facilitating decreased AF recurrence rates along with reductions in ETI, total procedure duration, ablation number, ablation time, fluoroscopy time, and acute pulmonary vein reconnection.

Safety and Efficiency of Cephalic Vein Puncture by Modified Seldinger Technique Compared to Subclavian Vein Puncture for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

The establishment of venous access is one of the driving factors for complications during implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators (cardiac implantable electronic devices [CIED]). Recently, a novel approach of accessing the cephalic vein for CIED by cephalic vein puncture (CVP) using a modified Seldinger technique has been described, promising high success rates and simplified handling with steeper learning curves. In this single-center registry, we analyzed the safety and efficiency of CVP to SVP access after defining CVP as the primary access route in our center. A total of 229 consecutive patients receiving a CIED were included in the registry. Sixty-one patients were implanted by primary or bail-out SVP; 168 patients received primary cephalic preparation and CVP was performed when possible, using a hydrophilic transradial sheath. Implantation of at least one lead via CVP was successful in 151 of 168 patients (90%), and implantation of all leads was possible in 122 of 168 patients (72.6%). Total implantation times and fluoroscopy times and doses did not differ between CVP and SVP implantations. Pneumothorax occurred in 0/122 patients implanted via CVP alone, but 8/107 (7.5%) patients received at least one lead via SVP. Our data confirms high success rates of the CVP for CIED implantation. Moreover, this method can be used without significantly prolonging the total procedure time or applying fluoroscopy dose compared to the highly efficient SVP while showing lower overall complication rates.

Efficacy and safety of a novel hexaspline pulsed field ablation system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the PLEASE-AF study.

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an emerging non-thermal ablative modality demonstrating considerable promise for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these PFA trials have almost universally included only Caucasian populations, with little data on its effect on other races/ethnicities. The PLEASE-AF trial sought to study the 12-month efficacy and the safety of a multi-electrode hexaspline PFA catheter in treating a predominantly Asian/Chinese population of patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. Patients underwent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by delivering different pulse intensities at the PV ostium (1800 V) and atrium (2000 V). Acute success was defined as no PV potentials and entrance/exit conduction block of all PVs after a 20-min waiting period. Follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months included 12-lead electrocardiogram and 24-h Holter examinations. The primary efficacy endpoint was 12-month freedom from any atrial arrhythmias lasting at least 30 s. The cohort included 143 patients from 12 hospitals treated by 28 operators: age 60.2 ± 10.0 years, 65.7% male, Asian/Chinese 100%, and left atrial diameter 36.6 ± 4.9 mm. All PVs (565/565, 100%) were successfully isolated. The total procedure, catheter dwell, total PFA application, and total fluoroscopy times were 123.5 ± 38.8 min, 63.0 ± 30.7 min, 169.7 ± 34.6 s, and 27.3 ± 10.1 min, respectively. The primary endpoint was observed in 124 of 143 patients (86.7%). One patient (0.7%) developed a small pericardial effusion 1-month post-procedure, not requiring intervention. The novel hexaspline PFA catheter demonstrated universal acute PVI with an excellent safety profile and promising 12-month freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmias in an Asian/Chinese population with paroxysmal AF. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05114954.

Radiation dose during transarterial chemoembolization and associated factors.

To provide detailed reports on radiation doses during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) era and to identify the associated factors. This retrospective study included 385 consecutive patients who underwent initial conventional TACE for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between January 2016 and December 2017. In most cases, CBCT was performed at the common hepatic artery or celiac axis to confirm the location of the tumor and the three-dimensional hepatic artery anatomy. Superselective TACE was performed for all technically feasible cases. Information on total dose area product (DAP), total cumulative air kerma (CAK), fluoroscopy time, and DAP and CAK of each digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and CBCT scan was recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with increased DAP during TACE. The mean values of total DAP and CAK were 165.2 ± 81.2 (Gy·cm²) and 837.1 ± 571.0 (mGy), respectively. The mean fluoroscopy time was 19.1 ± 10.3min. The mean DAP caused by fluoroscopy, DSA, and CBCT was 51.8 ± 43.9, 28.0 ± 24.1, and 83.9 ± 42.1Gy·cm², respectively. Male sex, a high body mass index, largest tumor size > 3cm, presence of aberrant right and left hepatic arteries, and superselective TACE were identified as independent predictors of increased total DAP during TACE. We were able to provide detailed reports on radiation doses during TACE and associated factors.

Differences in Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Radiation Exposure During Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Between Orthopaedic Surgery and Podiatry.

Surgical ankle fractures pose a unique situation because both podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons manage these injuries. Intraoperative fluoroscopy is routinely used; however, excessive radiation can be harmful to both the patient and the surgical team. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in the amount of intraoperative radiation exposure during ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) when performed by orthopaedic surgeons versus podiatrists. This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent ankle fracture ORIF at an urban level I trauma center between January 1st, 2018, and April 1st, 2023. The electronic health record was queried using International Classification of Diseases nine and 10 codes associated with ankle fractures. Patients aged older than 18 years with an ankle fracture managed surgically were included. Subjects were then stratified by procedure. The mean total radiation dose (mRad) and mean total fluoroscopic time (seconds) were then compared between those performed by orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists. Of the 333 included procedures, 186 were done by orthopaedic surgeons and 147 were done by podiatrists. Using multiple linear regression analysis to control for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and body mass index, patients undergoing isolated malleolus ORIF with syndesmosis repair performed by orthopaedic surgery were found to have a significantly lower mean fluoroscopic time compared with those performed by podiatry (68.4 s versus 104.8 s; P = 0.028). In addition, trimalleolar ORIF with syndesmotic repair performed by orthopaedic surgery had a significantly lower mean total radiation dose compared with those performed by podiatry (244.6 mRad v 565.6 mRad; P = 0.009). Patients and surgical teams are exposed to markedly less radiation in isolated malleolar and trimalleolar fracture ORIF with syndesmosis repair when performed by an orthopaedic surgeon as compared with those performed by a podiatrist.

One year of atrial fibrillation ablation using pulsed-field pentaspline catheter - learning curves based on a single centre experience

Abstract Introduction Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) represents a novel nonthermal strategy for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). As the technology has recently emerged in routine clinical praxis, only limited data on learning curves exist so far. Hereby, we present data from our centre regarding learning curves after the first year of using PFA. Methods The ablation procedure was performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. No 3D mapping system was used, procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and intracardiac echocardiography. For ablation itself, a pantaspline over-the-wire catheter with a steerable sheath was used. The following parameters were analysed over the course of time: procedure time, left atrial (LA) catheter dwelling time, total fluoroscopy time, and complications. Patients who received pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone and those with another additive set of lesions (PVI+) were analysed separately. Procedural parameters of the first and the last 20 patients of each group were compared for statistical significance. Results A total number of consecutive 159 patients (mean age 63.20 ± 10.51 years, 69.40 % males) were included in the analysis (PVI N = 73 (45.91 %), PVI+ N = 83 (54.09 %)). Procedures were performed by 3 certified electrophysiology specialists usually in random teams of 2 operators. The mean procedure time was 62.59 ± 23.09 min (PVI 59.64 ± 27.27; PVI+ 65.09 ± 18.64 min, P = 0.15). Over time, there was a non-significant decrease in PVI group (60.30 ± 17.44 vs. 52.75 ± 16.33 min, P = 0.16), but no difference in PVI+ cohort (67.85 ± 13.31 vs. 67.65 ± 28.88 min, P = 0.97). The mean LA catheter dwelling time was 39.84 ± 13.52 min (PVI 35.04 ± 10.20 min; PVI+ 44.33 ± 14.72 min, P &amp;lt;0.001). Non-significant shortening of the LA dwelling time was observed in PVI patients (36.56 ± 8.0 vs. 33.37 ± 9.58 min, P = 0.29). In contrast, the LA dwelling time in the PVI+ group became non-significantly longer (42.93 ± 10.62 vs. 48.56 ± 22.28 min, P = 0.39). The mean fluoroscopy time was 9.28 ± 3.66 min (PVI 8.65 ± 3.04; PVI+ 9.80 ± 4.05 min, P = 0.043). Importantly, fluoroscopy time decreased significantly in both groups over time (PVI: 10.63 ± 3.51 vs. 6.95 ± 2.45 min, P &amp;lt;0.001; PVI+: 12.82 ± 4.99 vs. 9.13 ± 4.16 min, P = 0.017). Regarding complications, we observed one pulmonary oedema requiring orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in the early period. Other complications were related to the femoral puncture site. Conclusion Over the course of time with the new PFA technology, we observed a significant decrease in total fluoroscopy time. However, the change in total procedure and LA dwelling time did not reach statistical significance.

Posterior wall isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a single center comparative study between ablation index and very high power short duration radiofrequency ablation protocol

Abstract Background Circumferential pulmonary veins ablation (CPVA) with posterior wall isolation (PWI) using radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is gaining increasing interest in terms of safety and efficacy. Purpose To compare procedural data and efficacy between two radiofrequency ablation protocols for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF): very high power-short duration (vHPSD) ablation using a novel temperature-controlled ablation catheter and Ablation Index (AI) guided RFCA using traditional contact-force catheter. Methods This single center prospective study enrolled 75 consecutive patients (Group 1) with symptomatic PersAF undergoing RFCA using a novel contact-force catheter optimized for temperature-controlled ablation with microelectrodes and 6 thermocouples for real-time temperature monitoring during ablation. The vHPSD algorithm modulates power to maintain target temperature during these lesions (90 Watts, 4 s) in the posterior wall. RF delivery in anterior regions was performed in a temperature guided setting (1-45W, 45°C) to achieve a 500-550 AI. These patients were compared to 75 propensity matched patients (Group 2) undergoing PersAF ablation with traditional AI-guided ablation. Procedural data were compared between the two groups (Table 1). Procedural outcome was considered as loop recorder documented atrial arrhythmias recurrences and compared between the two groups. Results Seventy-five patients (69% male, 63.1±11.2 years old) underwent ablation with vHPSD protocol (Group 1). CPVA and PWI was achieved in all patients with total procedure and fluoroscopy times of 67.5±28.8 min and 4.5±2.8 min, respectively. After 12-month median follow-up, 57/75 patients (76%) were free from AF. Seventy-five propensity matched patients (69% male, 60.7±9.9 years old) have undergone ablation with standard contact-force catheter. CPVA and PWI was achieved in all patients with total procedure and fluoroscopy times of 81.99±20.5 min and 5.7±2.1 min, respectively. After 12-month median follow-up, 55/75 patients (73%) were free from AF. Procedural and fluoroscopy times were significantly lower in in Group 1 than in Group 2 (Table 1). AF recurrencies were comparable between the two groups as assessed with survival analysis (Figure 1, log-rank 0.509). There were no deaths or other severe periprocedural complications. Conclusions PWI on top of CPVA is effective in limiting arrhythmic recurrences following RFCA of PersAF. Compared to standard AI guided ablation, vHPSD protocol significantly reduces procedural time and fluoroscopy exposure. Clinical outcomes between the two protocols are similar.Figure 1

An international multicentre experience with the third-generation laser balloon system: safety, efficiency, and efficacy

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with the use of an endoscopic laser balloon (ELB) is an alternative option for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The third-generation system has several improvements, including the novel RAPID mode (RM), potentially allowing a one-shot, continuous, circumferential laser lesion for PVI. Objective In an international, multicentric cohort, we assessed the third-generation ELB’s safety, efficacy, and long-term effectiveness. We also focused on the learning curve (LC) and the use of RM. Methods Between June 2019 and December 2022, we prospectively obtained data on all the patients who consecutively underwent ablation of AF using the third-generation ELB in eight Italian and one German hospital. Each operator attempted to use the RM to the maximum extent in every procedure. Follow-up (FU) visits were scheduled at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months and included a Holter-ECG of 24 hours or, if the patient was a carrier, a device interrogation (implantable loop recorder or two-chamber/three-chamber pacemaker/defibrillator). For FU analysis, we included patients with data available after the blanking period (the first 90 days after the procedure). We analysed the LC, comparing the outcomes of the first fifteen patients of each centre with the remaining patients. In addition, we investigated the impact of an extensive use of the RM (at least 90% of all PV circumferences) on the procedural and FU outcomes. Results we enrolled 427 patients. Of these, 328 had a FU &amp;gt;90 days. The mean total procedural and fluoroscopic times were 105 (66-150) and 17 (10-28) minutes, respectively. Serious adverse procedural events occurred in 11 patients (2.6 %) as follows: 3 periprocedural transient ischaemic attacks, 4 pericardial tamponades, 1 persistent phrenic nerve palsy and 3 severe vascular complications. The mean FU period was of 365 days (194-533). AF recurrence-free rate was 76.7% (95% CI, 70.8%-81.5%) at 12 months. Median RM use was 94% (81-100) of the PVs circumference. RM could be used for at least 90% of all PV circumferences in 188 (55.8%) patients, and the operators could perform an RM-only procedure in 82 (24.3%) patients. Patients treated after the LC or with extensive use of RM showed significantly reduced procedural times and rates of AF recurrence. In a multivariate analysis, the use of the RM was not an independent predictor of a lower recurrence rate at FU, demonstrating only a tendency toward significance (86.0% [77.3-91.6] vs 71.3% [61.3-79.2], HR 0.52, CI 0.26-1.07, p 0.075). Conclusion In this prospective, multicentre, international registry of patients treated with the third-generation ELB, the system proved efficient, safe, and effective. Completing the LC and using the RM reduced procedural time and arrhythmia recurrence. However, using RM was not an independent predictor of a lower recurrence rate.

Atrial fibrillation cryoablation guided by pressure waveform: a prospective multicentre registry

Abstract Background Cryoballoon ablation (CA) procedures require optimal occlusion of the pulmonary veins (PV), which is conventionally evaluated by iodine contrast injection through the catheter tip. This technique has some weaknesses such as risk of allergic reactions, nephrotoxicity, requirement of fluoroscopy (sometimes at high doses), requirement of a second operator, among others. PV pressure waveform assessment is an alternative method for confirming occlusion, however, multicentre assessment of periprocedural efficacy and safety is lacking. Purpose To describe the intra-procedural performance and safety of routine pressure-based CA. Methods In this independent prospective multicentre observational study, baseline and procedure data from consecutive pressure-guided CB ablations were collected. Operators were not required to have experience in pressure-guided CA for participating in the registry. They were asked to classify the pressure waveform curves into type 1 (presence of "a-wave" and/or symmetric "v-wave", meaning incomplete PV occlusion) and type 2 (absence of "a-wave" and asymmetric "v-wave", meaning complete PV occlusion), Figure 1. The primary endpoint was PV isolation in all veins without use of contrast. Procedure performance and adverse events were also analyzed. Results A total of 150 patients (mean age: 61 ± 10 y.) with paroxysmal (62%) or persistent AF (38%) were included and underwent pressure-guided CA in 9 centres from Spain. Complete PV isolation was achieved in 148 patients (98%). The operators switched to contrast use in 14 cases (9%), mainly to double check the occlusion. Total procedure and fluoroscopy time were 97 ± 39 and 19 ± 10 min respectively. There were 7 (4.7%) procedure related adverse events: 4 phrenic nerve palsy (3 of them were transient), 1 transient coronary ST elevation (before ablation), 1 gastroparesis and 1 femoral pseudoaneurysm. Most relevant results are summarized in Figure 2. Conclusion In this multicentre and multi-brand assessment, CA guided by pressure waveforms provided outstanding procedural outcomes, which were equivalent to those reported with the conventional approach. All operators could easily obtain and identify the waveform without a specific learning curve, avoiding the use of iodine contrast in most cases. The long-term efficacy of this approach will be presented in future analyses.Pressure waveforms types in cryoablationProcedural data

Safety and feasibility of 3D-electroanatomical mapping-guided zero or near-zero fluoroscopy catheter ablation for pediatric arrhythmias: Meta-analysis.

Catheter ablation in the pediatric population using fluoroscopy has been known to cause adverse events. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of zero fluoroscopy (ZF) and near-ZF-guided catheter ablation for the treatment of arrhythmias in the pediatric population. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched and reviewed for relevant studies. Outcomes of interest include safety, short-term, and long-term effectiveness. We classified patients ≤21 years old who underwent ZF or near-ZF ablation with fluoroscopy time ≤1.5 min as our study group and patients within the same age range who underwent conventional fluoroscopy and/or near-ZF ablation with a mean fluoroscopy time >1.5 min as our control group. Both ZF and near-ZF ablation utilized 3D-electroanatomical mapping (3D-EAM). Ten studies composed of 2279 patients were included in this study. Total fluoroscopy time (MD -15.93 min, 95% CI (-22.57 - (-9.29), p < .001; I 2 = 84%)) and total procedural time (MD -22.06 min, 95% CI (-44.39 - (-0.28), p < .001; I 2 = 88%)) were significantly lower in the near-ZF group. Both ZF and near-ZF demonstrated a trend towards improved success rates compared to conventional fluoroscopy but did not achieve statistical significance for all subgroup analyses. Ablation in the study group also decreased incidence of complication compared to the control (RR 0.35; 95% CI (0.14-0.90); p = .03; I 2 = 0%). ZF and near-ZF ablation reduced the overall duration, compares in effectiveness, and shows a superior safety profile compared to control group.