Vein Isolation For Atrial Fibrillation Research Articles

Navigating The 2022 Global Contrast Media Shortage: The Use Of Non-contrast Cardiac Computed Tomography Or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging For Pre-procedural Planning For Pulmonary Vein Isolation For Atrial Fibrillation

Navigating The 2022 Global Contrast Media Shortage: The Use Of Non-contrast Cardiac Computed Tomography Or Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging For Pre-procedural Planning For Pulmonary Vein Isolation For Atrial Fibrillation

Feasibility of energy‐guided short duration protocol of laser balloon based pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (EG‐Laser Study)

AbstractBackgroundLaser balloon‐based pulmonary vein isolation (LB‐PVI) is available for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The lesion size depends on laser energy; however, the default protocol is not an energy‐based setting. We hypothesized that an energy‐guided (EG) short‐duration protocol may be an alternative to shorten the procedure time without affecting efficacy and safety.MethodsWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of the EG short‐duration protocol (EG group) (target energy 120 J/site [12W/10s; 10W/12s; 8.5W/14s; 5.5W/22s]) compared with the default protocol (control group) (12W/20s; 10W/20s; 8.5W/20s; 5.5W/30s).ResultsA total of 52 consecutive patients (EG: n = 27 [103veins] and control: n = 25 [91veins]) undergoing LB‐PVI (64 ± 10 years, 81% male, 77% paroxysmal) were enrolled. The EG group had a shorter total time in the pulmonary vein (PV) (43.0 ± 13.9 min vs. 61.1 ± 16.0 min, p < .0001), a shorter total laser application time (1348 ± 254 sec vs. 2032 ± 424 sec, p < .0001), and lower total laser energy (12455 ± 2284J vs. 18084 ± 3746J, p < .0001). There was no difference in the total number of laser applications (p = 0269) or first‐pass isolation (p = .725). Acute reconduction was identified only in one vein in the EG. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of pinhole rupture (7.4% vs. 4%, p = 1.000) or phrenic nerve palsy (3.7% vs. 12%, p = .341). During a mean follow‐up of 13.5 ± 6.1 months, Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed no significant difference in atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence (p = .227).ConclusionLB‐PVI with the EG short‐duration protocol may be achieved in a shorter procedure time to avoid deterioration of efficacy and safety. The EG protocol is feasible as a novel point‐by‐point manual laser‐application approach.

Value of morphological and laboratory markers in predicting the effectiveness of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation

Aim. To determine the clinical, morphological, and biochemical pre­dictors of substrate-specific, non-vein-dependent atrial fibrillation (AF) by morphological and immunological examinations in patients with recurrent AF after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.Material and methods. The study included 100 people (58 men and 42 women) with paroxysmal (n=89) and persistent (n=11) AF with a mean age of 58,2±9,4 years. After the primary operation, 15 people withdrew from the study due to refusal of reintervention, and 1 person withdrew due to suppuration of loop recorder bed and its explantation. A total of 100 patients underwent primary cryoballoon PV isolation with myocardial biopsy from the interventricular and interatrial septa, while 60 patients had subsequent hematoxylin-eosin and Van Gieson stains. Also, 100 patients were simultaneously implanted with ECG loop recorders for AF monitoring and blood was taken (before the intervention) for subsequent analysis of inflammation markers and antimyocardial antibodies. Patients underwent clinical observation during the year (visits after 3, 6, 12 months). Patients with relapses were referred for repeat electrophysiological examination and segmental ablation if PV ruptures were detected. After repeated intervention, the follow-up period was extended for a year with the same schedule of visits. According Two groups of patients were formed: without relapses (vein-dependent AF, group I) and with relapses (non-vein-dependent AF, group II), despite the achieved PV isolation as a result of 1 or 2 operations.Results. An analysis of morphological changes showed that an increase in AF recurrence risk by an average of 6,14 times (95% confidence interval: 1,14-47,6 (p=0,0462)) is associated with stage 2 interventricular septal fibrosis. Lymphocyte infiltration of the interventricular septum was associated with higher AF recurrence by an average of 9 times (95% confidence interval: 0,89-95,37) (p=0,0519).Among the laboratory parameters, a significantly higher concentration of the N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and a significantly lower concentration of antimyocardial antibodies were found in the group of patients with recurrent AF after LV isolation (p=0,0101).Conclusion. Inflammatory myocardium changes are an important link in the pathogenesis of AF and are associated with its recurrence.

Pulsed Field Versus Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Atrial Fibrillation: Efficacy, Safety, and Long-Term Follow-Up in a 400-Patient Cohort.

The cryoballoon represents the gold standard single-shot device for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Single-shot pulsed field PVI ablation (nonthermal, cardiac tissue selective) has recently entered the arena. We sought to compare procedural data and long-term outcome of both techniques. Consecutive AF patients who underwent pulsed field ablation (PFA) and cryoballoon-based PVI were enrolled. Cryoballoon PVI was performed using the second-generation 28-mm cryoballoon; PFA was performed using a 31/35-mm pentaspline catheter. Success was defined as no recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after a 3-month blanking period. Four hundred patients were included (56.5% men; 60.8% paroxysmal AF; age, 70 [interquartile range, 59-77] years), 200 in each group (cryoballoon and PFA), and baseline characteristics did not differ. Acute PVI was achieved in 100% of PFA and in 98% (196/200) of cryoballoon patients (P=0.123; 4 touch-up ablations). Median procedure time was significantly shorter in PFA (34.5 [29-40] minutes) versus cryoballoon (50 [45-60] minutes; P<0.001), fluoroscopy time was similar. Overall procedural complications were 6.5% in cryoballoon and 3.0% in PFA (P=0.1), driven by a higher rate of phrenic nerve palsies using cryoballoon. The 1-year success rates in paroxysmal AF (cryoballoon, 83.1%; PFA, 80.3%; P=0.724) and persistent AF (cryoballoon, 71%; PFA, 66.8%; P=0.629) were similar for both techniques. PFA compared with cryoballoon PVI shows a similar procedural efficacy but is associated with shorter procedure time and no phrenic nerve palsies. Importantly, 12-month clinical success rates are favorable but not different between both groups.

Electrophysiological findings during re-do procedures after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation with pulsed field ablation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel non-thermal ablation modality which applies electroporation to destabilize the cell membranes, leading to selective ablation of the atrial myocardium whilst sparing surrounding tissues and structures. It’s discriminating nature and potential for minimal adnexal injury opens new, promising horizons into catheter ablation of AF. However, one of the major issues to address is long-term results of the technique. Purpose To investigate the electrophysiological findings and type of arrhythmias during redo-ablation in 15 patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) using single-shot PFA. Methods We investigated patients who underwent redo-ablation due to occurrence of AF/ atrial flutter (AFL) or tachycardia (AT) following initial PVI with PFA. We report the electrophysiological findings and ablation strategy during redo-ablation. Results Out of 447 patients undergoing index PVI with PFA, 15 patients (age: 61.8±10.4 years; 8 (53%) males; left atrial volume index (n=10): 39.4±14.6 mL/m2) were referred for redo-ablation after index PFA. Indication for the index ablation was paroxysmal-AF in 8 patients, persistent-AF in 6 and long-standing-persistent-AF in one patient. Mean time-to-recurrence was 5.0±1.8months. Three patients received additional posterior-wall-isolation during index PFA. Thirteen (85%) patients suffered AF recurrence and 5/13 had concomitant AFL. In the remaining 2 patients, one had a recurrence of (box-dependent) AFL, and one had AT. No patients had all PVs reconnected. Reconnection in zero, one, two or three PVs was found in 33%, 20%, 20%, and 27% of patients, respectively. All 7 patients with zero or one reconnection with AF recurrence received additional/repeat posterior-wall-isolation during re-ablation, while in the others PVs were re-isolated. In 1/3 patients who had posterior-wall ablation during index PFA, durable isolation of the posterior wall was confirmed during re-do procedure. Patients with only AFL/AT had no reconnection of PVs, and the substrate was successfully ablated. Conclusion We observed durable PVI in 62% of the PVs in patients with AF/AFL recurrence after PFA PVI. In one-third of patients all PVs were isolated. The predominant recurrent arrhythmia following PVI-only was AF. Concomitant (33%) or isolated (14%) AFL/AT recurrence was observed in 47% of patients.

Clinical outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in men versus women; insights from a contemporary large-scale population study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and mortality. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the most effective treatment to reduce AF burden and is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and death. Differences in long-term clinical outcomes following PVI between sexes are debatable. Purpose We aimed to explore the sex differences in outcomes following PVI in a contemporary population of AF patients. Methods This is a historical population-based study including all adult patients of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel who were first diagnosed with AF between January 1st, 2010, and January 1st, 2020. Patients with congenital heart disease, significant mitral stenosis, or who underwent valvular surgery were excluded. The primary outcomes were stroke and all-cause death after PVI. Early (30-day) outcomes were compared using logistic regression, and late (3-year) outcomes were assessed using multivariable survival analyses with Cox regression. Results Of 94,612 patients diagnosed with incident AF during the study period, 4593 (4.85%) underwent PVI, of whom 1892 (38.2%) were women. Women were older (65±12 vs. 63±13) and less likely to be smokers (15.0% vs. 33.0%). Women had higher body-mass-index (30.26±6.58 vs. 29.14±4.86) and higher rates of hypertension (66.4% vs. 63.2%) but had lower rates of known coronary or peripheral vascular disease and congestive heart failure (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). The CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher among women compared to men [median 3 (IQR 2-4) vs. median 2 IQR (1-3), p&amp;lt;0.001). Compared to men, women were treated more often with beta-blockers (74.5% vs. 69.4%), non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (6.5% vs. 3.0%), and class 1c antiarrhythmic drugs (19.4% vs. 12.8%; p&amp;lt;0.001 for all), but were treated less with amiodarone (14.2% vs. 18.1%, p&amp;lt;0.001). In the 30 days following CA, stroke occurred in 8 (0.2%) patients, and 26 (0.6%) patients died (p&amp;gt;0.1 for both). Three-year mortality was lower in women than in men (6.2%% vs. 8.6%, p=0.003), while stroke rates were similar in women (1.0%) and men (1.5%, p&amp;gt;0.1). In multivariable survival models, adjusting for potential confounders, women had a lower risk of mortality [aHR 0.72 95%CI (0.56-0.92), p=0.009]. Conversely, the risk of stroke was similar in women and men [aHR 0.62 95%CI (0.33-1.12), p=0.114]. The results were similar in propensity-adjusted models accounting for all differences between men and women. Conclusions In this contemporary AF population, short-term stroke and mortality rates after PVI were very low and similar in men and women. The risk of long-term stroke following PVI was relatively low and similar across sex criteria. Women had a lower risk of long-term mortality than men following PVI despite undergoing the procedure at an older age and after adjusting for comorbidities and background medical therapy, suggesting possible sex differences in long-term mortality after PVI.

Severe complications after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: a worldwide collaborative registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Swiss Heart Foundation Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the most commonly performed electrophysiological procedure. Severe complications such as tamponade, stroke, cardiac arrest and death are believed to be uncommon but detailed assessment of these complications in very large worldwide cohorts is lacking. Purpose To investigate the incidence, predictors, patient characteristics, management details and outcome of severe complications (cardiac tamponade, stroke, cardiac arrest, death) after PVI in a large worldwide collaborative registry with comprehensive patient-level data. Methods We contacted electrophysiologists from an established PVI-collaborative network and invited further center to participate, thereby gathering individual patient-data from 23 centers worldwide. Few datapoints were collected for the overall patients and exhaustive details were entered in a dedicated database for patients experiencing a severe complication. Results From the 23 participating centers a total of 33,889 procedures could be collected (median age 63 y.o., 30% female, 27% cryoballoon ablations). The incidence of severe complications was low (tamponade 0.7% (7/1000 PVIs), stroke 0.089% (&amp;lt;1/1000 PVIs) or cardiac arrest (0.035%, &amp;lt;1/1000PVIs)), and death was extremely rare (1.18/10,000 PVIs), Figure panel A). Female sex (OR 1.7 95%-CI [1.3-2.2], p&amp;lt;0.001), a dilated left atrium (OR 1.9 95%-CI [1.4-2.8], p&amp;lt;0.001) and the use of radiofrequency (OR 1.8 95%-CI [1.3-2.7], p=0.002) appeared as strong predictors for the composite endpoint of all severe complications (Figure panel B). Critical steps during the ablation were transseptal puncture and energy delivery and 14% of all tamponades led to procedure abortion (Figure panel C). Among the patients experiencing a tamponade, 13% required cardiac surgery and perforations were predominantly found in the left atrial appendage and in the PVs during surgery (Figure panel D). Patient outcomes despite a severe complication were good with 93% of patients discharged directly home after a median length of stay of 5 days (IQR 3-7). Conclusion This very large worldwide collaborative study highlighted that tamponade, stroke, cardiac arrest or death are rare after PVI. Female sex and the use of radiofrequency catheters were associated with a higher risk of severe complications. A non-negligible percentage of patients required cardiac surgery after tamponade, where a perforation was most commonly found in the left atrial appendage and PVs.

Electrophysiological findings during re-do procedures after single-shot pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation with pulsed field ablation

BackgroundPulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel ablation technology recently adopted in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, little is known about the durability of PFA ablation lesions.MethodsWe investigated patients who underwent redo-ablation due to recurrent AF/atrial-flutter or tachycardia (AFL/AT) following PVI with PFA. We report electrophysiological findings and ablation strategy during redo-ablation.ResultsOf 447 patients undergoing index PVI with PFA, 14 patients (age: 61.9±10.8 years; 7 (50.0%) males; left atrial volume index (n=10): 39.4±14.6 mL/m2) were referred for redo-ablation. Initial indication was paroxysmal-AF in 7 patients, persistent-AF in 6 and long-standing-persistent-AF in one patient. Mean time-to-recurrence was 4.9±1.9 months. Three patients received additional posterior-wall-isolation during index PFA. Twelve (85.7%) patients suffered AF recurrence and 5/12 had concomitant AFL. In the remaining 2 patients, one had a (box-dependent) AFL, and one had an atypical AT. No patients had all PVs reconnected. Reconnection in zero, one, two or three PVs was found in 35.7%, 21.4%, 14.3%, and 28.6% of patients, respectively. All 7 patients with zero or one reconnection with AF recurrence received additional/repeat posterior-wall-isolation during re-ablation, while in the others, PVs were re-isolated. Patients with only AFL/AT had no reconnection of PVs, and the substrate was successfully ablated.ConclusionsDurable PVI (all PV’s isolated) was observed in over one-third of patients at re-do. The predominant recurrent arrhythmia following PVI-only was AF. Concomitant (35.7%) or isolated (14.3%) AFL/AT recurrence was observed in 50% of patients.

Pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using true high-power short-duration vs. cryoballoon ablation

AimsPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is achievable and effective using radiofrequency (RF) catheter (CA) or cryoballoon (CB) ablation. The newly introduced high RF-power short-duration ablation (HPSD) technique has shown promising results. Data comparing HPSD- to CB-PVI is sparse. We sought to investigate success rates and procedural differences of HPSD-PVI vs. CB-PVI in patients undergoing ablation for PAF and persAF.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing de novo PVI (HPSD or CB) were included. A power setting of 70W/7 s (70W/5 s at posterior wall) using a flexible tip catheter with enhanced irrigation was considered as true HPSD. Follow-up consisted of out-clinic pts visits, tele-consultation, 48-h Holter ECG, app-based telemonitoring and cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) interrogation.Results721 patients (46 HPSD, 675 CB) were analyzed. In all HPSD (27 persAF [59%]) and CB patients (423 persAF [63%]), PVI was successfully achieved. Procedure duration was significantly longer for HPSD (91 ± 19 min vs. 72 ± 18 min, p < 0.01). Ablation time was similar in both groups (HPSD: 44 ± 19 min vs. CB: 40 ± 17 min; p = 0.347). No major complications occurred in HPSD. For CB-PVI, in 25 (3.7%; p = 0.296) patients, complications occurred. At a follow-up of 290 ± 135 days, arrhythmia-free survival using HPSD was non-inferior to CB-PVI in the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (p = 0.096).ConclusionPVI using HPSD is equally effective and safe to CB-PVI. This analysis revealed a similar arrhythmia-free survival after HPSD and CB with low complication rates. Procedure duration for CB was significantly shorter while LA dwell time excluding mapping was equal. Currently, a prospective trial is conducted to corroborate these findings.

The importance of pre-ablation atrial septal evaluation for a patient with surgical patch closure history.

Limited studies report on the status of surgical closure patches for atrial septal defect (ASD) in the remote period. In our case, transthoracic echocardiography revealed a fistula of ASD patch before pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation. Preoperative Imaging examinations aid in evaluating the effect of the needle puncture around the artificial material of the atrial septum and catheter manipulation for patients with a history of ASD closure.

Anticoagulation after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: Associations with CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, sex, and rhythm.

Guidelines recommend using the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score to determine anticoagulation decisions in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, including those who undergo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), however this may not consistently occur in the real-world setting because of other clinical factors. We sought to evaluate the anticoagulation prescription rates patterns in AF patients 1 year PVI at our institution.Consecutive AF patients undergoing PVI in our prospective registry during 2014-2018 who were alive at 1-year post-PVI were studied. Anticoagulation prescription rates at this time-point were adjudicated, and correlated to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, sex, and heart rhythm status at 1 year.Amongst 4596 patients undergoing PVI, mean age was 64.2 ± 10.0 years, 1328 (28.9%) were female, and based on CHA₂DS₂-VASc score anticoagulation was not indicated, can be considered and indicated in 872 (19.0%), 1183 (25.7%), and 2541 (55.3%) patients, respectively. At 1-year after PVI, 3504 (76.2%) patients were on anticoagulation, and 792 (17.2%) had recurrence of AF. Anticoagulation was continued in over half of AF patients without classic CHA₂DS₂-VASc indication particularly in those with AF recurrence and women, while they were mildly under-prescribed in those with indication, especially for those without AF recurrence and men.In a large real world cohort of patients after PVI, anticoagulation prescription is not solely depending on the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and sex, but also heart rhythm status and other clinical or imaging factors.

Prognostic significance of variant left common pulmonary vein after transcatheter pulmonary vein isolation

Left common pulmonary vein is the most common anatomical variant of pulmonary veins that may affect the outcome of pulmonary vein isolation. Our aim was to compare procedural data and outcomes in patients with common trunk versus normal left atrial anatomy for radiofrequency and cryoballoon catheter ablation. Data from patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation and had a preprocedural cardiac CT scan at our Institution between 01. 10. 2019 and 10. 03. 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. We defined a common trunk where the left superior and inferior pulmonary vein merged at least 5 mm before the left atrial ostium. From the study population (n = 210), data from 42 patients with a left common trunk (LCPV group) and 60 patients with normal left atrial anatomy (control group) were examined. No significant differences were found between the common trunk and the control group in terms of demographic data. There was no significant difference between the two groups in procedural data for radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation (procedure time, fluoroscopy time, left atrial dwelling time, radiation dose). After radiofrequency ablation, the success rate at 1-year follow-up was 72.0% in the common trunk group and 76.2% in the control group (p = 0.659). For cryoballoon ablation, the success rate was 64.7% and 69.2% for common trunk and normal anatomy, respectively (p = 0.641). There was no significant difference in the procedural parameters and clinical outcome between patients with left common pulmonary vein and those with normal left atrial anatomy. Both radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation techniques are well suited for this population. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(4): 140-147.

Pulmonary vein isolation-induced vagal nerve injury and gastric motility disorders detected by electrogastrography: The side effects of pulmonary vein isolation in atrial fibrillation (SEPIA) study.

Safety of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been established in clinical studies. However, despite prevention efforts the incidence of damage to (peri)-esophageal tissue has not decreased, and the pathophysiology is incompletely understood. Damage to vagal nerve branches may be involved in lesion progression to atrio-esophageal fistula. Using electrogastrography, we assessed the incidence of periesophageal vagal nerve injury (VNI) following atrial fibrillation ablation and its association with procedural parameters and endoscopic results. Patients were studied using electrogastrography, endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound before and after cryoballoon (CB) or radiofrequency (RF) PVI. The incidence of ablation-induced neuropathic pattern (indicating VNI) in pre- and postprocedural electrogastrography was assessed and correlated with endoscopic results and ablation data. Between February 2021 und January 2022, 85 patients (67 ± 10 years, 53% male) were included, 33 were treated with CB and 52 with RF (38 with moderate power moderate duration [25-30 W] and 14 with high power short duration [50 W]). Ablation-induced VNI was detected in 27/85 patients independent of the energy form. Patients with VNI more frequently had postprocedural endoscopically detected pathology (8% mucosal esophageal lesions, 36% periesophageal edema, 33% food retention) but there was incomplete overlap. Pre-existing esophagitis increased the likelihood of VNI. Ablation data and esophageal temperature data did not predict VNI. PVI-induced VNI is quite common and independent of ablation energy source. VNI is part of (peri)-esophageal damage and only partially overlaps with endoscopic findings. VNI-associated acidic reflux may be involved in the complex pathophysiology of esophageal lesion progression to fistula.

Left atrial epicardial adipose tissue exacerbates electrical conduction disturbance in normal-weight patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) exacerbates both electrical and structural remodeling in obese atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, but the impacts of EAT on atrial arrhythmogenicity remain unclear in normal-weight AF patients. Therefore, we sought to investigate this issue using electroanatomic mapping. We enrolled drug-refractory 105 paroxysmal AF patients in the normal body mass index range (18.5-24.9 kg/m2 ), who had undergone electroanatomic mapping after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). One day before PVI, we assessed P-wave duration in a 12-lead electrocardiogram and left atrial (LA)-EAT volumes using contrast-enhanced computed tomography. The patients were divided into two groups based on the median LA-EAT volume (16.0 ml); the high LA-EAT group (≥16.0 ml, n = 53) and low LA-EAT group (<16.0 ml, n = 52). We compared P-wave duration, LA conduction velocity and bipolar voltage, the presence of low-voltage zone (<0.5 mV), and LA volume index on echocardiography between the two groups. The LA bipolar voltage, low-voltage zone, and LA volume index were not different between the high and low LA-EAT groups. However, P-wave duration was significantly longer in the high group than in the low group (p < .001). Additionally, the LA conduction velocity was significantly more depressed in the high group than in the low group (p < .001). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that LA-EAT volume was correlated with P-wave duration (β = .367, p < .001) and conduction velocity (β = -.566, p < .001), respectively. Increased LA-EAT volumes were associated with electrical conduction disturbance after PVI in normal-weight patients with AF. P-wave duration may be a clinically useful predictor of LA-EAT.

Assessment of sex-related differences and outcome in patients who underwent cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation: an observational cohort study

ObjectivesPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is widely accepted as an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on sex-related differences and associations with clinical outcome and safety...

Atrioventricular nodal ablation with pacemaker implant is associated with improved safety outcomes compared to pulmonary vein isolation of atrial fibrillation with heart failure

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and atrioventricular nodal ablation (AVNA) with pacemaker implant have both been advocated for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Direct comparisons between the two are limited. Purpose We sought to compare outcomes and complications following PVI versus AVNA with implant of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) among patients with AF and HFrEF. Methods We queried the National Inpatient Sample from 2011 to 2019, using relevant ICD-9 and -10 diagnostic and procedural codes for AF, HFrEF, ablation, and CIED implant to identify our study cohort. Exclusion criteria included presence of a pre-existing CIED, ventricular arrhythmias, non-AF supraventricular arrhythmias, and surgical AF ablation. Baseline characteristics included age, sex, race, and comorbidities related to AF and cardiovascular disease. Severity of comorbidities was assessed via Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index (Deyo-CCI). Outcomes investigated include all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), extra-cardiac procedural complications, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Outcomes associations were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for baseline characteristics that were significantly different (P&amp;lt;0.05) between cohorts expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). SPSS v28.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY) was used to carry out all calculations. Results We identified 3,565 encounters for PVI and 1,355 for AVNA with CIED implant among hospitalized patients with AF and HFrEF. Patients who underwent AVNA were more often older (73.8 vs 66.2 years), with more severe comorbidities (mean Deyo-CCI score 2.9 vs 2.6) and were more likely to have an emergent procedure performed (81.3% vs 69.7%; p&amp;lt;0.001 for all). However, the AVNA cohort had less mortality (0.5% vs 1.2%, p=0.03), MACE (6.1% vs 7.8%, p=0.04), and total complications (12.7% vs 16.3%, p=0.002), but longer hospital stay (8.0 vs 6.5 days) and higher total charges ($201,100 vs $159,382; p&amp;lt;0.001 for both). After adjusting for confounders, AVNA remained independently associated with decreased odds of mortality (aOR: 0.370; 95% CI [0.159–0.862], p=0.02), MACE (aOR: 0.552; 95% CI [0.420–0.726], p&amp;lt;0.001), and total complications (aOR: 0.708; 95% CI [0.589–0.852], p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Despite older age with more severe comorbidities and less elective procedures, hospitalized patients with AF and HFrEF who underwent AVNA with CIED implant had improved safety outcomes compared to PVI. Further studies comparing the intermediate and long-term outcomes and efficacy between therapies are needed to better delineate which would best serve this population. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Zero‑exchange approach using a steerable FlexCath Advance sheath for direct transseptal access in cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation – case study

Transseptal puncture during pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation is one of the crucial elements of the procedure. The usual two-step approach requires using a fixed-curve transseptal sheath for the puncture and then exchanging it for the steerable sheath, which can be associated with a potential risk of aspirating air into the system or losing left atrial access. We present a case study of a female patient in whom left atrial access was successfully achieved by direct transseptal puncture using the steerable FlexCath sheath, avoiding the potential risks of sheath exchange.

Commentary to: "Comparing midterm outcomes" of Cox-Maze procedure and pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation after concomitant mitral valve surgery: A "systematic review".

There is no solid evidence from the literature that compare Cox-Maze with pulmonary vein isolation techniques for atrial fibrillation in the context of concomitant mitral valve surgery. Although the first is perhaps more effective and linked to higher freedom from atrial fibrillation, it is more invasive compared to the pulmonary isolation.

Comparing mid-term outcomes of Cox-Maze procedure and pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation after concomitant mitral valve surgery: A systematic review.

Although concomitant pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is used more frequently than the Cox-Maze procedure, which is currently the gold standard treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), data on the comparative effectiveness of the two procedures after concomitant mitral valve (MV) surgery are still limited. We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the mid-term mortality and recurrence of AF after concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI in patients with AF undergoing MV surgery based on 12-month follow-up. Medline, EMBASE databases, and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1987 up to March 2022 for studies comparing concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI. Additionally, a meta-analysis of RCTs was performed to compare the mid-term clinical outcomes between these two surgical ablation techniques. Three RCTs and three observational studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review with 790 patients in total (532 concomitant Cox-Maze and 258 PVI during MV surgery). Most studies reported that the concomitant Cox-Maze procedure was associated with higher freedom from AF at 12-month follow-up than PVI. Regarding AF recurrence, estimates pooled across the three RCTs indicated large heterogeneity and high uncertainty. In the largest and highest quality RCT, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in the PVI arm (risk ratio = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.91-2.73). In two out of three higher-quality observational studies, 12-month AF recurrence was higher in PVI than in the Cox-Maze arm (estimated adjusted probabilities 11% vs. 8% and 35% vs. 17%, respectively). RCTs demonstrated comparable 12-month mortality between concomitant Cox-Maze and PVI, while observational studies demonstrated the survival benefit of Cox-Maze. Concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients undergoing MV surgery is associated with better mid-term freedom from AF when compared to PVI with comparable mid-term survival. Large observational studies suggest that there might be a mid-term survival benefit among patients after concomitant Cox-Maze. Further large RCTs with longer standardized follow-up are required to clarify the benefits of concomitant Cox-Maze in AF patients during MV surgery.

Low-voltage area substrate modification for atrial fibrillation ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

The value of additional ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is unclear, especially for persistent AF. The optimal target for substrate modification to improve outcomes is uncertain. We investigate the utility of low-voltage area (LVA) substrate modification in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. This meta-analysis was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Only randomized studies were included. AF patients who underwent catheter ablation with voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA (LVA group) vs. conventional ablation approaches not targeting LVA (non-LVA group) were compared. Four studies comprising 539 patients were included (36% female). Freedom from arrhythmia (FFA) in patients with persistent AF was greater in the LVA group [risk ratio (RR) 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.64]. There was no difference in FFA in patients with paroxysmal AF between groups (RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.89-1.91). There was no difference in total procedural time (mean difference -17.54 min; 95% CI -64.37 to 29.28 min) or total ablation time (mean difference -36.17 min; 95% CI -93.69 to 21.35 min) in all included patients regardless of AF type between groups. There was no difference in periprocedural complications between groups in all included patients regardless of AF type (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.22-3.82). This meta-analysis demonstrates improved FFA in persistent AF patients who underwent voltage-guided substrate modification targeting LVA.