Atrioesophageal Fistula Complicating Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Although atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) formation is a well known, albeit rare, catastrophic complication of atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation procedures, there are less data regarding this complication using the cryoballoon technique. We report on 3 cases of AEF as a complication of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation at 3 different institutions with 2 different generations of cryoballoons.     

Atrioesophageal Fistula During Cryoballoon Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

To date, there is 1 case report publication of AE fistula during the employment of the first‐generation cryoballoon (Gen‐1). Recently the Arctic Front Advance system (second‐generation cryoballoon) was introduced into the US and EU markets. For the purpose of peer education, we report a case of AE fistula that occurred during the utilization of the second‐generation cryoballoon (Gen‐2). Additionally, we review current best practices that may reduce the risk of AE fistula during any AF ablation procedure.     

Esophageal Endoscopy Results After Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the Single Big Cryoballoon Technique

Esophageal Effects of Single Big Cryoballoon PVI. Introduction: Reversible esophageal thermal lesions after cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) have been reported when using variable balloon sizes. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) the incidence of esophageal thermal lesions, and (2) esophageal temperature changes associated with CB‐PVI using the single big cryoballoon technique. Methods and Results: Thirty‐eight patients with atrial fibrillation underwent successful CB‐PVI using only the 28 mm cryoballoon. Luminal esophageal temperature (LET) was continuously monitored by 3 thermocouples. Fluoroscopic distance from cryoballoon to esophagus probe was retrospectively evaluated in RAO 30° and LAO 40° projections. All patients underwent postprocedural esophageal endoscopy. Average minimal LET was lower during freezing at inferior PVs, when compared to superior PVs: 35.4 ± 0.9 (range: 32.6 to 37.4; RSPV); 31.5 ± 7.5 (2.5 to 37.6; RIPV); 32.9 ± 5.2 (8.5 to 36.5; LSPV); and 30.3 ± 8.4°C (?6 to 36.7°C; LIPV); P = 0.001. We found steep temperature gradients over distance (1) from the cryoballoon center (LETs < 10°C confined to a distance of < 15 mm in both RAO 30° and LAO 40° projections), and (2) along the esophagus long axis, underscoring the need for multiple measurement sites. None of the patients showed esophageal thermal lesions at endoscopy after 3 ± 1 (range 1–7) days. No AEF occurred during a follow‐up of 125 ± 78 days. Conclusion: In a cohort of AF patients treated by the single big cryoballoon technique, CB‐PVI was not associated with thermal esophageal lesions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 869‐874, August 2010)     

冷冻球囊消融与射频消融实现肺静脉隔离治疗阵发性心房颤动的比较

【】 目的 探讨阵发性心房颤动(AF)患者采用冷冻球囊消融( CBA) 与射频导管消融(RFCA)治疗效果的差异。 方法 回顾性分析2014年6月至2015年6月在华中科技大学附属协和医院接受导管消融治疗的AF患者的住院病历资料、手术记录和门诊随访资料,并进行对比。 结果 76例AF患者纳入研究,CBA组及RFCA组各38例。CBA组与RFCA组术中即时肺静脉隔离(PVI)成功率( 92% vs 96%) 和主要并发症发生率( 2.6% vs 10.53%) 均无明显差异。CBA组手术时间［(105.5±22.2)min vs (136±25) min,P＜0.01］、X线曝光时间［(19.3±6.0) min vs (22.4±5.2) min,P＜0.05］及消融时间［( 36.9±12.8) min vs(47±20.1) min,P＜0.05］均短于RFCA组。两组患者主要并发症的发生率均较低,其中CBA组的发生率为2.6%,RFCA的发生率为10.53%,二者的差异无统计学意义。随访结果显示,CBA组12个月的复发率为2.63%,RFCA组12个月的复发率为7.89%,二者的差异无统计学意义。 结论在AF患者的导管治疗中,CBA组和RFCA组具有相似的手术安全性及有效性。     

A Delayed Case of Fatal Atrioesophageal Fistula Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

A Delayed Case of Fatal Atrioesophageal Fistula. We describe the case of a 61‐year‐old man with a fatal atrioesophageal fistula following radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Esophageal injury was first noted on computed tomography (CT) scan 10 days following RFA. Fistulization occurred 41 days following the procedure. This is a delayed time course in comparison with published reports. The patient declined intervention and we have serial CT imaging documenting the natural progression from ulceration to fistula. Although the patient was on acid suppression, he received 2 courses of corticosteroids, which may have contributed to the progression of his esophageal ulcer. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 708‐711, June 2010)     

Cryoballoon Versus Radiofrequency for Pulmonary Vein Re‐Isolation After a Failed Initial Ablation Procedure in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Cryoballoon versus Radiofrequency Ablation . Aim: Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) is associated with an important risk of early and late recurrence, necessitating repeat ablation procedures. The aim of this prospective randomized patient‐blind study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon (Cryo) versus radiofrequency (RF) ablation of PAF after failed initial RF ablation procedure. Methods: Patients with a history of symptomatic PAF after a previous failed first RF ablation procedure were eligible for this study. Patients were randomized to Cryo or RF redo ablation. The primary endpoint of the study was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia, including AF and left atrial flutter/tachycardia, after a second ablation procedure at 1 year of follow‐up. All patients were implanted with a cardiac monitor (Reveal XT, Medtronic) to continuously track the cardiac rhythm. Patients with an AF burden (AF%) ≤ 0.5% were considered AF‐free (Responders), while those with an AF% > 0.5% were classified as patients with AF recurrences (non‐Responders). Results: Eighty patients with AF recurrences after a first RF pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were randomized to Cryo (N = 40) or to RF (N = 40). Electrical potentials were recorded in 77 mapped PVs (1.9 ± 0.8 per patient) in Cryo Group and 72 PVs (1.7 ± 0.8 per patient) in RF Group (P = 0.62), all of which were targeted. In Cryo group, 68 (88%) of the 77 PVs were re‐isolated using only Cryo technique; the remaining 9 PVs were re‐isolated using RF. In RF group, all 72 PVs were successfully re‐isolated (P = 0.003 vs Cryo). By intention‐to‐treat, 23 (58%) RF patients were AF‐free vs 17 (43%) Cryo patients on no antiarrhythmic drugs at 1 year (P = 0.06). Three patients had temporary phrenic nerve paralysis in the Cryo group; the RF group had no complications. Of the 29 patients who had only Cryo PVI without any RF ablation, 11 (38%) were AF‐free vs 20 (59%) of the 34 patients who had RF only (P = 0.021). Conclusion: When patients require a redo pulmonary vein isolation ablation procedure for recurrent PAF, RF appears to be the preferred energy source relative to Cryo. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 274‐279, March 2013)     

Two Versus One Repeat Freeze-Thaw Cycle(s) After Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The ALSTER EXTRA Pilot Study

Two versus One Repeat Freeze–Thaw Cycle(s) . Background: Repeated freezing (bonus applications) during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been suggested to improve lesion durability. However, the long‐term clinical effects of repeated freezing have not been investigated. Methods and Results: A total of 51 patients (pts) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent PVI using the single big (28 mm) cryoballoon technique. One (27 pts, group I) or 2 bonus applications (24 pts, group II) were performed at all PVs subsequent to PVI. Clinical follow‐up consisted of continuous rhythm monitoring by an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM, 24 pts) and serial 7‐day Holter‐ECG recording (7DH, 27 pts). The primary endpoint was defined as recurrent AF or atrial tachycardia. Acute PVI of all PVs was obtained in 50/51 pts (98%). The median (Q1;Q3) follow‐up duration in this study was 384 (213;638) days. The primary endpoint occurred in 48% (group I, 15 pts ICM, 12 pts 7DH) and 46% (group II, 9 pts ICM, 15 pts 7DH), P = 0.84. Procedure‐ and fluoroscopy‐time for group I versus group II was 193 ± 56 minutes versus 207 ± 27 and 33 ± 13 minutes versus 34 ± 11 minutes, respectively. Right phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) occurred in 3 pts (all group II, time to resolution: 128 ± 112 days). In 2 of these pts, PNP occurred during the second bonus application. Conclusion: Application of 2 when compared to 1 freeze–thaw cycle(s) following cryoballoon PVI did not result in improved clinical success but was associated with a higher complication rate. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 814‐819, August 2012)     

Comparison of Radiofrequency and Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Ablation for the Early and Late Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation

Objective Early recurrence (ER) after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is expected to resolve within the recommended 3-month blanking period, irrespective of the ablation device used. To compare the occurrence and relationship of AF within the blanking period and subsequent late recurrence (LR) with radiofrequency (RF) and cryoballoon (CB) ablation. Methods A retrospective analysis of 294 patients (mean age=62±9, 70.0% male) undergoing PVI for drug-refractory paroxysmal AF was done. After categorizing the patients into the RF group (n=152) and the CB group (n=142), a group-wise comparison was done to investigate the impact of ER on LR throughout a 2-year follow-up. Results The groups were similar regarding the occurrence of ER (RF=22.4%, CB=24.6%, p=0.62), while LR was significantly higher in the RF group (p=0.003). ER was associated with LR in the RF group (p<0.01) but not in the CB group (p=0.08), while a significant independent association with an increased LR risk was observed [hazard ratio (HR) 6.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.56-10.51, p<0.01]. RF ablation also significantly increased the risk of LR (HR=2.93; 95% CI=1.64-5.23, p<0.01). Conclusion A recurrence of atrial arrhythmia is more frequent with RF-PVI than with CB-PVI for patients with paroxysmal AF. ER and RF-ablation are strong predictors for LR after the 3-month blanking period.     

Atrioesophageal fistula after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: A case report

Rationale:Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but serious complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation with associated high mortality rates.Patient concerns:A 42-year-old male patient who underwent catheter ablation in local hospital 20 days ago because of persistent AF was admitted to our Emergency Room with unconsciousness and high axillary temperature and white blood cell count. Craniocerebral CT scan found multiple infarct lesions in both frontal and occipital lobes. Pneumatosis between the left atrium and the esophagus was observed in the chest CT.Diagnoses:AEF.Interventions:We performed a salvage operation of the left atrium debridement, and left atrium patch repairing under extracorporeal circulation. We opened the mediastinum, and dissected the esophageal perforation. A special irrigating catheter with multiple side ports on the tip was placed from the esophagus to the posterior mediastinum through the esophageal orificium fistulae. We also inserted a gastrointestinal tube to the jejunum under gastroscopy. Three additional drainage tubes were inserted into the esophageal bed and the right thoracic cavity.Outcomes:The procedure was successful. But 7 days later, the patient''s family chose to forgo treatment due to multiple cerebral infarcts, respiratory and blood system infection, liver failure, and other complications.Lessons:AEF is a rare but fatal complication after catheter ablation. Heightened vigilance is required for early recognition of the AEF. Surgical treatment should be performed as early as possible, especially before the neurological complications occur.     

Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Real-Time Recordings from the Pulmonary Veins

Introduction: Cryoballoon (CB) ablation represents a novel technology for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We investigated feasibility and safety of CB-PVI, utilizing a novel spiral catheter (SC), thereby obtaining real-time PV potential registration.
Methods: Following double transseptal puncture, a Lasso catheter (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) and the 28 mm CB were positioned within the left atrium. A novel SC (Promap, ProRhythm Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY, USA) was inserted through the lumen of the CB allowing PV signal registration during treatment. Time to PV conduction block was analyzed. If no stable balloon position was obtained, the SC was exchanged for a regular guide wire and PV conduction was assessed after treatment by Lasso catheter.
Results: In 18 patients, 39 of 72 PVs (54%) were successfully isolated using the SC. The remaining 33 PVs were isolated switching to the regular guide wire. Time to PV conduction block was significantly shorter in PVs in which sustained PVI was achieved as compared to PVs in which PV conduction recovered within 30 minutes (33 ± 21 seconds vs 99 ± 65 seconds). In 40 PVs, time to PV conduction block was not obtained because of: (1) PVI not being achieved during initial treatment; (2) a distal position of the SC; or (3) isolation with regular guide wire. No procedural complications occurred.
Conclusion: Visualization of real-time PV conduction during CB PVI is safe, feasible, and allows accurate timing of PVI onset in a subset of PVs. Time to PV conduction block predicts sustained PVI. However, mechanical properties of the SC need to be improved to further simplify CB PVI.