The incidence and types of atrial tachyarrhythmias occurring after hybrid ablation procedures

BackgroundDespite successful creation of box lesions during hybrid ablations, reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or regular atrial arrhythmias (ATs) still occur. The goal of this study was to describe the incidence and types of regular ATs that occur after successful hybrid ablations.MethodsPatients after hybrid ablation for persistent or long-standing persistent AF were enrolled. Patients, in whom regular AT occurred, were recommended for electrophysiological study and re-ablation. The mechanism of regular AT was described using activation and entrainment mapping.ResultsRegular AT occurred in 5 (10%) patients from 50 patients, in whom hybrid ablation has been performed. Peri-mitral flutter was found to be the mechanism of clinical AT in 4 patients, in the last patient, a typical right sided isthmus-dependent flutter was present. After ablation of the clinical arrhythmia, other ATs were inducible and ablated in two patients resulting in non-inducibility of any arrhythmia at the end of the procedure in all patients. All patients with regular AT were free of symptoms and free of any further tachyarrhythmia or AF during follow-up of 285 ± 122 days.ConclusionThe incidence of regular AT in patients after hybrid ablation procedure was 10%, with the majority of them being associated with re-entry around the mitral annulus.     

Hybrid dual stage closed chest ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation

The hybrid ablation (HABL) of atrial fibrillation which combines endoscopic, minimally invasive, closed chest epicardial ablation with endocardial CARTO-guided accuracy was introduced to overcome limitations of current therapeutic options for patients with persistent (PSAF) and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF). The purpose of this single-centre, prospective clinical registry was to evaluate procedural safety and feasibility as well as effectiveness of the HABL in patients with PSAF and LSPAF 1-year post-procedure. From 07.2009 to 12.2014, ninety (n = 90) patients with PSAF (n = 39) and LSPAF (n = 51) underwent HABL. Mean AF duration was 4.5 ± 3.7 years. At 6 months post-procedure 78% patients were in SR. At 12 months post-procedure 86% patients were in SR and 62.3% in SR and of class I/III AADs. These results suggest that combination of epicardial and endocardial RF ablation should be considered as a treatment option for patients with persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation as it is safe and effective in restoring sinus rhythm.     

Is there an evidence of pulmonary vein stenosis following epicardial microwave ablation of atrial fibrillation?

Background  Surgical ablation techniques using microwave energy are an alternative to catheter based ablation therapy in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about potential procedure-related complications. We investigate, whether there is evidence of pulmonary vein stenosis (PVST) in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing epicardial microwave ablation. Methods  14 patients (ten males and four females) with AF and structural heart disease underwent cardiac surgery for the underlying disease and concomitant ablation of AF using microwave energy. In these patients with a mean age of 71 ± 8 years microwave energy was applied epicardially on the beating heart. Ablation was implemented using a flexible microwave tool with a 40 mm long tip to create isolation of the pulmonary veins. Each application was performed with 65 watt for 90 s. Follow-up was performed twice at a mean of 207 ± 73 days and 395 ± 102 days. Patients were evaluated by 12-lead-ECG and echocardiography. Multidetector helical computer tomographic (MDCT) imaging was done in seven patients to show morphology of the pulmonary veins. Results  On second follow-up 11 patients were seen. ECG showed sinus rhythm in six patients (55 %) and atrial fibrillation in five patients (45%). MDCT showed a moderate pulmonary vein stenosis (50–70%) in one patient. The patient did not suffer from palpitations, dyspnea, angina or syncope. Conclusions  Epicardial microwave ablation is an accepted treatment of atrial fibrillation. The procedure can be done off-pump on the beating heart. Nevertheless, pulmonary vein stenosis is a possible complication of this procedure, which should be kept in mind and evaluated during the follow-up.     

Middle-term results of hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation using AtriCure system

IntroductionLong-term results of catheter ablation (CA) for persistent and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are disappointing. The hybrid approach is currently one of options for overcoming the limitations of CA.AimTo evaluate the safety and medium-term efficacy of the hybrid approach in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF.MethodsAll patients underwent epicardial thoracoscopic radiofrequency (RF) pulmonary vein (PV) isolation using the AtriCure clamp followed by left atrial (LA) linear lesions (using a linear pen), Marshall ligament disruption, and LA appendage exclusion using an Atriclip. All patients underwent an electrophysiological study (EPS) and RF CA 2–3 months after the initial surgery to eliminate recurrent conductions from/to the PVs or across the linear lesions, and to eliminate all spontaneous and inducible atrial arrhythmias. 7-Day ECG Holter monitoring was performed every 3 months during the first year and every 6 months afterwards to evaluate possible recurrent arrhythmias.ResultsSeventy patients (49 male, median 63.5 years) took part in the study. EPS was performed 87 days (median) after the thoracoscopic surgery. Seventy-six percent of patients were in normal sinus rhythm (SR) at the start of the EPS, 7% had typical atrial flutter, 11% had atrial tachycardia, and 6% were in AF. After completion of the hybrid approach, all PVs were isolated, while a complete conduction block across the linear lines was achieved in 88.6% of patients. Twelve months after the procedure, 77.1% of patients had a stable SR without any anti-arrhythmic medication or re-ablation. If we included those on anti-arrhythmic drugs and re-ablation procedures, SR was achieved in 96.5% of patients during follow-up (936 ± 432 days).ConclusionThe sequential hybrid approach is probably the most effective and relatively safe invasive treatment for persistent and long-term persistent AF with very low medium- to long-term recurrences. Introduction of the hybrid approach to clinical practice requires extensive cooperation between cardiologic and cardiothoracic teams.     

Combined circular multielectrode catheter and point-by-point ablation is superior to point-by-point ablation alone in eliminating atrial fibrillation

Background

Besides conventional point-by-point ablation, novel multielectrode catheters emerge for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to evaluate the clinical utility of a pulmonary vein (PV) isolation approach combining the advantages of both technologies.

Methods

The study included 240 consecutive AF patients (60 ± 11 years, 68% males, 62% paroxysmal). In the combined ablation group (n = 120), PV isolation was performed with a circular multielectrode catheter (PVAC, Medtronic Ablation Frontiers) and completed by conventional point-by-point ablation (NaviStar ThermoCool Catheter, Lasso/CARTO technology, Biosense Webster). In the point-by-point ablation group (n = 120), PV isolation was performed with point-by-point ablation alone.

Results

Complete 1-year ablation success (freedom from any atrial arrhythmia off antiarrhythmic drugs) was more frequently observed in the combined ablation group (58.0% versus 43.3%, hazard ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.19–2.48, p = 0.004). Also clinical success (≥ 90% reduction of arrhythmia burden on/off antiarrhythmic drugs) was significantly associated with the combined ablation approach (p = 0.001). These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment (both p ≤ 0.005) and were not dependent on the type of AF. The rate of major adverse events (3.3% versus 2.5%) and the procedure time did not differ between groups. The fluoroscopy time, however, was significantly shorter in the combined ablation group (p < 0.001) reflecting the reduced need for radiation during multielectrode catheter ablation.

Conclusions

A combined PV isolation approach based on multielectrode catheter ablation and complementary point-by-point ablation is superior to point-by-point ablation alone and reveals to be safe. A potential explanation for these findings is the improved durability of ablation lesion after the combined ablation approach.     

Frontier of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

The sudden evolution of catheter ablation (CA) therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) was brought by the discovery of a new insight into the triggering mechanism of AF by Haïssaguerre et al. in 1998. This discovery opened a new era of evolution of ablation therapy of paroxysmal AF (PAF). At the frontier of AF ablation, technical development of CA for long-standing persistent AF (CAF) has been done enthusiastically, although the detailed electrophysiologic mechanism and anatomical substrate of persistent AF remain unknown. Stepwise ablation composed of multiple procedures, circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), biatrial defragmentation, and anatomical linear ablation with the endpoint of AF termination has been the most widely accepted method, because the efficacy of this method was reported to be surprisingly high during a relatively short duration of follow-up. Recently, they showed this strategy has a significant limitation in efficacy for CAF with long AF duration (>7 years), enlarged left atrium (>50 mm in left anterior descending artery), short AF cycle length (AFCL) (<130 ms) and impaired cardiac function. For cases associated with these clinical, anatomical, and electrophysiological parameters, AF termination as an endpoint might be abandoned if peak prolongation of AFCL, reduction of intra-/inter-atrial AFCL gradient, and low defibrillation threshold are attained after predetermined lesion set is completed. Prolonged procedure with massive tissue ablation to attain AF termination should be avoided, because it potentially increases adverse events during and immediately after the procedure and causes extensive scar-formation in both atria with atrial mechanical dysfunction.     

Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins for persistent atrial fibrillation: Results from the multicenter STOP Persistent AF trial

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Mechanisms and clinical significance of early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias(ERAA) after ablation is common and strongly predicts late recurrences and ablation failure. However, since arrhythmia may eventually resolve in up to half of patients with ERAA, guidelines do not recommend immediate reintervention for ERAA episodes occurring during a 3-mo postablation blanking period. Certain clinical demographic, electrophysiologic, procedural, and ERAA-related characteristics may predict a higher likelihood of longterm ablation failure. In this review, we aim to discuss potential mechanisms of ERAA, and to summarize the clinical significance, prognostic implications, and treatment options for ERAA.     

应用盐水灌注消融导管进行肺静脉-心房电隔离治疗阵发性心房颤动

目的探讨应用盐水灌注消融导管对肺静脉-心房(PV-LA)电隔离治疗阵发性心房颤动(房颤)的效果.方法26例患者,男性22例,女性4例,年龄31～69(52±11)岁,均有阵发性房颤病史.患者分为2组,第1组15例应用普通4 mm电极温控导管消融,第2组11例应用盐水灌注导管消融.所有患者均在环状标测电极导管指导下行3根或4根肺静脉(PV)消融.结果第1组15例患者第1次消融了50根PV,即刻PV-LA电隔离成功率92%,手术时间平均3.5 h.其中在2例因房颤复发行第2次消融的患者中,第1次消融的7根PV中有6根(86%)恢复了与LA间的传导.第1组随访平均13个月,无房颤发作者8例(53%,含2例经再次消融患者),有效3例(20%).第2组11例患者第1次消融了44根PV,即刻PV-LA电隔离成功44根,成功率100%,11例手术时间平均2.8 h,1例应用盐水灌注消融导管消融时发生心脏压塞.第2组随访平均4个月,无房颤发作者7例(64%),有效2例(18%).结论应用盐水灌注消融导管进行PV-LA电隔离可能(1)缩短PV-LA电隔离所需的时间和提高成功率;(2)减少术后PV-LA电传导恢复的可能性,从而减少复发率;(3)初步结果表明应用盐水灌注消融导管较安全,但是否增加PV狭窄和心脏压塞等并发症尚需进一步的资料.     

Left atrial flutter after radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation

We report an arrhythmic complication in two patients in whom a procedure directed at isolating one or two pulmonary veins had been performed. The complication was related to pulmonary vein disconnection scars after ablation. Both patients developed new clinical tachycardia (atypical atrial flutter) secondary to a reentrant phenomena in the vicinity of a previously ablated pulmonary vein.     

肺静脉电隔离治疗持续性心房颤动方法学及效果评价

目的对肺静脉电隔离治疗持续性心房颤动(房颤)的方法学及效果进行评价。方法14例持续性房颤患者,房颤病史6个月～20年,房颤持续时间1周～4个月,左心房直径37～47 mm平均(40．8±26．0)mm,左心室射血分数0．26-0．68平均0．55±0．11。术前抗凝治疗2～3周。术中常规放置冠状静脉窦导管及右心室起搏导管。房间隔穿刺成功后送入肺静脉环状标测电极导管(Lasso电极导管)及盐水灌注消融导管,预设功率30 W,温度50℃,于肺静脉口依次对4根肺静脉进行隔离。电复律恢复窦性心律后,再将Lasso电极导管依次送入各肺静脉口部标测,在残存肺静脉电位(PVP)的部位继续消融至心房与肺静脉完全电隔离。结果共对54根肺静脉进行电隔离,左上肺静脉14根,左下肺静脉13根,右上肺静脉14根,右下肺静脉13根,电隔离成功后PVP均完全消失,即刻成功率100％,平均放电时间(2 972±843)s。1例出现心脏压塞。随访12-18个月,无房颤复发5例(36％);症状明显减轻、房颤发作频率及持续时间明显减少4例(28％);症状无改善,房颤仍持续发作5例(36％),总有效率64％。结论肺静脉电隔离对持续性房颤治疗有效,其方法学可行但存在一定局限性。     

微波消融治疗心房颤动在风湿性心脏病二尖瓣置换术中的应用

目的研究风湿性心脏病二尖瓣手术同期行心内膜微波消融术治疗持续性心房颤动(简称房颤)的效果。方法66例患者随机分为两组,33例在二尖瓣手术中行心内膜微波消融治疗,另外33例设为对照组,单独行瓣膜手术。结果微波组主动脉阻断时间、体外循环时间长于对照组(63.818±17.738 min vs 47.545±18.018 min;108.879±32.191 min vs 85.333±22.885 min。P均<0.05)。术后两组均未出现严重并发症。随访2.3±1.4年,微波组中24例(72.7%)维持窦性心律,对照组中5例(15.2%)为窦性心律,两组比较,P<0.05。术后6个月、2年,微波组左房内径明显小于对照组(P<0.05);术后2年,微波组三尖瓣返流量明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论微波消融治疗房颤安全、效果确切,可延缓术后左房内径变大及三尖瓣返流的进展。     

Hybrid epicardial and endocardial ablation of persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation: a new approach for difficult cases

Background : Although percutaneous epicardial catheter ablation (PECA) has been used for the management of epicardial ventricular tachycardia, the use of PECA for atrial fibrillation (AF) has not yet been reported.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a hybrid PECA and endocardial ablation for AF.
Methods: We performed PECA for AF in five patients (48.6 ± 8.1 years old, all male, four redo ablation procedures of persistent AF with a risk of pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis, one de novo ablation of permanent [AF]) after an endocardial AF ablation guided by PV potentials and 3D mapping (NavX). Utilizing an open irrigation tip catheter, a left atrial (LA) linear ablation from the roof to the perimitral isthmus or localized ablation at the junction between the LA appendage and left-sided PVs or ligament of Marshall (LOM) was performed.
Results: PECA of AF was successful in all patients with an ablation time of <15 minutes. The left-sided PV potentials were eliminated by PECA in all patients. Bidirectional block of the perimitral line was achieved in two of two patients and a left inferior PV tachycardia with conduction block to the LA was observed during the ablation in the area of the LOM in one patient. A hemopericardium developed in one patient, but was controlled successfully. During 8.0 ± 6.3 months of follow-up, all patients have remained in sinus rhythm (four patients without antiarrhythmic drugs).
Conclusion: A hybrid PECA of AF is feasible and effective in patients with redo-AF ablation procedures and at risk for left-sided PV stenosis or who are resistant to endocardial linear ablation.     

阵发性心房颤动经导管消融治疗40例报告

目的探讨经导管消融治疗阵发性心房颤动(房颤)的有效性和安全性。方法自2002年7月至2004年9月，对40例药物治疗无效的反复发作的阵发性房颤患者进行导管消融治疗。同步记录高位右心房、冠状静脉窦及肺静脉电图。采用3种不同的方法(节段性消融肺静脉电隔离术，Carto三维空间标测系统指导下肺静脉电隔离术，超声球囊肺静脉电隔离术)进行肺静脉电位的消融隔离。结果术后随访3—18个月。40例中27例(67．5％)经消融成功，3例(7．5％)有效，10例(25％)失败。Carto标测可减少X线曝光时间。消融过程中出现严重并发症为1例急性心脏压塞，经抢救存活。结论经导管消融治疗阵发性房颤是可行的，对大部分患者有效。     

Additional complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation does not improve the outcomes of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundNon-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) has a complex pathophysiological process. The standard catheter ablation approach is pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The additional value of complex fractionated electrogram (CFAE) ablation is still unclear. We aimed to investigate the additional value of CFAE ablation for non-paroxysmal AF.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies up to May 2020. Articles comparing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) plus CFAE ablation and PVI alone for AF were obtained from the electronic scientific databases. The pooled mean difference (MD) and pooled risk ratio (RR) were assessed.ResultsA total of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 1034 patients were involved. Following a single catheter ablation procedure, the presence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) with or without the use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) between both groups were not significantly different (RR = 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.97–1.24; p = 0.13). Similar results were also obtained for the presence of any ATA without the use of AADs (RR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.96–1.22; p = 0.2). The additional CFAE ablation took longer procedure times (MD = 46.95 min; 95% CI = 38.27–55.63; p = < 0.01) and fluoroscopy times (MD = 11.69 min; 95% CI = 8.54–14.83; p = < 0.01).ConclusionAdditional CFAE ablation failed to improve the outcomes of non-paroxysmal AF patients. It also requires a longer duration of procedure times and fluoroscopy times.