心房颤动导管消融的地位和进展

心房颤动(房颤)是临床常见的心律失常之一,最大风险是血栓栓塞,常见是脑卒中。随着人口的老龄化,房颤人数持续增加,治疗问题也逐渐成为人们关注重点。房颤导管消融是其重要治疗方法之一,可明显改善房颤患者预后。且随着技术发展,消融方法也日趋成熟,故导管消融术治疗房颤地位正在逐步提升。但消融方法尚无固定术式,发生机制尚未完全明确,尤其对于持续房颤。因此房颤消融术仍存在一些问题有待进一步探索。     

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias following radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

The use of blanking periods, the immediate period postablation during which transient tachyarrhythmia episodes are not considered recurrences, has been predicated on the assumption that not all early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERAT) will lead to later recurrences and, as such, does not necessarily represent treatment failure. While ERAT can be expected to occur in approximately 38% of patients within the first 3 months of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, only half of these patients will manifest later recurrences. Clinical features related to the patient's history of AF, the index ablation procedure, and particularities of the ERAT can help identify patients at higher risk of later recurrence in whom aggressive attempts to control rhythm, including early cardioversion and reintervention, may be justified.     

临床路径在房颤射频消融术患者中的应用

目的探讨临床路径在房颤射频消融术患者中的应用效果。方法根据现行的诊疗护理内容,制订房颤射频消融术的临床路径表。选择房颤射频消融术患者180例,依据患者入院顺序分成观察组和对照组。对照组患者按常规进行护理和健康教育指导。观察组患者根据临床路径表进行护理,比较两组患者的平均住院日、满意度、并发症等指标的差异。结果观察组患者平均住院日和平均住院费用明显低于对照组(P0.01),患者满意度和健康知识测评结果优于对照组(P0.01),两组术后并发症的发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论推广临床路径有助于在保证护理质量的前提下,减少患者住院日和住院费用,减轻患者经济压力,提高满意度。     

Safety aspects of deep sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background: The combination of intravenous propofol and midazolam is frequently used to provide unconscious sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), but only a very few reports are available on the influence of prolonged propofol infusion on arterial blood gas, blood pressure, and anesthesia‐associated complications during ablation of AF. The purpose of this study was to assess tolerance and safety of unconscious sedation with intravenous propofol and midazolam during catheter ablation of AF. Methods: A total of 316 consecutive patients (age 59 ± 10 years, 68% men) presenting to our center for catheter ablation of symptomatic AF were enrolled prospectively. A total number of 424 procedures were performed under unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam. SaO₂, electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gases were monitored throughout the procedure. Results: Mean procedure duration was 235 ± 48 minutes. Patients received 1.125 ± 684 mg propofol, 9.5 ± 3 midazolam, and 1.963 ± 813 mL NaCl infusion. Complications during the procedure were identified in eight patients (2.5%, one × coronary air embolization, one × myocardial infarction, four × pericardial effusion, two × pericardial tamponade). All eight patients were symptomatic (distress, report of pain); none of the complications was attributable to unconscious sedation itself. Conclusion: Unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam in AF ablation procedures lasting 3–5 hours did not result in severe changes of vital parameters or serum electrolytes. Anesthesia‐associated problems were not observed. Propofol and midazolam can be safely used during catheter ablation of AF. (PACE 2012; 35:38–43)     

Comparison of the point-by-point versus catheter dragging technique for curative radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background: The relationship between the applied techniques and clinical outcomes after radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We compared the results of ablation by RF delivered via a point‐by‐point versus catheter dragging technique for the treatment of AF. Methods: This study included 66 patients with drug‐refractory AF who underwent circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) ablation. A point‐by‐point technique was used in 35 (53%) patients (Group I), and catheter dragging technique in the remaining 31 (47%) patients (Group II). If AF persisted or remained inducible after the PV isolation, additional ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms and linear ablation were performed. Results: Significantly, fewer RF applications were delivered in Group II than in Group I. The total RF energy duration delivered was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.55). However, the total energy of RF deliveries was significantly greater in Group II than in Group I (P = 0.02). Despite a longer fluoroscopic exposure time (P = 0.01), the total procedural duration was significantly shorter in Group II than in Group I (P = 0.005). Within 3 months after a single ablation procedure, 24 patients (69%) in Group I versus 13 patients (42%) in Group II had ≥1 recurrence(s) of atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = 0.03). A multivariate analysis showed that a point‐by‐point ablation was the only independent predictor of early atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrences. Conclusions: The catheter dragging technique for ablation of AF was associated with a lower early recurrence rate of atrial tachyarrhythmias than the point‐by‐point technique. (PACE 2011; 15–22)     

Entrance skin dose during radiofrequency catheter ablation for tachyarrhythmia: a multicenter study

Background: To assess the entrance skin dose (ESD) during radiofrequency catheter ablation procedures for tachyarrhythmia including atrial fibrillation (Af). Methods: This study focused on 99 consecutive patients who underwent procedures for tachyarrhythmia (Af; n = 34, non‐Af; n = 65) in three institutions. The non‐Af group included atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular premature contraction, atrial premature contraction, atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia, and Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. In two of the three institutions, the procedures were performed for both Af and non‐Af. The ESDs were measured using 100 radiosensitive indicators attached to the back of each patient's jacket at 5‐cm intervals. For statistical analyses, multiple regression analysis (the dependent variable, Max‐ESD; and the independent variables, dose area product [DAP], total fluoroscopic time [TFT], body mass index, etc.), Pearson's correlation test, and the Mann‐Whitney test were employed. Results: The overall averages for the TFTs, the DAPs, and the Max‐ESDs were 49.9 ± 28.2 minutes, 71.2 ± 73.7 Gy cm², and 0.57 ± 0.51 Gy, respectively. DAP was positively related to the Max‐ESD and was significant in stepwise multiple regression analysis (P < 0.0001). There was a significant association between TFT and Max‐ESD in five of the six kinds of angiographic unit, and between DAP and Max‐ESD in all three systems with available DAP measures. In one institution, TFT, DAP, and Max‐ESD differed significantly between the Af and non‐Af groups (P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.0001). Conclusions: During the cardiac catheter ablation, ESDs of only a few patients exceeded the thresholds of radiation skin injuries, and the DAP proved useful to estimate each patient's Max‐ESD. (PACE 2011; 34:563–570)     

Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in females: same hardware,different findings

Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation has gained a significant role in the management of the frequent arrhythmia and has been shown to be safe and effective. As with many other interventional therapies, gender bias is present and females are referred for catheter ablation less frequently than their male counterparts. Women referred for catheter ablation tend to be older, more symptomatic, have failed more antiarrhythmic agents and may have poorer procedure success and increased vascular complication rates. Efforts to close this referral gap are clearly needed and it is likely that early referral will reduce gender differences in atrial fibrillation catheter ablation success rates.     

Treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation using phased radiofrequency ablation technology

A novel ablation system consisting of a duty-cycled phased radiofrequency generator and multielectrode mapping and ablation catheters has been introduced to provide ablation therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Contiguous lesions may be created using anatomically designed ablation catheters maneuvered under fluoroscopic guidance without the use of a 3D electroanatomic mapping system. In addition to pulmonary vein isolation using a circular, decapolar ablation catheter, an ablation strategy targeting complex fractionated atrial electrograms can be performed using two supplemental multiarray catheters specifically designed for ablation at the left atrial septum and within the left atrial body. Procedural times for treating persistent AF using phased radiofrequency are reported as being between 2 and 2.5 h. Freedom from AF ranges between 33 and 75% after a single procedure, which is comparable to other conventional ablation approaches (utilizing electroanatomic mapping). Additional studies in larger patient numbers are needed to understand the long-term maintenance of results and potential adverse effects of the technology.     

Atrial fibrillation ablation: reaching the mainstream

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly in the decade since its inception. We aimed to review the results of this evolution as reflected in the published literature. METHODS: Publications through 2005 were reviewed, and data included if there was information on the technique used, and follow-up of at least 6 months. RESULTS: More than 23,000 patients met criteria for inclusion. There has been a steady improvement in reported outcomes (P<0.001). Variations on radiofrequency catheter ablation for pulmonary vein isolation result in apparent elimination ("cure") or improvement of AF in 75%, and surgical techniques are even better. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of AF is now a mainstream procedure. Continuing technical advances are needed to achieve better results with more uniformity and reduced procedure times.     

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation with the multipolar mapping and ablation catheter (Mesh-Bard)

Pulmonary veins (PVs) ablation is a valid treatment option for atrial fibrillation. The standard approach for PVs isolation usually requires two catheters or an electroanatomical reconstruction of the left atrium. We describe our initial experience with a single device for mapping and ablating in a patient referred to our center for the relapsing of atrial fibrillation 3 years after a previous ablation procedure. The newly available catheter MESH was safe and effective to quickly isolate two reconnected PVs.     

Percutaneous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with important morbidity and mortality. Antiarrhythmic therapy is recommended as initial therapy but is associated with modest efficacy and significant side effects. Over the past several years, catheter ablation has been demonstrated to provide effective and safe curative therapy for atrial fibrillation. Future investigations will assess advances in catheter ablation technology and will help to define the precise role of catheter ablation relative to alternative therapies, such as rate-control and antiarrhythmic therapy.     

Atrial tachycardias following circumferential pulmonary vein ablation: observations during catheter ablation

Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation performing linear lesions around the ostia of the pulmonary veins has been shown to be effective for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. During the follow-up period, persistent atrial tachycardia may occur as a proarrhythmic complication. Only little information is available about the underlying mechanism. In our study, atrial tachycardia following circumferential pulmonary vein ablation was identified in 13 out of 84 consecutive patients (15.5%), as a transient appearance in four and with recurrences for more than 3 months in nine patients (10.7%). Electrophysiological study and ablation was performed in eight cases, revealing common atrial flutter in two, a focal origin secondary to conduction recovery from the pulmonary vein to the left atrium in two and macro reentrant left atrial flutter in four patients. The electrophysiological characteristics demonstrated by electroanatomic activation mapping (CARTO™) and consecutive ablation therapy with a 100% success rate are described and discussed with regard to the literature.     

导管射频消融术治疗阵发性心房颤动合并快慢综合征的临床效果

目的 分析导管射频消融术治疗阵发性心房颤动合并快慢综合征的临床效果.方法 选择2015年3月至2020年3月我院收治的58例阵发性心房颤动合并快慢综合征患者作为研究对象,采用随机数字表法将其分为参照组和导管射频消融组,各29例.参照组接受常规抗心律失常药物治疗,导管射频消融组在参照组基础上接受导管射频消融术治疗.比较两...