Mechanisms of recurrent atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein isolation by segmental ostial ablation

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms responsible for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after pulmonary vein isolation (PV) by segmental ostial ablation. BACKGROUND: Recovery of conduction into a previously isolated PV is a common observation when there is recurrent AF soon after segmental ostial ablation. However, the mechanisms of recurrent AF have been unclear. METHODS: A repeat ablation procedure was performed in 50 patients who had recurrent paroxysmal AF at a mean of 7 +/- 6 months after segmental ostial ablation to isolate the PVs. During the repeat procedure, a ring catheter was inserted into each PV during sinus rhythm and AF to determine whether the veins were still isolated and, if not, whether there were PV tachycardias with a cycle length shorter than in the adjacent left atrium during AF. RESULTS: There was recovery of conduction over a previously ablated muscle fascicle in >/=1 PV in 49 patients (98%). There were 10 +/- 2 episodes of PV tachycardia per minute in 36 (72%) of the 50 patients during AF. Repeat ablation was performed by segmental ostial ablation (23 patients) or by left atrial catheter ablation to encircle the left- and right-sided PVs 1 to 2 cm from the ostia, with additional ablation lines in the posterior left atrium and mitral isthmus (27 patients). At 6-month follow-up, among 23 patients who underwent repeat ablation by segmental ostial ablation, AF recurred in 4 (21%) of the 19 patients who had PV tachycardias and in 3 (75%) of the 4 patients who did not (P = .03). Among the 27 patients who underwent left atrial ablation, AF recurred in 2 (12%) of the 17 patients who had PV tachycardias and in 1 (10%) of the 10 patients who did not (P = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of conduction in previously ablated muscle fascicles is a common finding in patients with recurrent AF after segmental ostial ablation. The efficacy of repeat segmental ostial ablation depends on the presence of PV tachycardias, whereas left atrial ablation is effective regardless of whether PV tachycardias are present or not during AF.     

左心房/肺静脉重构在孤立性心房颤动进展中的作用

目的 探讨孤立性心房颤动（房颤）进展过程中左心房/肺静脉重构的作用.方法 连续47例孤立性房颤患者在房颤心律下接受左心房/肺静脉CT检查,其中25例为阵发性房颤,22例为新发持续性房颤.通过对两组间有差异的CT指标进行Logistic回归分析,确定孤立性房颤进展的预测指标.结果 新发持续性房颤组的平均房颤持续时间为1～12（6.4±4.3）周.与阵发性房颤组比较,新发持续性房颤组呈现如下的左心房/肺静脉重构特征：（1）左心房非对称扩张;（2）左心房容积显著增大;（3）肺静脉开口扩张.经Logistic回归分析,左心房容积（P=0.003,OR=1.139,95%可信区间：1.046～1.240）是预测孤立性房颤进展最强的独立指标.左心房容积≥108 ml预测孤立性房颤由阵发性进展为持续性的敏感性为68.2%,特异性为88%.结论 孤立性房颤在由阵发性进展为持续性的过程中伴随有显著的左心房和肺静脉重构;左心房容积显著增加是该过程的独立预测指标.     

肺静脉结构特点及左心房内径与心房颤动经导管射频消融术后复发的关系

目的 探讨肺静脉结构特点及左心房内径(LAD)与心房颤动(房颤)经导管射频消融术后复发的相关性.方法 收集267例经导管射频消融房颤患者的术前资料,通过经食管超声心动图测量LAD,螺旋CT测量左上肺静脉(LSPV)、左下肺静脉(LIPV)、右上肺静脉(RSPV)和右下肺静脉(RIPV)的CT值及肺静脉变异情况.所有患者都成功进行经导管射频消融治疗,并在术后随访10个月.通过单因素和多因素Cox回归分析肺静脉结构特点,LAD及其他因素与术后复发的相关性.结果 267例入选患者中,复发44例.复发组与无复发组相比,LAD、LSPV、RSPV、左侧总肺静脉和上侧总肺静脉平均直径明显增大(P＜0.05).经单因素及多因素Cox回归分析显示LAD、上侧总肺静脉直径、房颤类型以及房颤病程是房颤射频消融术后复发的独立危险因素.结论 LAD越大、上肺静脉开口越宽的房颤患者,经导管射频消融术后越容易复发,而病程较长和持续性房颤亦是房颤射频消融术后复发的独立预测因素.     

环肺静脉左心房线性消融术后复发的房性心律失常

目的研究心房颤动(房颤)患者环肺静脉左心房线性消融术后复发房性心律失常的机制。方法28例房颤患者接受环肺静脉左心房线性消融术,平均年龄(54±11)岁,其中阵发性房颤10例,持续性房颤18例。采用Carto电解剖标测系统及双Lasso标测导管技术,分别进行环左、右侧肺静脉线性消融;消融终点为肺静脉电位消失,左心房-肺静脉双向阻滞。复发患者再次消融术采用双Lasso导管指导在原环形消融线上标测“漏点”并消融封闭之,对不能终止心动过速者再行拖带标测、激动标测或结合Carto系统标测;对典型心房扑动(房扑)行右心房峡部线性消融。结果初次消融术后平均随访(245±65)d,18例无复发;8例复发房性心律失常包括5例典型房扑、2例其他房性心动过速、1例阵发性房颤;2例左上肺静脉电位未完全隔离者仍持续房颤。除外1例持续性房颤,另外9例接受了再次消融术,证实所有复发患者均有左心房-肺静脉传导恢复;8例射频消融成功并随访(192±92)d无复发。结论左心房-肺静脉传导恢复是环肺静脉左心房线性消融术后复发房性心律失常的重要因素;初次手术附加右心房峡部线性消融可能减少复发率。     

环肺静脉电隔离术后房性快速心律失常的机制和再消融治疗

目的分析环肺静脉电隔离术后，房性快速心律失常（ATa）发生机制和再次消融治疗结果。方法采用Lasso导管和电解剖（Carto）标测，对135例房颤患者行环同侧肺静脉电隔离消融术。术后随访时间3个月以上的102例患者中，33例患者仍有ATa发作。其中20例接受再次消融治疗。再次消融术均采用单Lasso导管标测，Carto指导下点状消融肺静脉与心房的传导点（gap），或环肺静脉线性消融左心房。消融成功终点为双侧肺静脉电隔离。结果Lasso导管标测表明，20例患者均存在心房与肺静脉（A—PVP）的电传导，一侧和双侧A—PVP传导分别为8例和12例。再次消融，18例患者达到肺静脉电隔离（其中10例为局部补点式消融，余8例行环肺静脉线性消融）。另2例患者的左侧或双侧肺静脉未能电隔离。平均随访（5．5±5．3）个月，18例术中达到消融终点的患者，仅1例仍有阵发性房颤。结论环肺静脉线性消融术后，存在或恢复左心房与肺静脉的电传导是导致ATa发生的主要原因。再次消融电隔离肺静脉是成功治疗的关键。     

慢性心房颤动消融术后房性心动过速的机制和消融治疗

目的 探讨慢性心房颤动(房颤)环肺静脉消融术后房性心动过速(房速)的机制及射频消融的方法.方法 慢性房颤消融术后房速患者9例,均为男性,年龄50～70(62.6±7.2)岁.在三维标测系统和环状标测导管联合指导下,对无心房-肺静脉电传导者的房速经标测在关键峡部消融;对存在心房一肺静脉电传导者的房速,在原消融径线上的裂隙处消融.结果 3例为无心房-肺静脉点传导的折返性房速,于关键峡部线性消融后房速终止;6例为存在心房-肺静脉电传导的房速,对原消融径线裂隙消融后,4例房速终止,余2例附加左心房峡部线性消融后房速亦终止.消融术时间为90～295(211.7±75.4)min,X线曝光时间为11.5～67.6(25.5±16.5)min.消融术后各种刺激亦均不能诱发房速,没有出现肺静脉狭窄和其他相关并发症.随访4～8(6.2±1.4)个月,9例患者停用抗心律失常药物后仍为窦性心律.结论 慢性房颤消融术后恢复心房-肺静脉电传导的房速(66.7%)占大多数;无心房-肺静脉电传导的房速多为折返机制;针对恢复传导部位的补点式消融和对折返环关键峡部的线性消融,可以成功终止并发的房速.     

环肺静脉口部线性消融治疗心房颤动的初期体会

目的报告环肺静脉口部线性消融治疗心房颤动(房颤)的初期体会和结果。方法56例药物治疗无效的房颤患者(阵发性房颤50例,持续性房颤6例)入选,平均年龄(50.6±9.6)岁。利用三维电解剖标测系统,围绕左和右侧肺静脉口部线性消融左心房,另外二条消融线分别连接左、右环状消融线以及左环状消融线至二尖瓣环。术后服用抗心律失常药3个月。结果55例患者接受消融治疗,其中53例完成预定的线性消融,操作时间和X线曝光时间分别为(193±56)min和(35±11)min。术中14例患者为房颤心律,其中8例(57.1%)消融过程中恢复窦性心律;20例出现迷走神经反射现象。随访时间>3个月(7.3±3.4)个月的41例,其中无房颤发作者25例(包括2例仍服用胺碘酮,61.0%),房颤发作次数和持续时间明显减少者11例(26.8%),无效者5例。无1例发生肺静脉狭窄。结论纯解剖方式的环肺静脉口部线性消融治疗房颤是安全可行的。其主要治疗机制是改变房颤的心房基质和去迷走神经作用。     

Reversal of pulmonary vein remodeling after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background Pulmonary veins (PV) and the atria undergo electrical and structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to determine PV and left atrial (LA) reverse remodeling after catheter ablation for AF assessed by chest computed tomography (CT). Methods PV electrophysiologic studies and catheter ablation were performed in 63 patients (68% male; mean ± SD age: 56 ± 10 years) with symptomatic AF (49% paroxysmal, 51% persistent). Chest CT was performed before and 3 months after catheter ablation. Results At baseline, patients with persistent AF had a greater LA volume (91 ± 29 cm³ vs. 66 ± 27 cm3; P = 0.003) and mean PV ostial area (241 ± 43 mm² vs. 212 ± 47 mm²; P = 0.03) than patients with paroxysmal AF. There was no significant correlation between the effective refractory period and the area of the left superior PV ostium. At 3 months of follow-up after ablation, 48 patients (76%) were AF free on or off antiar?rhythmic drugs. There was a significant reduction in LA volume (77 ± 31 cm³ to 70 ± 28 cm³; P < 0.001) and mean PV ostial area (224 ± 48 mm² to 182 ± 43 mm²; P < 0.001). Patients with persistent AF had more reduction in LA volume (11.8 ± 12.8 cm³ vs. 4.0 ± 11.2 cm³; P = 0.04) and PV ostial area (62 mm² vs. 34 mm²; P = 0.04) than those who have paroxysmal AF. The reduction of the averaged PV ostial area was significantly correlated with the reduction of LA volume (r = 0.38, P = 0.03). Conclusions Catheter ablation of AF improves structural remodeling of PV ostia and left atrium. This finding is more apparent in patients with persistent AF treated by catheter ablation.     

High-frequency jet ventilation: Utility in posterior left atrial catheter ablation

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous catheter ablation in the posterior left atrium (LA) is a technically demanding procedure that in our experience is best accomplished using general anesthesia, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. However, using conventional intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (IPPV) technique, we were dissatisfied with motion of the posterior LA. This occurred during changes in lung volume, which destabilized ablation electrode-endocardial contact. We hypothesized that use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), a low-volume, fast-rate technique, would reduce posterior LA motion and thus facilitate the ablation procedure. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that, relative to IPPV, HFJV reduces posterior LA motion and facilitates catheter ablation in this region. METHODS: Patients who underwent posterior LA ablation using HFJV (n = 36) were retrospectively compared with those in whom IPPV (n = 36) was used. Indices examined included number of radiofrequency energy applications, electrode temperature, and procedure time. A prospective direct comparison of the impact of HFJV and IPPV on LA volume and mechanical function was performed in an additional 10 patients. RESULTS: Fewer ablation lesions were required in the HFJV group because of fewer incidences of ablation electrode dislodgment, resulting in significantly decreased procedure time. Although there was no significant difference in maximal electrode temperature achieved during radiofrequency application, temperature variation was diminished in the HFJV group. Direct comparison demonstrated that HFJV produced less variation in LA volume, pressure, pulmonary vein blood flow velocity, and posterior LA position than IPPV. CONCLUSION: Relative to IPPV, HFJV yields a more stable posterior LA environment, thus facilitating catheter ablation. Use of HFJV may be applicable to other interventional cardiovascular procedures.     

经导管线性消融术对左心房功能影响的研究

目的评价左心房线性消融术对心房颤动（房颤）患者左心房功能的影响。方法选择30例Carto系统标测指导下行左心房线性消融术的阵发性房颤患者，应用超声心动图测定其消融术前1～3d、术后3个月静息时窦性心律下左心房容积指标、二尖瓣口A波速度峰值（VA）及左心房射血力，分析消融术前后左心房功能的变化。结果消融术后反应左心房辅泵功能的指标左心房射血力、VA、左心房主动排空容积、左心房主动排空分数、左心房总排空分数显著下降，反应左心房管道功能的左心房管道容积增加，反应左心房储存功能的指标左心房总排空容积、左心房最大容积无明显变化。结论Carto系统标测下左心房线性消融术后左心房辅泵功能下降，管道功能增强，而储存功能无显著改变。     

左心房及肺静脉同步食管CT血管成像在心房颤动射频消融术中的辅助作用

目的:心房-食管瘘是心房颤动介入及心脏外科手术射频消融治疗中少见但严重的并发症,伴有极高的病死率。最安全有效的预防心房-食管瘘发生的方法,应当是术前了解左心房、肺静脉及周围脏器解剖关系,预防消融烧伤食管心房段。我们进行了术前64层螺旋CT(64层MSCT)左心房及肺静脉成像同时引入食管造影检测食管和左心房的毗邻关系。方法:232例左心房及肺静脉成像(心房颤动组146例,对照组86例),同步进行食管联合造影,即注射造影剂的同时食管吞入造影剂,以观察食管走形和左心房的关系。根据食管心房后壁段与上下PV的关系将食管走形分为:I、II型,其中各型又分别分为abc三种亚型。融合影像的同时,在CARTO系统上显示LA-PV及ESO的三维重建关系,以指导完成肺静脉隔离。结果:228例患者中,I型-Ia39例(心房颤动组24例、对照组15例),占17.11%,Ib55例(心房颤动组39例、对照组16例),占24.12%,Ic 76例(心房颤动组48例、对照组28例),占33.33%;II型-IIa27例(心房颤动组16例、对照组11例),占11.84%,IIb18例(心房颤动组10例、对照组8例),占7.89%,IIc13例(心房颤动组7例、对照组6例),占5.70%。食管跨左心房后壁段长度平均为(55.04±9.01)mm[心房颤动组(54.77±9.49)mm、对照组(55.51±8.14)mm],食道厚度约为(2.26±0.64)mm[心房颤动组(2.25±0.63)mm、对照组(2.30±0.65)mm],左心房后壁厚度中位数房颤组0.6mm(0.3mm,2.9mm)、对照组1.4mm(0.3mm,2.9mm)。食道前壁距左心房最小距离中位数房颤组1.75mm(0mm,5mm)、对照组2.15mm(0mm,4.4mm)。所有心房颤动组患者均完成了肺静脉隔离。结论:本中心完成一组大样本量国人食道左心房肺静脉CT成像,提出6种分型,但心房颤动组和对照组数据在长度、厚度、距离和分型上无明显差异。利用融合影像学技术在射频消融术中指导解剖位置,提高手术安全性。     

环肺静脉射频消融心房颤动对左心房结构和功能的影响

目的评价环肺静脉射频消融心房颤动（房颤）对左心房结构和功能的影响。方法对98例房颤患者环肺静脉射频消融术前及术后1年行超声心动图检查。分别测量左心房内径（LAD）、左心房收缩末容积（LAESV）、左心房舒张末容积（LAEDV）、二尖瓣血流速度峰值（VA）并计算左心房管道容积、左心房排空容积、左心房射血分数（LAEF）。结果环肺静脉消融术后LAD、LAESV、LAEDV、左心房排空容积较术前减小（P〈0．05）,管道容积较术前增大（P〈0．05）,VA、LAEF与术前比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论房颤环肺静脉隔离术后左心房结构及功能发生重构。术后左心房的内径和容积较术前减小;房颤环肺静脉隔离术后左心房的机械功能发生变化,左心房的储存功能降低,左心房的辅助泵功能无明显变化,左心房的管道功能增强。     

起源于肺静脉的阵发性心房颤动导管射频消融治疗

目的　探讨环状电极 (Lasso电极 )标测指导起源于肺静脉的阵发性心房颤动 (房颤 )导管射频消融治疗的安全性和有效性。方法与结果　 2 0 0 1年 5～ 12月 ,12例药物治疗无效的阵发性房颤患者 ,男 8例 ,女 4例 ,平均年龄 (47 8± 14 9)岁 ,行心内电生理检查和射频消融术。在Lasso电极指导下标测肺静脉 ,以确定诱发房颤的房性早搏起源处。确定房性早搏的消融靶点后 ,在有房性早搏或冠状窦远端起搏或右心耳起搏下寻找优势肺静脉电位 (PVP)放电消融 ,或肺静脉口环状消融。消融终点设定为 :①肺静脉电位振幅明显减低或消失 ;②肺静脉自律性电位与心房电活动无关 ;③诱发房颤的房早消失。结果成功隔离 2 6条肺静脉 ;其中左上肺静脉 12条 ,右上肺静脉 8条 ,左下肺静脉 5条 ,右下肺静脉1条。有 2例仅消融 1条肺静脉 ,均为左上肺静脉 ;8例消融2条肺静脉 ,消融 3条与 4条肺静脉者各 1例。术程 (196 4±6 5 8)min ,X线曝光时间 (5 2 0± 14 4 )min。术后随访 2～ 8个月 ,有 1例频发房早发生 ,经口服胺碘酮后房早消失 ;4例有房颤短阵发作 ,其中 3例接受口服药物 (2例服用胺碘酮 ,1例服用索他洛尔 ) ,1例植入有抗房颤程序的DDDR起搏器 ,能够有效抑制房颤发作。术中选择性肺静脉造影发现 6例有轻度肺静脉狭窄 ,其     

经心外膜聚焦超声环肺静脉消融与左房盒式消融治疗犬心房颤动的比较研究

目的探讨聚焦超声经心外膜的环肺静脉消融(CPVa)和左房盒式消融(BOXa)两种不同术式对心房颤动(简称房颤)的影响。方法成年杂种犬20只,随机分为两组,建立肺静脉起源的阵发性房颤模型后,直视下分别行CPVa和BOXa。测定消融前、后左房有效不应期(LAERP)、计算房颤诱发率、房颤持续时间,术毕行组织学检查。结果所有犬均能诱发出肺静脉起源的阵发性房颤,房颤终止后的LAERP较基线水平显著缩短(CPVa组:140±10msvs102±10ms;BOXa组:139±11msvs105±8ms;P均<0.01),但消融前后的LAERP并无显著性差异。消融后两组的房颤诱发率均较消融前显著降低(CPVa组:98%vs28%;BOXa组:97%vs14%;P均<0.01),房颤持续时间均显著缩短(CPVa组:233±40svs70±29s;BOXa组:240±41svs34±22s;P均<0.01);部分犬可见肺静脉-心房双向电传导阻滞;消融后BOXa组房颤诱发率和房颤持续时间低于/短于CPVa组(P<0.05)。消融后焦域内的组织呈凝固性坏死。结论经心外膜聚焦超声CPVa可显著降低房颤诱发率和缩短房颤持续时间,而BOXa则可进一步提高成功率。     

环单侧靶肺静脉-前庭射频消融治疗心房颤动

目的 Carto系统指导下对心房颤动（房颤）相关的靶肺静脉进行环同侧上、下肺静脉-前庭单环线性消融隔离,观察疗效.方法 对25例术中反复自发肺静脉相关房性早搏（房早）,并触发房性心动过速（房速）和/或房颤的患者,在Carto系统结合单Lasso环状标测导管指导下进行环靶肺静脉-前庭单环射频消融术,达到肺静脉隔离.结果 消融过程中25例患者房早、房速、房颤终止,其中19例患者有自发的肺静脉电位,15例慢于窦性心率.4例患者隔离后肺静脉内发生房颤或房速,2例在肺静脉内补点消融后肺静脉电位消失.随访（22.24±9.01）个月,23例无房速、房颤发作,2例患者术后复发房颤,1例接受再次手术,术后房颤发作减少,1例口服胺碘酮控制.结论 术中能够明确靶肺静脉、单个触发灶的房颤患者,在Carto系统结合单Lasso导管指导下行单环线性消融隔离治疗房颤,成功率高、复发率低,可减少手术损伤.     

抑郁对心房颤动患者环肺静脉射频消融术后复发的影响

目的 探讨抑郁与心房颤动（房颤）环肺静脉射频消融术后复发的相关性。方法 入选2004年至2008年98例经环肺静脉射频消融术治疗的房颤患者,术前均行心电图、超声心动图检查以及抑郁情况的评估,并随访术后复发情况。出现房颤症状及心电检查阳性结果判断为复发。结果 患者平均年龄(56.16±13.22)岁,术后随访(14.7±...     

Randomized comparison of encircling and nonencircling left atrial ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) circumferential ablation has been reported to eliminate atrial fibrillation (AF). Whether an ablation without encirclement of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is as effective as LA circumferential ablation is not clear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation in patients with chronic AF. METHODS: Eighty patients with chronic AF were randomized to undergo LA circumferential ablation (n = 40) or nonencircling linear ablation (n = 40). In LA circumferential ablation, the PVs were encircled, with additional lines made in the mitral isthmus and posterior wall or roof. In nonencircling linear ablation, 4 +/- 1 ablation lines were created through areas of complex electrograms, with lines in the roof (38), anterior wall (36), septum (40), mitral isthmus (32), and posterior annulus (6). The endpoint of LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation was voltage abatement. RESULTS: LA flutter occurred in 15% after LA circumferential ablation and in 18% after nonencircling linear ablation (P = .8). A repeat ablation procedure was performed for recurrent AF in 7 and 11 patients or for atrial flutter in 6 and 4 patients after LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation, respectively (P = .8). At 9 +/- 4 months, the prevalence of AF was 28% in the LA circumferential ablation and 25% in the nonencircling linear ablation group (P = .8). Sixty-eight percent and 60% of patients were in sinus rhythm and free of AF and atrial flutter in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug therapy after LA circumferential ablation and nonencircling linear ablation, respectively (P = .5). There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Nonencircling linear ablation and LA circumferential ablation are equally efficacious in eliminating chronic AF. However, the advantage of nonencircling linear ablation is that it eliminates the need for ablation along the posterior wall of the LA. Therefore, nonencircling linear ablation may avoid the small but real risk of atrioesophageal fistula formation associated with LA circumferential ablation.     

A new approach for complete isolation of the posterior left atrium including pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Esophageal injury is a potential complication after catheter ablation of the posterior left atrium (LA). Therefore, we describe a new approach for complete isolation of the posterior LA including all pulmonary veins (PVs) without vertical lesions along the esophageal aspect of the posterior LA, namely Box isolation .
Methods and Results: Ninety-one patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent Box isolation. Continuous lesions at the anterior portions of the ipsilateral PVs were initially created and then linear ablation of LA roof and bottom was performed to isolate the posterior LA. Continuous vertical lesions at the posterior portions of PVs along the esophageal aspect of the posterior LA were not created. Ablation was performed with an 8-mm-tip catheter. The endpoint was the absence of electrical activity and the inability to pace the posterior LA and all PVs in sinus rhythm. Complete isolation of the posterior LA was achieved in 82 patients (90%). Ablation resulted in the termination of AF in 65%, and subsequent noninducibility of AF in 71% of the patients. A repeat ablation was performed in six of nine patients with recurrence of arrhythmia. At 13 ± 3 months of follow-up, 86 patients (95%) were arrhythmia-free without antiarrhythmic drugs.
Conclusion: This study shows that it is possible to achieve complete isolation of the posterior LA including all PVs without posterior vertical lesions. Box isolation is associated with a high clinical success rate.     

环状电极标测指导射频消融治疗肺静脉起源的阵发性房颤

背景　常规方法标测射频消融治疗局灶性房颤常导致较长的手术时间及较低的成功率。环状电极标测指导射频消融能够克服这些缺点。目的　评价在 10极环状电极标测指导下射频消融电隔离肺静脉治疗阵发性房颤的可行性和有效性。方法　本组研究包括 16例抗心律失常药物治疗无效的阵发性房颤患者 [男性 11例 ,女性 5例 ,平均年龄 (5 1± 14 5 )岁 ]。 10极的环状标测电极在窦性心律或者冠状窦远端 (CSd)起搏的情况下标测肺静脉 ,确定房性早搏发生的起源 ;一旦确定靶肺静脉 ,肺静脉电位的分布及其激动顺序进行评价 ,射频消融在肺静脉口最早激动处进行。消融终点设定为 :①肺静脉电位消失 ;②肺静脉电位与心房电位无关 ;③房早消失。结果　本组研究总共消融了 36条肺静脉 ,包括 16条左上肺静脉 ,12条右上肺静脉 ,7条左下肺静脉 ,1条右下肺静脉。有 2例消融了 1条肺静脉 ;8例消融了 2条肺静脉 ;5例消融了 3条肺静脉 ;消融 4条肺静脉者 1例。手术时间以及X线曝光时间分别为 (186 7± 6 3 8)min及 (5 1 5± 15 0 )min。在随访的 1～ 12月 ,11例 (6 8 7% )在未服抗心律失常药没有房颤发作 ,其中 2例为再次手术 ,有效者 3例 (18 7% ) ,2例未成功 (12 6 % )。初次术后有 2例发作房早 ,其中 1例服用胺碘酮 ,另外 1     

A new approach for contrast-enhanced X-ray imaging of the left atrium and pulmonary veins for atrial fibrillation ablation: rotational angiography during adenosine-induced asystole

Aims: Atrial fibrillation ablation is a complex procedure that requiresdetailed anatomic information about left atrium (LA) and pulmonaryveins (PVs). The goal of this study was to test rotational angiographyof the LA during adenosine-induced asystole as an imaging toolin patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods and results: Seventy patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillationundergoing PV isolation were included. After transseptal puncture,adenosine (30 mg) was given intravenously, and during atrioventricularblock, contrast medium was directly injected in the LA; a rotationalangiography was performed (right anterior oblique 55° toleft anterior oblique 55°). Rotational angiography imageswere assessed qualitatively in all patients and quantitativelyin 45 patients in comparison with computed tomography (CT) images.The majority of rotational angiography imaging data (94%) weredeemed at least ‘useful’ in delineating the LA–PVanatomy. The so-called ‘ridge’ between left superiorPV and left atrial appendage was delineated in 90% of the patients.All accessory PVs were independently identified by rotationalangiography and CT. A blinded quantitative comparison of PVostial diameters showed an excellent correlation between rotationalangiography and CT measurements (r > 0.90 for all PVs). Noserious adverse effects occurred in association with adenosine. Conclusion: Intra-procedural contrast-enhanced rotational angiography ofthe LA–PV during adenosine-induced asystole is feasibleand provides anatomical information of high diagnostic valuefor atrial fibrillation ablation.