Intraoperative endocardial microwave ablation for treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass surgery: 1-year follow-up

Aims Operative treatment of atrial fibrillation was initiallyperformed as a maze operation in combination with mitral valvesurgery or as a stand-alone procedure. The introduction of simplifiedablation procedures led to the extension of operative atrialfibrillation treatment. Methods and results In 102 consecutive patients, endocardialmicrowave ablation was performed during coronary artery bypasssurgery alone (n=42) or in combination with valve surgery (n=60).Patients were divided according to lesion line concept (theinitial single lesion line concept connecting the pulmonaryveins with the mitral valve annulus was replaced by a box lesionline concept including the left atrial appendage) and the complexityof the procedure. Patients were followed prospectively at 1,3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Survival rate was 95.8%at 30 days and 88.5% after 1 year. There were no device-relatedcomplications. At all follow-ups, approximately 10% more ofthe patients with the first lesion line concept and coronarybypass operation alone showed stable sinus rhythm in contrastto the combination procedures. With the new lesion line concept,patients were significantly more often in sinus rhythm at 1-yearfollow-up (74% vs. 52%; P=0.0026). Conclusion Our results demonstrate that endocardial microwaveablation can be performed in combination with coronary arterybypass grafting with excellent conversion rate to sinus rhythmafter 1 year without increasing the surgical risk for patientswith permanent atrial fibrillation.     

Left atrial radiofrequency ablation during cardiac surgery in patients with atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Intraoperative left atrial radiofrequency (RF) ablation recently has been suggested as an effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to verify the outcome of this technique in a controlled multicenter trial. Methods and Results: One hundred three consecutive patients (39 men and 65 women; age 62 ± 11 years) affected by AF underwent cardiac surgery and RF ablation in the left atrium (RF group). The control group consisted of 27 patients (6 men and 21 women; age 64 ± 7 years) with AF who underwent cardiac surgery during the same period and refused RF ablation. Mitral valve disease was present in 89 (86%) and 25 (92%) patients, respectively (P = NS). RF endocardial ablation was performed in order to obtain isolation of both right and left pulmonary veins, a lesion connecting the previous lines, and a lesion connecting the line encircling the left veins to the mitral annulus. Upon discharge from the hospital, sinus rhythm was present in 65 patients (63%) versus 5 patients (18%) in the control group (P < 0.0001). Mean time of cardiopulmonary bypass was longer in the RF group (148 ± 50 min vs 117 ± 30 min, P = 0.013). The complication rate was similar in both groups, but RF ablation‐related complications occurred in 4 RF group patients (3.9%). After a mean follow‐up of 12.5 ± 5 months (range 4–24), 83 (81%) of 102 RF group patients were in stable sinus rhythm versus 3 (11%) of 27 in the control group (P < 0.0001). The success rate was similar among the four surgical centers. Atrial contraction was present in 66 (79.5%) of 83 patients in the RF group in sinus rhythm. Conclusion: Endocardial RF left atrial compartmentalization during cardiac surgery is effective in restoring sinus rhythm in many patients. This technique is easy to perform and reproducible. Rare RF ablation‐related complications can occur. During follow‐up, sinus rhythm persistence is good, and biatrial contraction is preserved in most patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 1289‐1295, December 2003)     

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。     

Catheter ablation is preferred over surgery for persistent atrial fibrillation

There are important limitations that can hinder outcomes of surgical ablation in nonparoxysmal patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), which is the typical AF population undergoing concomitant cardiac surgery for valve or ischemic heart disease. Incomplete lesions with recovered conduction or gaps as well as arrhythmias originating from areas not targeted by surgical ablation are commonly seen at the time of recurrence. Therefore, while it might be reasonable to perform AF surgery in this cohort, it is important to know these limitations and establish adequate postoperative rhythm monitoring to detect recurrences, which can be effectively addressed by catheter ablation.     

Catheter ablation of regular atrial arrhythmia following surgical treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation

Ablation of Atrial Tachycardia after Antiatrial Fibrillation Surgery. INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is gaining widespread acceptance. However, therapeutic modalities for secondary regular atrial tachycardia are still empiric. METHODS AND RESULTS: After linear atrial cooled-tip radiofrequency ablation (SICTRA) during cardio-surgical procedures to cure permanent AF, patients with regular atrial tachycardia were identified. Invasive electrophysiology including electroanatomic mapping was performed. Catheter ablation was directed to suppress atrial arrhythmia depending on activation mapping findings. Follow-up was performed after 3 months and then after every 6 months. Of 238 patients, 12 (5.0%) were identified with regular secondary arrhythmias (12 +/- 7 months after surgery) including 9 (3.8%) with persistent forms originating from the right atrium (RA) in six (66%) (isthmus-dependent macroreentry in 4, incisional macroreentry in 1, and RA ectopy in 1). All patients with RA origin of the tachycardia were successfully ablated. Two patients had left atrial (LA)-macroreentry circling around the mitral valve indicating insufficiency of the intraoperative ablation procedure: one patient was successfully ablated within the LA isthmus, in the other patient no complete conduction block could be induced. One patient had LA-macroreentry degenerating into AF, and ablation was not performed. During follow-up (9 +/- 4 months), no recurrences of atrial tachycardias were documented after successful ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent regular "secondary" arrhythmia occurred in 3.8% (9/238) of patients after SICTRA to treat permanent AF. Predominantly (67%; 6/9), the arrhythmia was located in the RA mostly incorporating the RA-isthmus. Catheter ablation was highly effective for RA tachycardia (100%). In three cases (33%), LA-macroreentry was documented and catheter ablation was successful in only one patient (overall success 78%).     

Efficiency and safety of ablation procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation in valve surgery: A PRISMA-compliant cumulative systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Atrial fibrillation is the main complication of patients who suffer from valvular heart disease (VHD), which may lead to an increased susceptibility to ventricular tachycardia, atrial dysfunction, heart failure, and stroke. Therefore, seeking a safe and effective therapy is crucial in prolonging the lives of patients with VHD and improving their quality of life.Methods:Our target database included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, from which published articles were retrieved from inception to June 2020. We retrieved all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared patients undergoing valve surgery with (VSA) or without ablation (VS) procedure. Studies to be included were screened and data extraction was performed independently by 2 investigators. The Cochrane risk-of-bias table was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included RCTs. The mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and relative risk (RR) ratio was calculated to analyze the data. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I² and chi-square tests. Egger test and the trim and fill analysis were used to further determine publication bias.Results:Fourteen RCTs that included 1376 patients were eventually selected for this meta-analysis. Surgical ablation was found to be effective in restoring sinus rhythm in valvular surgery patients at discharge (RR 2.91, 95% CI [1.17, 7.20], I² 97%, P = .02), 3 to 6 months (RR 2.85, 95% CI [2.27, 3.58], I² 49%, P < .00001), 12 months, and more than 1 year after surgery (RR 3.54, 95% CI [2.78, 4.51], I² 27%, P < .00001). All-cause mortality (RR 0.98, 95% CI [0.64, 1.51], I² 0%, P = .94) and stroke (RR 1.29, 95% CI [0.70, 2.39], I² 0%, P = .57) were similar in the VSA and VS groups. Compared with VS, VSA prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (MD 30.44, 95% CI [17.55, 43.33], I² 88%, P < .00001) and aortic cross-clamping time (MD 19.57, 95% CI [11.10, 28.03], I² 89%, P < .00001). No significant differences were found between groups with respect to the risk of bleeding (RR 0.64, 95% CI [0.37, 1.12], I² 0%, P = .12), heart failure (RR 1.11, 95% CI [0.63, 1.93], I² 0%, P = .72), and low cardiac output syndrome (RR 1.41, 95% CI [0.57, 3.46], I² 18%, P = .46). However, the demand for implantation of a permanent pacemaker was significantly higher in the VSA group (RR 1.84, 95% CI [1.15, 2.95], I² 0%, P = .01).Conclusion:Although we found high heterogeneity in the restoration of sinus rhythm at discharge, we assume that the comparison is valid at this time, given the current state in the operating room. This study provides evidence of the efficacy and security of concomitant ablation intervention for patients with VHD and atrial fibrillation. Surgical ablation would increase the safety of implantation of a permanent pacemaker in the population that underwent valve surgery.     

双极射频消融心房颤动同时手术治疗器质性心脏病的临床效果

目的：探讨双极射频消融钳治疗心房颤动同期行开胸手术治疗器质性心脏病的手术方法和临床结果,提高对此类疾病的治疗水平。方法：回顾分析2009年8月～2012年5月对58例器质性心脏病并发心房颤动用双极射频消融钳治疗房颤的临床资料。结果：本组患者手术均顺利完成。射频时间16～38（24±4） min,主动脉阻断时间64～200（126±36） min,体外循环时间91～238（150±37） min;手术结束及出院时窦性心率分别为46（79%）,45（78%）例,随访3个月,6个月和12个月,窦性心率分别为41（71%）,40（69%）和42（72%）例。全组病例无手术死亡和射频相关并发症。所有患者均无需安装永久起搏器。双心房消融与单独左房消融比较无显著差异。结论：此方法可行,效果满意,但要注意把握适应证。     

Dual independent atrial tachycardias after ablation of chronic atrial fibrillation

We report the case of a 71-year-old man with two atrial tachycardias evolving simultaneously and independently in two dissociated regions after extensive ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation. One tachycardia was a focal tachycardia originating from the right inferior pulmonary vein and activating the posterior left atrium with a 2:1 conduction block, while the other tachycardia was an atrial flutter circulating around the tricuspid annulus, activating the right atrium and the anterior wall of the left atrium. These two atrial tachycardias were successfully ablated prior to restoration of sinus rhythm.     

Midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in persistent atrial fibrillation

Introduction

The aim of the study was to assess the midterm results of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with a mitral valve procedure in patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Between October 2006 and July 2009, 95 patients with mitral valve disease and persistent atrial fibrillation underwent a mitral valve procedure and left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation. The postoperative data of the combined procedure were collected at the time of discharge and at one, three, six and 12 months after the operation.

Results

Hospital mortality rate was 6.3% (six patients). Normal sinus rhythm was achieved in 77.2% of patients during the early postoperative period in hospital, and in 73.3, 72.0 and 75% of patients at three, six and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 14.02 ± 5.71 months (range: 6–19 months). During this midterm follow-up period, nine patients had late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. No risk factor was identified for late recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

Our midterm follow-up results suggest that the addition of left atrial bipolar radiofrequency ablation to mitral valve surgery is an effective and safe procedure to restore sinus rhythm in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation.     

A novel treatment for esophageal lesions following atrial fibrillation ablation

This study presents a novel technique for the treatment of a deep esophageal ulcer after ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed using a radiofrequency irrigated tip catheter. On Day 5 of follow-up, a deep esophageal ulcer was observed. No significant visual improvement was observed after conventional treatment. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy in the esophagus was then applied for 5 days. A significant decrease in diameter and depth of the lesion was observed, possibly preventing perforation. Endoscopic negative pressure therapy can be used to heal thermal lesions after AF ablation procedures.     

Morphological changes of the left atrial appendage after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Introduction: The left atrial appendage (LAA) has been proven to be the most important site of thrombus formation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the information regarding the morphometric alteration of the LAA related to the outcome of AF ablation is still lacking. Thus, we evaluated the long-term changes of the LAA morphology in patients undergoing catheter ablation of AF using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
Methods and Results: Group 1 included 15 controls without any AF history. Group 2 included 40 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. They were divided into two subgroups: group 2a included 30 patients without AF recurrence after pulmonary vein (PV) ablation. Group 2b included 10 patients with late recurrence of AF. The LAA morphology before and after (20 ± 11 months) ablation was evaluated by three-dimensional MRA. The group 2 patients had a larger baseline LAA size (including the LAA orifice, neck, and length) and less eccentric LAA orifice and neck. After the AF ablation, there was a significant reduction in the LAA size in the group 2a patients, and the morphology of the LAA neck became more eccentric during the follow-up period. In group 2b, the LAA size increased and no significant change in the eccentricity of the orifice and neck could be noted.
Conclusions: The morphometric remodeling of the LAA in the AF patients could be reversed after a successful ablation of the AF. Progressive dilation of the LAA was noted in the patients with AF recurrence. These structural changes in the LAA may play a role in reducing the potential risk of cerebrovascular accidents.     

Intra-operative cooled-tip radiofrequency linear atrial ablation to treat permanent atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of saline irrigated cooled-tip atrial linear endocardial radiofrequency ablation (SICTRA) concomitant to open-heart surgical procedures in the treatment of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-two patients presenting with permanent AF and the need for cardiac surgery were included. In addition to the cardio-surgical procedure [mitral valve (MV) surgery (n = 94), aortic valve replacement (n = 29), bypass surgery (n = 76 including 24 patients with additional MV surgery), and combined procedures (n = 23)] concomitant SICTRA was performed. In 116 patients, the ablation pattern was restricted to the left atrium alone. During the mean follow-up of 29 months, 174 patients (78%) converted to sinusrhythm (SR). In patients with SICTRA restricted to the left atrium conversion rates were not different compared to a biatrial approach (83 vs. 74%, P = 0.47). Thirty-days mortality was found to be 4% (9/222). Post-mortem evaluation revealed 23% of all lesions to be histologically non-transmural. In the overall group, only 4% of patients developed sustained secondary regular atrial arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS: SICTRA safely and effectively restores stable SR in 78% of patients with permanent AF undergoing open-heart surgery. Rhythm outcome is not influenced by treatment of the right atrium. Sustained regular atrial arrhythmia with the need for invasive treatment strategies occurs in 4% although intra-operative ablation lesions are often non-transmural.     

Concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass and cardiac valve surgery

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in conjunction with other cardiac surgery is now a class I guideline recommendation. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the concomitant surgical ablation of AF can be performed safely and effectively during valve and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) resulting in a return to sinus rhythm postoperatively and improved long‐term results. However, the surgical ablation of AF at the time of other cardiac surgery is performed less often than it should be, especially in patients undergoing CABG and aortic valve surgery. Randomized‐controlled trials designed to determine the effect of treating AF concomitantly with other cardiac surgical procedures have lacked long‐term follow up, but multiple, large observational studies have demonstrated an improved quality of life, a decrease in long‐term strokes, and improved late survival in patients who undergo AF ablation. However, the potential survival benefit of concomitant AF ablation was not addressed by either the Society of Thoracic Surgery or American Association for Thoracic Surgery guideline committees. Left atrial appendage closure is an important part of the surgical ablation of AF as it significantly reduces the long‐term risk of stroke following cardiac surgery and improves the success of AF treatment. In this study, we update the electrophysiology and surgical community on the recommended surgical techniques for AF ablation and its effect on perioperative morbidity, perioperative mortality, as well as its long‐term effects on stroke, quality of life, and survival.     

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.     

心内直视术中同期射频消融治疗心房纤颤疗效的危险因素分析

目的 总结心内直视术中同期行射频消融（radiofrequencyablation,RFA）治疗心房纤颤（atrialfibrillation,AF）的临床疗效．分析可能影响转复率的危险因素。方法将2009年1月至2011年1月广东省人民医院收治的483例心内直视术同期行RFA的患者全部纳入研究,以术后3个月内是否为持续性AF进行分组比较,对术前、术中、术后可能影响RFA转复效果的相关因素进行单因素和多因素分析。结果左心房内径≥55mm（OR=8．925,95％CI：5．045．15．790,P〈0．0001）,年龄≥60岁的患者RFA转复率明显降低（DR=2．940,95％CI：1．731～4．992．P〈O．0001）;接受双心房消融的患者相对于单纯接受左心房消融的患者转复成功率高（OR=0．590,95％CI：0．276～0．961,P=0．0321）。结论左心房≥55mm、年龄≥60岁是影响RFA手术效果的独立危险因素;双心房消融相对于左心房消融治疗效果更好。     

持续性心房纤颤的辅助消融策略

心房纤颤（简称房颤）是一种临床上最常见的持续性心律失常,发病率高,危害大。近年来,房颤的非药物治疗取得了较快发展,其中肺静脉隔离（PVI）就是一种有效的治疗方法。这种方法对于阵发性房颤患者治愈率较高,而在持续性房颤和长时程房颤患者中疗效一般。本综述主要探讨针对持续性房颤患者的最新辅助消融策略及其机制,包括线性消融、复杂碎裂心房电位（CFAE）消融、神经节（丛）消融、主频率消融、转子消融和与房颤触发相关的其他解剖位点消融。     

心房颤动导管消融术后早期心力衰竭12例临床分析

目的:认识心房颤动(房颤)导管消融术的另一种并发症--急性心力衰竭(心衰).方法:回顾分析12例既往无心力衰竭史、因房颤经导管消融术后早期发生急性心衰患者的临床资料.结果:1 032例房颤导管消融术后48 h内发生急性心衰12例(1.2%),12例中慢性房颤11例,阵发性房颤1例.临床表现为呼吸急促12例(100%),其中端坐呼吸8例(67%),剧烈胸痛2例(17%),发热(37.5℃～38.5℃)6例(50%),肺部湿性啰音12例(100%),心室率增快12例(100%),低血压1例(8%),胸片提示胸腔积液3例(25%)、肺水肿改变4例(33%),经胸超声心动图提示少量心包积液5例(42%),白细胞计数大于10.0×109/L 7例(58%),左室射血分数(59.6±3.2)%.所有患者于治疗后2～7 d内临床症状消失.结论:房颤导管消融术后早期可能会发生心衰,合理的支持治疗可在短期内改善病情.