Long-term safety and efficacy of circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein isolation

Background: Each of the two main approaches to catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF, segmental and circumferential) is associated with moderate long-term efficacy.
Objective: To report the long-term outcomes of a modified technique that combines circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, determined by a circular mapping catheter and to determine the relationship between complete PV isolation and long-term efficacy.
Methods: The patient population was composed of 64 consecutive patients (47 men [73%]; age 59 ± 11 years) with AF who underwent catheter ablation. AF was paroxysmal in 29 (45%) and nonparoxysmal in 35 (55%). Each patient was followed for a minimum of 12 months.
Results: After a mean follow-up of 13 ± 1 months, the long-term single-procedure success rate was 45% (n = 29) with an additional 4% (n = 3) of patients demonstrating improvement. With repeat procedures in 19 patients, the overall long-term success rate was 62% (n = 40) with 9% (n = 6) demonstrating improvement. All the patients who underwent repeat ablations had recovered PV conduction. Incomplete PV isolation was the only independent predictor of failure. A major complication occurred in four (6%) patients, including three patients with vascular complications and one with cardiac tamponade.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that the long-term single-procedure efficacy of circumferential ablation with PV isolation in a cohort of patients with predominantly nonparoxysmal AF approaches 50%. Repeat procedures involving re-isolation of the PVs result in a significant improvement in outcomes. Complete electrical isolation of the PVs has a significant impact on the long-term efficacy of the procedure.     

Circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein isolation in permanent atrial fibrillation

Each of the main approaches to catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF, segmental and circumferential) is associated with limited efficacy in patients with permanent AF. The objective is to report outcomes of circumferential ablation with pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, determined using a circular mapping catheter, in patients with permanent AF and determine relations between the duration of permanent AF and efficacy. The patient population was composed of 41 consecutive patients (34 men; age 58 +/- 11 years) with permanent AF who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation through circumferential ablation with PV isolation. They were in permanent AF for 2.3 +/- 3.6 years, and 3.4 +/- 2.2 cardioversion procedures and 1.9 +/- 0.8 class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs had failed. After a follow-up of 11 +/- 2 months, the single-procedure success rate was 36% (n = 15) with an additional 12% (n = 5) showing improvement. With repeat procedures in 19%, the success rate was 54% (n = 22) with an additional 12% (n = 5) showing improvement. All patients who underwent repeat ablations had recovered PV conduction. Single-procedure success was higher in patients who were in permanent AF for < or =1 year compared with those in permanent AF for >1 year (50% vs 20%, respectively, p = 0.05). A major complication occurred in 4 patients (8%), including 3 patients with vascular complications and 1 with stroke. In conclusion, study results suggest that circumferential ablation with PV isolation has moderate efficacy in patients with permanent AF. Efficacy is limited in those in continuous AF for >12 months.     

盐水灌注导管电隔离心房-肺(或上腔)静脉治疗阵发性心房颤动的评价

目的评价盐水灌注导管电隔离心房-肺(或上腔)静脉的效果及安全性。方法69例阵发性心房颤动(房颤)患者,男48例,女21例,平均年龄(55±10)岁,平均病史(4.2±1.1)年。所有患者均采用盐水灌注电极进行肺静脉口部节段性消融,电隔离终点为环状标测电极标测的肺静脉电位全部消失。术后随访症状,心电图及24h动态心电图,以无临床症状及无房颤的心电图证据判定为成功。结果69例共电隔离肺静脉206根,上腔静脉11根,右上肺静脉口外点消融1例。即刻电隔离成功率100%,放电时间(2902.0±1326.3)s。随访时间(118.1±69.7)天,成功率71%。结论应用盐水灌注导管电隔离心房-肺(或上腔)静脉消融安全有效,未见严重并发症发生。     

Robotic navigation in catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: midterm efficacy and predictors of postablation arrhythmia recurrences

Robotic Navigation in Ablation of Paroxysmal AF . Introduction: Remote navigation systems represent a novel strategy for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The goal of this study is to describe a single‐center experience with the electromechanical robotic system (Sensei, Hansen Medical) in treatment of patients with paroxysmal AF. Methods: Out of 200 patients who underwent robotically guided ablation for AF between 2007 and 2009 at our institute, 100 patients (29 women, age 56.5 ± 10 years) had paroxysmal AF refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. Electroanatomic mapping using NavX system (St. Jude Medical) provided anatomical shell for subsequent circumferential ablation with robotic catheter (Artisan) loaded with a 3.5‐mm, open‐irrigation, cooled‐tip ablation catheter. Results: A mean of 69 radiofrequency current applications (duration 2082 ± 812 seconds) were delivered to achieve circumferential electrical isolation of pulmonary venous antra. Total procedural time reached 222 ± 54 minutes. The mean fluoroscopic time was 11.9 ± 7.8 minutes. There were no major procedure‐related complications. After a median follow‐up of 15 months (range 3‐28 months), 63% of the patients were free from any atrial arrhythmias ≥ 30 seconds after the single procedure. Success rate increased to 86% after 1.2 procedures. Multivariate analysis revealed that only predictor of recurrent AF/AT was shorter overall procedural time (207 ± 36 vs 236 ± 64 minutes in patients with and without recurrences, respectively, P = 0.0068). Conclusions: This study demonstrates feasibility and safety of robotic navigation in catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF. Midterm follow‐up documents success rate comparable to other technologies and potential for improvement in more extensive ablation along the ridges with thicker myocardium. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 534‐540 May 2011)     

Outcomes in Patients Requiring Cardioversion Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Outcomes of Cardioversion Post AF Ablation.   Introduction: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias is commonly noted after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The long-term outcomes of patients who require cardioversion for persistent AF after AF ablation is not known. This study reports the outcomes of patients who underwent cardioversion for persistent AF or atrial flutter following an AF ablation procedure.
Methods: The patient population comprised 55 patients (mean age 58 ± 10 years, 35% paroxysmal) who underwent catheter ablation of AF and subsequently required electrical cardioversion for persistent AF (45 patients) or atrial flutter (10 patients). Cardioversion was defined as early (within 90 days of the ablation procedure) or late (between 90 and 180 days following ablation).
Results: The mean follow-up duration was 15 ± 8 months. Forty-six of the 55 patients (84%) patients experienced recurrence during follow-up. The average time to recurrence after cardioversion was 37 days. Of the 55 patients, 8 (15%) patients had a complete success, 11 (20%) patients had a partial success and 36 patients (65%) had a failed outcome. Seven of the 43 patients (16%) who underwent early cardioversion had a complete success as opposed to one of 12 patients (8%) who underwent late cardioversion (P = 0.49).
Conclusions: This study shows that >80% of patients who undergo cardioversion for persistent AF or atrial flutter after AF ablation have recurrence. The timing of cardioversion did not affect the outcome. These findings allow clinicians to provide realistic expectations to patients regarding the long-term outcome and/or requirement for a second ablation procedure. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 27–32, January 2010)     

70岁以上心房颤动患者导管射频消融治疗临床分析

目的 分析70岁以上心房如动(房颤)患者导管射频消融治疗成功率及术后复发危险因素.方技,选择导管射频消融的70岁以上房颤患者107例,收集患者临床和电生理资料,采用Cox比例风险回归模型分析房颤消融术后复发危险因素.结果 107例患者中,阵发性房颤89例.持续性房颤18例.平均随访(25.2±11.5)个月,单次消融成...     

三维电解剖标测指导下经导管射频消融治疗心房颤动的初步体会

目的探讨在三维电解剖标测系统(CARTO)指导下经导管射频消融治疗心房颤动(房颤)的安全性和有效性。方法将接受治疗的30例患者(阵发性房颤28例,持续性房颤2例)利用CARTO进行左心房重建后,对阵发性房颤患者行环绕同侧肺静脉的线性消融,射频消融终点为房颤终止且不能诱发;对持续性房颤患者进行左心房和冠状静脉窦的重建,标测射频消融复杂心房碎裂电位区,至房颤终止或行直流电转复。并检测其中16例阵发性房颤患者术后心脏生化标记物动态变化。结果28例阵发性房颤均达到射频消融终点,2例持续性房颤患者中,1例在射频消融中转为窦性心律,1例行直流电转复。术后随访2~14(5.6±3.5)个月,25例患者无房颤复发,单次手术成功率83.3%。16例患者术后第1天肌钙蛋白T由术前的(0.01±0.00)μg/L升至(2.20±0.99)μg/L(P<0.01)。结论在CARTO指导下射频消融治疗房颤安全有效,但肌钙蛋白T明显增高。     

阵发性心房颤动导管消融的远期随访研究

目的 观察阵发性心房颤动(房颤)导管消融远期的成功率、抗凝或抗栓治疗和栓塞事件及抗心律失常药物治疗情况.方法 回顾2000年1月至2004年12月连续住院的症状明显、药物治疗无效的阵发性房颤并行导管消融治疗的患者106例.所有患者均在环状标测电极(Lasso)引导下进行肺静脉节段性电隔离.术后通过24 h的Holter、体表心电图、话和书信进行长期随访,观察房颤复发、抗凝或抗栓治疗和栓塞事件、抗心律失常药物治疗及死亡等情况.结果 成功随访97例,失访9例.随访病例中,男性65例,年龄(54.8±11.2)岁.平均随访(60.7±11.8)个月,3例因恶性肿瘤死亡.其余94例中,68例(72.3%)维持窦律(窦律组),26例(27.7%)房颤复发(复发组),其中8例(8.5%)为晚期复发.窦律组56例(82.4%)停用抗凝或抗栓治疗,没有发生栓寒事件.复发组中仅1例华法林抗凝,11例服用阿司匹林,其中2例发生脑栓塞;其余14例(53.8%)停用抗凝或抗栓治疗,1例发生脑栓塞.复发组栓塞发生率明显高于窦律组(P<0.01).窦律组停用抗心律失常药物治疗的比率明显高于复发组(80.9%比56.0%,P<0.05).结论 阵发性房颤导管消融有较高远期成功率,远期复发率低;房颤根治者远期可以停用抗凝或抗栓治疗,且明显减少栓塞风险,并通过减少该类患者抗心律失常药物治疗,相应提高生活质量.     

Does Left Atrial Volume and Pulmonary Venous Anatomy Predict the Outcome of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation?

Introduction: Preprocedural factors may be helpful in selecting patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) for treatment with catheter ablation and in making an assumption regarding their prognosis. The aims of this study were to investigate whether left atrial (LA) volume and pulmonary venous (PV) anatomy, evaluated by computed tomography (CT) prior to ablation, will predict AF recurrence following catheter ablation.
Methods and Results: We included 146 patients (mean age 57 ± 11 years, 83% male) with symptomatic AF (55% paroxysmal, 18% persistent, 27% long-standing persistent). All patients underwent CT scanning prior to catheter ablation to evaluate LA volume and PV anatomy. Circumferential PV isolation was performed guided by Cartomerge electroanatomical mapping. The outcome was defined as complete success, improvement, or failure.
After a mean follow-up of 19 ±7 months, complete success was achieved in 59 patients (40%), and 38 patients (26%) demonstrated improvement. LA volume was found to be an independent predictor of AF recurrence with an adjusted OR of 1.14 for every 10-mL increase in volume (95% CI 1.00–1.29, P = 0.047). PV variations were equally distributed among the different outcomes of the ablation procedure, and therefore univariate analysis did not identify PV anatomy as a predictor of outcome.
Conclusion: LA volume is an independent predictor of AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Additionally, PV anatomy did not have any effect on the outcome. These findings suggest that an assessment of LA volume may be incorporated into the preprocedural evaluation of patients being considered for AF ablation.     

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation—Single center experience

AimsCatheter ablation (CA) has become standard therapy for atrial fibrillation, especially for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Precise single center follow-up (FU) data (especially long-term FU data) are published infrequently.MethodsWe studied 303 consecutive patients (172 males, 131 females, mean age 57 years) who underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (489 procedures) in years 2004–2012. Clinical examination, ECG, 24-h or 7-day Holter monitoring and quality of life (QoL) measurement (EQ-5D) was performed at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24-month FU.ResultsFU data longer than 6 month after the first procedure are available for 135 patients with paroxysmal, 84 patients with persistent and 48 patients with longstanding persistent AF. The success rate after 6 month after the first procedure (sinus rhythm without AA drugs, no arrhythmias) was 48% for paroxysmal, 43% for persistent and 44% for longstanding persistent AF. The complication rate was 3.3% (16 patients, no deaths, no pulmonary vein stenosis, 5 incidents of pericardial effusion treated with pericardiocentesis; 1 transitory ischemic attack; the remainder were local complications in the groin). The success rate after the last procedure (mean FU 24±16 month, 1.6 procedure per patient) was 80% for paroxysmal and 58% for persistent and longstanding persistent AF. QoL increased significantly in all groups of patients.ConclusionWith the standard procedure we can achieve acceptable results (success rate 60–80% with repeated procedures) with low complication rate even in a “lower volume” center. In selected patients (with paroxysmal AF preferring interventional treatment) can be CA recommended as first-line therapy for rhythm control. CA improves QoL in our patients with AF. As there is no gold standard to measure QoL in AF patients, EQ-5D seems to be a simple, quick and useful tool.     

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in octogenarians: safety and outcomes

AF Ablation in Octogenarians. Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), although studies evaluating the role of RFCA have largely excluded elderly patients. We report the safety and outcomes of RFCA of AF in octogenarians. Methods and Results: From 2008 to 2011, out of 2,754 consecutive patients undergoing RFCA of AF, 103 (3.7%) had ≥80 years (age 85 ± 3 years, 4 with >90 years). Pulmonary vein (PV) antrum isolation was performed in paroxysmal AF. In nonparoxysmal AF, ablation was extended to the entire left atrial posterior wall and to complex fractionated electrograms. Non‐PV triggers were disclosed by isoproterenol challenge at the end of the procedure and targeted for ablation. Octogenarians presented a high rate of non‐PV triggers (84% vs 69%, P = 0.001), especially in patients with paroxysmal AF (62% vs 19%, P < 0.001); non‐PV triggers were most commonly mapped in the coronary sinus (54%), left atrial appendage (32%), interatrial septum and superior vena cava (14%). After a mean follow‐up of 18 ± 6 months, 71 (69%) octogenarians remained free from AF recurrence off antiarrhythmic drugs after a single procedure (vs 71% in patients <80 years, P = 0.65). The success rate reached 87% after 2 procedures. Total periprocedural complication rates also did not differ between the 2 age groups. Conclusions: RFCA of AF is safe and effective in octogenarians. A high rate of non‐PV triggers is present in these patients, and targeting multiple structures other than the pulmonary veins is often necessary to achieve long‐term success. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 687‐693, July 2012)     

三维标测系统指导下环肺静脉消融治疗心房颤动

目的 探讨三维标测系统指导下环肺静脉消融治疗心房颤动的安全性和有效性.方法 阵发性心房颤动92例和持续性或永久性心房颤动36例,接受环肺静脉消融术.采用Carto电解剖标测系统,进行环肺静脉左心房线性消融,消融终点为肺静脉电隔离.手术结束时对心律仍为心房颤动者行同步直流电心脏复律.结果 完成"解剖学"环形消融线256条,其中58.6%达到电隔离肺静脉的终点,经寻找缝隙补充消融后最终248条(96.9%)消融线达到终点.手术时间(231±45)min、X线曝光时间(42±13)min和放电时间(66±17)min.术后随访平均10个月,无复发101例(78.9%).接受了再次手术15例,心内电生理检查证实14例有左心房-肺静脉传导,射频消融成功并随访30～270 d,两次射频消融术后总成功率为87.5%,其中阵发性心房颤动成功率为93.0%,持续性或永久性心房颤动为76.7%.并发症发生率为6.2%,包括心包填塞2例、小脑梗死2例、股静脉穿刺部位血肿1例和左侧大量血胸1例,经治疗后均痊愈.结论 以肺静脉电隔离为目标的环肺静脉消融术治疗心房颤动有效和安全.     

Right and Left Atrial Radiofrequency Catheter Therapy of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: (AF), trial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia, is due to multiple simultaneous wavelets of reentry in the atria. The only available curative treatment is surreal, using atriotomies to compartmentalize the atria. Therefore, we investigated a staged anatomical approach using radiofrequency catheter ablation lines to prevent paroxysmal AF. Methods and Results: Forty-live patients with frequent symptomatic drug-refractory episodes of paroxysmal AF were studied. Progressively complex linear lesions were created by sequential applications of radiofrequency current in the right atrium and then in the left atrium if required. The outcome of the procedure was considered a success when the episodes of AF were either eliminated or recurred at a rate of no more than one episode (lasting < 6 hours) in 3 months. Patients who had no more than one episode per month were considered “improved.” Right atrial ablation organized local electrical activity and led to stable sinus rhythm during the procedure in 18 (40%) of the 45 patients. However, sustained AF remained inducible in 40 of 45 patients, and the lesions failed to produce evidence of a significant linear conduction block/delay in all but four patients. There were no significant complications except for two transient sinus node dysfunctions. The procedure duration and fluoroscopic time were 248 ± 79 and 53 ± 11 min, respectively. Additional sessions were required in 19 patients to treat sustained right atrial flutter or arrhythmias linked to ectopic right or left atrial foci. During a mean follow-up of 11 ± 4 months, right atrial ablation was successful in 15 (33%) patients, ft without medication and 9 with a previously ineffective drug. Nine (20%) additional patients were improved. Ten patients with an unsuccessful outcome then underwent linear ablation in the left atrium. The procedure duration and fluoroscopy time were 292 ± 94 and 66 ± 24 min. A hemopericardium occurred in one patient. Two patients required reablation to treat ectopic atrial foci. Left atrial ablation terminated AF during the procedure in 8 patients, and sustained AF could not he induced in 5. Subsequent success was achieved in A (60%) patients, including 4 without medication, and 1 additional patient was improved. Conclusions: Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of drug-refractory daily paroxysmal AF is feasible using linear atrial lesions complemented by focal ablation targeted at arrhythmogenic foci. Ablation only in the right atrium is a safe technique providing limited success, whereas linear lesions in the left atrium significantly increase the incidence of stable restoration of sinus rhythm, the inability to induce sustained AF, and the final success rate. The described technique is promising hut must he considered preliminary because significant Improvements are required to optimize lesion characteristics and shorten total procedure duration.     

Long-term follow-up after radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: role of the acute procedure outcome and of the clinical presentation.

AIMS: This study is a single centre long-term experience on a consecutive cohort of patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing electrical disconnection of pulmonary veins (PVs) by means of catheter ablation. Long-term outcome was analyzed in relation to acute procedure success and to the clinical presentation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four patients (182 males, mean age 55.9+/-10.6 years), affected by paroxysmal (78%) or persistent AF, underwent an electrophysiologically guided isolation of PVs. ECG, Holter and clinical follow-up were obtained at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. At discharge an antiarrhythmic drug, Flecainide, was given only in cases with incomplete disconnection; Amiodarone was administered in all persistent AF pts. Successful disconnection of all PVs was achieved in 90% of cases. The rate of stable sinus rhythm maintenance was 85%, 74%, 72% and 65% at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. The one-year arrhythmia free survival rates were higher among patients with paroxysmal AF (68% vs. 54%, P 0.008), those with complete disconnection of all PVs and in patients younger than 55 years. CONCLUSIONS: The electrical disconnection of all the pulmonary veins should be the minimal endpoint of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with either paroxysmal or persistent AF. Incomplete disconnection of the PVs is predictive of recurrence. Long-term results of the ablation procedure were significantly better in patients with paroxysmal AF.     

进一步推进我国导管消融治疗心房颤动的临床研究

目前,心房颤动（房颤）治疗的研究方向主要有两个,一是导管消融,电生理学家力图通过不断改进消融术式,获取更好的消融效果,以期达到最终根治房颤的目的;二是药物治疗,许多药理学家则希望研制出副作用小、见效快、能长期抑制房颤的抗心律失常药物（AAD）,部分对导管消融治疗房颤效果有疑虑的临床医师也对此抱有很大希望。     

Long-term results of single-procedure catheter ablation for atrial fibrillationin pre- and post-menopausal women

Objectives To address whether menopause affects outcome of catheter ablation （CA） for atrial fibrillation （AF） by comparing the safety and long-term outcome of a single-procedure in pre-and post-menopausal women. Methods A total of 743 female patients who underwent a single CA procedure of drug-refractory AF were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in clinical presentation and outcomes of CA for AF between the pre-menopausal women （PreM group, 94 patients, 12.7%） and the post-menopausal women （PostM group, 649 patients, 87.3%） were assessed. Results The patients in the PreM group were younger （P＆lt;0.001） and less likely to have hypertension （P＆lt;0.001） and diabetes （P=0.005） than those in the PostM group. The two groups were similar with regards to the proportion of concomitant mitral valve regurgitation coronary artery disease, left atrium dimensions, and left ventricular ejection fraction. The overall rate of complica-tions related to AF ablation was similar in both groups （P=0.385）. After 43 （16-108） months of follow-up, the success rate of ablation was 54.3%in the PreM group and 54.2%in the PostM group （P=0.842）. The overall freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence was simi-lar in both groups. Menopause was not found to be an independent predictive factor of the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia. Conclusions The long-term outcomes of single-procedure CA for AF are similar in pre-and post-menopausal women. Results indicated that CA of AF appears to be as safe and effective in pre-menopausal women as in post-menopausal women.     

Clinical Benefit of Ablating Localized Sources for Human Atrial Fibrillation: The Indiana University FIRM Registry

Background

Mounting evidence shows that localized sources maintain atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is unclear in unselected “real-world” patients if sources drive persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF), long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LPeAF), or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF); if right atrial sites are important; and what the long-term success of source ablation is.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation versus atrioventricular junction ablation plus pacing therapy for elderly patients with medically refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become another nonpharmacologic therapeutic option for medically refractory paroxysmal AF. Whether this method is better than atrioventricular (AV) junction ablation plus pacing therapy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the very long-term (longer than 4 years) clinical outcomes of the 2 methods in elderly patients (>65 years old) with medically refractory paroxysmal AF. METHODS: From January 1995 to December 2001, 71 elderly patients with medically refractory paroxysmal AF were included; group 1 included 32 patients with successful AV junction ablation plus pacing therapy and group 2, 37 patients with successful catheter ablation of AF. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of more than 52 months, the AF was better controlled in the group 1 patients than group 2 (100% vs 81%, P = 0.013), however, they had a significantly higher incidence of persistent AF (69% vs 8%, P < 0.001) and heart failure (53% vs 24%, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of ischemic stroke and cardiac death was similar between the 2 groups. Compared with the preablation values, a significant increase in the NYHA functional class (1.7 +/- 0.9 vs 1.4 +/- 0.7, P = 0.01) and significant decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (44 +/- 8% vs 51 +/- 10%, P = 0.01) were noted in the group 1 patients, but not in the group 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although AV junction ablation plus pacing therapy better controlled the AF in elderly patients with medically refractory paroxysmal AF, that method was associated with a higher incidence of persistent AF and heart failure than catheter ablation of AF in the very long-term follow-up.     

Retrospective review of Arctic Front Advance Cryoballoon Ablation: a multicenter examination of second-generation cryoballoon (RADICOOL trial)

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) via catheter ablation is an approved therapy for patients with drug-refractory and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Furthermore, cryoballoon is now considered to be as effective as focal radiofrequency catheter ablation. This study examines the second-generation cryoballoon performance in a US multicenter review of real-world practices.

Methods

By retrospective chart collections, the long-term efficacy and safety of the cryoballoon procedure were assessed in 15 US centers. All patients had a history of drug-refractory symptomatic paroxysmal AF and were treated with a cryoballoon PVI strategy at the index ablation.

Results

Four hundred fifty-two patients were evaluated, and acute PVI was achieved in 99% of patients by cryoballoon catheter ablation. In 0.88% of patients (4/452), an additional focal ablation catheter was used to achieve acute PVI during the ablation procedure. Average procedure time was 128 (range 82 to 260) min, using an average of 17 (range 1 to 19) min of fluoroscopy. The most frequent adverse event was transient phrenic nerve injury (1.5%; 7/452 patients) which all resolved by the end of the procedure with no diaphragmatic dysfunction at discharge. There were no strokes, transient ischemic attacks, cardiac tamponade, atrioesophageal fistulas, or deaths during the study. At the 12-month efficacy endpoint, single-procedure success of freedom from atrial arrhythmia was 87% (393/452 patients).

Conclusions

This real-world examination of the US practice demonstrates that second-generation cryoballoon ablation by PVI strategy is safe and effective among patients with paroxysmal AF.

     

中国经导管消融治疗心房颤动注册研究10年回顾

目的 分析我同经导管消融治疗心房颤动(房颤)10年的发展历程.方法 根据参加注册医院提供的资料,对1998年至2007年我国经导管消融治疗房颤的病例资料进行同顾性分析.结果 1998年至2007年我国经导管消融治疗房颤的患者病例数快速增加,从1998年的11例增至2007年的2620例.10年里患者年龄、持续性房颤和长期持续性房颤的比例、合并基础疾病及在心房内径增大的患者比例逐年增加.经导管消融治疗房颤的主要术式是环肺静脉消融术和节段性肺静脉消融术.消融能源主要为射频.标测系统发展迅速,Carto应用广泛.消融总成功率为77.1%,复发率为22.9%.对成功率和复发率有显著影响的因素有年龄、性别、合并基础疾病、左心房内径、左心室舒张末内径、房颤类型和消融术式.消融后抗心律失常药物的应用明显减少,但抗凝治疗加强.并发症发生率为5.3%,主要是皮下血肿和心脏压塞,严重并发症心房食管瘘仅1例.结论 建议在综合条件较好的医院,可以将经导管消融作为症状明显的阵发性房颤的一线治疗方法.