Right Coronary Artery Occlusion During RF Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter

RCA Occlusion During RF Ablation . Right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion and acute myocardial infarction are rare during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) or cardiac arrest in the periprocedural period may be the initial or only clinical manifestation. Septal or lateral RF delivery may increase the risk. We report 2 cases of RCA occlusion during ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL). Angiographic and anatomical correlations are illustrated. One patient was ablated with a septal approach, the other with a lateral approach, and in each instance the RCA occluded near the ablative lesions. If septal or lateral ablation lines are contemplated during ablation of isthmus‐dependent atrial flutter, fluoroscopic or electroanatomic confirmation of catheter position is pivotal. Smaller tipped catheters, energy titration (to minimally effective dose), saline irrigation, or cryoablation should also be considered to help avoid this serious complication. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. pp. 818‐821, July 2010)     

Transcatheter Cryoablation of Ventricular Myocardium in Dogs

Introduction: Surgical cryoablation, a highly effective technique used during antiarrhythmic surgery, produces voluminous, histologically uniform and discreet myocardial lesions. In contrast, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation, which as a result of its less invasive nature has largely supplanted antiarrhythmic surgery, produces smaller, histologically heterogeneous myocardial lesions. Since small lesion size and heterogeneity may reduce antiarrhythmic efficacy, we sought to reproduce the large, histologically homogeneous lesions created by surgical cryoablation, using a catheter cryoablation system (Cryogen, Inc., San Diego, CA) in the canine ventricle. Methods and Results: In seven dogs, nineteen ventricular lesions (two right and seventeen left) were created with a 10F cryoablation catheter with either a 2 or 6[emsp4 ]mm tip. In one dog AV node ablation was also performed. For each 'freeze', catheter tip nadir temperature, lesion width, depth, and transmurality were recorded, and lesion volume calculated. Average tip nadir temperature was –79.6±4.9°C. Cooler nadir tip temperature was associated with deeper (p=.007) and more voluminous lesions (p=.042), and a greater likelihood of lesion transmurality (p=.034). Average lesion volume was 500±356[emsp4 ]mm³. No other variables predicted lesion volume or transmurality. Histologically, the catheter cryoablation lesions were sharply demarcated and homogeneous. The single freeze performed at the AV junction produced complete AV block. One complication, catheter rupture following its repetitive use, resulted in a coronary air embolus and death. Conclusion: Catheter cryoablation of canine ventricular myocardium produced voluminous, discrete, transmural lesions, which might be effective for ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Lesion volume and transmurality were dependent on catheter tip nadir temperature.     

Acute success and short-term follow-up of catheter ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter; a comparison of 8 mm tip radiofrequency and cryothermy catheters

Objectives To compare the acute success and short-term follow-up of ablation of atrial flutter using 8 mm tip radiofrequency (RF) and cryocatheters. Methods Sixty-two patients with atrial flutter were randomized to RF or cryocatheter (cryo) ablation. Right atrial angiography was performed to assess the isthmus. End point was bidirectional isthmus block on multiple criteria. A pain score was used and the analgesics were recorded. Patients were followed for at least 3 months. Results The acute success rate for RF was 83% vs 69% for cryo (NS). Procedure times were similar (mean 144 ± 48 min for RF, vs 158 ± 49 min for cryo). More applications were given with RF than with cryo (26 ± 17 vs. 18 ± 10, p < 0.05). Fluoroscopy time was longer with RF (29 ± 15 vs. 19 ± 12 min, p < 0.02). Peak CK, CK-MB and CK-MB mass were higher, also after 24 h in the cryo group. Troponin T did not differ. Repeated transient block during application (usually with cryoablation) seemed to predict failure. Cryothermy required significantly less analgesia (p < 0.01), and no use of long sheaths (p < 0.005). The isthmus tended to be longer in the failed procedures (p = 0.117). This was similar for both groups, as was the distribution of anatomic variations. Recurrences and complaints in the successful patients were similar for both groups, with a very low recurrence of atrial flutter after initial success. Conclusions In this randomized study there was no statistical difference but a trend to less favorable outcome with 8 mm tip cryocatheters compared to RF catheters for atrial flutter ablation. Cryoablation was associated with less discomfort, fewer applications, shorter fluoroscopy times and similar procedure times. The recurrence rate was very low. Cryotherapy can be considered for atrial flutter ablation under certain circumstances especially when it has been used previously in the same patient, such as in an AF ablation.     

Preliminary results with percutaneous transcatheter microwave ablation of typical atrial flutter

Background: Linear microwave ablation has been shown to be effective for treatment of atrial fibrillation during open-heart surgery by producing transmural lesions in the atrium to isolate the pulmonary veins. However, the safety and efficacy of percutaneous, transcatheter, linear microwave ablation for atrial arrhythmias, while demonstrated in animal models, is unknown in humans. Therefore, we studied the safety and efficacy of linear microwave ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in humans with typical atrial flutter, utilizing a 2-cm long microwave antenna mounted on a steerable 9-French catheter.
Methods and Results: In seven consecutive patients, multielectrode catheters were positioned at the His bundle (quadripolar) and around the TV annulus (duo-decapolar) for pacing and recording atrial activation sequence before and after ablation. The microwave antenna was withdrawn gradually from tricuspid annulus towards inferior vena cava to ablate the CTI. Intracardiac ultrasound was used to ensure adequate endocardial contact of the microwave ablation catheter with the CTI. Microwave energy was applied at a power of 18 to 21 W at each ablation point for 120 seconds. Ablation was repeated until bidirectional CTI block was confirmed by demonstrating a descending activation wavefront in the contralateral atrial wall during pacing from the coronary sinus ostium or low lateral right atrium, respectively. Bidirectional isthmus block was achieved in all patients, after a mean number of 27.4 ± 14.7 energy applications per patients. There were no acute procedural complications.
Conclusions: Percutaneous, transcatheter microwave ablation of CTI dependent atrial flutter was demonstrated to be safe and effective in this preliminary feasibility study.     

Combined pulsed field ablation with ultra-low temperature cryoablation: A preclinical experience

Background

Combining pulsed field ablation (PFA) with ultra-low temperature cryoablation (ULTC) represents a novel energy source which may create more transmural cardiac lesions. We sought to assess the feasibility of lesions created by combined cryoablation and pulsed field ablation (PFCA) versus PFA alone.

Methods

Ablations were performed using a custom PFA generator, ULTC console, and an ablation catheter with insertable stylets. PFA was delivered in a biphasic, bipolar train. PFCA precooled the tissue for 30 s followed by a concurrent PFA train. Benchtop testing using Schlieren imaging and microbubble volume assessment were used to compare PFA and PFCA. PFA and PFCA lesions using pre-optimized and optimized ablation protocols were studied in 6 swine. Pre and post-ECGs were recorded for each ablation and a gross necropsy was performed at 14 days.

Results

Consistent with benchtop comparisons of heat and microbubble generation, PFA deliveries in the animals were accompanied by muscle contractions and significant microbubbles (Grade 2–3) visible on intracardiac echo while neither occurred during PFCA at higher voltage levels. Both PFA and PFCA acutely eliminated or highly attenuated (>80%) local atrial electrograms. Histology of PFA and PFCA lesions indicated depth up to 6–7 mm and nearly all lesions were transmural. Optimized PFCA produced wider cavotricuspid isthmus lesions with evidence of tissue selectivity.

Conclusion

A novel technology combining PFA and ULTC into one energy source demonstrated in-vivo feasibility for PFCA ablation. PFCA had a more favorable thermal profile and did not produce muscle contraction or microbubbles while extending lesion depth beyond cryoablation.     

A novel hybrid transcatheter ablation system that combines radiofrequency and cryoenergy

Introduction: Radiofrequency (RF) and cryoenergy are largely considered independent modalities for the transcatheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. There are numerous theoretical advantages to engineering a system capable of delivering both energy forms.
Methods and Results: We designed a hybrid steerable catheter capable of delivering RF and cryoenergy independently, sequentially, and simultaneously. The novel catheter system was tested pre-clinically by creating a total of 180 ablation lesions in 20 mongrel dogs. Right atrial and right and left ventricular sites were preselected by a randomized factorial design devised to compare sequential and simultaneous RF and cryoenergy applications to standard RF, irrigated RF, and standard cryoablation. A steerable 4-mm electrode-tip hybrid catheter ("Fire and Ice") was created by modifying a 7 F cryocatheter (Freezor™, CryoCath Technologies, Montreal, Canada). RF energy was injected via a copper wire, thermocouples were isolated to reduce RF interference, and 100 KHz band pass filters and RF chokes were added. Sequential low-dose RF (20 W, 60 seconds) preceding or following cryoablation resulted in larger lesions (P = 0.0010). The addition of RF energy did, however, produce more thrombus than cryoenergy alone, with clot detected on 82.4% versus 12.1% of ablation lesions, P < 0.0001. Simultaneously applying the two energy modalities (45 W, 10 or 30°C, 60 seconds) created more voluminous lesions than standard RF ablation (median 288.1 vs 126.1 mm³, P = 0.0333) of similar dimension to irrigated RF ablation.
Conclusion: A versatile catheter system was fashioned capable of creating standard cryoablation lesions, standard RF lesions, and simultaneous lesions of similar dimension to irrigated RF.     

Identification of Transmural Necrosis Along a Linear Catheter Ablation Lesion During Atrial Fibrillation and Sinus Rhythm

Background: Determining whether a linear catheter radio frequency (RF) ablation lesion is transmural may be difficult, especially during atrial fibrillation. We hypothesized that changes in pacing thresholds and electrogram amplitude during atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm could be used to assess whether a radiofrequency ablation resulted in transmural necrosis. Methods: A hexapolar, linear, RF ablation catheter was positioned between the caval veins in the right atrium of seven sheep. Pacing thresholds and electrogram amplitudes during atrial fibrillation and sinus rhythm were measured before and after the application of RF energy. Sites along the linear lesion were assessed histologically. Results: The electrogram amplitude in atrial fibrillation decreased significantly more at transmural sites (unipolar recording: 33 ± 11% transmural vs. 22 ± 13% non-transmural, p 0.01; bipolar recording: 62 ± 9% transmural vs. 43 ± 15% non-transmural, p 0.01). The electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm decreased significantly more at transmural sites (unipolar recording: 49 ± 18% transmural vs. 15 ± 20% non-transmural, p < 0.001; bipolar recording: 63 ± 17% transmural vs. 42 ± 19% non-transmural, p = 0.002). The pacing threshold increased significantly more at sites with transmural necrosis (unipolar: increased by 378 ± 103% transmural vs. 207 ± 93% non-transmural, p < 0.001; bipolar: 370 ± 80% transmural vs. 259 ± 60% non-transmural, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The amplitude of the atrial electrogram from an ablation catheter can be used to discriminate areas with transmural necrosis from those without transmural necrosis during either atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm. Termination of atrial fibrillation may not be necessary to estimate the histologic characteristics of an ablation lesion.     

Randomized Comparison of Multipolar,Duty‐Cycled,Bipolar‐Unipolar Radiofrequency Versus Conventional Catheter Ablation for Treatment of Common Atrial Flutter

Comparison of Radiofrequency Versus Conventional Catheter Ablation. Introduction: Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has been established as an effective and curative treatment for atrial flutter (AFL). Approved methods include a drag‐and‐drop method, as well as a point‐by‐point ablation technique. The aim of this study was to compare the acute efficacy and procedural efficiency of a multipolar linear ablation catheter with simultaneous energy delivery to multiple catheter electrodes against conventional RF for treatment of AFL. Methods: Patients presenting to our department with symptomatic, typical AFL were enrolled consecutively and randomized to conventional RF ablation with an 8‐mm tip catheter (ConvRF) or a duty‐cycled, bipolar‐unipolar RF generator delivering power to a hexapolar tip‐versatile ablation catheter (T‐VAC) group. For both groups, the procedural endpoint was bidirectional cavotricuspid isthmus block. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled, 30 patients each assigned to ConvRF and T‐VAC groups. Total procedure time (40.2 ± 15.8 min vs 60.5 ± 12.7 min), energy delivery time (8.5 ± 3.7 min vs 14.7 ± 5.2 min), radiation dose (14.5 ± 3.5 cGy/cm² vs 31.7 ± 12.1 cGy/cm²), and the minimum number of RF applications needed to achieve block (4.2 ± 2.4 vs 8.9 ± 7.2) were significantly lower in the T‐VAC group. In 7 patients treated with the T‐VAC catheter, bidirectional block was achieved with less than 3 RF applications, versus no patients with conventional RF energy delivery. Conclusion: The treatment of typical AFL using a hexapolar catheter with a multipolar, duty‐cycled, bipolar‐unipolar RF generator offers comparable effectiveness relative to conventional RF while providing improved procedural efficiency. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 1109‐1113)     

Temporary occlusion of the great cardiac vein and coronary sinus to facilitate radiofrequency catheter ablation of the mitral isthmus

Introduction: Ablation of the mitral isthmus to achieve bidirectional conduction block is technically challenging, and incomplete block slows isthmus conduction and is often proarrhythmic. The presence of the blood pool in the coronary venous system may act as a heat-sink, thereby attenuating transmural RF lesion formation. This porcine study tested the hypothesis that elimination of this heat-sink effect by complete air occlusion of the coronary sinus (CS) would facilitate transmural endocardial ablation at the mitral isthmus.
Methods: This study was performed in nine pigs using a 30 mm-long prototype linear CS balloon catheter able to occlude and displace the blood within the CS (the balloon was inflated with ∼5 cc of air). Using a 3.5 mm irrigated catheter (35 W, 30 cc/min, 1 minute lesions), two sets of mitral isthmus ablation lines were placed per animal: one with the balloon deflated (CS open) and one inflated (CS Occluded). After ablation, gross pathological analysis of the linear lesions was performed.
Results: A total of 17 ablation lines were placed: 7 with CS Occlusion, and 10 without occlusion. Despite similar biophysical characteristics of the individual lesions, lesion transmurality was consistently noted only when using the air-filled CS balloon.
Conclusions: Temporary displacement of the venous blood pool using an air-filled CS balloon permits transmurality of mitral isthmus ablation; this may obviate the need for ablation within the CS to achieve bidirectional mitral isthmus conduction.     

Assessment of the maximum voltage-guided technique for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation during ongoing atrial flutter

Objectives We aimed to test the maximum voltage-guided cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation technique during ongoing atrial flutter. Background Former pathological and electrophysiological studies clarified that the cavotricuspid isthmus is composed of distinct muscular bundles, which are responsible for the conduction of electrical activation. Based on this observation, a maximum voltage-guided ablation technique (MVGT) was developed. This technique was assessed during pacing from the coronary sinus and was reported to be a feasible method to reach bidirectional isthmus block without the need for a complete anatomic ablation line. Methods This was a prospective, randomized single center study. Twenty patients underwent CTI ablation during atrial flutter. In group I (10 pts) CTI ablation was performed with complete anatomical ablation line. In group II (10 pts) ablation was guided by the highest amplitude potentials on the CTI sequentially until bidirectional isthmus block was reached. The following parameters were compared: acute success rate, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, number of radiofrequency (RF) applications and total RF duration. Results In all patients, atrial flutter terminated during ablation. Bidirectional isthmus block could be achieved in all pts. Procedure time was shorter in group II (107 ± 40 vs 68 ± 19 min, p < 0.01). Significantly less fluoroscopy was used in group II (22.6 ± 10.6 vs 12.1 ± 3.8 min, p < 0.01). There were less RF applications in group II (27.1 ± 21.5 vs 5.9 ± 2.4, p < 0.001). Conclusions (1) The major finding of this study is that MVGT is a feasible method even during ongoing atrial flutter. (2) Our data confirm that MVGT is an effective technique for CTI ablation with considerable decrease in procedure and fluoroscopy times.     

单导管标测在心房扑动射频消融中的意义

目的:探讨单导管标测法在心房扑动(房扑)射频消融中的应用方法和效果。方法:阵发性心房颤动并发房扑患者行肺静脉电隔离术时采用单导管标测法消融房扑30例。所有患者行肺静脉电隔离术后,将10极冠状静脉窦(CS)导管远端2对电极放置于CS内,余位于CS外,并使之有一定的张力,使导管贴靠于三尖瓣环和低右房。用冷盐水灌注消融导管线性消融三尖瓣峡部,房扑发作患者在房扑下消融,窦律患者在CS远端电极起搏下消融,可在术中随时把大头消融导管置于希氏束部位,用于评价是否已完全达双向阻滞,即:起搏CS远端电极,刺激信号至CS近端电极A波的距离大于至希氏束A波的距离,则CS口至低右房单向阻滞;CS近端电极起搏,刺激信号至CS远端电极A波的距离大于至希氏束A波的距离,则低右房至CS口单向阻滞,从而达双向阻滞,CS近端电极起搏所需电压较高,有的患者可达24mA。结果:所用阵发性心房颤动并发房扑患者均成功行三尖瓣峡部线性射频消融,达到双向阻滞,无手术相关并发症,随访4个月～2年,无房扑复发。结论:单导管标测法对房扑患者行三尖瓣峡部线性射频消融操作简单、快速,可完全用于评价消融结果,成功率高,并且节省手术费用。     

Right ventricular pacing to assess transisthmus conduction in patients undergoing isthmus-dependent atrial flutter ablation: a new useful technique?

BACKGROUND: Successful radiofrequency (RF) ablation of typical, isthmus-dependent atrial flutter requires establishment and confirmation of bidirectional conduction block across the cavotricuspid isthmus. Low atrial pacing usually is performed from the bipoles of the 20-pole Halo catheter, septal and lateral to the cavotricuspid isthmus ablation line. However, occasionally this is difficult because of high pacing thresholds and/or saturation of the atrial electrograms recorded near the pacing catheter. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess if right ventricular (RV) pacing and resulting retrograde atrial activation can be used to assess conduction block from the septum to the lateral wall in a clockwise direction. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive male patients (mean age 64 +/- 10 years; mean ejection fraction 42 +/- 13%; mean left atrial dimension 44 +/- 6 mm) with typical isthmus-dependent atrial flutter were studied. The following electrophysiology catheters were used: 20-pole catheter along the tricuspid annulus, quadripolar catheters at the His and/or RV apex, and 8-mm ablation catheter. Following RF ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus, bidirectional conduction block was confirmed in all 35 patients by pacing at a cycle length of 600 ms from bipoles septal and lateral to the cavotricuspid isthmus ablation line. Conduction times from pacing artifact to adjacent bipolar atrial electrograms and reversal of atrial activation pattern were analyzed. RV pacing was performed and retrograde atrial activation pattern assessed. If retrograde AV nodal conduction was absent, isoproterenol was infused intravenously at 2 microg/min, and RV pacing was repeated. The conduction time between the double potentials across the cavotricuspid isthmus ablation line was measured. RESULTS: Mean conduction times across the isthmus during septal (S), lateral (L), and RV pacing were 145 +/- 21 ms, 144 +/- 24 ms, and 129 +/- 20 ms, respectively. Retrograde AV nodal conduction was present in 34 of 35 patients (isoproterenol 8 patients). Evidence of conduction block by a clear change in activation pattern across the isthmus was seen during RV pacing in 33 of 35 patients with bidirectional conduction block. CONCLUSION: RV pacing is a simple and easy maneuver that can be performed to assess isthmus conduction in most patients.     

Evaluation of the cavotricuspid isthmus and right atrium by multidetector-row computed tomography in patients with common atrial flutter

The sizes of the right atrium (RA), cavotricuspid isthmus, and Eustachian valve are predictors of success of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial flutter (AFL). We examined the relationship between the sizes of cavotricuspid isthmus as measured by multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) and fluoroscopy. We used eight-detector MDCT to measure the tricuspid isthmus of 23 patients prior to linear ablation for common AFL. One patient with a deep pouch in the RA was excluded. Parameters measured were (1) the length of the trace of isthmus (Ti), which was equivalent to the blocking line; (2) the size of the tricuspid isthmus (DTi); and (3) the distance from the tricuspid valve and inferior vena cava (IVC) (LDTi). DTi and LDTi indicate the size of the RA, reflecting the appropriately sized steerable ablation catheter, respectively. Of the 22 patients, 21 were ablated successfully without recurrence of AFL, and clinical success was achieved in one additional patient despite failure to obtain a bidirectional block. Ti, DTi, and LDTi were correlated with fluoroscopy time (r = 0.84, r = 0.88, and r = 0.88, respectively; P < 0.0001), total delivered energy (r = 0.81, r = 0.80, and r = 0.83, respectively; P < 0.0001), and application time (r = 0.84, r = 0.80, and r = 0.87, respectively; P < 0.0001). Measurement of the tricuspid isthmus by MDCT may noninvasively provide important information for successful linear ablation.     

冷盐水灌注导管对常规射频消融失败心房扑动患者的消融治疗

常规射频消融在部分普通型心房扑动患者不能产生三尖瓣环至下腔静脉之间峡部的双向传导阻滞 ,本研究观察冷盐水灌注导管对该部分患者的消融效果。 12 5例行射频消融治疗的普通型心房扑动患者中 ,7例患者从三尖瓣环至下腔静脉口或至欧氏嵴射频消融超过 15次未能产生峡部双向传导阻滞 ,定义为射频消融失败。对该 7例患者换用冷盐水灌注导管 ,以相同于常规射频消融的方法在峡部找到传导间隙后 ,行射频消融。全部患者消融成功 ,平均消融 4.5± 2次 ,导管温度 40± 1℃ ,阻抗 79± 5 .4Ω ,未观察到明显的并发症。表明常规射频消融的失败与常规射频消融不能产生峡部足够的损伤有关 ,冷盐水灌注导管对常规射频消融失败的患者可以成功地产生峡部的双向传导阻滞。     

Prospective randomized comparison of closed cooled-tip versus 8-mm-tip catheters for radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter

INTRODUCTION: Cooled-tip and 8-mm-tip catheters have been found to be more effective than conventional 4-mm-tip catheters for radiofrequency (RF) ablation of common atrial flutter. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cooled-tip and 8-mm-tip catheters for flutter ablation in a randomized, prospective study. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 100 consecutive patients referred for ablation of common atrial flutter, cavotricuspid ablation was performed with a closed cooled-tip catheter (n = 50) or an 8-mm-tip ablation catheter (n = 50). RF current was applied for 60 to 120 seconds at powers of 40 to 50 W with the closed cooled-tip catheter and in a temperature-controlled mode (65 degrees C/70 W) with the 8-mm-tip catheter. The endpoint was achievement of a bidirectional isthmus conduction block. Cross-over was performed after 15 unsuccessful RF applications for each of the catheters. Complete bidirectional isthmus block was achieved in 99% of patients. Cross-over was performed in 11 patients after primary use of the cooled-tip catheter and in 9 patients after primary ablation with the 8-mm-tip catheter. No significant differences were found in the procedure parameters, such as overall RF applications (12.4 +/- 11.3 vs 12.9 +/- 8.6), ablation duration (42 +/- 43 min vs 39 +/- 27 min), and fluoroscopy time (17.0 +/- 18.7 min vs 15.7 +/- 10.7 min). In a mean follow-up of 8.3 months, 1 patient in the cooled-tip group and 3 patients in the 8-mm-tip group had recurrence of common atrial flutter. CONCLUSION: Use of the closed cooled-tip ablation catheter and the 8-mm-tip catheter have equal and high efficacy for RF ablation of common atrial flutter.     

What is the most appropriate energy source for aortic cusp ablation? A comparison of standard RF, cooled-tip RF and cryothermal ablation

Background Certain tachycardias can be eliminated by catheter ablation from within the base of the aortic valve (AV) cusps but the high blood flow and proximity to the coronary arteries create unique challenges. Standard radiofrequency (RF) energy, cooled-tip RF energy or cryothermal energy were compared to determine the optimal ablation modality.Materials and methods Experiments were conducted using adult swine or goats (15 animals). Ablation lesions were placed using either: temperature-controlled RF (4 mm-tip catheter; 60°C/60 s), cooled-tip RF (4 mm-tip catheter with internal saline circulation at 0.6 ml/s; 40°C/60 s), or cryoablation (6 mm-tip spot cryocatheter; <−75°C/4 min). Animals were sacrificed 1 h after the last application and lesions were subject to pathological analysis.Results Standard RF and cryoablation created similar depth lesions in the right coronary cusp (4.2±1.3 and 3.4±0.5 mm, respectively) but cryoablation was unable to create any visible lesions in the non-coronary cusp. Cooled tip ablation created larger ablation lesions in the right coronary cusp (5.25±0.5) and fully transmural left atrial ablation lesions after ablation in the noncoronary cusp. Acute damage to the cusps was not noted with any ablation modality. Disruption of elastic fibers in the aortic media was seen after standard and cooled tip radiofrequency ablation but not cryoablation.Conclusion Cryoablation within the AV cusps created similar sized lesions to standard RF ablation without evidence of elastic fibre disruption and may therefore be an appropriate first line ablation modality. Cooled-tip ablation created larger ablation lesions and therefore may be required if cryoablation is ineffective.This work was supported in part by an NIH K23 award (HL68064-02) to Dr. Reddy and by research grants from Boston Scientific, Inc and Cryocath Technologies, Inc.     

Ablation of Atrial-Ventricular Junction Tissues via the Coronary Sinus Using Cryo Balloon Technology

Introduction: The coronary sinus (CS) can provide access to targets across and within the atrioventricular (AV) junction.Methods: In 12 dogs (32 ± 3 Kg), cryo balloons (10–19 mm) were applied to regions of the AV junction for 3 minutes at a temperature of –75.9 ± 9C (ranging –57 to –83). Electrical activity and pacing within the CS were assessed pre and post ablation and at least 3 months later in 9 dogs. In the 3 other dogs, hearts were examined immediately after cryo ablation. CS and circumflex angiography was performed pre and post ablation. The hearts, CS, and Cx were then examined for structural injury. The AV junction was sectioned and the hearts were immersed in Tetrazolium, and the lesions were inspected for transmurality across the AV groove.Results: In 3/12 dogs the distal CS cryo lesions resulted in inferior ST segment depression that resolved within 5 minutes. There was no arrhythmia or hemodynamic changes. No CS electrical activity was noted post ablation. The pacing threshold increased from 2 ± 2.3 mA to 7.4 ± 3.6 mA (p < 0.001). Pathological examination of 3 acute hearts revealed hematomas.There was no pericardial effusion. No evidence of stenosis or thrombosis was seen within the CS and the circumflex artery. After 3 months of recovery, transmural lesions across the AV groove were present in all of the targeted AV regions.Conclusion: Intra-CS cryo balloon ablation is safe and can potentially replace endocardial RF ablation targeting the AV junction and the CS muscular sleeve.This research was partially funded by: VA Merit grant, Boston Scientific Corporation/EP Technologies, Scimed.     

Efficacy of bundle ablation for cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter: combination of the maximum voltage-guided ablation technique and high-density electro-anatomical mapping

Introduction

Pathological studies have demonstrated that the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) is often composed of discrete muscle bundles, which are thought to be represented electrically as high-amplitude electrograms. Based on this observation, we visualized the bundles using an electro-anatomical mapping system (EAMS) and investigate the efficacy of bundle ablation which is an ablation method for selectively targeting high-voltage sites obtained by high-density electro-anatomical mapping along the CTI.

Methods

Sixty patients with atrial flutter were randomly assigned to cavotricuspid isthmus ablation using a conventional anatomical approach (Group 1) or bundle ablation approach (Group 2). In Group 2, CTI was mapped in detail with EAMS, and we visualized the bundles that were 1.5 mV or more on a bipolar voltage map. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation was delivered sequentially from the maximum voltage site at the shortest distance of the bundle until bidirectional block was achieved.

Results

Bidirectional block was achieved in all patients. Mean ablation times (Group 1, 1,392?±?960 s; Group 2, 638?±?342 s, p?<?0.01), the mean number of RF applications (Group 1, 31.7?±?23.6; Group 2, 13.0?±?7.0, p?<?0.01), and fluoroscopy times (Group 1, 50.4?±?28.3 min; Group 2, 42.3?±?21.3 min, p?<?0.01) were significantly shorter in Group 2 than those in Group 1.

Conclusion

Bundle ablation at CTI is highly effective for achieving a bidirectional block requiring shorter ablation times, shorter fluoroscopy times, and fewer RF applications.     

Correlation of atrial electrocardiographic amplitude with radiofrequency energy required to ablate cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent atrial flutter

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible correlation between atrial ECG amplitude in common atrial flutter (AFL) and radiofrequency (RF) energy required to achieve cavotricuspid isthmus block. BACKGROUND: The amount of RF delivery required for ablation of typical AFL is variable. This variation has been attributed to the cavotricuspid isthmus anatomy. Atrial ECG amplitude can be a marker of atrial anatomic variations and therefore may correlate with RF duration required to achieve cavotricuspid isthmus block. METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients were prospectively studied. Ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus was performed by creating a line of block between the inferior tricuspid annulus and the inferior caval vein using 8-mm-tip electrode catheters. If more than 20 minutes of RF time was required to achieve conduction block, the catheter was changed to an irrigated-tip catheter. Atrial ECG amplitude was assessed in leads II, III, aVF, and aVL. RESULTS: A total of 14 +/- 11 minutes of RF energy was delivered to achieve block in all patients; 12 patients (8%) required more than 20 minutes. Atrial ECG amplitude showed highly significant correlations with cumulative RF energy (F and P waves in lead II: r = 0.703 and r = 0.737, P < .001). P-wave amplitude <0.2 mV and/or flutter wave amplitude <0.35 mV in lead II have a high negative predictive value to predict <20 min RF delivery (96% and 89% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation exists between atrial ECG amplitude and amount of RF required to ablate typical AFL. Atrial ECG amplitude may be a surrogate marker of characteristics of isthmus anatomy. These findings may influence the choice of catheter used for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation.     

Double Potential Interval and Transisthmus Conduction Time for Prediction of Cavotricuspid Isthmus Block after Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter

Background: Complete bi-directional isthmus block is the endpoint of typical atrial flutter ablation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the local double potential (DP) interval and the change in transisthmus conduction time for predicting complete isthmus block after ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus. Methods: The study population consisted of 32 patients with typical atrial flutter after a procedure of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (16 had incomplete block and 16 had complete block). The transisthmus conduction time was determined during pacing from the proximal coronary sinus and low lateral right atrium before and after RF ablation. The DP interval close to the ablation line was evaluated after final RF energy application. Results: In the counterclockwise direction, transisthmus conduction time had an increase of 37 ± 25.4% and 127.3 ± 35.5% (P < 0.001), and the DP interval was 63.3 ± 8.7 ms and 120 ± 17.4 ms (P < 0.001) after achievement of incomplete and complete block, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of an increase in the transisthmus conduction time 50% were 100%, 81%, 84% and 100%, respectively; those of DP interval 100 ms were 100%. In the clockwise direction, transisthmus conduction time had an increase of 38.8 ± 28.6% and 135.7 ± 63.6% (P < 0.001), and the DP interval was 63.6 ± 13.8 ms and 127.7 ± 27.1 ms (P < 0.001) after achievement of incomplete and complete block, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of an increase in the transisthmus conduction time 50% were 100%, 67%, 83% and 100%, respectively; those of the DP interval 100 ms were 100%. Conclusions: The transisthmus conduction time 50% increase or DP interval 100 ms was feasible to predict complete bi-directional isthmus block.