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European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular... Dec 2021Atrial arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, may be treated through catheter ablation. The process of atrial arrhythmia catheter ablation, which... (Review)
Review
Atrial arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, may be treated through catheter ablation. The process of atrial arrhythmia catheter ablation, which includes patient selection, pre-procedural planning, intra-procedural guidance, and post-procedural assessment, is typically characterized by the use of several imaging modalities to sequentially inform key clinical decisions. Increasingly, advanced imaging modalities are processed via specialized image analysis techniques and combined with intra-procedural electrical measurements to inform treatment approaches. Here, we review the use of multimodality imaging for left atrial ablation procedures. The article first outlines how imaging modalities are routinely used in the peri-ablation period. We then describe how advanced imaging techniques may inform patient selection for ablation and ablation targets themselves. Ongoing research directions for improving catheter ablation outcomes by using imaging combined with advanced analyses for personalization of ablation targets are discussed, together with approaches for their integration in the standard clinical environment. Finally, we describe future research areas with the potential to improve catheter ablation outcomes.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Atrial Flutter; Catheter Ablation; Heart Atria; Humans; Multimodal Imaging; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34747450
DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeab205 -
International Journal of Cardiology Jan 2021Catheter ablation for complex left-atrial arrhythmia is increasing worldwide with many centres admitting patients overnight. Same-day procedures using conscious sedation...
BACKGROUND
Catheter ablation for complex left-atrial arrhythmia is increasing worldwide with many centres admitting patients overnight. Same-day procedures using conscious sedation carry significant benefits to patients/healthcare providers but data are limited. We evaluated the safety and cost-effectiveness of same-day complex left-atrial arrhythmia ablation.
METHOD
Multi-centre retrospective cohort study of all consecutive complex elective left-atrial ablation procedures performed between January 2011 and December 2019. Data were collected on planned same-day discharge versus overnight stay, baseline parameters, procedure details/success, ablation technology, post-operative complications, unplanned overnight admissions/outcomes at 4-months and mortality up to April 2020. A cost analysis of potential savings was also performed.
RESULTS
A total of 967 consecutive patients underwent complex left-ablation using radiofrequency (point-by-point ablation aided by 3D-mapping or PVAC catheter ablation with fluoroscopic screening) or cryoballoon-ablation (mean age: 60.9 ± 11.6 years, range 23-83 yrs., 572 [59%] females). The majority of patients had isolation of pulmonary veins alone (n = 846, 87%) and most using conscious-sedation alone (n = 921, 95%). Of the total cohort, 414 (43%) had planned same-day procedure with 35 (8%) admitted overnight due to major (n = 5) or minor (n = 30) complications. Overall acute procedural success-rate was 96% (n = 932). Complications in planned overnight-stay/same-day cohorts were low. At 4-month follow-up there were 62 (6.4%) readmissions (femoral haematomas, palpitation, other reasons); there were 3 deaths at mean follow-up of 42.0 ± 27.6 months, none related to the procedure. Overnight stay costs £350; the same-day ablation policy over this period would have saved £310,450.
CONCLUSIONS
Same-day complex left-atrial catheter ablation using conscious sedation is safe and cost-effective with significant benefits for patients and healthcare providers. This is especially important in the current financial climate and Covid-19 pandemic.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Catheter Ablation; Cohort Studies; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Female; Heart Atria; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Young Adult
PubMed: 33002522
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.09.066 -
Journal of the American Heart... Sep 2023Background An optimal strategy for left atrial ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Background An optimal strategy for left atrial ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been determined. Methods and Results We conducted an extended follow-up of the multicenter randomized controlled EARNEST-PVI (Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation Alone in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation) trial, which compared 12-month rhythm outcomes in patients with persistent AF between patients randomized to a PVI-alone strategy (n=248) or PVI-plus strategy (n=248; PVI followed by left atrial additional ablation, including linear ablation or ablation targeting areas with complex fractionated electrograms). The present study extended the follow-up period to 3 years after enrollment. Outcomes were compared not only between randomly allocated groups but also between on-treatment groups categorized by actually created ablation lesions. Recurrence rate of AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) was lower in the randomly allocated to PVI-plus group than the PVI-alone group (29.0% versus 37.5%, =0.036). On-treatment analysis revealed that patients with PVI+linear ablation (n=205) demonstrated a lower AF/AT recurrence rate than those with PVI only (26.3% versus 37.8%, =0.007). In contrast, patients with PVI+complex fractionated electrograms ablation (n=37) had an AF/AT recurrence rate comparable to that of patients with PVI only (40.5% versus 37.8%, =0.76). At second ablation in 126 patients with AF/AT recurrence, ATs excluding common atrial flutter were more frequent in patients with PVI+linear ablation than in those with PVI only (32.6% versus 5.7%, <0.0001). Conclusions Left atrial ablation in addition to PVI was efficacious during 3-year follow-up. Linear ablation was superior to other ablation strategies but may increase iatrogenic ATs. Registration URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm; Unique identifier: UMIN000019449.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Pulmonary Veins; Heart Atria; Atrial Appendage; Atrial Flutter
PubMed: 37642022
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.029651 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jan 2024Atrial fibrillation (AF) progression is closely related to heart failure occurrence, and catheter ablation carries a beneficial effect for heart failure prevention....
BACKGROUND
Atrial fibrillation (AF) progression is closely related to heart failure occurrence, and catheter ablation carries a beneficial effect for heart failure prevention. Recently, particular attention has been given to left atrial (LA) function and functional reserve in the pathogenesis linking AF and heart failure, although its significance and reversibility is not well studied.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We prospectively investigated 164 patients with AF with normal left ventricular systolic function and free from heart failure who underwent first catheter ablation and pre-/postprocedural echocardiography. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography were performed at rest and during passive leg lifting to assess LA size, LA reservoir strain (LARS), and functional reserve calculated as passive leg lifting-LARS - rest-LARS. Patients were categorized into 3 AF subtypes: paroxysmal AF (N=95), persistent AF (PeAF; N=50), and long-standing persistent AF (LS-PeAF; N=19). The PeAF and LS-PeAF groups had larger LA size and reduced LARS compared with the paroxysmal AF group (all <0.05). LA functional reserve was significantly impaired in the LS-PeAF group (=0.003). In multivariable analysis, LS-PeAF and advanced age were significantly associated with impaired LA functional reserve. Among 149 patients with sinus rhythm 1 to 2 days after catheter ablation, LARS was significantly improved in both PeAF and LS-PeAF groups but was still lower than that in the paroxysmal AF group. Sinus rhythm restoration also led to amelioration of LA functional reserve in patients with LS-PeAF.
CONCLUSIONS
AF progression was related to impaired LARS and LA functional reserve, and restoration of sinus rhythm might contribute to early LA reverse remodeling.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Atria; Atrial Appendage; Echocardiography; Catheter Ablation; Heart Failure; Atrial Remodeling; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38156556
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.032215 -
International Heart Journal May 2020Anatomical atrial distortion during catheter mapping and ablation has not been elucidated in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study aimed to characterize the...
Anatomical atrial distortion during catheter mapping and ablation has not been elucidated in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This study aimed to characterize the regional anatomical distortion in common ablation areas according to different contact forces (CFs) with radiofrequency and cryoballoon catheters.Ten patients underwent distortion mapping with low (5-10 g) and high CFs (10-30 g) at the pulmonary vein (PV) antra, left atrial (LA) roof line, mitral isthmus line, cavotricuspid isthmus line, and superior vena cava (SVC)-right atrial (RA) junction. Fifteen patients underwent distortion mapping with a 28-mm second-generation cryoballoon surrounded by a decapolar catheter at each PV antrum following creating the LA geometry. High CFs distorted the PV antra as compared to low CFs and the extent was greater at the anterior PV aspect, and the catheter was located more inside the PVs. The inflated cryballoon stretched the PV surface in the postero-superior direction in the upper PVs and posterior direction in the lower PVs. High CFs as compared to low CFs distorted the LA roof and cavotricuspid isthmus in the postero-inferior and inferior directions, respectively, but not the mitral isthmus line even with deflectable sheaths. High CFs distended the SVC-RA junction as compared to low CFs, and the extent was greatest at the lateral side and smallest at the antero-septal side.Human atria significantly distend during radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation, and there are regional heterogeneities of the extent of the distortion. This information might aid operators in performing safe and effective AF ablation procedures.
Topics: Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Female; Heart Atria; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 32350207
DOI: 10.1536/ihj.19-531 -
Annals of the Academy of Medicine,... Jan 2023Despite promising trials, catheter ablation is still regarded as an adjunct to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Despite promising trials, catheter ablation is still regarded as an adjunct to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various ablation therapies and AADs.
METHOD
Randomised controlled trials or propensity score-matched studies comparing atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence among any combination of ablation modalities or AAD were retrieved. Kaplan-Meier curves and risk tables for this outcome were graphically reconstructed to extract patient-level data. Frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) using derived hazard ratios (HRs), as well as 2 restricted mean survival time (RMST) NMAs, were conducted. Treatment strategies were ranked using P-scores.
RESULTS
Across 24 studies comparing 6 ablation therapies (5,132 patients), Frequentist NMA-derived HRs of atrial fibrillation recurrence compared to AAD were 0.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.25-0.48) for cryoballoon ablation (CBA), 0.34 (95% CI=0.25-0.47) for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 0.14 (95% CI=0.07-0.30) for combined CBA and RFA, 0.20 (95% CI=0.10-0.41) for hot-balloon ablation, 0.43 (95% CI=0.15-1.26) for laser-balloon ablation (LBA), and 0.33 (95% CI=0.18-0.62) for pulmonary vein ablation catheter. RMST-based NMAs similarly showed significant benefit of all ablation therapies over AAD. The combination of CBA + RFA showed promising long-term superiority over CBA and RFA, while LBA showed favourable short-term efficacy.
CONCLUSION
The advantage of ablation therapies over AAD in preventing atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence suggests that ablation should be considered as the first-line treatment for PAF in patients fit for the procedure. The promising nature of several specific therapies warrants further trials to elicit their long-term efficacy and perform a cost-benefit analysis.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Heart Atria; Network Meta-Analysis; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36730803
DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2022326 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Aug 2023The relationship between local unipolar voltage (UV) in the pulmonary vein (PV)-ostia and left atrial wall thickness (LAWT) and the utility of these parameters as...
AIMS
The relationship between local unipolar voltage (UV) in the pulmonary vein (PV)-ostia and left atrial wall thickness (LAWT) and the utility of these parameters as indices of outcome after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remain unclear.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Two-hundred seventy-two AF patients who underwent AF ablation were enrolled. Unipolar voltage of PV-ostia was measured using a CARTO system, and LAWT was measured using computed tomography. The primary endpoint was atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence including AF. The ATA recurrence was documented in 74 patients (ATA-Rec group). The UV and LAWT of the bilateral superior PV roof to posterior and around the right-inferior PV in the ATA-Rec group were significantly greater than in patients without ATA recurrence (ATA-Free group) (P < 0.001). The UV had a strong positive correlation with LAWT (R2 = 0.446, P < 0.001). The UV 2.7 mV and the corresponding LAWT 1.6 mm were determined as the cut-off values for ATA recurrence (P < 0.001, respectively). Multisite LA high UV (HUV, ≥4 areas of >2.7 mV) or multisite LA wall thickening (≥5 areas of >1.6 mm), defined as LA hypertrophy (LAH), was related to higher ATA recurrence. Among 92 LAH patients, 66 had HUV (LAH-HUV) and the remaining 26 had low UV (LAH-LUV), characterized by history of non-paroxysmal AF and heart failure, reduced LV ejection fraction, or enlarged LA. In addition, LAH-LUV showed the worst ablation outcome, followed by LAH-HUV and No LAH (log-rank P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Combining UV and LAWT enables us to stratify recurrence risk and suggest a tailored ablation strategy according to LA tissue properties.
Topics: Humans; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Atria; Atrial Appendage; Tachycardia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Catheter Ablation; Pulmonary Veins; Recurrence; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37539865
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad240 -
International Journal of Cardiology Jul 2019Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in humans and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and health-related expenses. Computational approaches have... (Review)
Review
Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in humans and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and health-related expenses. Computational approaches have been increasingly utilized in atrial electrophysiology. In this review we summarize the recent advancements in atrial fibrillation modeling at the organ scale. Multi-scale atrial models now incorporate high level detail of atrial anatomy, tissue ultrastructure and fibrosis distribution. We provide the state-of-the art methodologies in developing personalized atrial fibrillation models with realistic geometry and tissue properties. We then focus on the use of multi-scale atrial models to gain mechanistic insights in AF. Simulations using atrial models have provided important insight in the mechanisms underlying AF, showing the importance of the atrial fibrotic substrate and altered atrial electrophysiology in initiation and maintenance of AF. Last, we summarize the translational evidence that supports incorporation of computational modeling in clinical practice for development of personalized treatment strategies for patients with AF. In early-stages clinical studies, AF models successfully identify patients where pulmonary vein isolation alone is not adequate for treatment of AF and suggest novel targets for ablation. We conclude with a summary of the future developments envisioned for the field of atrial computational electrophysiology.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Computer Simulation; Heart Atria; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; Models, Cardiovascular; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 30755334
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.01.096 -
Aging and Disease Feb 2024Catheter ablation is a well-established rhythm control therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the prevalence of AF increases dramatically with age, the prognosis...
Catheter ablation is a well-established rhythm control therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF). Although the prevalence of AF increases dramatically with age, the prognosis and safety profile of index and repeat ablation procedures remain unclear in the older population. The primary endpoint of this study was to assess the arrhythmia recurrence, reablation and complication rates in older patients. Secondary endpoints were the identification of independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence and reablation, including information on pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection and other atrial foci. Older (n=129, ≥70 years) and younger (n=129, <70 years) patients were compared using a propensity-score matching analysis based on age, gender, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, dilated left atrium, severe obstructive sleep apnea, cardiac disease, left systolic ventricular function, AF pattern and ablation technique. Arrhythmia recurrence and reablation were evaluated in both groups using a Cox regression analysis in order to identify predictors. During a 30-month follow-up period, there were no significant differences between older and younger patients in the arrhythmia-free survival (65.1% and 59.7%; log-rank test p=0.403) and complication (10.1% and 10.9%; p>0.999) rates after the index ablation. However, the reablation rate was significantly different (46.7% and 69.2%; p<0.05, respectively). In those patients who underwent reablation procedure (redo subgroups), there were no differences in the incidence of PV reconnection (38.1% redo-older and 27.8% redo-younger patients; p=0.556). However, the redo-older patients had lower reconnected PVs per patient (p<0.01) and lower atrial foci (2.3 and 3.7; p<0.01) than the redo-younger patients. A further important finding was that age was not an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence or reablation. Our data reveal that the AF index ablation in older patients had a similar efficacy and safety profile to younger patients. Therefore, age alone must not be considered a prognostic factor for AF ablation but the presence of limiting factors such as frailty and multiple comorbidities.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Atrial Fibrillation; Treatment Outcome; Reoperation; Heart Atria; Catheter Ablation
PubMed: 37307839
DOI: 10.14336/AD.2023.0511 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Dec 2022Hybrid ablation (HA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) combines minimally invasive thoracoscopic epicardial ablation with transvenous endocardial electrophysiologic validation...
BACKGROUND
Hybrid ablation (HA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) combines minimally invasive thoracoscopic epicardial ablation with transvenous endocardial electrophysiologic validation and touch-up of incomplete epicardial lesions if needed. While studies have reported on a bilateral thoracoscopic HA approach, data on a unilateral left-sided approach are scarce.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a unilateral left-sided thoracoscopic approach.
METHODS
Retrospective analysis of a prospectively gathered cohort of all consecutive patients undergoing a unilateral left-sided HA for AF between 2015 and 2018 in the Maastricht University Medical Centre.
RESULTS
One-hundred nineteen patients were analyzed (mean age 64 ± 8, 28% female, mean body mass index 28 ± 4 kg/m , median CHA DS -VASc Score 2 [1-3], [longstanding]-persistent AF 71%, previous catheter ablation 44%). In all patients, a unilateral left-sided HA consisting of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, posterior left atrial (LA) wall isolation, and LA appendage exclusion was attempted. Epicardial (n = 59) and/or endocardial validation (n = 81) was performed and endocardial touch-up was performed in 33 patients. Major peri-operative complications occurred in 5% of all patients. After 12 and 24 months, the probability of being free from supraventricular tachyarrhythmia recurrence was 80% [73-87] and 67% [58-76], respectively, when allowing antiarrhythmic drugs.
CONCLUSION
Unilateral left-sided hybrid AF ablation is an efficacious and safe approach to treat patients with paroxysmal and (longstanding) persistent AF. Future studies should compare a unilateral with a bilateral approach to determine whether a left-sided approach is as efficacious as a bilateral approach and allows for less complications.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Male; Atrial Fibrillation; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Thoracoscopy; Heart Atria; Catheter Ablation; Recurrence
PubMed: 36349741
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.17144