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Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022The purpose of this study is to collect available evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of stereotactic arrhythmia radio ablation (STAR), including both photon...
AIM
The purpose of this study is to collect available evidence on the feasibility and efficacy of stereotactic arrhythmia radio ablation (STAR), including both photon radiotherapy (XRT) and particle beam therapy (PBT), in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), and to provide cardiologists and radiation oncologists with a practical overview on this topic.
METHODS
Three hundred and thirty-five articles were identified up to November 2021 according to preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses criteria; preclinical and clinical studies were included without data restrictions or language limitations. Selected works were analyzed for comparing target selection, treatment plan details, and the accelerator employed, addressing workup modalities, acute and long-term side-effects, and efficacy, defined either by the presence of scar or by the absence of AF recurrence.
RESULTS
Twenty-one works published between 2010 and 2021 were included. Seventeen studies concerned XRT, three PBT, and one involved both. Nine studies (1 and 8 ; doses ranging from 15 to 40 Gy) comprised a total of 59 animals, 12 (8 , 4 ; doses ranging from 16 to 50 Gy) focused on humans, with 9 patients undergoing STAR: average follow-up duration was 5 and 6 months, respectively. Data analysis supported efficacy of the treatment in the preclinical setting, whereas in the context of clinical studies the main favorable finding consisted in the detection of electrical scar in 4/4 patients undergoing specific evaluation; the minimum dose for efficacy was 25 Gy in both humans and animals. No acute complication was recorded; severe side-effects related to the long-term were observed only for very high STAR doses in 2 animals. Significant variability was evidenced among studies in the definition of target volume and doses, and in the management of respiratory and cardiac target motion.
CONCLUSION
STAR is an innovative non-invasive procedure already applied for experimental treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. Particular attention must be paid to safety, rather than efficacy of STAR, given the benign nature of AF. Uncertainties persist, mainly regarding the definition of the treatment plan and the role of the target motion. In this setting, more information about the toxicity profile of this new approach is compulsory before applying STAR to AF in clinical practice.
PubMed: 35592393
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.849201 -
Heart Rhythm Jul 2016Treatment strategies to prevent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) include antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparative effectiveness of antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation for the prevention of recurrent ventricular tachycardia in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Treatment strategies to prevent ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) include antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and catheter ablation (CA).
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to systematically compare the efficacy of AADs and CA for the prevention of VT in patients with ICDs.
METHODS
Major databases were searched (October 2015) for randomized trials evaluating AADs or CA vs standard medical therapy to prevent VT in ICD patients. Primary outcome was the number of VT episodes leading to appropriate ICD interventions.
RESULTS
Eight trials (n = 2268, follow-up 15 ± 6 months) evaluated AADs, and 6 trials (n = 427, follow-up 14 ± 8 months) evaluated CA. A significant reduction in appropriate ICD interventions was found with both CA (odds ratio [OR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28-0.71, P = .001) and AADs (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.97, P = .037), with no significant difference between the 2 treatment strategies. The benefit of AADs was driven by amiodarone and not confirmed with other AADs. A reduction of inappropriate ICD interventions was found with AADs (OR 0.30, P = .001) but not with CA. Both CA and AADs were not associated with decreased mortality over follow-up. Amiodarone appeared to increase the risk of death (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.36-8.30, P = .009).
CONCLUSION
In patients with an ICD, both AADs (amiodarone) and CA reduce the risk of recurrent VT compared to control medical therapy, with no significant difference between the 2 treatments. AADs are also associated with a reduction of inappropriate ICD therapies. The significant reduction of recurrent VT episodes does not appear to result in a mortality benefit, with a potential for increased mortality with amiodarone.
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Catheter Ablation; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Defibrillators, Implantable; Electric Countershock; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Secondary Prevention; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 26961297
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.03.004 -
Heart Failure Reviews May 2019Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been established to improve prognosis for patients with heart failure and SR. Whether the benefit observed with CRT on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of survival for cardiac resynchronization therapy in atrial fibrillation patients with or without atrio-ventricular junction ablation and patients in sinus rhythm: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been established to improve prognosis for patients with heart failure and SR. Whether the benefit observed with CRT on survival was similar in AF patients receiving atrio-ventricular junction ablation (AVJA) or not and patients in SR remains uncertain. The primary purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the impact of CRT on the outcome of survival in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with or without AVJA and patients in sinus rhythm (SR). Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for inception through June 31, 2018. Two reviewers independently evaluated and extracted data from 4 studies, including a total of 7896 CRT recipients, composed of 554 AF with AVJA (CRT+AF+AVJA), 1071 AF without AVJA (CRT+AF-AVJA), and 6244 SR (CRT+SR). The benefit on survival was comparable between CRT+AF+AVJA and CRT+SR (HR = 1.00; 95% CI, 0.73-1.40). CRT+AF+AVJA and CRT+SR both were associated with significantly higher survival compared with CRT+AF-AVJA, with hazard ratio of 0.64 (95% CI, 0.46-0.91) and 0.63 (95% CI, 0.53-0.75), respectively. The survival benefit was similar for patients with CRT+AF+AVJA and CRT+SR, while it was 36-37% high as compared to CRT+AF-AVJA. Whether aggressive intervention with AVJA in AF should be routinely combined with CRT despite rate-slowing drug treatment is helpful deserves further studies.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Atrial Fibrillation; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy; Catheter Ablation; Female; Heart Failure; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Network Meta-Analysis; Observational Studies as Topic; Prognosis; Sick Sinus Syndrome; Survival Rate; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30610455
DOI: 10.1007/s10741-018-9761-5 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Jan 2019This study sought to determine whether combined endocardial-epicardial (endo-epi) ablation was superior to endocardial only ablation in patients with scar-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Combined Endocardial-Epicardial Versus Endocardial Catheter Ablation Alone for Ventricular Tachycardia in Structural Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to determine whether combined endocardial-epicardial (endo-epi) ablation was superior to endocardial only ablation in patients with scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT).
BACKGROUND
Limited single-center studies suggest that combined endo-epi ablation strategy may be superior to endocardial ablation (endo) alone in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM).
METHODS
A systematic review of Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed for studies that reported outcomes comparing endo-epi with endo VT ablation alone.
RESULTS
Seventeen studies consisting of 975 patients were included (mean 56 ± 10 years of age; 79% male; NICM in 36.6%; ICM in 32.8%; and ARVC in 30.6%). After a mean follow-up of 27 ± 21 months, endo-epi ablation was associated with a 35% reduction in risk of VT recurrence compared with endocardial ablation alone (risk ratio [RR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55 to 0.78; p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed lower risk of VT recurrence in ICM (RR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.67; p = 0.0002) and ARVC (RR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.82; p = 0.0002), with a nonsignificant trend in NICM (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.70 to 1.08; p = 0.20). Endo-epi, compared with endo ablation, was associated with reduced all-cause mortality (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.97; p = 0.04). Acute procedural complications were higher with the endo-epi approach (RR: 2.62; 95% CI: 0.91 to 7.52; p = 0.07).
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis suggests that a combined endo-epi ablation is associated with a lower risk of VT recurrence and subsequent mortality than endo only VT ablation in patients with scar-related VT. Procedural complications, however, are higher with the endo-epi approach.
Topics: Aged; Catheter Ablation; Female; Heart Diseases; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 30678778
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2018.08.010 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Apr 2018Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is associated with a poor prognosis. Important features of CS include heart failure, conduction abnormalities, and ventricular arrhythmias.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is associated with a poor prognosis. Important features of CS include heart failure, conduction abnormalities, and ventricular arrhythmias. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is often refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and immunosuppression. Catheter ablation has emerged as a treatment option for recurrent VT. However, data on the efficacy and outcomes of VT ablation in this context are sparse.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A systematic search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane database (from inception to September 2016) with included studies providing a minimum of information on CS patients undergoing VT ablation: age, gender, VT cycle length, CS diagnosis criteria, and baseline medications. Five studies reporting on 83 patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 50 ± 8 years, 53/30 (males/females) with a maximum of 56 patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, mean ejection fraction was 39.1 ± 3.1% and 94% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator in situ. The median number of VTs was 3 (2.6-4.9)/patient, mean cycle length of 360 ms (326-400 ms). Hundred percent of VTs received endocardial ablation, and 18% required epicardial ablation. The complication rates were 4.7-6.3%. Relapse occurred in 45 (54.2%) patients with an incidence of relapse 0.33 (95% confidence interval 0.108-0.551, P < 0.004). Employing a less stringent endpoint (i.e. freedom from arrhythmia or reduction of ventricular arrhythmia burden), 61 (88.4%) patients improved following ablation.
CONCLUSIONS
These data support the utilization of catheter ablation in selected CS cases resistant to medical treatment. However, data are derived from observational non-controlled case series, with low-methodological quality. Therefore, future well-designed, randomized controlled trials, or large-scale registries are required.
Topics: Action Potentials; Adult; Cardiomyopathies; Catheter Ablation; Female; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Progression-Free Survival; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Sarcoidosis; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28444174
DOI: 10.1093/europace/eux077 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Mar 2016Patients with ischemic heart disease may have implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Patients with ischemic heart disease may have implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Although ICD shocks can be life saving, in some patients, they have been associated with increased mortality and/or morbidity. Several studies have suggested that catheter ablation may be superior to non-ablative strategies at preventing ICD shocks delivered for ventricular arrhythmias; however, this is still controversial.
METHODS
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing catheter ablation with non-ablative strategies in treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with ischemic heart disease and an ICD. The primary endpoints of interest were recurrent episodes of VT and death. We used a binary random effects method to calculate the cumulative odds ratios (OR) for recurrent VT and deaths.
RESULTS
Of a total of 643 potential citations, our search yielded three citations that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. In the three trials, a total of 262 patients were randomized to ablation (n = 129) or non-ablative interventions (beta-blockers ± use of antiarrhythmics) (n = 133) group. The cumulative OR for recurrent VT was 0.471 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.176-1.257) for catheter ablation compared with non-ablative strategies, and for death, it was 0.766 (95% CI = 0.351-1.674). Excluding one study for being appreciably smaller than the other two, the OR for recurrent VT was 0.298 (95% CI = 0.164-0.543).
CONCLUSIONS
In this meta-analysis, the rate of recurrent VT was lower with VT catheter ablation compared with non-ablative strategies. There was not a significant difference in rate of death among patients receiving catheter ablation versus non-ablative strategies for management of VT. Given the lack of adequately powered RCTs comparing ablation versus medical management of VT in patients with ischemic heart disease and an ICD, larger studies with longer follow-up are needed.
Topics: Aged; Catheter Ablation; Comorbidity; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Middle Aged; Myocardial Ischemia; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Survival Rate; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26695501
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-015-0083-4 -
International Journal of Cardiology Sep 2018Current ventricular tachycardia (VT) management in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) includes optimal medical therapy, ICDs device therapy, and antiarrhythmic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Current ventricular tachycardia (VT) management in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) includes optimal medical therapy, ICDs device therapy, and antiarrhythmic medications. Data about outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) in these patients is scarce. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of RCTs to compare outcomes of CA vs conventional management of VT in ICM patients who had ICD.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of published RCTs between January 1970 and December 2016 were performed. Random effects DerSimonian-Laird risk ratios (RR) were calculated. Sensitivity analyses using fixed-effects summary odds ratios (OR) were performed using Peto model. Outcomes of interest were: all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular death (CVD), CV disease-related hospitalization, VT storms, and ICD shocks.
RESULTS
4 RCTs were identified (521 patients (261 had CA), mean age: 66.4 ± 1.7 years, 91.5% male, mean follow-up: 19 months). No difference observed between VT ablation and conventional management regarding ACM (RR 0.94, 95% CI, 0.66-1.32, p = 0.70) or CVD (RR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.52-1.29, p = 0.39). VT ablation was associated with less CV disease-related hospitalization (RR 0.72, 95% CI, 0.54-0.96, p = 0.02), VT storms (RR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52-0.97, p = 0.03), and trend towards reducing ICD shocks (RR 0.59, 95% CI, 0.34-1.05, p = 0.07). In sensitivity analysis using fixed-effects OR, CA was associated with significant reduction in ICD shocks.
CONCLUSION
In patients with ICM, VT ablation reduced CV disease-related hospitalization, VT storms, and ICD shocks when compared to conventional management with no mortality benefit over a relatively short mean follow-up period.
Topics: Cardiomyopathies; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Mortality; Myocardial Ischemia; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 29655948
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.03.127 -
ASAIO Journal (American Society For... 2020Refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) and electrical storm are frequently associated with hemodynamic compromise requiring mechanical support. This study sought to...
Refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT) and electrical storm are frequently associated with hemodynamic compromise requiring mechanical support. This study sought to review the current literature on the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for hemodynamic support during VT ablation. This was a systematic review of all published literature from 2000 to 2019 evaluating patients with VT undergoing ablation with VA-ECMO support. Studies that reported mortality, safety, and efficacy outcomes in adult (>18 years) patients were included. The primary outcome was short-term mortality (intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, or ≤30 days). The literature search identified 4,802 citations during the study period, of which seven studies comprising 867 patients met the inclusion criteria. Periprocedural VA-ECMO was used in 129 (15%) patients and all were placed peripherally. Average inducible VTs were 2-3 per procedure and ablation time varied between 34 mins and 4.7 hours. Median ages were between 61 and 68 years with 93% males. Median duration of VA-ECMO varied between 140 minutes and 6 days. Short-term mortality was 15% (19 patients), with the most frequent causes being refractory VT, cardiac arrest, and acute heart failure. All-cause mortality at the longest follow-up was 25%. Major bleeding, vascular/access complications, limb ischemia, stroke, and acute kidney injury were reported with varying frequency of 1-6%. In conclusion, VA-ECMO is used infrequently for hemodynamic support for VT ablation. Further data on patient selection, procedural optimization, and clinical outcomes are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Catheter Ablation; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Tachycardia, Ventricular
PubMed: 31977352
DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000001125 -
Circulation. Arrhythmia and... Aug 2014Although ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a widely used therapy for patients with VT, the ideal end points for this procedure are not well defined. We performed... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Although ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a widely used therapy for patients with VT, the ideal end points for this procedure are not well defined. We performed a meta-analysis of the published literature to assess the predictive value of noninducibility of postinfarction VT for long-term outcomes after VT ablation.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE (1950-2013), EMBASE (1988-2013), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Fourth Quarter, 2012), and reports presented at scientific meetings (1994-2013). Randomized controlled trials, case-control, and cohort studies of VT ablation were included. Outcomes reported in eligible studies were freedom from VT/ventricular fibrillation and all-cause mortality. Of the 3895 studies evaluated, we identified 8 cohort studies enrolling 928 patients for the meta-analysis. Noninducibility after VT ablation was associated with a significant increase in arrhythmia-free survival compared with partial success (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.84; P=0.009) or failed ablation procedure (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.18; P<0.001). There was also a significant reduction in all-cause mortality if patients were noninducible after VT ablation compared with patients with partial success (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.98; P=0.04) or failed ablation (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-0.99; P=0.049).
CONCLUSIONS
Noninducibility of VT after VT ablation is associated with improved arrhythmia-free survival and all-cause mortality.
Topics: Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Catheter Ablation; Disease-Free Survival; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; Humans; Myocardial Infarction; Odds Ratio; Predictive Value of Tests; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 24879789
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCEP.113.001404 -
JACC. Clinical Electrophysiology Mar 2018This was a meta-analysis of published studies to examine the impact of early referral on outcomes after catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Early Versus Late Referral for Catheter Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Structural Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
This was a meta-analysis of published studies to examine the impact of early referral on outcomes after catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease.
BACKGROUND
Patients are frequently referred for VT ablation after failure of antiarrhythmic drugs to control VT. Some studies have suggested that early referral might confer better outcomes.
METHODS
An electronic search was performed using major databases. The primary outcomes were long-term VT recurrence and total mortality. Secondary outcomes were acute procedural success and acute complications.
RESULTS
Three studies were included with a total of 980 patients (mean age 64 ± 12 years, 71% males). Mean follow-up was 29 ± 27 months. Early referral for VT ablation was associated with decreased VT recurrence and acute complications compared with late referral (relative risk: 0.69 [95% confidence interval: 0.58 to 0.82], p < 0.0001 and relative risk: 0.50 [95% confidence interval: 0.27 to 0.93], p = 0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference between early and late referral for total mortality and acute success.
CONCLUSIONS
Late referral for VT ablation was associated with worse outcomes (VT recurrence and acute complications) in patients with structural heart disease, which suggests that early referral for VT ablation might be a reasonable consideration in this patient population.
Topics: Aged; Cardiomyopathies; Catheter Ablation; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Referral and Consultation; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Time-to-Treatment
PubMed: 30089564
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.12.008