Zero-fluoroscopy ablation with multielectrode pulse field ablation system: Case series.

Pulse field ablation (PFA) is a novel nonthermal ablation modality for treatment of atrial fibrillation. While mostly lacking 3D electroanatomical mapping integration, reported radiation doses in procedures using multielectrode PFA catheters are relatively high. We report a first case series of three patients where a zero-fluoroscopy approach by intracardiac echocardiography was utilized and present a possible workflow for zero-fluoroscopy ablation with the Farapulse PFA system.

Chinese expert consensus on the construction of the fluoroless cardiac electrophysiology laboratory and related techniques.

Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation has been widely introduced for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. The demand for catheter ablation continues to grow rapidly as the level of recommendation for catheter ablation. Traditional catheter ablation is performed under the guidance of X-rays. X-rays can help display the heart contour and catheter position, but the radiobiological effects caused by ionizing radiation and the occupational injuries worn caused by medical staff wearing heavy protective equipment cannot be ignored. Three-dimensional mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography can provide detailed anatomical and electrical information during cardiac electrophysiological study and ablation procedure, and can also greatly reduce or avoid the use of X-rays. In recent years, fluoroless catheter ablation technique has been well demonstrated for most arrhythmic diseases. Several centers have reported performing procedures in a purposefully designed fluoroless electrophysiology catheterization laboratory (EP Lab) without fixed digital subtraction angiography equipment. In view of the lack of relevant standardized configurations and operating procedures, this expert task force has written this consensus statement in combination with relevant research and experience from China and abroad, with the aim of providing guidance for hospitals (institutions) and physicians intending to build a fluoroless cardiac EP Lab, implement relevant technologies, promote the standardized construction of the fluoroless cardiac EP Lab.

Safety of fluoroless radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic device: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is being increasingly performed without fluoroscopy. This study aims to determine the safety of fluoroless RFA for patients with pre-existing cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). METHODS: This is a single-center, single-operator, retrospective, observational study of 225 consecutive fluoroless RFA procedures for AF from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2022. All procedures were performed with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) support. Patients with pre-existing CIED were extracted from the database. Each CIED was interrogated at the start and end of each procedure and at 30-day follow-up. Pre- and post-procedure CIED interrogations were compared for any change in device or lead parameters. Patients were tracked for any subsequent device malfunction. RESULTS: Out of 225 fluoroless AF ablations, 25 (10.2%) had pre-existing CIED (14 dual-chamber pacemakers, three dual-chamber defibrillators, three single-chamber defibrillators, one single chamber pacemaker, and four biventricular devices). Mean patient age was 71 ± 6 years. The mean duration of indwelling CIED was 1804 ± 1645 days (range: 78-6267 days). One (4%) patient had lead-related fibrin on ICE imaging. There was no significant difference in lead(s) threshold, impedance, or sensing post procedure or at 30-day follow-up compared to pre procedure. None of the patients required lead revision. There were no intra- or post-op thromboembolic events or subsequent device infection. One patient underwent CIED extraction after 11 months for an unrelated secondary device infection. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency catheter ablation for AF can be safely performed without fluoroscopy in patients with pre-existing CIED.

Step by step: How to perform a fluoroless cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of ablation of atrial fibrillation. With widespread use of 3D Electroanatomic Mapping Systems and advances in intracardiac echo imaging, fluoroless ablation has been possible. METHODS: Fluoroless ablation with cryoballoon (CB), however, has not been widely performed because of the need to prove occlusion of the vein with contrast dye and fluoroscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In this step-by-step guide, the authors will show how a CB ablation can be performed without the use of fluoroscopy.

Fluoroless intravascular ultrasound image-guided liver navigation in porcine models.

BACKGROUND: An intravascular ultrasound catheter (IVUSc) was developed for intracardiac ultrasound to assess interventions with compelling results. However, intrahepatic vascular exploration was rarely tested and was always associated with X-ray techniques. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility to navigate through the whole liver using an IVUSc, providing high-quality images and making it unnecessary to use ionizing radiation. METHODS: An ex vivo pig visceral block and an in vivo pig model were used in this study. The IVUS equipment was composed of an US system, and of an 8 French lateral firing IVUSc capable of producing 90-degree sector images in the longitudinal plane. After accessing the intravascular space with the IVUSc into the models, predetermined anatomical landmarks were visualized from the inferior vena cava and hepatic veins and corroborated. RESULTS: IVUS navigation was achieved in both models successfully. The entire navigation protocol took 87 and 48 min respectively, and 100% (21/21) and 96.15% (25/26) of the landmarks were correctly identified with the IVUSc alone in the ex vivo and in vivo models respectively. IVUS allowed to clearly visualize the vasculature beyond third-order branches of the hepatic and portal veins. CONCLUSIONS: A complete IVUS liver navigation is feasible using the IVUSc alone, making it unnecessary to use ionizing radiation. This approach provides high-definition and real-time images of the complex liver structure and offers a great potential for future clinical applications during diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Integrated 3D intracardiac ultrasound imaging with detailed pulmonary vein delineation guided fluoroless ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has become an all-round tool for ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) since it plays an important role in all procedural steps. The key upgrade to the usefulness of ICE is its integration into three-dimensional (3D) electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system (ICE/EAM automatic integration system). The aim of this single-center retrospective study was to evaluate feasibility, safety and acute efficacy of ICE/EAM automatic integration system guided fluoroless ablation of AF. METHODS: The study included patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing first pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation (RFCA) from September 2017 to August 2020. All procedures were performed without the use of fluoroscopy. A detailed 3D virtual anatomy of the left atrium (LA) and structures relevant to AF ablation was constructed from ultrasound contours obtained with ICE probe inside the LA. Pulmonary veins (PVs) and antral regions were additionally mapped with fast anatomical mapping (FAM). PVI was performed with contact force (CF) sensing catheter. Procedural endpoint was successful PVI. RESULTS: A total of 98 consecutive patients underwent RFCA (34.7% females, median age 64.4 years, 64.3% paroxysmal AF). Acute PVI was achieved in all patients (100%). Forty-three patients (43.9%) underwent additional ablations for concomitant arrhythmias. Adverse events were detected in four patients (4.1%). The median procedure duration was 130 min (IQR 103.8-151.3). If only PVI was done the median procedure duration was 110.5 (IQR 100.0-133.8) CONCLUSIONS: ICE/EAM automatic integration system guided fluoroless ablation of AF is feasible, safe and acutely effective method for treatment of symptomatic AF.

Fluoroless 3D mapping-guided pacemaker implant in a pregnant patient.

We describe a case of pacemaker implant guided by intracardiac echocardiography and three-dimensional anatomical mapping in a pregnant patient, with no peri-procedural use of radiation.

Slow-pathway visualization by using voltage-time relationship: A novel technique for identification and fluoroless ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.

BACKGROUND: Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is treatable by catheter ablation. Advances in mapping-system technology permit fluoroless workflow during ablations. As national practice trends toward fluoroless approaches, easily obtained, reproducible methods of slow-pathway identification, and ablation become increasingly important. We present a novel method of slow-pathway identification and initial ablation results from this method. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined AVNRT ablations performed at our institution over a 12-month period. In these cases, the site of the slow pathway was predicted by latest activation in the inferior triangle of Koch during sinus rhythm. Ablation was performed in this region. Proximity of the predicted site to the successful ablation location, complication rates, and patient outcomes were recorded. Junctional rhythm was seen in 40/41 ablations (98%) at the predicted site (mean, 1.3 lesions and median, 1 lesion per case). One lesion was defined as 5 mm of ablation. The initial ablation was successful in 39/41 cases (95%); in two cases, greater or equal to 2 echo beats were detected after the initial ablation, necessitating further lesion expansion. In 8/41 cases (20%), greater than one lesion was placed during initial ablation before attempted reinduction. Complications included one transient heart block and one transient PR prolongation. During follow-up (median, day 51), one patient had lower-extremity deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus, and one had a lower-extremity superficial venous thrombosis. There was one tachycardia recurrence, which prompted a redo ablation. CONCLUSIONS: Mapping-system detection of late-activation, low-amplitude voltage during sinus rhythm provides an objective, and fluoroless means of identifying the slow pathway in typical AVNRT.

Comparison between minimal fluoroscopy and conventional approaches for visually guided laser balloon pulmonary vein isolation ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Although balloon-based techniques, such as the laser balloon (LB) ablation have simplified pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), procedural fluoroscopy usage remains higher in comparison to radiofrequency PVI approaches due to limited 3-dimensional mapping system integration. METHODS: In this prospective study, 50 consecutive patients were randomly assigned in alternating fashion to a low fluoroscopy group (LFG; n = 25) or conventional fluoroscopy group (CFG; n = 25) and underwent de novo PVI procedures using visually guided LB technique. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics or cross-overs between treatment groups. Acute PVI was accomplished in all patients. Mean follow up was 318 ± 69 days. Clinical recurrence of atrial fibrillation after PVI was similar between groups (CFG: 19% vs LFG: 15%; P = .72). Total fluoroscopy time was significantly lower in the LFG than the CFG (1.7 ± 1.4  vs 16.9 ± 5.9 minutes; P < .001) despite similar total procedure duration (143 ± 22 vs 148 ± 22 minutes; P = .42) and mean LA dwell time (63 ± 15 vs 59 ± 10 minutes; P = .28). Mean dose area product was significantly lower in the LFG (181 ± 125 vs 1980 ± 750 µGym2 ; P < .001). Fluoroscopy usage after transseptal access was substantially lower in the LFG (0.63 ± 0.43 vs 11.70 ± 4.32 minutes; P < .001). Complications rates were similar between both groups (4% vs 2%; P = .57). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that LB PVI can be safely achieved using a novel low fluoroscopy protocol while also substantially reducing fluoroscopy usage and radiation exposure in comparison to conventional approaches for LB ablation.

Fluoroless Endourological Surgery for Stone Disease: a Review of the Literature-Tips and Tricks.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Urologists are at significant risk due to radiation exposure (RE) from endourological procedures for stone disease. Many techniques described have shown a reduction of RE. The purpose of this article is to review available protocols to decrease RE during such procedures and provide tips and tricks for their implementation. RECENT FINDINGS: Several low-radiation and radiation-free protocols for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy have been described as an attempt to reduce RE during surgery. Beginning with specific checklists to ensure adequate C-arm usage, fluoroless procedures are based on endoscopic assessment, tactile guidance, and use of ultrasound to avoid fluoroscopy. A specific preoperative checklist and low radiation or complete fluoroless radiation endourological procedures have shown to be effective, feasible, and safe. It is recommended for urologists to be aware of the risks of RE and apply the "ALARA" (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) protocols.

How to perform electroanatomic mapping-guided cardiac resynchronization therapy using Carto 3 and ESI NavX three-dimensional mapping systems.

AIMS: To examine the feasibility and safety of a novel protocol for low fluoroscopy, electroanatomic mapping (EAM)-guided Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation and using both EnSite NavX (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA) and Carto 3 (Biosense Webster, Irvine, CA, USA) mapping systems. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent CRT implantation using either a conventional fluoroscopic approach (CFA) or EAM-guided lead placement with Carto 3 and EnSite NavX mapping systems. We compared fluoroscopy and procedural times, radiopaque contrast dose, change in QRS duration pre- and post-procedure, and complications in all patients. Fluoroscopy time was 86% lower in the EAM group compared to the conventional group [mean 37.2 min (CFA) vs. 5.5 min (EAM), P = 0.00003]. There was no significant difference in total procedural time [mean 183 min (CFA) vs. 161 min (EAM), P = 0.33] but radiopaque contrast usage was lower in the EAM group [mean 16 mL (CFA) vs. 4 mL (EAM), P = 0.006]. Likewise, there was no significant change in QRS duration with BiV pacing between the groups [mean -13 (CFA) vs. -25 ms (EAM), P = 0.09]. CONCLUSION: Electroanatomic mapping-guided lead placement using either Carto or ESI NavX mapping systems is a feasible alternative to conventional fluoroscopic methods for CRT-D implantation utilizing the protocol described in this study.

The safety and efficacy of electroanatomical mapping (EAM)-guided device implantation.

BACKGROUND: The conventional method of device implantation requires fluoroscopic guidance. With the guidance of three-dimensional (3-D) navigation systems, devices can be implanted with minimal use of fluoroscopy. To date, this technique has been reported in several case reports in young, pregnant patients. However, this technique has not been widely utilized by electrophysiologists, despite offering several benefits, including reduced radiation exposure for the patient and the operator. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated 18 patients who successfully underwent device implantation with limited use of fluoroscopy under the guidance of the EnSite Precision 3-D mapping navigation system (Abbott, St. Paul, MN, USA). In most of the patients, the total fluoroscopy time was 1 s, accounted by a single postprocedural frame to insure appropriate lead placement. RESULTS: A total of 19 leads were implanted in 18 patients (14 male, four female) using the electroanatomical mapping (EAM)-guided technique. A total of 19 leads were implanted in 15 patients (10 male, five female) using the conventional method. The average length of stay was 1.20 days in the EAM group compared to 1.47 days in the conventional group (P = .10). Majority of the devices implanted in both groups were single-chamber implantable cardiac defibrillators (VVI ICD, Abbott) implanted for cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction persistently below 35%, including 88% (16/18) in the EAM group compared to 73% (11/15) in the conventional group. No periprocedural or immediate postprocedure complications were reported in either group. Device parameters, including impedance, capture time, and capture voltage, showed no significant difference in either group. Total radiation time and radiation dose were markedly lower in the EAM-guided implantation group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who meet appropriate criteria for device implantation, the use of EAM system offers a safe, practical, efficacious alternative method to device implantation, with significant reduction in radiation time and dose.

Outcomes of 200 consecutive, fluoroless atrial fibrillation ablations using a new technique.

INTRODUCTION: A technique was developed to eliminate radiation exposure for routine atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, to simplify the procedure and to achieve cost effectiveness. We here report the outcomes of this approach. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive AF ablations (55% paroxysmal) were performed by a single operator. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was achieved by antral ablation without left atrial anatomic mapping, guided by contact force sensing and intracardiac echocardiogram (ICE). All ablations were performed using three ipsilateral 8 French catheters (ICE, Lasso, and ablation). Eighty-two percent of the patients underwent ablation of atrial flutter or non-pulmonary vein triggers. All patients underwent provocative testing after PVI. RESULTS: No fluoroscopy was used for the entire study. Two ablations were performed without x-ray available due to unexpected equipment failure. The mean procedure time was 90.3 ± 17.7 (minutes) in patients who only required PVI and 106.2 ± 23.2 (minutes) for the entire cohort, with a success rate of 76% (mean follow-up of 11 months). In contrast, the procedure time and success rate were 127.9 ± 38.2 (minutes) (P < 0.01) and 74%, respectively, for the last 50 standard ablations guided by fluoroscopy (without contact force sensing). Complications included one case of partial right phrenic nerve palsy and one case of right femoral artery pesudoaneurysm. Compared to our previous ablation approaches, the new method resulted in catheter savings of $2,168-$4,568/case. CONCLUSION: The new technique eliminated radiation exposure and shortened the procedure time without significant negative impact on safety or success rate. Substantial cost savings were also achieved by using a minimal number of mostly reprocessed catheters.

Fluoroless Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmias: A 5-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablations have been traditionally performed with the use of fluoroscopic guidance, which exposes the patient and staff to the inherent risks of radiation. We have developed techniques to eliminate the use of fluoroscopy during cardiac ablations and have been performing completely fluoroless catheter ablations on our patients for over 5 years. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of the safety, efficacy, and feasibility data from 500 consecutive patients who underwent nonfluoroscopic catheter ablation, targeting a total of 639 arrhythmias, including atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrial tachycardia (AT), atrial fibrillation (AF), premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and ventricular tachycardia (VT). We perform fluoroless ablations using intracardiac electrograms, electroanatomic mapping, and for most cases intracardiac echocardiography. Our experience includes exclusively endocardial cardiac ablations. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 20.5 months. Recurrence rate for AVRT was 6.5%, for AVNRT 2.5%, for macro-reentrant AT 6.4%, for focal AT 5.4%, for AF 22.6%, for PVC 6.7%, and for VT 21.4%. Major complications occurred in five patients (1.0%); minor complications occurred in three patients (0.6%). No deaths occurred. Fluoroscopy was used in one instance, for 0.3 minutes, to confirm venous access. CONCLUSIONS: Completely fluoroless catheter ablations may be routinely performed for all endocardial ablations without compromising safety, efficacy, or procedural duration.

Zero-Fluoroscopy Ablation of Accessory Pathways in Children and Adolescents: CARTO3 Electroanatomic Mapping Combined with RF and Cryoenergy.

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopic catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric patients exposes the patients to the potential risk of radiation considering the sensitivity of this population and its longer life expectancy. We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of accessory pathway (AP) ablation guided by CARTO3 electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system with both cryoenergy and radiofrequency (RF) energy in order to avoid x-ray exposure in pediatric patients. METHODS: We included 44 patients (mean age: 13.1 ± 3.3 years); nine of 44 presented concealed AP. An electrophysiological study with a three-dimensional EAM reconstruction was performed in every patient with a venous transfemoral direct right atrium approach or an arterial transfemoral retrograde approach to reach the mitral annulus. In two patients with left-sided AP, the ablation was performed via a patent foramen ovale. RESULTS: A total of 47 APs were present, left sided in 45% (21/47) of cases (15 lateral, one anterior, three posteroseptal, and two posterolateral) and right sided in 55% (26/47; one anterior, three anterolateral, one posterolateral, three lateral, five para-Hisian, 12 posteroseptal, and one anteroseptal). Ablation without the use of fluoroscopy was successfully performed in every patient (33 with RF and in 11 with cryoenergy). No complication occurred. At a mean follow-up of 16.0 ± 11.7 months, we observed seven recurrences, three of them successfully re-ablated without fluoroscopy. In one case cryoablation of a para-Hisian AP was ineffective in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional EAM allowed a safe and effective fluoroless AP ablation procedure in a pediatric population both with RF and cryoenergy.

Real-world data of radiofrequency catheter ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Short- and long-term clinical outcomes from the prospective multicenter REAL-AF Registry.

BACKGROUND: The safety and long-term efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation (CA) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has been well established. Contemporary techniques to optimize ablation delivery, reduce fluoroscopy use, and improve clinical outcomes have been developed. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the contemporary real-world practice approach and short and long-term outcomes of RF CA for PAF through a prospective multicenter registry. METHODS: Using the REAL-AF (Real-world Experience of Catheter Ablation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation; ClincalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04088071) Registry, patients undergoing RF CA to treat PAF across 42 high-volume institutions and 79 experienced operators were evaluated. The procedures were performed using zero or reduced fluoroscopy, contact force sensing catheters, wide area circumferential ablation, and ablation index as a guide with a target of 380-420 for posterior and 500-550 for anterior lesions. The primary efficacy outcome was freedom from all-atrial arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 2470 patients undergoing CA from January 2018 to December 2022 were included. Mean age was 65.2 ±11.14 years, and 44% were female. Most procedures were performed without fluoroscopy (71.5%), with average procedural and total RF times of 95.4 ± 41.7 minutes and 22.1±11.8 minutes, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, freedom from all-atrial arrhythmias was 81.6% with 89.7% of these patients off antiarrhythmic drugs. No significant difference was identified comparing pulmonary vein isolation vs pulmonary vein isolation plus ablation approaches. The complication rate was 1.9%. CONCLUSION: Refinement of RF CA to treat PAF using contemporary tools, standardized protocols, and electrophysiology laboratory workflows resulted in excellent short- and long-term clinical outcomes.

Has fluoroless endourology (URS and PCNL) come of age? Evidence from a comprehensive literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Radiation via the use of imaging is a key tool in management of kidney stones. Simple measures are largely taken by the endourologists to implement the 'As Low As Reasonably Achievable' (ALARA) principle, including the use of fluoroless technique. We performed a scoping literature review to investigate the success and safety of fluoroless ureteroscopy (URS) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures for the treatment of KSD. METHODS: A literature review was performed searching bibliographic databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library, and 14 full papers were included in the review in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 2535 total procedures analysed, 823 were fluoroless URS vs. 556 fluoroscopic URS; and 734 fluoroless PCNL vs. 277 fluoroscopic PCNL. The SFR for fluoroless vs. fluoroscopic guided URS was 85.3% and 77%, respectively (p=0.2), while for fluoroless PCNL vs. fluoroscopic group was 83.8% and 84.6%, respectively (p=0.9). The overall Clavien-Dindo I/II and III/IV complications for fluoroless and fluoroscopic guided procedures were 3.1% (n=71) and 8.5% (n=131), and 1.7% (n=23) and 3% (n=47) respectively. Only 5 studies reported a failure of the fluoroscopic approach with a total of 30 (1.3%) failed procedures. CONCLUSION: The ALARA protocol has been implemented in endourology in numerous ways to protect both patients and healthcare workers during recent years. Fluoroless procedures for treatment of KSD are safe and effective with outcomes comparable to standard procedures and could become the new frontier of endourology in selected cases.

The Fluoroless Future in Electrophysiology: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Fluoroscopy has always been the cornerstone imaging method of interventional cardiology procedures. However, radiation exposure is linked to an increased risk of malignancies and multiorgan diseases. The medical team is even more exposed to X-rays, and a higher incidence of malignancies was reported in this professional group. In the last years, X-ray exposure has increased rapidly, involving, above all, the medical team and young patients and forcing alternative fluoroless imaging methods. In cardiac electrophysiology (EP) and pacing, the advent of 3D electroanatomic mapping systems with dedicated catheters has allowed real-time, high-density reconstruction of both heart anatomy and electrical activity, significantly reducing the use of fluoroscopy. In addition, the diffusion of intracardiac echocardiography has provided high anatomical resolution of moving cardiac structures, providing intraprocedural guidance for more complex catheter ablation procedures. These methods have largely demonstrated safety and effectiveness, allowing for a dramatic reduction in X-ray delivery in most arrhythmias' ablations. However, some technical concerns, as well as higher costs, currently do not allow their spread out in EP labs and limit their use to only procedures that are considered highly complex and time-consuming and in young patients. In this review, we aim to update the current employment of fluoroless imaging in different EP procedures, focusing on its strengths and weaknesses.

Prospective study of zero-fluoroscopy laser balloon pulmonary vein isolation for the management of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been increased focus on the development of safe and effective strategies to minimize and ultimately eliminate fluoroscopy use in the electrophysiology lab due to the inherent risks to patients and staff associated with this imaging source. However, studies examining these innovative fluoroless strategies for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using catheters without direct 3D mapping system integration are lacking. We sought to develop a method to perform zero-fluoroscopy laser balloon PVI for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and to test the safety and efficacy of this approach. METHODS: We developed a standardized method for performing PVI using the X3 laser balloon (LB) system, 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping (3D-EAM) and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in a cohort of patients with symptomatic AF. The primary endpoint of the study was the ability to perform PVI without the use of fluoroscopy. Secondary outcomes were rate of successful transseptal puncture on first attempt, first pass isolation of target PVs, mean procedural time, active laser time to achieve PVI, need for use of supplemental energy sources, and procedural complication rates. RESULTS: Two hundred consecutive patients undergoing PVI were recruited in the study. In the zero-fluoroscopy group, LB PVI was successfully performed in 100% of participants (n = 100) without the need for fluoroscopy. Transseptal access was achieved in 100% of cases on the first attempt. Successful first pass PVI was achieved in 360 of the 387 pulmonary veins attempted (93%). Mean procedural time was 68.2 ± 16.2 min in the zero-fluoroscopy group versus 67.5 ± 17.0 min in the conventional fluoroscopy group. PVI was able to be achieved in 100% of cases in both groups without need for use of supplemental energy sources. In the zero-fluoroscopy group there were minimal complications, with 3% of all cases having groin complications and 1 patient with a pericardial effusion noted post-procedure which was managed conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that successful zero-fluoroscopy LB PVI could be performed at a single high-volume center by experienced operators in an effective manner, without significant complications.

How to Perform a Completely Fluoroless Ablation.

Radiation exposure related to electrophysiology catheter ablation procedures carries small but non-negligible stochastic and deterministic effects on health. Lead aprons can also place considerable pressure on the spinal column, resulting in potentially detrimental consequences. Fortunately, however, advancements in tools used for arrhythmia mapping and ablation have made it feasible to reduce or essentially eliminate the need for fluoroscopy, with no impact on the efficacy or safety of such procedures, as demonstrated by several long-term outcome studies. In this review, we describe our stepwise approach to safely and efficiently perform a completely fluoroless ablation.