Cardioneuroablation for vasovagal syncope: insights on patients' selection, centre settings, procedural workflow and endpoints-results from an European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

AIMS: Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a catheter-based intervention for recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) that consists in the modulation of the parasympathetic cardiac autonomic nervous system. This survey aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current CNA utilization in Europe. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 202 participants from 40 different countries replied to the survey. Half of the respondents have performed a CNA during the last 12 months, reflecting that it is considered a treatment option of a subset of patients. Seventy-one per cent of respondents adopt an approach targeting ganglionated plexuses (GPs) systematically in both the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA). The second most common strategy (16%) involves LA GP ablation only after no response following RA ablation. The procedural endpoint is frequently an increase in heart rate. Ganglionated plexus localization predominantly relies on an anatomical approach (90%) and electrogram analysis (59%). Less utilized methods include pre-procedural imaging (20%), high-frequency stimulation (17%), and spectral analysis (10%). Post-CNA, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy is prescribed, with only 11% of the respondents discharging patients without such medication. Cardioneuroablation is perceived as effective (80% of respondents) and safe (71% estimated <1% rate of procedure-related complications). Half view CNA emerging as a first-line therapy in the near future. CONCLUSION: This survey offers a snapshot of the current implementation of CNA in Europe. The results show high expectations for the future of CNA, but important heterogeneity exists regarding indications, procedural workflow, and endpoints of CNA. Ongoing efforts are essential to standardize procedural protocols and peri-procedural patient management.

Long-Term Outcome of Additional Superior Vena Cava to Septal Linear Ablation in Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

Background We previously reported the benefit of linear ablation from the superior vena cava to the right atrial septum (SVC-L) within a year after circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We explored the long-term effects of SVC-L and its potential related mechanisms. Methods and Results Among 2140 consecutive patients with AF ablation, we included 614 patients (73.3% male, aged 57.8±10.7 years, 13.7% with persistent AF) who did not undergo an extra-pulmonary vein left atrial ablation after propensity score matching; of those, 307 had additional SVC-L and 307 had CPVI alone. We evaluated the heart rate variability and computational modeling study to explore mechanisms. Although the procedure time was longer in the SVC-L group than the CPVI group (P<0.001), the complication rates did not differ (P=0.560). During 40.5±24.4 months of follow-up, the rhythm outcome was significantly better in the SVC-L group than the CPVI group (log rank, P<0.001). At 2-year follow-up of heart rate variability, a significantly higher mean heart rate (P=0.018) and a lower ratio of low/high-frequency components (P=0.011) were found with SVC-L than CPVI alone. In realistic in silico biatrial modeling, which reflected the electroanatomies of 10 patients, SVC-L significantly reduced biatrial dominant frequency compared with CPVI alone (P<0.001) and increased AF termination and defragmentation rates (P=0.033). Conclusions SVC-L ablation in addition to CPVI significantly improved the long-term rhythm outcome over 2 years after AF catheter ablation by mechanisms involving autonomic modulation and AF organization.

Selective ablation of atrial ganglionated plexus attenuates vasovagal reflex in a canine model.

BACKGROUND: Atrial ganglionated plexus (GP) ablation was proved to have therapeutic effects on vasovagal syncope. The study aimed to investigate whether selective ablation of only right anterior GP (ARGP) and right inferior GP (IRGP) was effective in a canine model of vasovagal syncope. METHODS: Seventeen mongrel dogs were divided into control (N = 10) and ablation group (N = 7). Bilateral thoracotomy was performed at the fourth intercostal space and ARGP and IRGP were ablated in the ablation group. A bolus of veratridine (15 ug/kg) was injected into the left atrium to induce vasovagal reflex. Surface electrocardiogram and blood pressure (BP) were continuously monitored. Heart rate (HR) variability was calculated to represent cardiac autonomic tone. RESULTS: Veratridine injection induced vasovagal reflex in all dogs. HR decreased from 149 ± 17 to 89 ± 33 beats/min (P < 0.001) in the control group, while in the ablation group HR decreased from 141 ± 35 to 125 ± 34 beats/min (P = 0.032). The postveratridine HR in the ablation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.045). A significantly less intense HR decrease was observed in the ablation group compared with control (-17 ± 16 vs -61 ± 34 beats/min, P = 0.006). Significant BP decreases were induced in both the groups (all P < 0.01), while no evident differences in postveratridine BP and the extent of BP decreases were found between the groups. HR variability revealed significant decrease in cardiac vagal tone after ablation [high-frequency power, 0.50 (0.17-1.05) vs 6.28 (0.68-8.99) ms2 , P = 0.005]. CONCLUSIONS: Selective ablation of ARGP + IRGP weakened cardiac parasympathetic control and significantly attenuated the cardioinhibitory response in an animal model of vasovagal reflex. This ablation strategy might be effective for vasovagal syncope with evident cardioinhibitory response.

Quality of life improves after thoracoscopic surgical ablation of advanced atrial fibrillation: Results of the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery (AFACT) study.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated health-related quality of life at 12 months after thoracoscopic surgical ablation in patients enrolled in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery study. The Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery study assessed the efficacy and safety of ganglion plexus ablation in patients with symptomatic advanced atrial fibrillation undergoing thoracoscopic surgical ablation. METHODS: Patients (n = 240) underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation with additional ablation lines in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. Subjects were randomized to additional ganglion plexus ablation or control. Short Form 36 quality of life questionnaires were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients were eligible for quality of life analysis (age 59 ± 8 years, 72% were men, 68% had an enlarged left atrium, 57% had persistent atrial fibrillation). Patients improved in physical and mental health at 6 months (both P < .01) and 12 months (both P < .01) relative to baseline, with no difference between the ganglion plexus (n = 101) and control (n = 100) groups. Short Form 36 subscores in patients with 1 or no atrial fibrillation recurrences were similar to those in the general Dutch population after 12 months. Patients with multiple atrial fibrillation recurrences (30%) improved in mental (P < .01), but not physical health, and 6 of 8 Short Form 36 subscales remained below those of the general Dutch population. Patients with irreversible, but not with reversible procedural complications had persistently diminished quality of life scores at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic surgery for advanced atrial fibrillation results in improvement in quality of life, regardless of additional ganglion plexus ablation. Quality of life in patients with no or 1 atrial fibrillation recurrence increased to the level of the general Dutch population, whereas in patients with multiple atrial fibrillation recurrences quality of life remained lower. Irreversible but not reversible procedural complications were associated with persistently lower quality of life.

Assessment of the effect of left atrial cryoablation enhanced by ganglionated plexi ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to investigate, whether enhancement of left atrial cryoablation by ablation of the autonomic nervous system of left atrium leads to influencing the outcomes of surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in patients with structural heart disease undergoing open-heart surgery. METHODS: The observed patient file consisted of 100 patients, who have undergone a combined open-heart surgery at our department between July 2012 and December 2014. The patients were indicated for the surgical procedure due to structural heart disease, and suffered from paroxysmal, persistent, or long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation. In all cases, left atrial cryoablation was performed in the extent of isolation of pulmonary veins, box lesion, connecting lesion with mitral annulus, amputation of the left atrial appendage and connecting lesion of the appendage base with left pulmonary veins. Furthermore, 35 of the patients underwent mapping and radiofrequency ablation of ganglionated plexi, together with discision and ablation of the ligament of Marshall (Group GP). A control group was consisted of 65 patients without ganglionated plexi intervention (Group LA). The main primary outcome was establishment and duration of sinus rhythm in the course of one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Evaluation of the number of patients with a normal sinus rhythm in per cent has shown comparable values in both groups (Group GP - 93.75%, Group LA - 86.67%, p = 0.485); comparable results were also observed in patients with normal sinus rhythm without anti-arrhythmic treatment in the 12th month (Group GP - 50%, Group LA - 47%, p = 0.306). We have not observed any relation between the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and the presence of a mitral valve surgery, or between the presence of a mitral and tricuspid valves surgery and between the left atrial diameter > 50 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancement of left atrial cryoablation by gangionated plexi ablation did not influence the outcomes of surgical ablation due to atrial fibrillation in our population in the course of 12-month follow-up. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved retrospectively by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Ostrava ( reference number 867/2016).

Left Atrial Ganglionated Plexi Detection is Related to Heart Rate and Early Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Surgical Ablation.

INTRODUCTION:: Left atrial ganglionated plexi ablation is an adjuvant technique used to increase the success rate of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Ganglionated plexi ablation requires previous detection. We aimed to assess determinants of successful ganglionated plexi detection and to correlate range of ganglionated plexi ablation with risk of early atrial fibrillation recurrence. METHODS:: The study involved 34 consecutive patients referred for surgical coronary revascularization with concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation. Ganglionated plexi detection was done by inducing vagal reflexes in the area of the pulmonary veins and left atrial fat pads. RESULTS:: Detection of GP was successful in 85% of the patients. There was no difference in preoperative characteristics nor in atrial fibrillation type between patients in whom ganglionated plexi detection was successful and others. The number of detected ganglionated plexi correlated significantly only with preoperative resting heart rate. Significant negative correlation was found in patients with preoperative heart rate>75 beat/min in terms of total number of detected ganglionated plexi (P=0.04). Average number of detected ganglionated plexi was significantly higher in patients with in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence requiring electrical cardioversion (3.8±3) in comparison to rest of the study population (2±1.3; P=0.02). In patients in whom 4 or more ganglionated plexi were detected, significantly increased risk of in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence was observed (OR 15; 95% CI 1.5-164; P=0.003). CONCLUSION:: Left atrial ganglionated plexi detection was unsuccessful in a considerable percentage of patients. Preoperative heart rate significantly influenced positive ganglionated plexi detection and number of ablated ganglia. Higher number of detected ganglionated plexi was related with early recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Left atrial ganglionated plexi detection is related to heart rate and early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after surgical ablation

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Left atrial ganglionated plexi ablation is an adjuvant technique used to increase the success rate of surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Ganglionated plexi ablation requires previous detection. We aimed to assess determinants of successful ganglionated plexi detection and to correlate range of ganglionated plexi ablation with risk of early atrial fibrillation recurrence. METHODS: The study involved 34 consecutive patients referred for surgical coronary revascularization with concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation. Ganglionated plexi detection was done by inducing vagal reflexes in the area of the pulmonary veins and left atrial fat pads. RESULTS: Detection of GP was successful in 85% of the patients. There was no difference in preoperative characteristics nor in atrial fibrillation type between patients in whom ganglionated plexi detection was successful and others. The number of detected ganglionated plexi correlated significantly only with preoperative resting heart rate. Significant negative correlation was found in patients with preoperative heart rate>75 beat/min in terms of total number of detected ganglionated plexi (P=0.04). Average number of detected ganglionated plexi was significantly higher in patients with in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence requiring electrical cardioversion (3.8±3) in comparison to rest of the study population (2±1.3; P=0.02). In patients in whom 4 or more ganglionated plexi were detected, significantly increased risk of in-hospital atrial fibrillation recurrence was observed (OR 15; 95% CI 1.5-164; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Left atrial ganglionated plexi detection was unsuccessful in a considerable percentage of patients. Preoperative heart rate significantly influenced positive ganglionated plexi detection and number of ablated ganglia. Higher number of detected ganglionated plexi was related with early recurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Cardioneuroablation in the treatment of neurally mediated reflex syncope: a review of the current literature.

OBJECTIVE: An imbalance between parasympathetic and sympathetic tone is a main cause of neurally mediated reflex syncope (NMRS). These patients may be very symptomatic and the condition may require cardiac pacemaker implantation. Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a relatively novel technique based on radiofrequency ablation of vagal ganglia that can be used in treatment of NMRS. The aim of this analysis was to compare potential role of CNA in patients with NMRS. METHODS: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement, literature search was conducted using the keywords "cardioneuroablation," "vagal denervation," "reflex syncope," "vagal ablation," and "ganglionic plexi ablation." Retrieved citations were first screened independently by 2 reviewers for inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Freedom from syncope and freedom from prodrome were 100% and between 50% and 100%, respectively, in the studies. Ablation was performed via both atria in 3 studies; only left atrial approach was used in the remaining studies. There was no major complication related to the procedure reported. CONCLUSION: Focused or extensive vagal ganglia ablation may be a potential alternative to pacemaker implantation in a carefully selected patient population. In contrast to pharmacological therapy and pacemaker implantation, ganglia ablation is designed to get to the root of the problem: disturbances in the intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system. This novel technique should be evaluated in large-scale, randomized, controlled trials.

Differential effect of ganglionic plexi ablation in a patient with neurally mediated syncope and intermittent atrioventricular block.

AIMS: In patients with severe neurally mediated syncope (NMS), radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of ganglionic plexi (GP) has been proposed as a new therapeutic approach. Cardio-inhibitory response during NMS is usually related to the sinoatrial (SA) and less frequently to atrioventricular (AV) node. Differential effect of GP ablation on SA and AV node is poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report a case of a 35-year-old female with frequent symptomatic episodes of advanced AV block treated by anatomically guided RFA at empirical sites of GPs. After RFA at the septal portion of the right atrium-superior vena cava junction, heart rate accelerated from 62 to 91 beats/min and PR interval prolonged from 213 to 344 ms. Sustained first-degree AV block allowed to observe directly the effects of subsequent RFA on the AV nodal properties. Subsequent RFA at right- and left-sided aspects of the inter-atrial septum had no further effect on heart rate and PR interval. Ablation at the inferior left GP was critical for restoration of normal AV conduction (final PR interval of 187 ms). No bradycardia episodes were observed by implantable loop recorder during the follow-up of 10 months and the patient was symptomatically improved. CONCLUSION: This is the first clinical case showing the differential effect of GP ablation on SA and AV nodal function, and critical importance of targeting the GP at the postero-inferior left atrium. The successful procedure corroborates clinical utility of ablation treatment instead of pacemaker implantation in selected patients with cardio-inhibitory NMS.

Impact of Anatomically Guided Ganglionated Plexus Ablation on Electrical Firing from Isolated Pulmonary Veins.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) initiation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) effectiveness remain unclear. Ganglionated plexus (GPs) have been implicated in AF initiation and maintenance. In this study, we evaluated the impact of GP ablation in patients with pulmonary vein (PV) firing after PVI. METHODS: Patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation therapy with PVI were screened. Among 840 cases over a 3.75-year period, 12 cases were identified with persistent PV firing (left = 4 and right = 8) after PVI was achieved and left atrial sinus rhythm restored. Adjacent GP ablation was performed anatomically and followed if necessary by additional PV ablation. RESULTS: In eight patients, PV firing was terminated during GP ablation outside of the circumferential ablation line. In one patient, additional PV ablation resulted in cessation of PV firing and in the remaining three patients, firing could not be terminated by GP ablation or additional PVI. CONCLUSION: GP ablation outside of wide antral circumferential line frequently results in the cessation of rapid firing from electrically isolated PVs. These observations suggest that interactions between left atrium and PV beyond electrical conduction warrant consideration in AF mechanisms.

Ganglion Plexus Ablation in Advanced Atrial Fibrillation: The AFACT Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with long duration of atrial fibrillation (AF), enlarged atria, or failed catheter ablation have advanced AF and may require more extensive treatment than pulmonary vein isolation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of additional ganglion plexus (GP) ablation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic AF surgery. METHODS: Patients with paroxysmal AF underwent pulmonary vein isolation. Patients with persistent AF also received additional lines (Dallas lesion set). Patients were randomized 1:1 to additional epicardial ablation of the 4 major GPs and Marshall's ligament (GP group) or no extra ablation (control) and followed every 3 months for 1 year. After a 3-month blanking period, all antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued. RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients with a mean AF duration of 5.7 ± 5.1 years (59% persistent) were included. Mean procedure times were 185 ± 54 min and 168 ± 54 min (p = 0.015) in the GP (n = 117) and control groups (n = 123), respectively. GP ablation abated 100% of evoked vagal responses; these responses remained in 87% of control subjects. Major bleeding occurred in 9 patients (all in the GP group; p < 0.001); 8 patients were managed thoracoscopically, and 1 underwent sternotomy. Sinus node dysfunction occurred in 12 patients in the GP group and 4 control subjects (p = 0.038), and 6 pacemakers were implanted (all in the GP group; p = 0.013). After 1 year, 4 patients had died (all in the GP group, not procedure related; p = 0.055), and 9 were lost to follow-up. Freedom from AF recurrence in the GP and control groups was not statistically different whether patients had paroxysmal or persistent AF. At 1 year, 82% of patients were not taking antiarrhythmic drugs. CONCLUSIONS: GP ablation during thoracoscopic surgery for advanced AF has no detectable effect on AF recurrence but causes more major adverse events, major bleeding, sinus node dysfunction, and pacemaker implantation. (Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery [AFACT]; NCT01091389).

Catheter Ablation as a Treatment for Vasovagal Syncope: Long-Term Outcome of Endocardial Autonomic Modification of the Left Atrium.

BACKGROUND: Autonomic modification through catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi (GPs) in the left atrium has been reported previously as a treatment for vasovagal syncope. This study aimed to observe the long-term outcome in a larger cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 57 consecutive patients (aged 43.2±13.4 years; 35 women) with refractory vasovagal syncope were enrolled, and high-frequency stimulation and anatomically guided GP ablation were performed in 10 and 47 cases, respectively. A total of 127 GP sites with positive vagal response were successfully elicited and ablated, including 52 left superior, 19 left lateral, 18 left inferior, 27 right anterior, and 11 right inferior GPs. During follow-up of 36.4±22.2 months (range 12-102 months), 52 patients (91.2%) remained free from syncope. Prodromes recurred in 16 patients. No statistical differences were found between the high-frequency stimulation and anatomically guided ablation groups in either freedom from syncope (100% versus 89.4%, P=0.348) or recurrent prodromes (50% versus 76.6%, P=0.167). The deceleration capacity, heart rate, and heart rate variability measurements demonstrated a reduced vagal tone lasting for at least 12 months after the procedure, with improved tolerance of repeated head-up tilt testing. No complications were observed except for transient sinus tachycardia that occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial GP ablation showed excellent long-term clinical outcomes and might be considered as a therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic vasovagal syncope.

Mapping and ablation of autonomic ganglia in prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation in coronary surgery: MAAPPAFS atrial fibrillation randomized controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains common after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Limited efforts to intervene on cardiac autonomic ganglionic plexi (AGP) during surgery show mixed results. In this pilot study, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of map-guided ablation of AGPs during isolated CABG in the prevention of POAF. METHODS: In this pilot study, patients undergoing isolated CABG were randomized into an intervention group (mapping and ablation of AGP [AGP+] group), and a control group (no mapping and ablation [AGP-] group). Using high-frequency stimulation, active AGPs were identified and ablated intraoperatively using radiofrequency. Continuous rhythm monitoring, serum electrolytes, postoperative medications, and postoperative complications were recorded until discharge. RESULTS: Randomization of 47 patients (24 AGP+ and 23 AGP-) resulted in similar baseline characteristics, past medical history, and preoperative medication use. The intervention added a median of 14 minutes to the operative time. The incidence of POAF, mean time in POAF, and median length of stay in hospital were: AGP+ 21% vs AGP- 30%; AGP+ 298 minutes vs AGP- 514 minutes; AGP+ 5 days vs AGP- 6 days; respectively). Postoperative complications, medication use, and daily serum electrolyte profiles were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated the safety and feasibility of mapping and ablation of AGP during CABG with minimal added operative time. Results further suggest a potentially clinically significant effect on POAF. A multicentre trial is warranted.

Exploration of theoretical ganglionated plexi ablation technique in atrial fibrillation surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ganglionated plexi ablation during atrial fibrillation surgery is not technically standardized for precise ganglionated plexi locations or ablation sequence. We aimed to identify precise active ganglionated plexi locations in patients with structural heart disease and explore the feasibility of anatomic ganglionated plexi ablation without prior mapping in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Thirty patients with valvular disease-associated atrial fibrillation underwent ganglionated plexi ablation and a modified maze procedure. In 20 patients, ganglionated plexi mapping was performed to identify active plexi. According to mapping results, anatomically determined plexi were ablated without mapping in the final 10 patients. Ganglionated plexi ablation outcomes with and without prior mapping were compared between perioperative and early postoperative periods. RESULTS: Active ganglionated plexi common to more than 20% of patients were identified in the superior and inferior right pulmonary veins, superior left pulmonary vein, interatrial groove, and inferior left atrium. Inferior left atrial plexi ablation resulted in maximum vagal modulation. Compared with ablation using mapping, anatomic ablation yielded more vagal modulation in heart rate variability and decreased the requisite cardiopulmonary bypass time. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential pacing and ablation technique identified an optimal ablation sequence that best ensured vagal reflex elimination from all ganglionated plexi. Anatomic ablation using a predetermined ganglionated plexi map may be a viable alternative to individual plexus mapping before ablation.

Active ganglionated plexi is a predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after minimally invasive surgical ablation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ganglionated plexi (GP) ablation has been become an important strategy for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesize that active GP is a predictor of AF recurrence after minimally invasive surgical AF ablation. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with symptomatic lone AF undergoing minimally invasive surgical pulmonary vein isolation combined with GP testing and ablations were followed for a median of 50 months. Success was defined as freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting >30 seconds duration. RESULTS: The single-procedure success rate is 56.3% for paroxysmal AF, 27.3% for persistent AF, and 25% for long-term persistent AF. A mean of 4.1 active GPs were identified in each patient. There were more active GP on the right side than on the left side (2.8 ± 2.2 vs. 1.4 ± 1.2, p<0.001). The number of active GP independently predicted recurrence of AF at 12 months (hazard ratios [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.48, 0.95]; p=0.022), 24 months (0.71 [0.53, 0.95]; p=0.019), and 60 months (0.69 [0.54, 0.89]; p=0.004). Patients with active GP above 5 were associated with higher long-term success rates in comparison to patients with less active GP (p=0.014). Duration of AF >24 months, early recurrence of AF, and left atrial diameter also predicted long-term recurrences of AF. CONCLUSIONS: The number of active GP is a predictor of AF recurrence after minimally invasive surgical AF ablation. Patients with more active GP were associated with markedly higher single-procedure success rates.

Additional benefit of cryoballoon-based atrial fibrillation ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation: modification of ganglionated plexi.

AIMS: It has been known that cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an efficacious and a safe therapeutic option to eliminate triggers of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the effect of cryoablation on external modifiers of AF-like ganglionated plexi (GP) has never been investigated. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether vagal reactions probably due to GP modification during cryoablation, are associated with success rates during follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 145 patients (age: 54.5 ± 10.1, 52.4% males and 80.7% paroxysmal AF) who were symptomatic despite treatment with ≥ 1 antiarrhythmic drug underwent PVI with cryoballoon. Occurrences of intraprocedural vagal reactions were recorded in all patients. Intraprocedural vagal reaction was observed in 59 patients (40.7%). Vagal reaction characterized by bradycardia and hypotension was more common in patients free of AF recurrence as was the requirement of atropine administration or temporary pacing (46.2 vs. 15.4%, P = 0.004 and 38.7 vs. 7.7%, P = 0.002, respectively). At a median 17 (4-27) months follow-up, AF recurrence was observed in 26 (17.9%) patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that non-paroxysmal AF, left atrial diameter, and early recurrence significantly increased AF recurrence; however, requirement of atropine administration or temporary pacing (hazard ratio: 0.064; 95% confidence interval: 0.008-0.48, P = 0.008) decreased AF recurrence. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that vagal reactions during cryoablation, as a surrogate marker of cardiac ANS modification, decrease AF recurrence in a subgroup of patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. This finding may be attributed to the concomitant ablation of GP during antral PVI.