Novel streamlined technique for left atrial appendage closure using a radiofrequency wire-based large access system.

INTRODUCTION: Transseptal puncture (TSP) to allow for large delivery sheath left atrial (LA) access remains a challenging aspect of LA appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with prior history of TSP, thick or lipomatous septum, atrial septal aneurysms, or other complex cardiac anatomies. This study investigates the use of the VersaCross large access (VLA) system (Baylis Medical/Boston Scientific) to improve procedural efficiency of LAAC compared to the standard needle workflow. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty LAAC procedures using WATCHMAN FLX between November 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed comparing the VLA workflow (n = 25) to the standard needle workflow (n = 25). Study primary endpoint was time to procedural efficiency, and secondary endpoints included TSP time, acute LAAC success, fluoroscopy use, device recaptures, and periprocedural complications. Acute LAAC was successfully completed in all cases with no intraprocedural complications. TSP time was faster, but not significant, using the VLA workflow compared to the standard RF needle workflow (2.6 ± 1.1 min vs. 3.0 ± 1.8 min, p = 0.38). Time to WATCHMAN sheath in LA from TSP was 27% faster (1.5 ± 0.8 min vs. 2.1 ± 0.9 min; p = 0.03), and time to WATCHMAN release from TSP was 19% faster (10.5. ± 2.5 min vs. 13.0 ± 3.7 min; p = 0.01) with the VLA workflow. Overall procedure time was 15% faster (30.4 ± 5.1 min vs. 36.0 ± 6.6 min; p = 0.003) using VLA. Fluoroscopy time was 25% lower (4.0 ± 2.2 min vs. 5.5 ± 2.3 min; p = 0.003) and fluoroscopy dose was 60% lower (97.0 ± 91.7 mGy vs. 241.8 ± 240.6 mGy; p = 0.01) and more consistent [F-test, p ˂ 0.0001] using the VLA workflow compared to the needle workflow. CONCLUSION: The VLA system streamlines LAAC procedures, improving LAAC efficiency and reducing fluoroscopy use by allowing for de novo dilation of the septum for large-bore delivery sheaths, and reducing device exchanges and delivery sheath manipulation.

Clinical outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with previous intracranial or gastrointestinal bleeding: Insights from the LOGIC (Left atrial appendage Occlusion in patients with Gastrointestinal or IntraCranial bleeding) International Multicenter Registry.

AIMS: To compare outcomes of patients who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and contraindication to anticoagulants due to history of either gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) bleeding. METHODS: Patients with NVAF that underwent LAAO for GI or IC bleeding from seven centers were included in this observational study. Baseline characteristics, procedural features, and follow-up data were collected, and compared between the two groups. The primary outcomes were incidence of ischemic and hemorrhagic events at 12-month. RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-eight patients were included, 57% with previous GI-bleeding, and 43% with previous IC-bleeding. Median CHA 2 DS 2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range [IQRs]: 3-5) for both GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding patients, while GI-bleeding patients had a higher HAS-BLED score (4 [IQRs: 3-4] vs. 3 [IQRs]: 2-3]; p = 0.001). At 12-month follow-up, relative risk reduction for stroke was similar between the two groups. The GI-bleeding group had more hemorrhagic events compared to IC-bleeding group (any bleeding 8.4% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.012; major bleeding BARC 3-5: 4.3% vs. 1.8; p = 0.010). At multivariate analysis history of GI bleeding was an independent predictor of hemorrhagic events (adjusted HR: 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-5.63; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes after LAAO may be affected by the different indications for the procedure. In our study, GI-bleeding and IC-bleeding as indication to LAAO differ in their baseline characteristics. LAAO confirms its efficacy in ischemic risk reduction in both groups, while GI bleeding seems to be an independent predictor of bleeding recurrence at 12 months behind the antithrombotic regimen.

Prognostic value of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) often coexist and share an increased risk of thrombo-embolism (TE). CKD concomitantly predisposes towards a pro-haemorrhagic state. Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of CKD in patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 2124 consecutive AF patients undergoing LAAO were categorized into CKD stage 1+2 (n = 1089), CKD stage 3 (n = 796), CKD stage 4 (n = 170), and CKD stage 5 (n = 69) based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. The primary endpoint included cardiovascular (CV) mortality, TE, and major bleeding. The expected annual TE and major bleeding risks were estimated based on the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. A non-significant higher incidence of major peri-procedural adverse events (1.7 vs. 2.3 vs. 4.1 vs. 4.3) was observed with worsening CKD (P = 0.14). The mean follow-up period was 13 ± 7 months (2226 patient-years). In comparison to CKD stage 1+2 as a reference, the incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in CKD stage 3 (log-rank P-value = 0.04), CKD stage 4 (log-rank P-value = 0.01), and CKD stage 5 (log-rank P-value = 0.001). Left atrial appendage occlusion led to a TE risk reduction (RR) of 72, 66, 62, and 41% in each group. The relative RR of major bleeding was 58, 44, 51, and 52%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-to-severe CKD had a higher incidence of the primary composite endpoint. The relative RR in the incidence of TE and major bleeding was consistent across CKD groups.

Three-dimensional intracardiac echocardiography for left atrial appendage sizing and percutaneous occlusion guidance.

AIMS: Left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging is critical during percutaneous occlusion procedures. 3D-intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) features direct visualization of LAA from multiple cross-sectional planes at a time. We aimed at reporting procedural success of 3D-ICE-guided LAA occlusion and the correlation between pre-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and intraprocedural 3D-ICE for LAA sizing. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 274 patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with a Watchman FLX, periprocedural ICE guidance was achieved via a commercially available 2D-ICE catheter (220 patients) or a novel (NUVISION™) 3D-ICE one (54 patients). Primary endpoint was a composite of procedural success and LAA sealing at follow-up TEE. Secondary endpoint was a composite of periprocedural device recapture/resizing plus presence of leaks ≥ 3 mm at follow-up TEE. 3D-ICE measurements of maximum landing zone correlated highly with pre-procedural TEE reference values [Pearson's: 0.94; P < 0.001; bias: -0.06 (-2.39, 2.27)]. The agreement between 3D-ICE-based device selection and final device size was 96.3% vs. 79.1% with 2D-ICE (P = 0.005). The incidence of the primary endpoint was 98.1% with 3D-ICE and 97.3% with 2D-ICE (P = 0.99). 2D-ICE patients had a trend towards a higher incidence of periprocedural device recapture/redeployment (31.5% vs. 44.5%; P = 0.09). The secondary endpoint occurred in 31.5% of 3D-ICE patients vs. 45.9% of 2D-ICE ones (P = 0.065). CONCLUSION: Intracardiac echocardiography-guided LAAO showed a very high success, with no major adverse events. A very high level of agreement for LAA sizing was found between pre-procedural TEE and periprocedural 3D-ICE. 3D-ICE performed significantly better than 2D-ICE for FLX size selection and may provide better guidance during device deployment.

Leak closure following left atrial appendage exclusion procedures: A multicenter registry.

BACKGROUND: Though infrequent, incomplete left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may result from residual leaks. Percutaneous closure has been described though data is limited. METHODS: We compiled a registry from four centers of patients undergoing percutaneous closure of residual leaks following LAAC via surgical means or with the Watchman device. Leak severity was classified as none (no leak), mild (1-2 mm), moderate (3-4 mm), or severe (≥5 mm). Procedural and clinical success was defined as the elimination of leak or mild residual leak at the conclusion of the procedure or follow-up, respectively. RESULTS: Of 72 (age 72.2 ± 9.2 years; 67% male) patients, 53 had undergone prior LAAC using the Watchman device and 19 patients surgical LAAC. Mean CHADS2 -VA2 Sc score was 4.0 ± 1.8. The median leak size was 5 mm, range: 2-13). A total of 13 received Amplatzer Vascular Plug-II, 18 received Amplatzer Duct Occluder-II and 40 patients received coils. One underwent closure using a 21 mm-Watchman. Procedural success was 94%. Zero surgical and nine Watchman patients (13%) had a residual leak at procedural-end (five mild, three moderate, and one severe)-only one patient had no reduction in leak size. Overall leak size reduction was 94%. Two (3%) had intraoperative pericardial effusion. There were no device embolizations, device-related thrombi, or procedural deaths. Clinical success was maintained at 94%. Two had cerebrovascular accidents-at 2 days (transient ischemic attack) and 10 months postprocedure. Two had major bleeding outside the 30-day periprocedural window. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous closure of residual leaks following left atrial appendage closure is feasible and associated with good outcomes. The procedural risk appears to be satisfactory.

Amplatzer PFO Occluder for treatment of incomplete LAA closure with AtriClip.

Herein, we describe the use of an Amplatzer PFO Occluder to treat incomplete LAA closure due to a malpositioned AtriClip.

Results from the prospective, multicenter AMBULATE-CAP trial: Reduced use of urinary catheters and protamine with hemostasis via the Mid-Bore Venous Vascular Closure System (VASCADE® MVP) following multi-access cardiac ablation procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Manual compression (MC), historically the most common method to achieve hemostasis after percutaneous vascular procedures, is time consuming, requires prolonged bedrest, and is uncomfortable for patients and clinicians. Recent studies demonstrate the efficacy and safety of vascular closure devices and suggest shorter times to hemostasis and patient ambulation compared with MC. The current study evaluated the feasibility of the VASCADE® venous vascular closure system (VVCS) while allowing for urinary catheter (UC) elimination, and elimination of protamine and/or same calendar day discharge (SCDD). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective, multicenter trial, patients were enrolled and assigned to the following groups: no UC, no protamine, and/or SCDD (no co-enrollment in no protamine and SCDD). After completing the catheter-based cardiac procedure, access sites were closed using the VVCS. Outcomes included final hemostasis (all sites) without major access site-related complications at 30 days, rates of access site closure-related complications, device success, and study group success. All 168 patients had hemostasis without major access site-related complications through 30 days. In the no UC group, 160 out of 164 (97.6%) patients did not receive a UC. Additionally, 39 out of 41 (95.1%) patients received heparin without protamine reversal and no access site bleeding-related ambulation delays, and 18 out of 18 (100%) patients were discharged on the same day. There were no major access site closure-related complications, few minor complications, and adverse events were generally mild and well managed. CONCLUSION: The VVCS was effective for achieving hemostasis following catheter-based procedures; access site closure-related complications and adverse events were well managed.

Intracardiac echocardiography- versus transesophageal echocardiography-guided left atrial appendage occlusion with Watchman FLX.

INTRODUCTION: Watchman FLX has been recently approved for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in the US. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) - which is already commonly used to guide trans-septal access - can serve as an alternative to TEE, simplifying the procedure and reducing associated costs. Herein, we report our experience with ICE-guided LAAO with Watchman FLX. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cohort study included the first 190 consecutive patients who underwent LAAO with Watchman FLX in our center. LAAO was successful in all patients without significant peri-procedural, device-related complications in either group. Compared to TEE, we observed a significant reduction in procedural times when using ICE. In addition, there was a potentially clinically relevant reduction in fluoroscopy dose, mainly secondary to fewer cine acquisition runs. At follow-up, no cases of device embolism were noted, whereas the rate of device-related thrombosis and peri-device leaks were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: ICE-guided LAAO with Watchman FLX is safe and feasible, with a significant reduction in procedural time and potential reduction in fluoroscopy dose when compared to TEE.

Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of atrioesophageal fistula resulting from atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: Atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) is a worrisome complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Its clinical manifestations and time course are unpredictable and may contribute to diagnostic and treatment delays. We conducted a systematic review of all available cases of AEF, aiming at characterizing clinical presentation, time course, diagnostic pitfalls, and outcomes. METHODS: The digital search retrieved 150 studies containing 257 cases, 238 (92.6%) of which with a confirmed diagnosis of AEF and 19 (7.4%) of pericardioesophageal fistula. RESULTS: The median time from ablation to symptom onset was 21 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-28). Neurological abnormalities were documented in 75% of patients. Compared to patients seen by a specialist, those evaluated at a walk-in clinic or community hospital had a significantly greater delay between symptom onset and hospital admission (median: 2.5 day [IQR: 1-8] vs. 1 day [IQR: 1-5); p = .03). Overall, 198 patients underwent a chest scan (computed tomography [CT]: 192 patients and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]: 6 patients), 48 (24.2%; 46 CT and 2 MRI) of whom had normal/unremarkable findings. Time from hospital admission to diagnostic confirmation was significantly longer in patients with a first normal/unremarkable chest scan (p < .001). Overall mortality rate was 59.3% and 26.0% survivors had residual neurological deficits at the time of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Since healthcare professionals of any specialty might be involved in treating AEF patients, awareness of the clinical manifestations, diagnostic pitfalls, and time course, as well as an early contact with the treating electrophysiologist for a coordinated interdisciplinary medical effort, are pivotal to prevent diagnostic delays and reduce mortality.

Half-normal saline versus normal saline for irrigation of open-irrigated radiofrequency catheters in atrial fibrillation ablation.

BACKGROUND: The creation of effective and permanent lesions is a crucial factor in determining the success rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. By increasing the efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) energy-mediated lesion formation, half-normal saline (HNS) as an irrigant for open-irrigated ablation catheters has the potential to reduce procedural times and improve acute and long-term outcomes. METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial of 99 patients undergoing first-time RF catheter ablation for AF. Patients enrolled were randomly assigned in a 1:1 fashion to perform ablation using HNS or normal saline (NS) as an irrigant for the ablation catheter. RESULTS: The use of HNS is associated with shorter RF times (26 vs. 33 min; p = .02) with comparable procedure times (104 vs. 104 min). The rate of acute pulmonary vein reconnections (16% vs. 18%) was comparable, with a median of 1 vein reconnection in the HNS arm versus 2 in the NS arm. There was no difference in procedure-related complications, including the incidence of postprocedural hyponatremia when using HNS. Over the 1-year follow-up, there is no significant difference between the HNS and NS with respect to the recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia (off antiarrhythmic drugs [AAD]: 47% vs. 52%; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-2.06; off/on AAD: 66% vs. 66%, HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.53-2.12), with a potential benefit of using HNS when considering the paroxysmal AF cohort (on/off AAD 73% vs. 62%, HR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.19-2.70). CONCLUSIONS: In a mixed cohort of patients undergoing first-time AF ablation, irrigation of open-irrigated RF ablation catheters with HNS is associated with shorter RF times, with a comparably low rate of procedure-related complications. In the long term, there is no significant difference with respect to the recurrence of any atrial arrhythmia. Larger studies with a more homogeneous population are necessary to determine whether HNS improves clinical outcomes.

Targeting non-pulmonary vein triggers in persistent atrial fibrillation: results from a prospective, multicentre, observational registry.

AIMS: We evaluated the efficacy of an ablation strategy empirically targeting pulmonary veins (PVs) and posterior wall (PW) and the prevalence and clinical impact of extrapulmonary trigger inducibility and ablation in a large cohort of patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 1803 PerAF patients were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) extended to the entire PW. A standardized protocol was performed to confirm persistent PVAI and elicit any triggers originating from non-PV sites. All non-PV triggers initiating sustained atrial tachyarrhythmias were ablated. Ablation of non-PV sites triggering non-sustained runs (<30 s) of atrial tachyarrhythmias or promoting frequent premature atrial complexes (≥10/min) was left to operator's discretion. Overall, 1319 (73.2%) patients had documented triggers from non-PV areas. After 17.4 ± 8.5 months of follow-up, the cumulative freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias among patients without inducible non-PV triggers (n = 484) was 70.2%. Patients with ablation of induced non-PV triggers had a significantly higher arrhythmia control than those whose triggers were not ablated (67.9% vs. 39.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). After adjusting for clinically relevant variables, patients in whom non-PV triggers were documented but not ablated had an increased risk of arrhythmia relapse (hazard ratio: 2.39; 95% confidence interval: 2.01-2.83; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Pulmonary vein antrum isolation extended to the entire PW might provide acceptable long-term arrhythmia-free survival in PerAF patients without inducible non-PV triggers. In our population of PerAF patients, non-PV triggers could be elicited in ∼70% of PerAF patients and their elimination significantly improved outcomes.

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.

Catheter Ablation of Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias in Athletes.

A recent surveillance analysis indicates that cardiac arrest/death occurs in ≈1:50,000 professional or semi-professional athletes, and the most common cause is attributable to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). It is critically important to diagnose any inherited/acquired cardiac disease, including coronary artery disease, since it frequently represents the arrhythmogenic substrate in a substantial part of the athletes presenting with major VAs. New insights indicate that athletes develop a specific electro-anatomical remodeling, with peculiar anatomic distribution and VAs patterns. However, because of the scarcity of clinical data concerning the natural history of VAs in sports performers, there are no dedicated recommendations for VA ablation. The treatment remains at the mercy of several individual factors, including the type of VA, the athlete's age, and the operator's expertise. With the present review, we aimed to illustrate the prevalence, electrocardiographic (ECG) features, and imaging correlations of the most common VAs in athletes, focusing on etiology, outcomes, and sports eligibility after catheter ablation.

Closure of the left atrial appendage using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices.

Closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using percutaneous transcatheter occlusion devices is used for stroke prevention as an alternative for patients with a high risk and contraindications for long-term oral anticoagulation use. In this manuscript, we will discuss the practical aspects of four among the available devices that provide percutaneous intravascular closure of the LAA: Watchman, Amulet, WaveCrest, and LAmbre.

Non-pulmonary vein triggers in nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation: Implications of pathophysiology for catheter ablation.

Rhythm control of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients represents a challenge for the modern interventional cardiac electrophysiologist; as a matter of fact, there is still divergence regarding the best ablative approach to adopt in this population. Different investigational endpoints, variability of techniques and tools, significant technological evolution, and the lack of universally accepted pathophysiological models engendered a considerable heterogeneity in terms of techniques and outcomes, so much that the treatment of persistent subtypes of AF commonly still relies mainly on pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. The purpose of the present review is to report the current experimental and clinical evidence supporting the importance of mapping and ablating non-PV triggers and describe our institutional approach for the ablation of nonparoxysmal AF.

Thromboembolic events and need for anticoagulation therapy following left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with electrical isolation of the appendage.

INTRODUCTION: Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important adjunctive ablation strategy in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients who have impaired LAA contractility following isolation may require long-term oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy irrespective of their CHADS2 -VASc score. Percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) is a potential alternative to life-long OAC therapy. We aimed to assess the rate of OAC discontinuation and thromboembolic (TE) events following percutaneous LAAO in patients who underwent LAA electrical isolation (LAAI). METHODS: This is a retrospective two-center study of patients who underwent percutaneous LAAO following LAAI. Patients with at least 3-month follow-up were included in the study. The antithrombotic therapy and TE events at the time of the last follow-up were noted. RESULTS: The LAA was successfully occluded in 162 (with Watchman device in 140 [86.4%] and Lariat in 22 [13.6%]). A total of 32 patients had leaks detected on the 45-day transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE); 21 (15%) Watchman and 11 (50%) Lariat cases (P = 0.0001). Two (one Watchman and one Lariat) of the 32 leaks were more than 5 mm. After the 45-day TEE, 150 (92.6%) patients were off-OAC. No TE events were reported in the 150 patients who stopped the anticoagulants. Four (2.47%) patients experienced stroke following the LAAO (three Watchman and one Lariat) procedure while on-OAC, two of which were fatal. At the median follow-up of 18.5 months, 159 (98.15%) patients were off-anticoagulant. CONCLUSION: Up to 98% of patients with LAAI could safely discontinue OAC after undergoing the appendage closure procedure.

Arrhythmogenecity and thrombogenicity of the residual left atrial appendage stump following surgical exclusion of the appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: It is common to find residual stump after the amputation or clip exclusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA). We evaluated the arrhythmogenic and thrombogenic potential of LAA stumps in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF recurrence with LAA stump detected at baseline transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were included in the analysis. Nonpulmonary vein (non-PV) triggers were ablated based on operator's discretion. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients with LAA stump were included in the analysis. Firing from the LAA stump was detected in 186 cases, of which 145 received stump isolation (group I) and the stump was not targeted for isolation in 41 (group II) patients. In 27 patients with no firing from the stump (group III) only non-PV triggers from sites other than the LAA stump were targeted for ablation. At 16.7 ± 8.5 months of follow-up, 126 (86.9%) patients from group I, eight (19.5%) from group II, and eight (33.3%) from group III remained arrhythmia-free off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) (P < 0.001). Sixty out of 70 patients underwent redo procedure; electrical isolation of the stump and ablation of other non-PV triggers was done in all 60 cases. At 1 year after the repeat procedure, 55 (91.7%) patients remained arrhythmia-free off-AAD. A total of four (1.88%) thromboembolic (TE) events reported, three of which were transient ischemic attacks and all three patients had "smoke" detected in the left atrium. CONCLUSION: LAA stump is arrhythmogenic and electrical isolation improves clinical outcome. TE events are rare and mostly associated with left atrial smoke in this subset of AF population.

Long-term outcomes of catheter ablation in patients with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation lasting less than 2 years.

INTRODUCTION: Outcome data after catheter ablation (CA) for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) lasting less than 2 years are limited and highly variable with different ablation approaches. We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes in patients with LSPAF lasting less than 2 years undergoing extended pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) versus those with additional non-pulmonary vein (PV) trigger ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective analysis, 381 consecutive patients with LSPAF lasting less than 2 years (age: 64 ± 9 years, 76% male, atrial fibrillation duration: 19 ± 5 months) undergoing their first CA were classified into two groups: Group 1 (n = 104) received PVAI extended to PW plus isolation of superior vena cava (SVC) and Group 2 ( n = 277) received PVAI + PW + SVC + non-PV-trigger ablation. All patients were followed-up for at least 2 years. In case of recurrence, repeat procedure was offered and non-PV triggers were targeted for ablation in all. After a single procedure, 26 (25%) patients in Group 1 and 172 (62.1%) in Group 2 remained arrhythmia-free (P < 0.001). A second procedure was performed in 58 of 78 (74.4%) patients in Group 1 and 77 of 105 (73.3%) patients in Group 2. Non-PV triggers were identified in 52 (89.6%) and 54 (70.1%) patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively, and targeted for ablation. Overall, 72 (69.2%) patients in Group 1 and 238 (86%) in Group 2 remained arrhythmia-free ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients with LSPAF lasting less than 2 years, extended PVAI plus SVC isolation was less likely to achieve long-term sinus rhythm. In the majority of patients, recurrence was due to non-PV triggers and ablation of those resulted in better outcome.

Isolation of the superior vena cava from the right atrial posterior wall: a novel ablation approach.

Aims: Superior vena cava (SVC) isolation might be difficult to achieve because of the vicinity of the phrenic nerve (PN) and sinus node. Based on its embryogenesis, we hypothesized the presence of preferential conduction from the right atrial (RA) posterior wall, making it possible to isolate the SVC antrally, sparing its anterior and lateral aspect. Methods and results: This is a descriptive cohort study of 105 consecutive patients in which SVC isolation was obtained with radiofrequency ablation, starting in the septal aspect of the SVC-RA junction and continued posteriorly and inferiorly targeting sites of early activation until electrical isolation was obtained. Acute SVC isolation was achieved in 103 (98%) patients; the mean distance between the site of SVC isolation and the SVC-RA junction was 19.9 ± 5.3 (range 9.7-33.7) mm. During follow-up, 2 (2%) patients developed symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis due to transient right PN injury; 13 patients underwent a repeat ablation: SVC reconnection was observed in 5 patients, and re-isolation was easily achieved by targeting the corresponding sites of early activation. Conclusion: Superior vena cava isolation can be completed by targeting its septal segment and sites of early activation in the posterior SVC-RA junction and RA posterior wall; this is a feasible alternative ablation strategy in patients in which SVC isolation cannot be completed with the standard approach. The risk of sinus node injury or SVC stenosis are eliminated; PN injury is still possible but can easily be prevented with high-output pacing to exclude a true posterior course of the PN.

Long-term follow-up of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and severe left atrial scarring: comparison between pulmonary vein antrum isolation only or pulmonary vein isolation combined with either scar homogenization or trigger ablation.

AIMS: Left atrial (LA) scarring, a consequence of cardiac fibrosis is a powerful predictor of procedure-outcome in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing catheter ablation. We sought to compare the long-term outcome in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) and severe LA scarring identified by 3D mapping, undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVAI) only or PVAI and the entire scar areas (scar homogenization) or PVAI+ ablation of the non-PV triggers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Totally, 177 consecutive patients with PAF and severe LA scarring were included. Patients underwent PVAI only (n = 45, Group 1), PVAI+ scar homogenization (n = 66, Group 2) or PVAI+ ablation of non-PV triggers (n = 66, Group 3) based on operator's choice. Baseline characteristics were similar across the groups. After first procedure, all patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. The success rate at the end of the follow-up was 18% (8 pts), 21% (14 pts), and 61% (40 pts) in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Cumulative probability of AF-free survival was significantly higher in Group 3 (overall log-rank P <0.01, pairwise comparison 1 vs. 3 and 2 vs. 3 P < 0.01). During repeat procedures, non-PV triggers were ablated in all. After average 1.5 procedures, the success rates were 28 (62%), 41 (62%), and 56 (85%) in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (log-rank P< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PAF and severe LA scarring, PVAI+ ablation of non-PV triggers is associated with significantly better long-term outcome than PVAI alone or PVAI+ scar homogenization.