Repolarization indicates electrical instability in ventricular arrhythmia originating from papillary muscle.

AIMS: Cardiac arrhythmia originating from the papillary muscle (PM) can trigger ventricular fibrillation (VF) and cause sudden cardiac death even in the absence of structural heart disease. Most premature ventricular contractions, however, are benign and hitherto difficult to distinguish from a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Altered repolarization characteristics are associated with electrical instability, but electrophysiological changes which precede degeneration into VF are still not fully understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) was induced by aconitine injection into PMs of healthy sheep. To investigate mechanisms of degeneration of stable VA into VF in structurally healthy hearts, endocardial high-density and epicardial mapping was performed during sinus rhythm (SR) and VA. The electrical restitution curve, modelling the relation of diastolic interval and activation recovery interval (a surrogate parameter for action potential duration), is steeper in VA than in non-arrhythmia (ventricular pacing and SR). Steeper restitution curves reflect electrical instability and propensity to degenerate into VF. Importantly, we find the parameter repolarization time in relation to cycle length (RT/CL) to differentiate self-limiting from degenerating arrhythmia with high specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSION: RT/CL may serve as a simple index to aid differentiation between self-limiting and electrically instable arrhythmia with the propensity to degenerate to VF. RT/CL is independent of cycle length and could easily be measured to identify electrical instability in patients.

The established and the challenger: A direct comparison of current cryoballoon technologies for pulmonary vein isolation.

INTRODUCTION: Cryoballoon (CB) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, a novel cryoablation system was introduced. The aim of the study was to compare the safety, efficacy and biophysical characteristics of a novel cryoablation system (POLARx™; Boston Scientific) to a commonly used and clinically well characterized system (Arctic Front Advance Pro™, AFA; Medtronic). METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients with symptomatic AF, who underwent CB-based ablation with the POLARx were compared to 50 consecutive patients treated with the AFA. Acute PVI was achieved in 99.8% (POLARx 99.5%, AFA 100%, p = 1.00). Time to isolation (TTI) was comparable in both groups (POLARx 35 [27, 48] s, AFA 30 [21, 43] s, p = 0.165). The POLARx showed a lower balloon temperature at TTI (POLARx -44 [-50, -36] °C, AFA -31 [-38, -21] °C, p < 0.001) and lower nadir temperature (POLARx -60 [-65, -55] °C, AFA -48 [-54, -45] °C, p < 0.001). Procedure time (POLARx 80 [60, 105] min, AFA 62 [42, 80] min, p < 0.001), fluoroscopy time (POLARx 17 [13, 22] min, AFA 11 [7, 16] min, p < 0.001) and freeze cycles per patient (POLARx 5 [4, 6], AFA 4.5 [4, 5], p = 0.002) were higher in the POLARx group. Two cerebral ischemic events occurred in the POLARx group, two patients in each group had phrenic nerve injury. CONCLUSION: Both systems enable effective isolation of pulmonary veins. The POLARx required longer procedure and fluoroscopy times. Larger, prospective and randomized studies are needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety of this technology.

Revival of the Forgotten.

Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by continuous, transmural and durable lesions is decisive for ensuring long-term freedom from atrial fibrillation (AF). AF ablation requires irrigated tip catheters to reduce thromboembolic complications. This precluded temperature-controlled delivery of radiofrequency (RF) energy.The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, acute efficacy, and safety of an irrigated, temperature-controlled ablation catheter [DiamondTemp™ (DT) Medtronic®] for PVI.Consecutive patients with AF underwent PVI using the DT catheter combined with high-power short-duration RF applications. Ablation settings were (1) a catheter tip temperature limit of 60°C, (2) a temperature-controlled power of 50 W, and (3) application duration of 10 seconds. The primary endpoint was acute isolation of PVs, reassessed after a 30-minute waiting period. Secondary endpoints included procedural parameters (defined as a catheter tip temperature of 50°C > 3 seconds, an impedance drop of 5-10 Ω) and the occurrence of serious adverse events.Fifty consecutive patients [mean age 66 ± 12 years, 38 (76%) women, 24 patients with paroxysmal AF (48%)] were included. Median procedure and left atrial dwell time was 89 [68; 107] and 63 [52; 79] minutes, respectively. Mean number of RF applications was 59 ± 20, and mean total RF duration was 14 ± 6 minutes. Acute PVI was achieved in all patients solely using DT ablation. Acute PV reconnection within the waiting period occurred in five patients; all reconnected PVs were successfully reisolated. One major complication occurred.In this study, the DT ablation system demonstrated high acute efficacy for PVI. Temperature-controlled ablation in conjunction with high-power short-duration applications might be effectively supported.

Specific electrogram characteristics impact substrate ablation target area in patients with scar-related ventricular tachycardia-insights from automated ultrahigh-density mapping.

INTRODUCTION: Substrate-based catheter ablation approaches to ventricular tachycardia (VT) focus on low-voltage areas and abnormal electrograms. However, specific electrogram characteristics in sinus rhythm are not clearly defined and can be subject to variable interpretation. We analyzed the potential ablation target size using automatic abnormal electrogram detection and studied findings during substrate mapping in the VT isthmus area. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electrogram characteristics in 61 patients undergoing scar-related VT ablation using ultrahigh-density 3D-mapping with a 64-electrode mini-basket catheter were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-four complete substrate maps with a mean number of 10319 ± 889 points were acquired. Fractionated potentials detected by automated annotation and manual review were present in 43 ± 21% of the entire low-voltage area (<1.0 mV), highly fractionated potentials in 7 ± 8%, late potentials in 13 ± 15%, fractionated late potentials in 7 ± 9% and isolated late potentials in 2 ± 4%, respectively. Highly fractionated potentials (>10 ± 1 fractionations) were found in all isthmus areas of identified VT during substrate mapping, while isolated late potentials were distant from the critical isthmus area in 29%. CONCLUSION: The ablation target area varies enormously in size, depending on the definition of abnormal electrograms. Clear linking of abnormal electrograms with critical VT isthmus areas during substrate mapping remains difficult due to a lack of specificity rather than sensitivity. However, highly fractionated, low-voltage electrograms were found to be present in all critical VT isthmus sites.

High anatomical accuracy of a novel high-resolution wide-band dielectric imaging system in cryoballoon-based ablation.

PURPOSE: Recently, a novel cardiac imaging system based on a wide-band dielectric technology (KODEX-EPD) was introduced to guide catheter ablation. The aim of the study was to evaluate this 3D wide-band dielectric imaging system (WDIS) during cryoballoon (CB)-based atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation focusing on accuracy of pulmonary vein (PV)-anatomy. METHODS: In consecutive patients with symptomatic AF, CB-based ablation was performed in conjunction with the 3D WDIS. Selective PV-angiographies were performed, and 3D anatomy of the left atrium (LA) and PVs using the 3D WDIS was created. The ostial diameters of the ipsilateral right-sided and left-sided PVs and ostial diameters of the right-/left-sided upper/lower PVs demonstrated by selective angiographies were analyzed and compared to 3D WDIS-based PV visualization. RESULTS: In 65 patients (42/65 (65%) male, age 65 ± 9 years, 29/65 (45%) paroxysmal AF) a total of 260 PVs were identified. Median ostial PV-diameters for the ipsilateral left- and right-sided PVs were 38 [34; 43] and 37 [34; 40.3] mm when assessed fluoroscopically and 40 [35.7; 43] and 39 [35.0; 43] mm as demonstrated by 3D WDIS. There was no statistically significant difference between both methods regarding PV-diameter measurements. KODEX-EPD overestimated fluoroscopy measurements by 1.08 mm (95% limits of agreement of -1.93 mm and 4.1 mm). CONCLUSION: The novel wide-band dielectric 3D-imaging system is feasible to create high-resolution images of cardiac structures during CB ablation procedures and accurately visualizes PV-anatomy.

Local impedance guides catheter ablation in patients with ventricular tachycardia.

AIMS: Catheter contact and local tissue characteristics are relevant information for successful radiofrequency current (RFC)-ablation. Local impedance (LI) has been shown to reflect tissue characteristics and lesion formation during RFC-ablation. Using a novel ablation catheter incorporating three mini-electrodes, we investigated LI in relation to generator impedance (GI) in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and its applicability as an indicator of effective RFC-ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Baseline impedance, Δimpedance during ablation and drop rate (Δimpedance/time) were analyzed for 625 RFC-applications in 28 patients with recurrent VT undergoing RFC-ablation. LI was lower in scarred (87.0 Ω [79.0-95.0]) compared to healthy myocardium (97.5 Ω ([82.75-111.50]; P = .03) while GI did not differ between scarred and healthy myocardium. ΔLI was higher (18 Ω [9.4-26.0]) for VT-terminating as compared to non-terminating RFC-ablation (ΔLI 13 Ω [8.85-18.0]; P = .03), but did not differ for ΔGI between terminating vs nonterminating RFC-ablation. Correspondingly, LI drop rate was higher for RFC-ablation terminating the VT compared with RFC-ablation not terminating the VT (0.63 Ω/s [0.52-0.76] vs 0.32 Ω [0.20-0.58]; P = .008) while there was no difference for GI drop rate. ΔLI was higher in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy vs patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (16 Ω [11.0-20.0] vs 11.0 Ω [7.85-17.00]; P = .003). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that LI is a sensitive parameter to guide RFC-ablation in patients with VT. LI indicates differences in tissue characteristics and generally is higher in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Hence, the etiology of the underlying cardiomyopathy needs to be considered when adopting LI for monitoring catheter ablation of VT.

Impact of the ablation technique on release of the neuronal injury marker S100B during pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: S100B, a well-known damage-associated molecular pattern protein is released acutely by central and peripheral nerves and upon concomitant denervation in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We aimed to investigate whether the ablation technique used for PVI impacts S100B release in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The study population consisted of 73 consecutive patients (age: 62.7 ± 10.9 years, 54.8% males) undergoing first-time PVI with either radiofrequency (RF; n = 30) or cryoballoon (CB; n = 43) for paroxysmal AF. S100B determined from venous plasma samples taken immediately before and after PVI increased from 33.5 ± 1.8 to 91.1 ± 5.3 pg/mL (P < 0.0001). S100B release in patients undergoing CB-PVI was 3.9 times higher compared to patients with RF-PVI (ΔS100B: 21.1 ± 2.7 vs. 83.1 ± 5.2 pg/mL, P < 0.0001). During a mean follow-up of 314 ± 186 days, AF recurrences were observed in 18/71 (25.4%) patients (RF-PVI: n = 9/28, CB-PVI: n = 9/43). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that an increase in S100B was associated with higher freedom from AF in follow-up (hazard ratio per 10 pg/mL release of S100B: 0.83; 95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.95; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The ablation technique used for PVI has an impact on the release of S100B, a well-established biomarker for neural damage.

Long-term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices and transvenous leads.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term efficacy and safety are uncertain in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) and transvenous leads (TVL) undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Thus, we assessed the outcome of AF ablation in those patients during long-term follow-up using continuous atrial rhythm monitoring (CARM). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 190 patients (71.3 ± 10.7 years; 108 (56.8% men) were included in this study. At index procedure 81 (42.6%) patients presented with paroxysmal AF and 109 (57.4%) with persistent AF. The ablation strategy included pulmonary vein isolation in all patients and biatrial ablation of complex fractionated electrograms with additional ablation lines, if appropriate. AF recurrences were assessed by CARM- and CIED-related complications by device follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 55.4 ± 38.1 months, freedom of AF was found in 86 (61.4%) and clinical success defined as an AF burden less than or equal to 1% in 101 (72.1%) patients. Freedom of AF was reported in 74.6% and 51.9% (P = 0.006) and clinical success in 89.8% and 59.3% (P < 0.001) of patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF, respectively. In 3 of 408 (0.7%) ablation procedures, a TVL malfunction occurred within 90 days after catheter ablation. During long-term follow-up 9 (4.7%) patients showed lead dislodgement, 2 (1.1%) lead fracture, and 2 (1.1%) lead insulation defect not related to the ablation procedure. CONCLUSION: Our findings using CARM demonstrate long-term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF in patients with CIED and TVL.

A novel assessment of local impedance during catheter ablation: initial experience in humans comparing local and generator measurements.

AIMS: A novel measure of local impedance (LI) has been found to predict lesion formation during radiofrequency current (RFC) catheter ablation. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of this novel approach, while comparing LI to the well-established generator impedance (GI). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 25 consecutive patients with a history of atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation was guided by a 3D-mapping system measuring LI in addition to GI via an ablation catheter tip with three incorporated mini-electrodes. Local impedance and GI before and during RFC applications were studied. In total, 381 RFC applications were analysed. The baseline LI was higher in high-voltage areas (>0.5 mV; LI: 110.5 ± 13.7 Ω) when compared with intermediate-voltage sites (0.1-0.5 mV; 90.9 ± 10.1 Ω, P < 0.001), low-voltage areas (<0.1 mV; 91.9 ± 16.4 Ω, P < 0.001), and blood pool LI (91.9 ± 9.9 Ω, P < 0.001). During ablation, mean LI drop (△LI; 13.1 ± 9.1 Ω) was 2.15 times higher as mean GI drop (△GI) (6.1 ± 4.2 Ω, P < 0.001). Baseline LI correlated with △LI: a mean LI of 99.9 Ω predicted a △LI of 12.9 Ω [95% confidence interval (12.1-13.6), R2 0.41; P < 0.001]. This relationship was weak for baseline GI predicting △GI (R2 0.06, P < 0.001). Catheter movements were represented by rapid LI changes. The duration of an RFC application was not predictive for catheter-tissue coupling with no further change of △LI (P = 0.247) nor △GI (P = 0.376) during prolonged ablation. CONCLUSION: Local impedance can be monitored during ablation. Compared with the sole use of GI, baseline LI is a better predictor of impedance drops during ablation and may provide useful insights regarding lesion formation. However, further studies are needed to investigate if this novel approach is useful to guide catheter ablation.

Ablation Index for Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation　- Clinical Applicability and Comparison With Force-Time Integral.

BACKGROUND: Key determinants for lesion formation in catheter ablation are contact force, radiofrequency (RF) power and time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of ablation index (AI), a novel non-linear formula based on these components, and to compare AI with the conventional linear force-time interval (FTI) in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods and Results: Target AI ranges were defined for anatomical segments of the ipsilateral pulmonary veins. The operator was blinded to AI during PVI for the initial 11 patients (group A), and was unblinded for the remaining 23 patients (group B). We assessed (1) the clinical value of AI to avoid excessively high and low values with an operator blinded vs. non-blinded to AI; and (2) the relation of AI and FTI in predefined ranges. In group A, 235/564 lesions (41.7%) were in the predefined target range as compared with 1,171/1,412 lesions (82.9%) in group B (P<0.001). A given AI may correspond to a wide range of FTI, as reflected by a quartile coefficient of dispersion for AI of 0.11 vs. a quartile coefficient of dispersion for FTI of 0.36. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating RF current power, the non-linear AI provides more comprehensive information during PVI compared with FTI. Given that the FTI for a given AI varies widely, the value of FTI in clinical practice is questionable.

High Patient Satisfaction with Deep Sedation for Catheter Ablation of Cardiac Arrhythmia.

BACKGROUND: Patients' satisfaction with invasive procedures largely relies on periprocedural perception of pain and discomfort. The necessity for intraprocedural sedation during catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias for technical reasons is widely accepted, but data on patients' experience of pain and satisfaction with the procedural sedation are scarce. We have assessed patients' pain and discomfort during and after the procedure using a standardized questionnaire. METHODS: One hundred seventeen patients who underwent catheter ablation answered a standardized questionnaire on periprocedural perception of pain and discomfort after different anesthetic protocols with propofol/midazolam with and without additional piritramide and ketamine/midazolam. RESULTS: Patients report a high level of satisfaction with periprocedural sedation with 83% judging sedation as good or very good. The majority of patients was unconscious of the whole procedure and did not recollect experiencing pain. Procedural pain was reported by 7.7% of the patients and 16% reported adverse effects, e.g., postprocedural nausea and episodes of headache. CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that deep sedation during catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias is generally well tolerated and patients are satisfied with the procedure. Yet, a number of patients reports pain or adverse events. Therefore, studies comparing different sedation strategies should be conducted in order to optimize sedation and analgesia.

Acute Modulation of Left Ventricular Control by Selective Intracardiac Sympathetic Denervation.

BACKGROUND: The sympathetic nervous system plays an integral role in cardiac physiology. Nerve fibers innervating the left ventricle are amenable to transvenous catheter stimulation along the coronary sinus (CS). OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to modulate left ventricular control by selective intracardiac sympathetic denervation. METHODS: First, the impact of epicardial CS ablation on cardiac electrophysiology was studied in a Langendorff model of decentralized murine hearts (n = 10 each, ablation and control groups). Second, the impact of transvenous, anatomically driven axotomy by catheter-based radiofrequency ablation via the CS was evaluated in healthy sheep (n = 8) before and during stellate ganglion stimulation. RESULTS: CS ablation prolonged epicardial ventricular refractory period without (41.8 ± 8.4 ms vs 53.0 ± 13.5 ms; P = 0.049) and with ß1-2-adrenergic receptor blockade (47.8 ± 7.8 ms vs 73.1 ± 13.2 ms; P < 0.001) in mice. Supported by neuromorphological studies illustrating a circumferential CS neural network, intracardiac axotomy by catheter ablation via the CS in healthy sheep diminished the blood pressure increase during stellate ganglion stimulation (Δ systolic blood pressure 21.9 ± 10.9 mm Hg vs 10.5 ± 12.0 mm Hg; P = 0.023; Δ diastolic blood pressure 9.0 ± 5.5 mm Hg vs 3.0 ± 3.5 mm Hg; P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Transvenous, anatomically driven axotomy targeting nerve fibers along the CS enables acute modulation of left ventricular control by selective intracardiac sympathetic denervation.

Management of pericardial tamponade in the electrophysiology laboratory: results from a national survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite continued efforts to improve the safety of catheter ablation, pericardial tamponade remains one of its more frequent, potentially life-threatening complications. Management of cardiac tamponade is not standardized and uncertainties regarding acute treatment remain. METHODS: This survey sought to evaluate the management of cardiac tamponade in German EP centers via a standardized postal questionnaire. All 341 identified German EP centers were invited to return a questionnaire on their standards for the management of cardiac tamponade. RESULTS: A total of 189 German EP centers completed the questionnaire. Several precautions are followed to avoid pericardial tamponade: A minority of centers preclude very old patients (19%) or those with a high body mass index (30%) from ablation. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are briefly paused in most centers (88%) before procedures, while vitamin K antagonists are continued. Pericardial tamponade is usually treated using reversal of heparin by applying protamine (86%) and pericardiocentesis under both, fluoroscopic and echocardiographic guidance (62%). A pigtail catheter is mostly inserted (97%) and autotransfusion of aspirated blood is performed in 47% of centers. The decision for surgical repair depends on different clinical and infrastructural aspects. The timing of reinitiation of anticoagulation widely differs between the centers. Approximately 1/3 of centers prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, colchicine or steroids after pericardiocentesis. CONCLUSION: The present survey shows that the management of cardiac tamponade is still inhomogeneous in German ablation centers. However, multiple findings of this survey can be generalized and might guide especially less experienced operators and centers in their treatment and decision strategies.

Pulsed-field ablation-based pulmonary vein isolation: acute safety, efficacy and short-term follow-up in a multi-center real world scenario.

PURPOSE: Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a new energy source to achieve pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by targeted electroporation of cardiomyocytes. Experimental and controlled clinical trial data suggest good efficacy of PFA-based PVI. We aimed to assess efficacy, safety and follow-up of PFA-based PVI in an early adopter routine care setting. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent PVI using the Farawave® PFA ablation catheter in conjunction with three-dimensional mapping at two German high-volume ablation centers. PVI was achieved by applying 8 PFA applications in each PV. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients undergoing a first PVI (67 ± 12 years, 66% male, 62% persistent AF) were treated. PVI was achieved in all patients by deploying 4563 applications in 546 PVs (8.4 ± 1.0/PV). Disappearance of PV signals after the first application was demonstrated in 544/546 PVs (99.6%). More than eight PFA applications were performed in 29/546 PVs (6%) following adapted catheter positioning or due to reconnection as assessed during remapping. Mean procedure time was 78 ± 22 min including pre- and post PVI high-density voltage mapping. PFA catheter LA dwell-time was 23 ± 9 min. Total fluoroscopy time and dose area product were 16 ± 7 min and 505 [275;747] cGy*cm2. One pericardial tamponade (0.7%), one transient ST-elevation (0.7%) and three groin complications (2.2%) occurred. 1-year follow-up showed freedom of arrhythmia in 90% in patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 47) and 60% in patients with persistent AF (n = 82, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: PFA-based PVI is acutely highly effective and associated with a beneficial safety and low recurrence rate.

Characteristics and Prognostic Relevance of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients with Myocarditis.

Myocarditis is characterized by various clinical manifestations, with ventricular arrhythmia (VA) as a frequent symptom at initial presentation. Here, we investigated characteristics and prognostic relevance of VA in patients with myocarditis. The study population consisted of 76 patients with myocarditis, verified by biopsy and/or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, including 38 consecutive patients with VA (45 ± 3 years, 68% male) vs. 38 patients without VA (NVA) (38 ± 2 years, 84% male) serving as a control group. VA was monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in 55% of patients, premature ventricular complexes in 50% and ventricular fibrillation in 29%. The left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline was 47 ± 2% vs. 40 ± 3% in VA vs. NVA patients (p = 0.069). CMR showed late gadolinium enhancement more often in VA patients (94% vs. 69%; p = 0.016), incorporating 17.6 ± 1.8% vs. 8.2 ± 1.3% of myocardial mass (p < 0.001). Radiofrequency catheter ablation for VA was initially performed in nine (24%) patients, of whom five remained free from any recurrence over 24 ± 3 months. Taken together, in patients with myocarditis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction does not predict VA occurrence but CMR shows late gadolinium enhancement more frequently and to a larger extent in VA than in NVA patients, potentially guiding catheter ablation as a reasonable treatment of VA in this population.

The impact of ultra-high-density mapping on long-term outcome after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia.

Ultra-high-density (UHD) mapping can improve scar area detection and fast activation mapping in patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome after VT ablation guided by UHD and conventional point-by-point 3D-mapping. The acute and long-term ablation outcome of 61 consecutive patients with UHD mapping (64-electrode mini-basket catheter) was compared to 61 consecutive patients with conventional point-by-point 3D-mapping using a 3.5 mm tip catheter. Patients, whose ablation was guided by UHD mapping had an improved 24-months outcome in comparison to patients with conventional mapping (cumulative incidence estimate of the combination of recurrence or disease-related death of 52.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) [36.9-65.7]; recurrence: n = 25; disease-related death: n = 4) versus 69.6% (95% CI [55.9-79.8]); recurrence: n = 31; disease-related death n = 11). In a cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model, UHD mapping (hazard ratio (HR) 0.623; 95% CI [0.390-0.995]; P = 0.048) and left ventricular ejection fraction > 30% (HR 0.485; 95% CI [0.290-0.813]; P = 0.006) were independently associated with lower rates of recurrence or disease-related death. Other procedural parameters were similar in both groups. In conclusion, UHD mapping during VT ablation was associated with fewer VT recurrences or disease-related deaths during long-term follow-up in comparison to conventional point-by-point mapping. Complication rates and other procedural parameters were similar in both groups.

Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Treatment Strategy, Characteristics of Consecutive Atrial Tachycardia and Long-Term Outcome.

Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and is associated with a deterioration of clinical status. Ablation of symptomatic AF is an established therapy, but in HCM, the characteristics of recurrent atrial arrhythmias and the long-term outcome are uncertain. Methods and Results Sixty-five patients with HCM (aged 64.5±9.9 years, 42 [64.6%] men) underwent AF ablation. The ablation strategy included pulmonary vein isolation in all patients and ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms or subsequent atrial tachycardias (AT) if appropriate. Paroxysmal, persistent AF, and a primary AT was present in 13 (20.0%), 51 (78.5%), and 1 (1.5%) patients, respectively. Twenty-five (38.4%) patients developed AT with a total number of 54 ATs. Stable AT was observed in 15 (23.1%) and unstable AT in 10 (15.3%) patients. The mechanism was characterized as a macroreentry in 37 (68.5%), as a localized reentry in 12 (22.2%), a focal mechanism in 1 (1.9%), and not classified in 4 (7.4%) ATs. After 1.9±1.2 ablation procedures and a follow-up of 48.1±32.5 months, freedom of AF/AT recurrences was demonstrated in 60.0% of patients. No recurrences occurred in 84.6% and 52.9% of patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF, respectively (P<0.01). Antiarrhythmic drug therapy was maintained in 24 (36.9%) patients. Conclusions AF ablation in patients with HCM is effective for long-term rhythm control, and especially patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation have a good clinical outcome. ATs after AF ablation are frequently observed in HCM. Freedom of atrial arrhythmia is achieved by persistent AF ablation in a reasonable number of patients even though the use of antiarrhythmic drug therapy remains high.

Contemporary analysis of phrenic nerve injuries following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation: A single-centre experience with the systematic use of compound motor action potential monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Phrenic nerve injury (PNI) remains one of the most frequent complications during cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI). Since its introduction in 2013, the use of compound motor action potential (CMAP) for the prevention of PNI during CB-PVI is increasing; however, systematic outcome data are sparse. METHODS: The CMAP technique was applied in conjunction with abdominal palpation during pacing manoeuvres (10 mV, 2 ms) from the superior vena cava for 388 consecutive patients undergoing CB-PVI between January 2015 and May 2017 at our tertiary arrhythmia centre. Cryoablation was immediately terminated when CMAP amplitude was reduced by 30%. RESULTS: Reductions in CMAP amplitude were observed in 16 (4%) of 388 patients during isolation of the right veins. Of these, 11 (69%) patients did not manifest a reduction in diaphragmatic excursions. The drop in CMAP amplitude was observed in 10 (63%) patients during ablation of the right superior pulmonary veins (PVs) and in 7 (44%) patients during ablation of the right inferior PVs. Postprocedural persistent PNI was observed in three of four patients for a duration of 6 months, with one of these patients remaining symptomatic at the 24-month follow-up. One of the four patients was lost to long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: All PNIs occurred during right-sided CB-PVI and were preceded by a reduction in CMAP amplitude. Thus, the standardized use of CMAP surveillance during CB-PVI is easily applicable, reliable and compared with other studies, results in a lower number of PNIs.

Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Maintenance of stable sinus rhythm (SR) is the intended treatment target in symptomatic patients, and catheter ablation aimed at isolating the pulmonary veins provides the most effective treatment option, supported by encouraging clinical outcome data. A variety of energy sources and devices have been developed and evaluated. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art of catheter ablation of AF and describe future perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS: Catheter ablation is a well-established treatment option for patients with symptomatic AF and is more successful at maintaining SR than antiarrhythmic drugs. Antral pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) as a stand-alone ablation strategy results in beneficial clinical outcomes and is therefore recommended as first-line strategy for both paroxysmal and persistent AF. While radiofrequency-based PVI in conjunction with a three-dimensional mapping system was for many years considered to be the "gold standard", the cryoballoon has emerged as the most commonly used alternative AF ablation tool, especially in patients with paroxysmal AF. Patients with persistent or long-standing persistent AF and with arrhythmia recurrence after previous PVI may benefit from additional ablation strategies, such as substrate modification of various forms or left atrial appendage isolation. New technologies and techniques, such as identification of the AF sources and magnetic resonance imaging-guided substrate modification, are on the way to further improve the success rates of catheter ablation for selected patients and might help to further reduce arrhythmia recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary vein isolation is the treatment of choice for symptomatic patients with paroxysmal and persistent drug-refractory AF. The reconnection of previously isolated pulmonary veins remains the major cause of AF recurrence. Novel ablation tools, such as balloon technologies or alternative energy sources, might help to overcome this limitation. Patients with non-paroxysmal AF and with AF recurrence might benefit from alternative ablation strategies. However, further studies are warranted to further improve our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of AF and to obtain long-term clinical outcomes on new ablation techniques.