Early Recurrences During the Blanking Period after Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA) after ablation are common and predict late recurrences and ablation failure.However,becausea proportion of patients with ERAA will have no subsequent arrhythmias after the blanking period, consensus guidelines recommend against immediate repeat ablation for ERAA episodes occurring during the first 3 months post-ablation. In this review, we summarize the predictors, significance, and treatment of ERAA after AF ablation.

Acute hemodynamic decompensation during catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia: incidence, predictors, and impact on mortality.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of periprocedural acute hemodynamic decompensation (AHD) in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) has not been previously investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified univariate predictors of periprocedural AHD in 193 consecutive patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of scar-related VT. AHD was defined as persistent hypotension despite vasopressors and requiring mechanical support or procedure discontinuation. AHD occurred in 22 (11%) patients. Compared with the rest of the population, patients with AHD were older (68.5±10.7 versus 61.6±15.0 years; P=0.037); had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (36% versus 18%; P=0.045), ischemic cardiomyopathy (86% versus 52%; P=0.002), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (41% versus 13%; P=0.001), and VT storm (77% versus 43%; P=0.002); had more severe heart failure (New York Heart Association class III/IV: 55% versus 15%, P<0.001; left ventricular ejection fraction: 26±10% versus 36±16%, P=0.003); and more often received periprocedural general anesthesia (59% versus 29%; P=0.004). At 21±7 months follow-up, the mortality rate was higher in the AHD group compared with the rest of the population (50% versus 11%, log-rank P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AHD occurs in 11% of patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation of scar-related VT and is associated with increased risk of mortality over follow-up. AHD may be predicted by clinical factors, including advanced age, ischemic cardiomyopathy, more severe heart failure status (New York Heart Association class III/IV, lower ejection fraction), associated comorbidities (diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), presentation with VT storm, and use of general anesthesia.

Characterization of Left Atrial Tachyarrhythmias in Patients Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation:Correlation of surface ECG with Intracardiac Mapping.

With expected success rates in excess of 80% for achieving long term arrhythmia control, catheter based ablation has become a popular treatment strategy in the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the success of AF ablation has been tempered by the occurrence of post procedure left atrial tachycardias and / or flutters, which can be seen in up to 30% of the patients. These arrhythmias are perpetuated either due to abnormalities of impulse formation (abnormal automaticity / triggered activity), or abnormalities of impulse conduction (micro / macroreentry). Regardless of the underlying mechanism, these tachycardias manifest distinct "P" or flutter waves on the surface ECG, recognition of which may facilitate their characterization / localization. However, because of the frequent overlap in the morphology of P waves, intracardiac mapping is often the only way to distinguish them apart. This is accomplished using a combination of activation, entrainment and electroanatomic mapping techniques. Tachycardias resulting from abnormalities of impulse formation and / or microreentry are characteristically focal and usually confined in and around pulmonary vein (PV) segments which have reconnected (septal aspect of right PVs and anterior aspect of left PVs). In contrast, macroreentrant tachycardias manifest a large circuit dimension involving zone(s) of slow conduction. These are most commonly seen to occur around the mitral valve but can develop in any part of the left atrium where "gaps" across prior ablation lesion sets create altered conduction. Successful ablation of focal tachycardias is usually accomplished by isolating the reconnected PV segment(s). In case of macroreentrant arrhythmias however, a more extensive ablation approach is typically required in order to achieve conduction block across isthmus of the circuit. Using these strategies, the majority of left atrial tachycardias occurring post AF ablation can be successfully cured with excellent long term results.