Risk assessment of esophageal ulceration following left atrial radiofrequency linear ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal safety following radiofrequency (RF) left atrial (LA) linear ablation has not been established. To determine the esophageal safety profile of LA linear RF lesions, we performed systematic esophagogastroduodenoscopy in all patients with intraesophageal temperature rise (ITR) ≥ 38.5°C. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between December 2021 and July 2023, a total of 200 consecutive patients with atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) underwent linear ablation with posterior dome (roof or floor) or posterior mitral isthmus line transection. Patients with ITR ≥ 38.5°C were scheduled for esophageal endoscopy ~3 weeks after ablation. Patient and ATA characteristics, procedural parameters, endoscopy findings and ablation lesion data were collected and analyzed. One hundred thirty-three out of 200 (67%) patients showed ITR ≥ 38.5°C during LA linear ablation. ITR (with maximal temperature of 45.7°C) was more frequently observed during floor line ablation (82% of cases). ITR was less observed during roof line ablation (34%) and posterior mitral isthmus ablation (4%). Endoscopy, performed in 115 patients after 24 ± 10 days, showed esophageal ulceration in four patients (two patients Kansas City classification [KCC] 2a and two patients KCC 2b). No patient showed esophageal perforation or fistula. CONCLUSION: Temperature rise during LA linear ablation is frequent and ulceration risk exists, particularly when floor line is performed. Safety measures are needed to avoid potential severe complications like esophageal perforation and fistula.

Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion for AF Ablation; A Review.

The outcomes of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are modest with various adjunctive strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) yielding largely disappointing results in randomised controlled trials. Linear ablation is a commonly employed adjunct strategy but is limited by difficulty in achieving durable bidirectional block, particularly at the mitral isthmus. Epicardial connections play a role in AF initiation and perpetuation. The ligament of Marshall has been implicated as a source of AF triggers and is known to harbour sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres that contribute to AF perpetuation. Ethanol infusion into the Vein of Marshall, a remnant of the superior vena cava and key component of the ligament of Marshall, may eliminate these AF triggers and can facilitate the ease of obtaining durable mitral isthmus block. While early trials have demonstrated the potential of Vein of Marshall 'ethanolisation' to reduce arrhythmia recurrence after persistent AF ablation, further randomised trials are needed to fully determine the potential long-term outcome benefits afforded by this technique.

Durable pulmonary vein isolation with optimized high-power and very high-power short-duration temperature-controlled ablation: A step-by-step guide.

INTRODUCTION: Through systematic scientific rigor, the CLOSE guided workflow was developed and has been shown to improve pulmonary vein isolation durability. However, this technique was developed at a time when using power-controlled ablation catheters with conventional power ranges was the norm. There has been increased adoption of a high-power and very high-power short-duration ablation practice propelled by the availability of the temperature-controlled radiofrequency QDOT MICRO catheter. METHODS: There are fundamental differences in biophysics between very high-powered temperature guided ablation and conventional ablation strategy that may impact patient outcomes. The catheter's design and ablation modes offer flexibility in technique while accommodating the individual operator's clinical discretion and preference to deliver a durable, transmural, and contiguous lesion set. RESULTS: Here, we provide recommendations for 3 different workflows using the QDOT MICRO catheter in a step-by-step manner for pulmonary vein isolation based on our cumulative experience as early adopters of the technology and the data available in the scientific literature. CONCLUSIONS: With standardization, temperature-controlled ablation with the QDOT MICRO catheter provides operators the flexibility of implementing different ablation strategies to ensure durable contiguous pulmonary vein isolation depending on patient characteristics.

Procedural performance and outcome after pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: comparison with a reference radiofrequency database.

Aims: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising ablation technique for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with appealing advantages over radiofrequency (RF) including speed, tissue selectivity, and the promise of enhanced durability. In this study, we determine the procedural performance, efficacy, safety, and durability of PFA and compare its performance with a dataset of optimized RF ablation. Methods and results: After propensity score matching, we compared 161 patients who received optimized RF-guided PVI in the PowerPlus study (CLOSE protocol) with 161 patients undergoing PFA-guided PVI for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF; pentaspline basket catheter). The median age was 65 years with 78% paroxysmal AF in the PFA group (comparable characteristics in the RF group). Pulsed field ablation-guided PVI was obtained in all patients with a procedure time of 47 min (vs. 71 min in RF, P < 0.0001) and a fluoroscopy time of 15 min (vs. 11 min in RF, P < 0.0001). One serious adverse event [transient ischaemic attack] occurred in a patient with thrombocytosis (0.6 vs. 0% in RF). During the 6-month follow-up, 24 and 27 patients experienced a recurrence with 20 and 11 repeat procedures in the PFA and the RF groups, respectively (P = 0.6 and 0.09). High-density mapping revealed a status of 4 isolated veins in 7/20 patients in the PFA group and in 2/11 patients in the RF group (35 vs. 18%, P = 0.3). Conclusion: Pulsed field ablation fulfils the promise of offering a short and safe PVI procedure, even when compared with optimized RF in experienced hands. Pulmonary vein reconnection is the dominant cause of recurrence and tempers the expectation of a high durability rate with PFA.

Early atrial fibrillation recurrence post catheter ablation: Analysis from insertable cardiac monitor in the era of optimized radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) is associated with ablation-induced proarrhythmogenic inflammation; however, existing studies used intermittent monitoring or nonoptimized radiofrequency (RF) applications (noncontiguous or without ablation index target value). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ERAT and late recurrence based on insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) data. METHODS: We compiled data from Close-To-Cure and Close Maze studies, which enrolled patients who underwent RF ablation for paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). All patients were implanted with an ICM 2-3 months before ablation. RESULTS: We studied 165 patients (104 with paroxysmal AF, 61 with persistent AF). Over the 1-year follow-up period, 41 of the patients experienced late recurrence. The risk of late recurrence was higher in patients experiencing ERAT (hazard ratio [HR] 6.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-13.0), with negative and positive predictive values of 90.5% and 45.7%, respectively. Median burden of AF during the blanking period was significantly higher in patients with late recurrence (7.9% [0.0%-99.6%]) compared to those without recurrence (0.0% [0.0%-6.0]; P <.001). For each 1% increase in AF burden during the blanking period, late recurrence increased by 4.6% (HR 1.046; 95% CI 1.035-1.059). The best tradeoff for predicting AF from ERAT occurrence was AF burden of 0.6% and last ERAT at 64 days. CONCLUSION: In patients ablated for paroxysmal and persistent AF with a durable RF lesion set and implanted with a continuous monitoring device, postablation early AF recurrence and burden significantly predict late recurrence. The post-AF ablation blanking period should be reduced to 2 months.

No Effect of Continued Antiarrhythmic Drug Treatment on Top of Optimized Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the POWDER-AF2 Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF), catheter ablation aiming for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is associated with moderate clinical effectiveness. We investigated the benefit of continuing previously ineffective class 1C or 3 antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ADT) in the setting of a standardized PVI-only ablation strategy. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized controlled study, patients with PersAF (≥7 days and <12 months) despite ADT were prospectively randomized 1:1 to PVI with ADT continued versus discontinued beyond the blanking period (ADT ON versus ADT OFF). Standardized catheter ablation was performed aiming for durable isolation with stable, contiguous, and optimized radio frequency applications encircling the pulmonary veins (CLOSE protocol). Clinical visits and 1-to-7-day Holter were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary end point was any documented atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting >30 seconds beyond 3 months. Prospectively defined secondary end points included repeat ablations, unscheduled arrhythmia-related visits, and quality of life among groups. RESULTS: Of 200 PersAF patients, 98 were assigned to ADT OFF and 102 to ADT ON. The longest atrial fibrillation episode qualifying for PersAF was 28 (10-90) versus 30 (11-90) days. Clinical characteristics and procedural characteristics were similar. Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia was comparable in both groups (20% OFF versus 21.2% ON). No differences were observed in repeat ablations and unscheduled arrhythmia-related visits. Marked improvement in quality of life was observed in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PersAF, there is no benefit in continuing previously ineffective ADT beyond the blanking period after catheter ablation. The high success rate of PVI-only might be explained by the high rate of durable isolation after optimized PVI and the early stage of PersAF (POWDER-AF2). REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03437356.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy using conduction system pacing after double-switch surgery for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: a case report.

Background: Patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) are at risk of developing conduction disease and complete atrio-ventricular block and this risk increases after corrective cardiac surgery. However, the optimum pacing modality remains controversial. Case summary: Twelve years after a double-switch surgery with ventricular septal defect correction, a 16-year-old ccTGA female was referred with an indication for cardiac resynchronization therapy. In the absence of coronary sinus (CS) or direct access to the conduction system, several therapeutic options were considered. Finally, using a three-dimensional navigation system and customized sheaths, a left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) lead was successfully implanted. The implantation resulted in stable pacing parameters and positive haemodynamic changes. At 9-month follow-up, pacing parameters were stable and the patient reported a significant improvement in quality of life. Discussion: Cardiac resynchronization therapy in adults with repaired congenital heart disease remains challenging, especially in the absence of CS or direct access to the conduction system. In such a situation, LBBAP appears as an attractive alternative pacing modality. However, pre-operative management is critical to the success of the implantation.

Impact of Catheter Ablation on Arrhythmia Burden in Patients With Shock-Resistant Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Persistent shock-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF) is a challenging entity, with modest results from catheter ablation according to conventional survival analysis. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of catheter ablation on atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) burden in persistent AF patients undergoing first-time ablation with the use of an implantable cardiac monitor (ICM). METHODS: Patients with drug-resistant ongoing persistent AF and at least 1 previous failed cardioversion were implanted with an ICM 2 months before the procedure. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation with or without additional substrate ablation depending on the presence of self-terminating AF on ICM and left atrium size. Median AF burden before and after ablation, off antiarrhythmic medication, was determined from ICM recordings after review by 2 independent investigators. RESULTS: Sixty patients were recruited (mean age 66 ± 9 years, 70% male). Mean left atrial diameter was 48 ± 6 mm and median CHA2DS2VASc score was 2. Ten patients (17%) unexpectedly demonstrated self-terminating AF before ablation. The median burden of ATA before ablation was 100% (95% CI: 19.6%-100%), decreasing to 0% (95% CI: 0%-95.8%) after ablation during the post-blanking follow-up period (median reduction 100%; 95% CI: 4%-100%; P < 0.001). Twenty-seven patients (45%) experienced recurrent ATA during 12-month follow-up. In these patients, median burden before ablation was 100% (95% CI: 26.9%-100%), decreasing to 11.4% (95% CI: 0.35%-99.7%) after ablation (P < 0.001). Quality of life improved significantly from baseline, driven by lack of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-tailored catheter ablation results in a significant reduction in ATA burden (off antiarrhythmic medication) in shock-resistant persistent AF patients using ICMs implanted 2-months pre-procedure. These data suggest that conventional arrhythmia-free survival analysis does not capture the true impact of catheter ablation in this challenging cohort.

Serum uric acid: a futile bystander in endothelial function?

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid levels and endothelial function, oxidative stress, and hemodynamic parameters, and to determine if uric acid levels provide additional insights beyond traditional factors like ageing and hypertension in volunteers with low cardiovascular risk factors. Serum uric acid is known for its antioxidant properties, but it may also contribute to cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 40 male participants, divided into three groups based on age and blood pressure status. Group 1 comprised younger participants, group 2 included older individuals without hypertension, and group 3 consisted of older patients with hypertension. The study assessed endothelial function using laser Doppler imaging and measured acetylcholine- and sodium nitroprusside-induced hyperaemia. The heat microcirculatory response was also examined in the presence of L-NAME, an inhibitor of NOS synthase. The study evaluated oxidative stress and arterial stiffness by measuring allantoin, angiotensin II, Homocitrulline/Lysine, and Chloro-Tyrosine/Tyrosine ratios, as well as by performing non-invasive measurements of aortic augmentation indexes and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. RESULTS: The study found that uric acid levels did not differ significantly among the three groups. Augmentation indexes increased with ageing, but hypertension did not have an additional effect. Blood pressure and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity differed among the groups, with the lowest values among younger participants and the highest values among older individuals with hypertension. Allantoin and angiotensin II levels did not differ among the groups. However, Homocitrulline/Lysine and Chloro-Tyrosine/Tyrosine ratios were significantly lower in young subjects. Correlation and multivariable analysis showed that uric acid had no effect on any of the studied parameters. Despite a strong association between ageing and systolic blood pressure with impaired endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness, only ageing retained a significant effect in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: In healthy or hypertensive adults with normal renal function, serum uric acid appears to be a futile bystander in endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness, in contrast to ageing, which reduces NO bioavailability. This study suggests that traditional factors such as ageing and hypertension should be the focus of clinical assessment and management of cardiovascular risk, rather than uric acid levels.

Plain Language SummaryOur study aimed to investigate the potential role of serum uric acid in endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness in healthy and hypertensive adults with normal renal function. We enrolled 40 males, divided into three groups based on age and blood pressure status, and assessed several parameters related to endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness.Our findings suggest that serum uric acid does not play a significant role in these parameters in healthy or hypertensive adults with normal renal function. Instead, ageing appears to be the primary factor contributing to impaired endothelial function, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness.This study adds to the growing body of literature on the potential role of uric acid in cardiovascular risk and highlights the importance of considering age as a key factor in understanding endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and arterial stiffness. Uric acid level should not be systematically determined in patients with low cardiovascular risk profile in clinical practice.

Very High-Power Ablation for Contiguous Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Results From the Randomized POWER PLUS Trial.

BACKGROUND: Very high-power, short-duration (90-W/4-second) ablation for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may reduce procedural times. However, shorter applications with higher power may impact lesion quality. OBJECTIVES: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial, the authors compared procedural efficiency, efficacy, and safety of PVI using 90-W/4-second ablation to 35/50-W ablation. METHODS: Patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing first-time PVI were randomized to pulmonary vein encirclement with contiguous applications using very high-power, short-duration applications (90 W over 4 seconds) or 35/50-W applications (titrated up to ablation index >550 anteriorly and >400 posteriorly). Prospective endpoints were procedural efficiency (procedure time and first-pass isolation), safety (including esophageal endoscopic evaluation), and 6-month effectiveness using repetitive Holter monitoring. RESULTS: A total of 180 patients were randomized, 90 to the 90-W group (mean age: 64.2 ± 8.9 years) and 90 to the 35/50-W group (mean age: 62.3 ± 10.8 years). Procedural time was shorter in the 90-W group vs the 35/50-W group (70 [IQR: 60-80] minutes vs 75 [IQR: 65-88.3] minutes; P = 0.009). A nonsignificant trend towards lower rates of first-pass isolation was seen in the 90-W group (83.9% vs 90%; P = 0.0852). No major complications were observed in both groups with esophageal injury occurring in 1 patient per group. At 6 months, 17% of patients in the 90-W group vs 15% in the 35/50-W group experienced recurrent arrhythmia (P = 0.681). CONCLUSIONS: Contiguous ablation using very high-power, short-duration applications results in a significant but modest reduction in procedure time with similar safety and 6-month efficacy vs a conventional approach. A hybrid approach combining both ablation modalities might be the most optimal strategy. (POWER PLUS [Very High Power Ablation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Schedule for a First Pulmonary Vein Isolation]; NCT04784013).

Evaluation of a standardized approach using optimized and contiguous RF applications for electrical isolation of the superior vena cava.

The superior vena cava (SVC) is well described as one of the most common non-pulmonary vein (PV)-triggers for atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATA). In our study we evaluated a standardized approach for electrical isolation of the SVC from the right atrium using a horseshoe-shaped lesion set with optimized and contiguous ostial RF lesions. The results are promising, demonstrating a very high rate of acute SVC isolation in a safe and time efficient manner (mostly less than 10 min).

Atrial tachycardia occurring after a prior atrial fibrillation ablation procedure: Does non-inducibility matter?

Recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT) is a common phenomenon after catheter ablation for AF, particularly in the setting of additional substrate ablation, with many studies demonstrating gap-related macro re-entrant AT (predominantly mitral and roof dependent) to be the dominant mechanism. Although multiple inducible ATs after ablation of the clinical AT are commonly described at repeat procedures, the optimal ablation strategy, and procedural endpoints are unclear in this setting. A recent randomized study addressing the question of non-inducibility as a procedural endpoint demonstrated no additional benefits to the ablation of all induced, non-clinical ATs, but it was limited by small numbers and high rates of non-inducibility. Nevertheless, once ablation of the clinical AT has been successfully performed, ensuring durable linear block and PV isolation may be sufficient for the prevention of further AT. Durable linear block, particularly at the mitral isthmus, is difficult to achieve but may be facilitated by the real-time evaluation of lesion quality and contiguity and the novel technique of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion. Large-scale, randomized trials are needed, nonetheless, to fully assess the optimal ablation strategy in the setting of recurrent AT post-AF ablation.

Chemerin regulates normal angiogenesis and hypoxia-driven neovascularization.

Chemerin is a multifunctional protein initially characterized in our laboratory as a chemoattractant factor for leukocyte populations. Its main functional receptor is CMKLR1. We identified previously chemerin as an anti-tumoral factor inhibiting the vascularization of tumor grafts. We show here that overexpression of bioactive chemerin in mice results in a reduction of the density of the retinal vascular network during its development and in adults. Chemerin did not affect vascular sprouting during the post-natal development of the network, but rather promoted endothelial cell apoptosis and vessel pruning. This phenotype was reversed to normal in CMKLR1-deficient mice, demonstrating the role of this receptor. Chemerin inhibited also neoangiogenesis in a model of pathological proliferative retinopathy, and in response to hind-limb ischemia. Mechanistically, PTEN and FOXO1 antagonists could almost completely restore the density of the retinal vasculature, suggesting the involvement of the PI3-kinase/AKT pathway in the chemerin-induced vessel regression process.

Long-term clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with history of mitral valve surgery.

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently after mitral valve (MV) surgery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and long-term clinical outcomes after the first AF ablation in patients with prior MV surgery. Methods: Sixty consecutive patients with a history of MV surgery without MAZE referred to three European centers for a first AF ablation between 2007 and 2017 (group 1) were retrospectively enrolled. They were matched (propensity score match) with 60 patients referred for AF ablation without prior MV surgery (group 2). Results: After the index ablation, 19 patients (31.7%) from group 1 and 24 (40%) from group 2 had no recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ATa) (p = 0.3). After 62 (48-84) months of follow-up and 2 (2-2) procedures, 90.0% of group 1 and 95.0% of group 2 patients were in sinus rhythm (p = 0.49). In group 1, 19 (31.7%) patients had mitral stenosis, and 41 (68.3%) had mitral regurgitation. Twenty-seven (45.0%) patients underwent mechanical valve replacement and 33 (55.0%) MV annuloplasty. At the final follow-up, 28 (46.7%) and 33 (55.0%) patients were off antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.46). ATa recurrence was seen more commonly in patients with prior MV surgery (54 vs. 22%, respectively, p < 0.05). No major complication occurred. Conclusion: Long-term freedom of atrial arrhythmias after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is achievable and safe in patients with a history of mitral valve surgery. In AF patients without a history of mitral valve surgery, repeated procedures are needed to maintain sinus rhythm.