Registro multicéntrico Impella CP para shock cardiogénico o angioplastía de alto riesgo protegida en Chile

Antecedentes: El Shock Cardiogénico (SC) y las Angioplastías de Alto Riesgo (AAR) están asociadas con altas tasas de mortalidad. El uso del dispositivo Impella CP podría reducir el riesgo de muerte en estos escenarios. En Chile no existen reportes evaluando el uso del dispositivo Impella CP. Objetivo: Analizar los desenlaces clínicos en pacientes que fueron sometidos al uso del dispositivo Impella CP por SC o por AAR. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en 17 pacientes, los cuales representan el total de implantes realizados en el país, entre octubre 2021 y agosto 2023. Se describió las características, demográficas, procedimentales y después del implante. Se estimó la mortalidad general y se identificaron factores asociados. Resultados: La edad de los pacientes fue 69± 3,7 años y 88,2% fueron hombres. El 64,7% recibió el dispositivo por SC y 35,3% por AAR. Dentro de las comorbilidades estudiadas, la hipertensión arterial fue la más frecuente, 94,1%. Un 58,8% de los pacientes fueron revascularizados a través de la arteria radial. El 29,4% recibió el dispositivo previo a la angioplastía y 70,6% lo recibió después. El 47,1% de las angioplastías fue guiada por imágenes. En 11,8% de ellos se realizó litotricia intracoronaria y 5,9% por ablación intracoronaria. Los pacientes estuvieron 13 ±3,4 días con el soporte. La mortalidad global fue de 41,2%. Conclusiones: El uso del dispositivo Impella presentó pocas complicaciones vasculares. La mortalidad asociada con su colocación en Chile fue relativamente similar con la reportada en la literatura.

Background: Cardiogenic shock and high-risk Angioplasty are associated with a high mortality rate. Using the Impella CP device could reduce the risk of death in these scenarios. In Chile, there are no studies evaluating the use of the Impella CP device. Objective: To analyse the clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone placement of the Impella CP device for cardiogenic shock and high-risk angioplasties. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 17 patients, which represent the total number of implants performed in the country, between October 2021 and August 2023. The demographic, procedural and post-implant characteristics were described. Overall mortality and associated factors were identified. Results: The age was 69± 3.7 years, where 88.2% were men. 64.7% of patients received the device by SC and 35.3% by AAR. Among the comorbidities studied, arterial hypertension was the most frequent with 94.1%. 58.8% of patients were revascularized through the radial artery. 29.4% of patients received the device before angioplasty and 70.6% received it afterwards. 47.1% of angioplasties were image-guided, 11.8% had intracoronary lithotripsy, and 5.9% had intracoronary ablation. The patients spent 13 ±3.4 days with the support. Overall mortality was 41.2%. Conclusion: use of the Impella device was associated with few vascular complications. Mortality associated with use of the Impella device in Chile was similar to that previously reported in other studies.

Global Chronic Total Occlusion Crossing Algorithm: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

The authors developed a global chronic total occlusion crossing algorithm following 10 steps: 1) dual angiography; 2) careful angiographic review focusing on proximal cap morphology, occlusion segment, distal vessel quality, and collateral circulation; 3) approaching proximal cap ambiguity using intravascular ultrasound, retrograde, and move-the-cap techniques; 4) approaching poor distal vessel quality using the retrograde approach and bifurcation at the distal cap by use of a dual-lumen catheter and intravascular ultrasound; 5) feasibility of retrograde crossing through grafts and septal and epicardial collateral vessels; 6) antegrade wiring strategies; 7) retrograde approach; 8) changing strategy when failing to achieve progress; 9) considering performing an investment procedure if crossing attempts fail; and 10) stopping when reaching high radiation or contrast dose or in case of long procedural time, occurrence of a serious complication, operator and patient fatigue, or lack of expertise or equipment. This algorithm can improve outcomes and expand discussion, research, and collaboration.

Drug coated balloons and their role in bifurcation coronary angioplasty: appraisal of the current evidence and future directions.

INTRODUCTION: Coronary Bifurcation lesions are technically more challenging and Bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge with unpredictable and sub-optimal clinical and angiographic results. Drug-Coated Balloons (DCB) are emerging devices in the field of coronary intervention with promising results that may overcome some of drug eluting stents limitations and may have potential advantages in complex bifurcation PCI. AREAS COVERED: We have performed a re-appraisal about the issues with current bifurcation PCI techniques and the use of DCB in the treatment of Bifurcation lesions. Several studies performed utilizing DCB are described and critically appraised. Over the recent years, there have been tremendous developments in the DCB technology, lesion preparation, clinical experience, and clinical data during bifurcation PCI. The current review describes the advances in the DCB technology, pharmacokinetics, role of excipients, and optimization of the technique. Special emphasis in lesion preparation and potential pathway of using DCB in bifurcation PCI is proposed. EXPERT OPINION: Although different proof of concept and pilot studies have shown promising results in treatment of bifurcation lesions with DCB, larger randomized trials and/or international consensus papers are required to enable worldwide translation of this idea to clinical practice.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. BACKGROUND: CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. METHODS: An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

[Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension]. / Angioplastía con balón para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar por enfermedad tromboembólica crónica. Resultados hemodinámicos y clínicos inmediatos.

BACKGROUND: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). AIM: To report the initial experience with the "refined BPA technique" with the use of intravascular images. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2015 and June 2016 we selected fourteen patients with CTEPH who were considered candidates for BPA. Lesions targeted for treatment were further analyzed using intravascular imaging with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). We report the immediate hemodynamic results and four weeks of follow-up of the first eight patients of this series. RESULTS: We performed 16 BPA in eight patients aged 61 ± 14 years (88% women). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was 48.6 ± 5.8 mmHg. Success was achieved in seven patients (88%). A mean of 2.3 segments per patient were intervened in 11 sessions (1.6 sessions/ patient). Only one patient developed lung reperfusion injury. No mortality was associated with the procedure. After the last BPA session, PAPm decreased to 37.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (p=0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance (RVP) decreased from 858,6 ± 377,0 at baseline to 516,6 ± 323,3 Dynes/sec/cm-5 (p<0.01) and the cardiac index increased from 2.4±0.6 at baseline to 2.8±0.3 L/min/m2 (p=0.01). At 4 weeks after the last BPA, WHO functional class improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.5±0.5 (p<0,01) and six minutes walking distance from 331±92 to 451±149 m (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: BPA guided by OFDI for the treatment of inoperable CTEPH patients is a safe alternative with excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results.

Guiding Principles for Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Outcomes of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have improved because of advancements in equipment and techniques. With global collaboration and knowledge sharing, we have identified 7 common principles that are widely accepted as best practices for CTO-PCI. 1. Ischemic symptom improvement is the primary indication for CTO-PCI. 2. Dual coronary angiography and in-depth and structured review of the angiogram (and, if available, coronary computed tomography angiography) are key for planning and safely performing CTO-PCI. 3. Use of a microcatheter is essential for optimal guidewire manipulation and exchanges. 4. Antegrade wiring, antegrade dissection and reentry, and the retrograde approach are all complementary and necessary crossing strategies. Antegrade wiring is the most common initial technique, whereas retrograde and antegrade dissection and reentry are often required for more complex CTOs. 5. If the initially selected crossing strategy fails, efficient change to an alternative crossing technique increases the likelihood of eventual PCI success, shortens procedure time, and lowers radiation and contrast use. 6. Specific CTO-PCI expertise and volume and the availability of specialized equipment will increase the likelihood of crossing success and facilitate prevention and management of complications, such as perforation. 7. Meticulous attention to lesion preparation and stenting technique, often requiring intracoronary imaging, is required to ensure optimum stent expansion and minimize the risk of short- and long-term adverse events. These principles have been widely adopted by experienced CTO-PCI operators and centers currently achieving high success and acceptable complication rates. Outcomes are less optimal at less experienced centers, highlighting the need for broader adoption of the aforementioned 7 guiding principles along with the development of additional simple and safe CTO crossing and revascularization strategies through ongoing research, education, and training.

Angioplastía con balón para el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar por enfermedad tromboembólica crónica. Resultados hemodinámicos y clínicos inmediatos / Balloon pulmonary angioplasty for the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Aim: To report the initial experience with the "refined BPA technique" with the use of intravascular images. Patients and Methods: Between June 2015 and June 2016 we selected fourteen patients with CTEPH who were considered candidates for BPA. Lesions targeted for treatment were further analyzed using intravascular imaging with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). We report the immediate hemodynamic results and four weeks of follow-up of the first eight patients of this series. Results: We performed 16 BPA in eight patients aged 61 ± 14 years (88% women). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was 48.6 ± 5.8 mmHg. Success was achieved in seven patients (88%). A mean of 2.3 segments per patient were intervened in 11 sessions (1.6 sessions/ patient). Only one patient developed lung reperfusion injury. No mortality was associated with the procedure. After the last BPA session, PAPm decreased to 37.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (p=0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance (RVP) decreased from 858,6 ± 377,0 at baseline to 516,6 ± 323,3 Dynes/sec/cm−5 (p<0.01) and the cardiac index increased from 2.4±0.6 at baseline to 2.8±0.3 L/min/m2 (p=0.01). At 4 weeks after the last BPA, WHO functional class improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.5±0.5 (p<0,01) and six minutes walking distance from 331±92 to 451±149 m (p=0.01). Conclusions: BPA guided by OFDI for the treatment of inoperable CTEPH patients is a safe alternative with excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results.

Correlación entre la ecocardiografìa transesofágica tridimensional y tomografìa cardíaca en la determinación del anillo aórtico previo al reemplazo de válvula aórtica con catéteres (TAVR) / Correlation between 3-D trans-esophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography in the evaluation of the aortic annulus prior to transcatheter aortic valveimplantation (TAVR)

Introducción: Para el reemplazo de válvula aórtica con catéteres (TAVR) es fundamental la adecuada medición del anillo aórtico para elegir el tamaño adecuado de la prótesis y evitar complicaciones graves como la ruptura del anillo aórtico y la insuficiencia paravalvular (IAP). La tomografía computada cardíaca (TC) es el estándar de oro en la medición del anillo aórtico, pero la ecocardiografía transesofágica 3D (ETE3D) parece ser una alternativa atractiva. Objetivo: Evaluar la correlación entre las mediciones del anillo aórtico obtenidas por ETE3D y las encontradas en la TC. Los resultados obtenidos se evaluaron en términos de la prótesis elegida y la presencia de insuficiencia aórtica post TAVR. Métodos: Se realizaron de manera retrospectiva y ciega, las mediciones del anillo aórtico por TC y ETE3D en 18 pacientes consecutivos, edad promedio 82 ± 7,06 años, sometidos a TAVR usando prótesis Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience). Se comparó el diámetro máximo, diámetro mínimo, diámetro medio, área y perímetro del anillo. Resultados: La ETE3D subvaloró el tamaño del anillo aórtico, pero demostró tener una buena correlación con los diferentes parámetros de la TC, con mejor comportamiento para el perímetro del anillo. ETE3D y TC coincidieron en la elección de la prótesis en 17 pacientes y no hubo IAP de relevancia. Conclusión: La ETE3D tiene buena correlación comparada contra la TC en la valoración del anillo aórtico. La ETE3D parece una atractiva alternativa a la TC para medición del anillo especialmente en casos complejos o cuando la disponibilidad y acceso a la TC puede estar limitada.

In TAVR, the precise measuring of the aortic annulus is essential to determine the size of the prosthesis and to avoid complications like rupture of the annulus of aortic insufficiency. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard to achieve these goals. 3-D trans-esophageal echocardiography (3-D TEE) to be a useful alternative method. Aim: to evaluate the correlation of aortic annulus measurements obtained with 3-dTE and CT in the determination of annulus measurements before TAVR. Prosthesis size and presence of aortic insufficiency were related to these measurements. Methods: In a retrospective blinded protocol the measurements of the aortic annulus obtained with CT or 3D-TEE were correlated in 18 consecutive patients (mean age 82 ± 7.1) submitted to TAVR with a Sapien XT (Edwards Lifescience) prosthesis. Maximal, minimal and mean diameters as well as area and annular circumference were evaluated. Results: Compared to CT, 3D-TEE under estimated de size of the aortic annulus but correlated well with other measurements of CT, especially with the annular circumference. Measurements from both methods agreed in the determination of the prosthesis size in 17 of 18 patients. No significant per prosthetic aortic insufficiency was observed in any case. Conclusion: 3DTEE correlates well with CT in evaluating the different parameters of the aortic annulus and is a good alternative to CT in complex cases and when CT is not readily available.

Successful transfemoral aortic valve replacement in a bicuspid aortic stenotic valve: requirements for a safe implant.

Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been accepted as an attractive alternative for high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS), patients with congenital bicuspid AS has been typically disqualified for this indication due to an implied risk of device dislocation, distortion, or device malfunctioning. Nonetheless, bicuspid AS is not uncommon and frequently missed by transthoracic echocardiography. We reported an interesting case of a high-risk patient with severe symptomatic bicuspid AS who underwent successful TAVR and discussed the anatomic requirements for a safe implant in patients with bicuspid AS considered candidates for TAVR.

'Mother-in-child' thrombectomy technique: a novel and effective approach to decrease intracoronary thrombus burden in acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The presence of large thrombus burden in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is common and associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to describe the feasibility and safety of the novel 'mother-in-child' thrombectomy (MCT) technique in patients presenting with AMI and large thrombus burden undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We studied 13 patients presenting with AMI who underwent PCI with persistent large intracoronary thrombus after standard thrombectomy. The procedure was performed using a 5F 'Heartrail II-ST01' catheter (Terumo Medical) into a 6F guiding system. Angiographic assessment of thrombus burden and coronary flow was obtained at baseline, immediately after thrombectomy and at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: The mean age was 55.9±13.0 years and involved mostly males (76.9%). All patients underwent PCI via radial approach. Following MCT Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow improved by 2 or more degrees in 11 patients (84.5%), while visible angiographic thrombus was reduced in 11 patients (84.5%). In the final angiogram, normal TIMI flow was restored in 11 patients (84.5%), with normal myocardial 'blush' in 7 patients (53.8%) and total clearance of a visible thrombus in 7 patients (53.8%). Overall, 6 patients received thrombectomy as 'stand-alone' procedure. All patients were discharged alive after a mean of 5.6±2 days. CONCLUSION: This initial report suggests that significant reduction in thrombus burden and improvement of the coronary flow can be safely achieved in patients presenting with AMI and large thrombus burden by using the novel MCT technique.

Initial experience with a dedicated coronary re-entry device for revascularization of chronic total occlusions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this registry was to evaluate a new device designed to facilitate antegrade guidewire re-entry into the true lumen of a chronic total coronary occlusion (CTO) from the adjacent subintimal space. BACKGROUND: Successful recanalization of CTOs results in clinical improvement in appropriately selected patients. CTO intervention is time- and resource-consuming, and a simplified approach enabling antegrade guidewire re-entry into the distal true lumen might improve success. METHODS: Patients with CTO and ischemia were entered into a prospective registry regardless of lesion characteristics. If wire manipulation resulted in subintimal wire entrapment, a new re-entry tool (a 2.5-mm flat subintimal balloon with two exit ports offset by 180°) was used as a platform to attempt guidewire penetration into the distal true lumen. The primary endpoint assessed was successful device-guided re-entry. Standard techniques were then utilized to open the CTO. RESULTS: In 40 consecutive CTO lesions attempted, 19 resulted in subintimal wire entrapment (mean occlusion length 44 mm). Sixteen of these 19 were successfully crossed with an antegrade guidewire into the distal true lumen using the new device (84%). One patient with unsuccessful re-entry was subsequently recanalized with a retrograde technique. All crossed lesions were stented (17/17), resulting in TIMI 3 flow without major complications. Two cases were unsuccessful. One patient had a grade I coronary perforation requiring no treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A new device to recanalize CTOs complicated by subintimal wire entrapment can be used successfully by experienced operators. Further study of this coronary re-entry device is ongoing.

Seguridad de la angioplastía coronaria ambulatoria por vía transradial: experiencia de un centro / Safety of trans-radial ambulatory coronary angioplasty: a single center experience

Introducción: El número creciente de intervenciones coronarias ha generado una demanda mayor de camas hospitalarias. Se ha reportado que luego de un periodo postintervención de 4 a 6 horas no se observan complicaciones asociadas a la angioplastía coronaria (AC). Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad del alta precoz luego de la angioplastía coronaria. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes (pts) sometidos a AC y dados de alta luego de una observación de 4 horas, en el período comprendido entre Enero 2004 y Agosto 2010. Se analizaron las variables clínicas y angiografías. Se consideraron criterios de seguridad: infarto y/o trombosis del stent, complicaciones hemorrágicas y mortalidad hasta los 30 días. Resultados: Se realizó AC ambulatoria a 414 pacientes con una edad de 63.17 +/- 10.4 años. 80 por ciento fueron hombres. El 53 por ciento fueron portadores de enfermedad de 2 y 3 vasos. La AC fue exitosa en el 95.9 por ciento de casos. El 49 por ciento de las lesiones tratadas fueron de complejidad mayor (tipo B2 y C). Se analizaron los índices de seguridad en tres periodos: 4 a 24 horas, 24 horas a 7 dias y de 7 días a 30 días, observándose solo 3 hemorragias menores en el período más precoz y ningún sangramiento mayor, nueva revascularización, infarto agudo del miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, ni mortalidad en ninguno de los tiempos analizados. Conclusión: El alta precoz luego de la AC por vía radial es un procedimiento seguro independiente de la complejidad de la anatomía coronaria.

The increasing number of percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures poses a strain on the availability of hospital. There is evidence that no complications of PTCA are observed 4 o 6 hr after the procedure. Aim: To evaluate the safety of early discharge after PTCA Methods: Patients submitted to PTCA from January to August 2010 who were discharged after a 4 hr observation period had their clinical and angiographic characteristics assessed. Infarction, stent thrombosis and 30 day mortality were determined. Results: 414 patients were included. Mean age was 63.2 years (SD 10.4), 80 percent of them males. 53 per cent had 2 or 3 vessel disease. PTCA was successful in 95.9 percent of cases. 49 per cent of coronary artery lesions were type B2 or C. 3 minor bleeding episodes occurred before 24 hr after the procedure. No major bleedings, new revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, stroke were seen up to 30 days post procedure. There was no mortality. Conclusion: Early discharge after trans-radial artery PTCA is safe even for treatment of complex coronary artery lesions.

[Coronary spasm secondary to an allergic reaction or Kounis syndrome: report of one case]. / Espasmo coronario secundario a reacción alérgica o síndrome de Kounis: Caso clínico.

We report a 79 year-old mate with a history of an acute coronary syndrome subjected to coronary angioplasty and stent placement in the right coronary artery (RCA) four months ago. Since the patient continued with symptoms, a coronary angiography was performed. During the procedure, the patient developed a cutaneous allergic reaction and bronchospasm probably related to contrast media and a severe spasm of the RCA with inferior ST elevation in the absence of restenosis, that was difficult to treat. The presence of angina or an acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions is known as the Kounis syndrome.

Espasmo coronario secundario a reacción alérgica o síndrome de Kounis: caso clínico / Coronary spasm secondary to an allergic reaction or Kounis syndrome: report of one case

We report a 79 year-old mate with a history of an acute coronary syndrome subjected to coronary angioplasty and stent placement in the right coronary artery (RCA) four months ago. Since the patient continued with symptoms, a coronary angiography was performed. During the procedure, the patient developed a cutaneous allergic reaction and bronchospasm probably related to contrast media and a severe spasm of the RCA with inferior ST elevation in the absence of rest enosis, that was difficult to treat. The presence of angina or an acute coronary syndrome and allergic reactions is known as the Kounis syndrome.

Management of cerebrovascular accidents during cardiac catheterization: immediate cerebral angiography versus early neuroimaging strategy.

Ischemic cerebrovascular events are a rare complication of cardiac catheterization. Consequently a unique standard of management for these events is yet to be defined. Immediate cerebral angiography followed by local thrombolysis is an effective strategy and we report six cases for which this approach was successfully employed. In contrast the use of immediate neuroimaging by means of MRI or CT scan in two cases delayed the implementation of appropriate therapy.

Ablación lineal con radiofrecuencia de aurícula derecha para el control de fibrilación auricular paroxística refractaria / Radiofrequency lineal ablation of the right atrium in patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Distintas formas de terapia están en estudio para pacientes (pts) con fibrilación auricular paroxística (FAP) refractaria. Datos iniciales muestran que lesiones lineales con radiofrecuencia (RF) en aurícula derecha (AD) y aurícula izquierda (AI) puede ser efectiva en controlar la FAP, no obstante la complejidad y riesgos del procedimiento han hecho que algunos autores limiten la RF sólo a AD. En el presente trabajo comunicamos nuestra experiencia en un grupo de 6 pts tratados con RF en AD por FAP recurrente. Material y método: Seis pts (5 hombres, edad x 54 años), 4 de ellos con FAP idiopática y 2 cardiopatía hipertensiva se incluyen en esta experiencia. Cuatro eran pts muy sintomáticos con crisis de FAP 2 a 3 veces por semana, de 1 a 3 días, y refractarios a múltiples drogas. Otros 2 eran sintomáticos por palpitaciones, y se documentó flutter sostenido, y en Holter tenían crisis frecuentes de FAP. En 5 pts en el estudio se indujo muy fácilmente FAP y en otro, eléctricamente muy inestable, no se intentó inducir arritmias. La RF se hizo con un catéter Medtronic, a 70º, con aplicaciones de 20 a 30 seg en el septum interauricular, desde la vena cava superior, pasando por foramen oval, luego ostium de seno coronario y desde allí a la llegada de cava inferior. Además se hizo RF en el istmo cavotricuspideo. Todos recibieron heparina IV durante el procedimiento. Resultado: en 2 pts ablacionados en FAP esta arritmia se convirtió durante la RF. Otros 2 pts requirieron cardioversión y otros 2 se ablacionaron en ritmo sinusal. El n de aplicaciones de RF fue x 24 y el tiempo de Rx x 64,7 min. No hubo complicaciones. En un seguimiento de 4 a 15 m (x 9,5) 2 han tenido una notable mejoría, con crisis cortas, cada 30-90 días, manteniendo la misma terapia que previo a la RF. Los 2 pts que además tenían flutter están asintomáticos y en Holter no tienen arritmias; uno de ellos requirió MP por disfunción sinusal. Los 2 pts restantes no mejoraron post RF. Uno de ellos requirió implante de MP DDD por evolucionar con disfunción sinusal. Conclusión: las lesiones lineales con RF en AD pueden mejorar la evolución de pts con FAP altamente sintomáticos y refractarios a terapia médica