Prospective randomized comparison of rotational angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction and computed tomography merged with electro-anatomical mapping: a two center atrial fibrillation ablation study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and accuracy of rotational angiography with three-dimensional reconstruction (3DATG) image merged with electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) vs. CT-EAM. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, parallel, two-center study conducted in 36 patients (25 men, age 65 ± 10 years) undergoing AF ablation (33 % paroxysmal, 67 % persistent) guided by 3DATG (group 1) vs. CT (group 2) image fusion with EAM. 3DATG was performed on the Philips Allura Xper FD 10 system. Procedural characteristics including time, radiation exposure, outcome, and navigation accuracy were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in total procedure duration or time spent for various procedural steps. Minor differences in procedural characteristics were present between two centers. Segmentation and fusion time for 3DATG or CT-EAM was short and similar between both centers. Accuracy of navigation guided by either method was high and did not depend on left atrial size. Maintenance of sinus rhythm between the two groups was no different up to 24 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study did not find superiority of 3DATG-EAM image merge to guide AF ablation when compared to CT-EAM fusion. Both merging techniques result in similar navigation accuracy.

First experience of 3D rotational angiography fusion with NavX electroanatomical mapping to guide catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Rotational angiography of the left atrium with 3-dimensional reconstruction (3DATG) is a new imaging tool to guide atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Its role as part of a complex imaging strategy with NavX has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of using 3DATG fusion with NavX in guiding AF ablation. METHODS: 3DATG was performed in 24 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation by using the Philips Allura Xper FD 10 system. The 3DATG anatomical shell was fused with NavX data (fusion group). Procedural characteristics of the fusion group were compared to 12 patients (control group) who underwent AF ablation guided by NavX only during the preceding 6 months. RESULTS: 3DATG/NavX fusion was successful in all patients and required 12 ± 2 fiducial points. Total radiation dose, fluoroscopy, and procedural times were significantly lower in the fusion group despite additional time and radiation exposure from 3DATG (total radiation dose of 20.4 mSv in the fusion group vs 34.0 mSv in the control group; P = .04; fluoroscopy time 50.5 minutes vs 69.7 minutes; procedural time 4.3 hours vs 5.1 hours). Ablation was successful acutely in 35 of 36 patients. At follow-up, 14 of 24 (58.3%) patients in the fusion group and 6 of 12 (50%) patients in the control group were in sinus rhythm. There was 1 complication in each group. CONCLUSIONS: AF ablation guided by 3DATG/NavX fusion is associated with reduced procedural time and radiation exposure and similar clinical outcomes when compared with NavX mapping only. 3DATG/NavX fusion may provide a lower radiation alternative to NavX only or preprocedural cardiac computed tomography as part of complex imaging strategies.

Central venous occlusion is not an obstacle to device upgrade with the assistance of laser extraction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted lead extraction for upgrade of existing pacemakers and defibrillators in patients with central venous obstruction. BACKGROUND: Implantable cardiac defibrillators and biventricular pacing have become the accepted therapeutic measures for patients with congestive heart failure. Many patients who are candidates for device therapy, however, already have existing right ventricular leads and the presence of central venous obstruction. Upgrade of existing devices in these patients is a dilemma, which is increasingly encountered by device-implanting physicians. Laser-assisted extraction of existing leads can facilitate access for device upgrade and provide an alternative to lead abandonment and contralateral implant. METHODS: We review our experience with laser-assisted lead extraction in patients, referred for upgrade of existing devices, who were found to have, or known to have, ipsilateral subclavian vein occlusion. RESULTS: Over the past 3 years, 18 patients (13 men, 5 women; mean age 63.9 +/- 16 years) with subclavian vein occlusion underwent successful laser-assisted lead extraction (total 29 leads) and upgrade of existing leads to defibrillators and/or biventricular systems. Mean implant duration prior to extraction was 70.8 +/- 43.5 (11-192) months. Cannulation of the coronary sinus and placement of a transvenous left ventricular lead were achieved in all 13 patients in whom it was attempted. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laser-assisted lead extraction is a safe and effective approach, allowing for ipsilateral device upgrade in patients with existing devices and central venous obstruction.