Impact of cryoballoon application abortion due to phrenic nerve injury on reconnection rates: a YETI subgroup analysis.

AIMS: Cryoballoon (CB)-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). The most frequent complication during CB-based PVI is right-sided phrenic nerve injury (PNI) which is leading to premature abortion of the freeze cycle. Here, we analysed reconnection rates after CB-based PVI and PNI in a large-scale population during repeat procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the YETI registry, a total of 17 356 patients underwent CB-based PVI in 33 centres, and 731 (4.2%) patients experienced PNI. A total of 111/731 (15.2%) patients received a repeat procedure for treatment of recurrent AF. In 94/111 (84.7%) patients data on repeat procedures were available. A total of 89/94 (94.7%) index pulmonary veins (PVs) have been isolated during the initial PVI. During repeat procedures, 22 (24.7%) of initially isolated index PVs showed reconnection. The use of a double stop technique did non influence the PV reconnection rate (P = 0.464). The time to PNI was 140.5 ± 45.1 s in patients with persistent PVI and 133.5 ± 53.8 s in patients with reconnection (P = 0.559). No differences were noted between the two populations in terms of CB temperature at the time of PNI (P = 0.362). The only parameter associated with isolation durability was CB temperature after 30 s of freezing. The PV reconnection did not influence the time to AF recurrence. CONCLUSION: In patients with cryoballon application abortion due to PNI, a high rate of persistent PVI rate was found at repeat procedures. Our data may help to identify the optimal dosing protocol in CB-based PVI procedures. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03645577?term=YETI&cntry=DE&draw=2&rank=1 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03645577.

Relationship between time-to-isolation and freeze duration: Computational modeling of dosing for Arctic Front Advance and Arctic Front Advance Pro cryoballoons.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical and clinical studies have utilized periprocedural parameters to optimize cryoballoon ablation dosing, including acute time-to-isolation (TTI) of the pulmonary vein, balloon rate of freezing, balloon nadir temperature, and balloon-thawing time. This study sought to predict the Arctic Front Advance (AFA) vs Arctic Front Advance Pro (AFA Pro) ablation durations required for transmural pulmonary vein isolation at varied tissue depths. METHODS: A cardiac-specific, three-dimensional computational model that incorporates structural characteristics, temperature-dependent cellular responses, and thermal-conductive properties was designed to predict the propagation of cold isotherms through tissue. The model assumed complete cryoballoon-to-pulmonary vein (PV) circumferential contact. Using known temperature thresholds of cardiac cellular electrical dormancy (at 23°C) and cellular nonviability (at -20°C), transmural time-to-isolation electrical dormancy (TTIED ) and cellular nonviability (TTINV ) were simulated. RESULTS: For cardiac thickness of 0.5, 1.25, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 mm, the 23°C isotherm passed transmurally in 33, 38, 46, 62, 80, and 95 seconds during cryoablation utilizing AFA and 33, 38, 46, 63, 80, and 95 seconds with AFA Pro. Using the same cardiac thicknesses, the -20°C isotherm passed transmurally in 40, 55, 78, 161, 354, and 696 seconds during cryoablation with AFA and 40, 54, 78, 160, 352, and 722 seconds with AFA Pro. CONCLUSION: This model predicted a minimum duration of cryoballoon ablation (TTINV ) to obtain a transmural lesion when acute TTI of the PV was observed (TTIED ). Consequently, the model is a useful tool for characterizing CBA dosing, which may guide future cryoablation dosing strategies.

Case report: Cryoballoon ablation of the mitral isthmus using a novel mapping system.

Perimitral atrial flutter is commonly treated by deployment of a mitral isthmus line. However, the creation of a contiguous, transmural linear lesion across the anterior mitral isthmus using radiofrequency energy ablation is technically challenging and can be associated with major complications. Herein, we describe the successful deployment of a superolateral mitral isthmus line using the 28-mm cryoballoon in combination with a new mapping system.

Insights into ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: Lessons from 6-year clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a potential treatment option for symptomatic patients. We sought to evaluate the critical role of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) in the ablation of persistent AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 341 ablation procedures were performed in 174 consecutive patients with persistent AF. CPVI was performed in all patients, additional ablation was only performed if electrical cardioversion failed after CPVI. During a median follow-up (FU) of 89 (63; 89) months, stable sinus rhythm was documented in 42/170 (25%) patients after a single procedure and in 111/164 (68%) patients after 1.9 ± 1.1 procedures. Stable SR was achieved in 40/75 (53%) patients in whom only CPVI was performed during the index and repeat procedures and in 71/89 (79%) patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. The main predictor for ablation success was duration of persistent AF before the index procedure (P < 0.001, HR ± CI: 1.608 [1.034, 1.103]). Responders to CPVI during the initial procedure had a significantly better multiple-procedure outcome after 42 months of FU compared to CPVI nonresponders (P  =  0.0365). Conversion during the index procedure had no impact on clinical outcomes (P  =  0.0903). Persistent AF regressed to paroxysmal AF in 16% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a 25% single- and 68% multiple-procedure success in patients with persistent AF, while stable SR was achieved in 53% of patients with pure CPVI during all procedures and in 79% of patients with CPVI plus additional ablation. Only duration of persistent AF before ablation had a statistically significant impact on ablation outcome.

Higher contact force, energy setting, and impedance rise during radiofrequency ablation predicts charring: New insights from contact force-guided in vivo ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Higher contact force (CF) theoretically increases the risk of blood charring, diminishing lesion formation. We aimed to investigate the relationship between CF, impedance change, and char formation during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). METHODS: CF was assessed during PVI in 65 patients. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with power-controlled mode was applied in the point-by-point manner. The RFA were divided into five groups: group A (CF < 10 g), group B (10 g ≤ CF < 20 g), group C (20 g ≤ CF < 30 g), group D (30 g ≤ CF < 40 g), and group E (CF ≥ 40 g). Gradual impedance rise (gIR) was defined as >5 Ω increase during each 10-second period of RFA. Catheter tip was assessed for charring during, and at the end of each procedure. RESULTS: In total, 2,064 applications were analyzed. During 0-10 seconds, impedance was significantly decreased in groups with higher CF (P < 0.05). During 10-20 seconds, an impedance decrease was not significantly different among the five groups. During 20-30 seconds, mean impedance increased in group E. A gIR was noted at least once during RFA in 63 patients (97%). The incidence of gIR during RFA after 20 seconds was significantly higher in groups D and E (77/504 [15.3%] vs. 90/1560 [5.8%], P < 0.001). Charring occurred in 8 of 65 (12%) patients. A gIR after 20 seconds was significantly associated with a higher incidence of macroscopic charring (6/20 [30%] vs. 2/45 [4%], P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: gIR was noted with higher applied CFs after 20 seconds of RFA. This impedance rise may be avoided by keeping the applied CF under 26.9 g with negative predictive value of 95%. Our data suggested that gIR may be related to the incidence of charring.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in very young adults: a 5-year follow-up study.

Aims: Catheter ablation is an established therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, outcome data on catheter ablation for AF in young adults is scarce. Methods and results: From 2005-2014, 85 consecutive young adults (mean age 31 ± 4 years; 69% men) with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (PAF, n = 52) and persistent (Pers) AF (n = 33) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) [±ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms/linear lesions in PVI non-responders] at our centre. Follow-up was based on outpatient visits including 24-h Holter-ECG at 3, 6 and, 12 months post ablation, and every 12 months thereafter. Recurrence was defined as any AF/atrial tachycardia episode >30s following a 3-month blanking period. Follow-up was available for 74/85 (87%) patients. After a median follow-up of 4.6 years (Q1: 2.6; Q3: 6.6) and a mean of 1.5 ± 0.6 (median 1, range 1-3) ablation procedures 84% [including 13% on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD)] of patients were in stable SR. Single-procedural 1-year/5-year arrhythmia-free survival was 66% [95% confidence interval (CI): 56-78%]/44% (95% CI: 33-59%), respectively. Structural heart disease [SHD; hazard ratio (HR) 2.79 (95% CI 1.52-5.12), P = 0.001] and obesity [HR 1.10 (95% CI 1.00-1.21) per unit increase in body mass index >27 kg/m2, P = 0.05] independently predicted AF recurrence. Major complications occurred in 6/122 (4.9%) procedures (PV stenosis in 3, cardiac tamponade in 1, stroke in 1, and arterial-venous fistula in 1). Conclusion: In the majority of very young adults catheter ablation for AF is effective, and associated with an acceptable complication rate. SHD and obesity are predictors for AF recurrence in this population.

Noninvasive phase mapping of persistent atrial fibrillation in humans: Comparison with invasive catheter mapping.

BACKGROUND: A novel noninvasive epicardial and endocardial electrophysiology system (NEEES) to identify electrical rotors and focal activity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) was recently introduced. Comparison of NEEES data with results from invasive mapping is lacking. METHODS: Six male patients (59 ± 11 years) with persistent AF underwent cardiac mapping with the NEEES, which included the creation of isopotential and phase maps. Then patients underwent catheter mapping using a PentaRay NAV catheter and the CARTO 3 system. Signals acquired by the catheter were analyzed by customized software that applied the same phase mapping algorithm as for the NEEES data. RESULTS: In all patients, noninvasive phase mapping revealed short-lived electrical rotors occurring 1.8 ± 0.3 times per second and demonstrating 1-4 (mean 1.2 ± 0.6) rotation cycles. Most of these rotors (72.7%) aggregated in 2-3 anatomical clusters. In two patients, focal excitation from pulmonary veins was observed. Invasive catheter mapping in the dominant rotor aggregation sites and in the three control sites demonstrated the presence of electrical rotors with properties similar to noninvasively detected rotors. Spearman's correlation coefficient between rotor occurrence rate by noninvasive and invasive mapping was 0.97 (p < .0001). Mean rotors' cycle length at dominant aggregation sites, scores of their full rotations, and the proportion of rotors with clockwise rotation were not significantly different between the mapping modalities. CONCLUSION: In patients with persistent AF, phase processing of unipolar electrograms recorded by catheter mapping could reproduce electrical rotors as characterized by NEEES-based phase mapping.

Mapping of ventricular arrhythmias using a novel noninvasive epicardial and endocardial electrophysiology system.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the use of a novel noninvasive epicardial and endocardial electrophysiology system (NEEES) for mapping of ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS: Eight patients (2 females, mean age 50±17 years) with ischemic (n=3) and nonischemic (n=5) cardiomyopathy and inducible ventricular arrhythmias during electrophysiology study were enrolled. Noninvasive mapping of ventricular arrhythmias was performed using the NEEES based on body-surface electrocardiograms and computed tomography imaging data. Arrhythmia patterns were analyzed using noninvasive phase mapping. RESULTS: Macro-reentrant VT circuits were observed in 3 ischemic and 1 nonischemic cardiomyopathy patient, respectively. In the remaining 4 patients, phase mapping revealed relatively stable rotor activity and multiple wavelets. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive cardiac mapping was able to visualize the macro-reentrant circuits in patients with scar-related VT. In patients without myocardial scar only polymorphic VT or VF was inducible, and rotor activity and multiple wavelets were observed.

Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation: Locations and 1 Year Outcomes of Human Rotors Identified Using a 64-Electrode Basket Catheter.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is currently the gold standard for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The mechanism for AF-maintenance is still controversial. The concept of rapidly activating spiral rotors perpetuating AF has led to the development of several rotor-mapping systems. We present our experience with focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM) using a 64-electrode basket catheter and computational system and evaluate its feasibility in conjunction with PVI to treat AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five patients underwent FIRM mapping and ablation to treat AF (paroxysmal = 10, 40%). A basket catheter was used for rotor identification within the right atrium (RA) then left atrium (LA). Radiofrequency energy was applied at and around each rotor core for 300 seconds and rotor-mapping and ablation was repeated until all rotors were eliminated before circumferential PVI was performed. Three (1.0, 4.0) rotors were identified per patient, predominantly in the LA (LA = 59). Note that 7/59 left-sided rotors were located 8/59 at the PV antrum. Twelve (48%) patients had either AF termination (termination = 6/12) or conversion to another rhythm, or cycle length (CL) prolongation ≥10% after rotor ablation. After a single procedure, 13 (52%) patients were free of atrial tachyarrhythmia after a follow-up period of 13 ± 1 months. CONCLUSION: Early results suggest that FIRM-ablation can terminate AF in a significant number of patients. Rotors were frequently identified in the PVs and PV antrum, supporting PVI as the cornerstone of AF ablation.

Noninvasive epicardial and endocardial mapping of premature ventricular contractions.

AIMS: The aim of the present study was to estimate the accuracy of a novel non-invasive epicardial and endocardial electrophysiology system (NEEES) for mapping ectopic ventricular depolarizations. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 20 patients with monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). All patients underwent pre-procedural computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and torso. Radiographic data were semi-automatically processed by the NEEES to reconstruct a realistic 3D model of the heart and torso. In the electrophysiology laboratory, body-surface electrodes were connected to the NEEES followed by unipolar EKG recordings during episodes of PVC/VT. The body-surface EKG data were processed by the NEEES using its inverse-problem solution software in combination with anatomical data from the heart and torso. The earliest site of activation as denoted on the NEEES 3D heart model was compared with the PVC/VT origin using a 3D electroanatomical mapping system. The site of successful catheter ablation served as final confirmation. A total of 21 PVC/VT morphologies were analysed and ablated. The chamber of interest was correctly diagnosed non-invasively in 20 of 21 (95%) PVC/VT cases. In 18 of the 21 (86%) cases, the correct ventricular segment was diagnosed. Catheter ablation resulted in acute success in 19 of the 20 (95%) patients, whereas 1 patient underwent successful surgical ablation. During 6 months of follow-up, 19 of the 20 (95%) patients were free from recurrence off antiarrhythmic drugs. CONCLUSION: The NEEES accurately identified the site of PVC/VT origin. Knowledge of the potential site of the PVC/VT origin may aid the physician in planning a successful ablation strategy.

First insights into cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation taking the individual time-to-isolation into account.

AIMS: Cryoballoon (CB)-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established treatment for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). In the present study, we sought to assess the efficacy and safety of CB-based PVI taking the individual time-to-isolation (TTI) into account. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation [n = 49 (82%)] or short-standing persistent atrial fibrillation [n = 11 (18%)] underwent ablation with a 28-mm second-generation CB. The TTI was assessed by spiral mapping-catheter recordings and subsequently followed by an additional freeze-time of 120 s. No bonus freeze-cycle was applied. If the TTI could not be assessed, a fixed freeze-cycle duration of 240 s was applied and successful PVI confirmed thereafter. Clinical follow-up (FU) included 12-lead ECGs and 24 h Holter-ECGs at 3, 6, and 12 months. A blanking period of 3 months was defined. A total of 239 pulmonary veins (PVs) were identified and successfully isolated. The mean TTI assessed in 170/239 (71%) PVs was 52 ± 32 s. The mean number of CB applications was 1.2 ± 0.5; mean freeze-cycle duration was 192 ± 41 s. Mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 80 ± 24 min and 16 ± 7 min, respectively. Transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred in one patient (2%). During a mean FU of 405 ± 67 days, 43 patients (72%) remained in stable sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating an individual TTI protocol to CB-based PVI results in shorter freeze-cycle applications in a substantial portion of targeted PVs and an arrhythmia-free survival comparable to conventional ablation protocols. The complication rate is low.

Three-Year Clinical Outcome After 2nd-Generation Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation for the Treatment of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation　- A 2-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the 2nd-generation cryoballoon (CB2) for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has demonstrated encouraging acute and mid-term results. However, follow-up data on outcomes beyond 1 year are sparse. We investigated the 3-year outcome after PVI using the CB2.Methods and Results:100 patients with paroxysmal (PAF, 70/100 [70%] patients) or persistent AF (pAF, 30/100 [30%] patients) underwent CB2-based PVI in 2 experienced centers in Germany. Freeze-cycle duration was 240 s. After successful PVI a bonus freeze-cycle of the same duration was applied in the first 71 patients but was omitted in the following 29 patients. Phrenic nerve palsy occurred in 3 patients (3%); 2 patients were lost to follow-up. After a median follow-up of 38 (29-50) months, 59/98 (60.2%) patients remained in stable sinus rhythm (PAF: 48/70 (69%), pAF: 11/28 (39%) P=0.0084). In 32/39 (77%) patients with arrhythmia recurrence, a second ablation procedure using radiofrequency energy was conducted. Persistent PVI was noted in 76/125 (61%) PVs. After a mean of 1.37±0.6 procedures and a median follow-up of 35 (25-39) months, 77/98 (78.6%) patients remained in stable sinus rhythm (PAF: 56/70 (80%), pAF: 20/28 (71%), P=0.0276). CONCLUSIONS: CB2-based PVI resulted in a 60.2% single-procedure and a 78.6% multiple-procedure success rate after 3 years. Repeat procedures demonstrated a high rate of durable PVI.

Incidence of Significant Delayed Esophageal Temperature Drop After Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

BACKGROUND: The second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) has demonstrated superior clinical outcome. Potential procedural complications include esophageal thermal lesions due to excessive esophageal temperature (ET). Safety cut-offs for the ET have previously been published. A safety margin was incorporated due to a delayed esophageal temperature decline even after termination of the CB2 freeze cycle. The extent of these delayed temperature drops requires further systematic evaluation. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study enrolled 29 patients with paroxysmal or shortstanding persistent AF who underwent CB2-based PVI. Freeze cycle duration was 240 seconds. No bonus freeze was applied after successful PVI. The intraluminal ET was continuously measured via a transorally inserted probe (SensiTherm, St. Jude Medical, Inc.). The CB2 temperature and ET were recorded throughout the procedure using a camera setup. The mean number of freeze cycles per patient was 4.3 ± 2. A total of 147 cryoenergy applications were analyzed. A delayed decline in ET of >0.5 °C was recorded following termination of 23.1% of freeze cycles. The maximum drop in delayed ET was 6.4 °C. Excessive esophageal cooling during the freeze cycle exceeding 8.5 °C/min may result in ET ≤10 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Following termination of cryoenergy delivery, the ET may decline an additional 6.4 °C. Proposed ET safety cut-offs during CB2-based PVI need to account for a significant ET drop that may occur even after termination of the individual freeze cycle.

Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Data on the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACS) during catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) are still limited. This study evaluated the periprocedural major complications (MC) of CA of AF, and compared Apixaban, Dabigatran, and Rivaroxaban with continuous phenoprocoumon. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 444 patients (mean age = 65.1 ± 9.4 years; 283 [64%] male) with paroxysmal (n = 180 [41%]), persistent (n = 256 [58%]), or longstanding-persistent AF were enrolled. CA was performed in all patients using radiofrequency energy in conjunction with a 3D-mapping system. MCs were defined according to the current guidelines. Continuous phenprocoumon-therapy was administered in 120/444 (27%) patients (group 1) and 324/444 (73%) patients were treated with NOACs (group 2; Dabigatran: n = 51 [15.7%]; Rivaroxaban: n = 193 [59.6%]; Apixaban: n = 80 [24.7%]). Procedure times were comparable between groups 1 and 2 (128.2 ± 39.7 minutes vs. 129.7 ± 51.2 minutes; P = 0.77). CHA2 DS2-Vasc (3.0 [2.0, 4.0)] vs. 2.0 [1.0, 3.0]; P < 0.01) and HASBLED scores (2.0 [2.0, 2.5] vs. 2.0 [1.0, 2.0]; P = 0.002) were higher in group 1 patients. The incidence of MCs in the overall group was 8/444 (2%) and was equally distributed between groups 1 and 2 (2/120 [2%] vs. 6/324 [2%], P = 0.90). The incidence of MCs was comparable between the three different NOACs. There were no significant differences between patients with and without MCs with regard to age, CHA2 DS2-Vasc-score or HASBLED-score. CONCLUSIONS: The major complication rate between all three NOACs currently available and continuous phenprocoumon during AF ablation seem to be comparable. Complication rates were similar between patients treated with the three different available NOACs.

One-year clinical outcome after pulmonary vein isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation using the second-generation 28 mm cryoballoon: a retrospective analysis.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine efficacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the 28 mm cryoballoon (CB) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Superior acute and 1-year outcome has been demonstrated following PVI, using the second-generation CB in patients with paroxysmal AF. Data on the outcome in patients with persistent AF are sparse. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (20 female, mean age 63 ± 10 years, mean left atrial diameter 46 ± 5 mm) with persistent AF [median AF duration since first diagnosis: 48 (20:192) months] underwent second-generation 28 mm CB-based PVI. The freeze cycle duration was set at 240 s. After successful PVI, a bonus freeze cycle of 240 s was applied in the first 11/49 (22%) patients, and no bonus freeze cycle was used in the remaining 38/49 (78%) patients. Follow-up (FU) was based on outpatient clinic visits at 3, 6, and 12 months, which included Holter electrocardiograms and telephone interviews. Recurrence was defined as an episode of symptomatic and/or documented atrial tachyarrhythmia >30 s beyond the 3-month blanking period. A total of 193 pulmonary veins (PVs) were identified and 193/193 (100%) PVs were successfully isolated. No phrenic nerve paralysis occurred. Follow-up was obtained in 49/49 (100%) patients with a mean FU duration of 416 ± 178 days. After the 3-month blanking period, antiarrhythmic medication was discontinued in 33/49 (67%) patients. Thirty-four of 49 (69%) patients remained in stable sinus rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent AF, use of the second-generation 28 mm CB was associated with a 69% 1-year clinical success rate.

Ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients ≥75 years: long-term clinical outcome and safety.

AIMS: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) increases with age. Catheter ablation is an established treatment option for patients with symptomatic AF. We sought to determine the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of AF ablation in patients ≥75 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients ≥75 years with symptomatic, drug-refractory AF were included in the study. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed in all patients, extended to ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms, and/or linear lesions in PVI non-responders. Retrospective follow-up (FU) was based on routine outpatient clinic visits and regular telephone interviews. A total of 94 patients (54 male, age 78 ± 2 years, and left atrium diameter 46 ± 6 mm) with drug-refractory AF [55/94 (59%) paroxysmal AF (PAF), 29/94 (31%) persistent AF, and 10/94 (11%) long-standing persistent AF] underwent ablation. Follow-up was obtained in 93/94 (99%) patients. Following a single procedure, 35/93 (38%) patients were in stable sinus rhythm (SR; 46% PAF, 31% persistent AF, and 10% long-standing persistent AF) after a mean FU of 37 ± 20 months. After a mean of 1.5 ± 0.6 procedures, 55/93 (59%) patients were ultimately in stable SR (76% PAF, 41% persistent AF, and 20% long-standing persistent AF). In a total of 137 procedures, 8 major (5.8%) and 26 minor (19%) complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation in patients ≥75 years is associated with a favourable clinical long-term outcome in patients with PAF, while results are less promising in persistent or long-standing persistent patients. The safety profile of AF ablation in patients ≥75 years is comparable with patients of younger age.

Six-Year Clinical Outcomes After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Impaired Left Ventricular Function.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term data after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with impaired systolic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are sparse. This study assessed the outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and reduced LVEF treated with PVI after a median follow-up period of 6 years. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-one patients with an LVEF≤45% were evaluated; however, 1 patient was lost to follow-up. In the remaining 80 patients (male: n = 68 (85%), median age 61.6 (54.8-67.5) years) with paroxysmal (n = 16, 20%), persistent (n = 37, 46.2%), and longstanding-persistent AF (LS-AF), catheter ablation of AF using radiofrequency and 3D mapping was performed. Follow-up included Holter monitoring or pacemaker/ICD interrogation to assess for arrhythmia recurrence and echocardiography to assess LVEF. Median follow-up was 72 (67-75) months. Death occurred in 21 patients. Single-procedure success rate was 35.1% and multiple-procedure success rate was 56.8% in the overall group. Baseline median LVEF (35% [28.5-40%]) significantly increased at 6-year follow-up (56.5% [40.0-60.0%], P < 0.01). In patients with single- or multiple-procedure ablation success, there was a higher improvement of LVEF (single procedure: 25% [15.0-35] vs. 10.0% [-1.0-20.0], P < 0.01; multiple procedures: 20.0% [15-34] vs. 5.0% [5.00-15.0]; P < 0.01). The single (43.8% vs. 40%, P = 0.96) and multiple procedure success rates (62.5% vs. 60%, P = 0.47) were comparable between patients with PAF and persistent AF and lowest in patients with LS-AF (single procedure success: 23.1%, multiple-procedure success: 47.8%). CONCLUSION: Single-procedure success rates after PVI during 6 years of follow-up were low. In patients with single- or multiple-procedure ablation success, a higher improvement of LVEF was observed.

MRI Assessment of Ablation-Induced Scarring in Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis from the DECAAF Study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge on the extent and location of scarring that results from catheter ablation and its role in suppressing atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined the effect of atrial fibrosis and ablation-induced scarring on catheter ablation outcomes in AF. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter study that enrolled 329 AF patients presenting for catheter ablation. Delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) of the left atrium was obtained preablation. Scarring was evaluated in 177 patients with a DE-MRI scan obtained 90 days postablation. We evaluated residual fibrosis, defined as preablation atrial fibrosis not covered by ablation scar. The primary outcome was freedom from recurrent atrial arrhythmia. RESULTS: In the analysis cohort of 177 patients, preablation fibrosis was 18.7 ± 8.7% of the atrial wall. Ablation aimed at pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was performed in 163 patients (92.1%). Ablation-induced scar averaged 10.6 ± 4.4% of the atrial wall. Scarring completely encircled all 4 PVs only in 12 patients (7.3%). Residual fibrosis was calculated at 15.8 ± 8.0%. At 325 days follow-up, 35% of patients experienced recurrent arrhythmia. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that baseline atrial fibrosis (HR and 95% CIs) (1.09 [1.06-1.12], P < 0.001) and residual fibrosis (1.09 [1.05-1.13], P < 0.001) were associated with atrial arrhythmia recurrence, while PV encirclement and overall scar were not. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation of AF targeting PVs rarely achieves permanent encircling scar in the intended areas. Overall atrial fibrosis present at baseline and residual fibrosis uncovered by ablation scar are associated with recurrent arrhythmia.