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Verma A, Essebag V, Neuzil P, Dyrda K, Balt J, Dinov B, Darma A, Arya A, Sacher F, Reddy VY, Boersma L, Grigorov I, De Potter T. Cryocure-VT: the safety and effectiveness of ultra-low-temperature cryoablation of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in patients with ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies. Europace 2024; 26:euae076. [PMID: 38582974 PMCID: PMC10998960 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The ultra-low-temperature cryoablation (ULTC) ablation system using -196°C N2 cryogen has been reported to create lesions with freeze duration-dependent depth titratable to over 10 mm with minimum attenuation by scar. Cryocure-VT (NCT04893317) was a first-in-human clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a novel, purpose-built ULTC catheter in endocardial ablation of scar-dependent ventricular tachycardias (VTs). METHODS AND RESULTS This prospective, multi-centre study enrolled patients referred for de novo or second ablations of recurrent monomorphic VT of both ischaemic and non-ischaemic aetiologies. Primary safety and efficacy endpoints of the study were freedom from device- or procedure-related major adverse events (MAEs) up to 30 days post-ablation, acute non-inducibility of clinical VTs at the end of the procedure, and freedom from sustained VT or implantable defibrillator intervention at 6 months. Ultra-low-temperature cryoablation was performed in 64 patients (age 67 ± 11 years, 78% ischaemic, ejection fraction = 35 ± 10%) at 9 centres. The primary acute effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 94% (51/54) of patients in whom post-ablation induction was attempted. There were no protocol-defined MAEs; four procedure-related serious adverse events resolved without clinical sequelae. At 6-month follow-up, 38 patients (60.3%) remained VT-free, and freedom from defibrillator shock was 81.0%, with no significant difference between ischaemic and non-ischaemic cohorts. In 47 patients with defibrillator for at least 6 months prior to the ablation, the VT burden was reduced from median of 4, inter-quartile range (IQR, 1-9) to 0, IQR (0-2). CONCLUSION In this first-in-human multi-centre experience, endocardial ULTC ablation of monomorphic VT appears safe and effective in patients with both ischaemic-cardiomyopathy and non-ischaemic-cardiomyopathy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04893317.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Verma
- Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Centre, D13.173, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Vidal Essebag
- Division of Cardiology, McGill University Health Centre, D13.173, 1650 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Petr Neuzil
- Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katia Dyrda
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jippe Balt
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Borislav Dinov
- Department of Electrophysiology, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Angeliki Darma
- Department of Electrophysiology, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arash Arya
- Department for Internal Medicine, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Frederic Sacher
- Bordeaux University Hospital, IHU LIRYC, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vivek Y Reddy
- Department of Cardiology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
- Helmsley Electrophysiology Center, Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lucas Boersma
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
- Department of Heart Failure and Arrhythmias,Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tom De Potter
- Cardiovascular Center, OLV Hospital, Moorselbaan 164, 9300 Aalst, Belgium
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Koutalas E, Kallergis E, Nedios S, Kochiadakis G, Kanoupakis E. P-wave duration as a marker of atrial remodeling in patients referred to ablation for atrial fibrillation: A new stratification tool emerging? Hellenic J Cardiol 2023; 73:53-60. [PMID: 36863411 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ablation of atrial fibrillation is one of the most widely applied invasive procedures in cardiovascular medicine, and populations with atrial fibrillation continuously rise. Recurrence rates are, however, consistently high, even in patients without severe comorbidities. Robust stratification algorithms to distinguish patients suitable for ablation are generally lacking. This is a fact caused by the inability to incorporate evidence of atrial remodeling and fibrosis, e.g., atrial remodeling, in the decision pathways. Cardiac magnetic resonance is a powerful tool in identifying fibrosis; however, it is costly and not routinely used. Electrocardiography has been generally underutilized in clinical practice during pre-ablative screening. One of the characteristics of the electrocardiogram that can give us valuable data depicting the existence and the extent of atrial remodeling and fibrosis is the duration of the P-wave. Currently, many studies support the implementation of P-wave duration in the routine practice of patient evaluation as a surrogate marker of existing atrial remodeling, that in turn predicts recurrence after ablation of atrial fibrillation. Further research is guaranteed to establish this electrocardiographic characteristic in our stratification quiver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Koutalas
- Department of Cardiology University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | | | - Sotirios Nedios
- Department of Arrhythmology, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - George Kochiadakis
- Department of Cardiology University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Sex-Related Differences in Patient Selection for and Outcomes after Pace and Ablate for Refractory Atrial Fibrillation: Insights from a Large Multicenter Cohort. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11164927. [PMID: 36013164 PMCID: PMC9410349 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11164927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A pace and ablate strategy may be performed in refractory atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. Objective: We aimed to assess sex-related differences in patient selection and clinical outcomes after pace and ablate. Methods: In a retrospective multicentre study, patients undergoing AV junction ablation were studied. Sex-related differences in baseline characteristics, all-cause mortality, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, and device-related complications were assessed. Results: Overall, 513 patients underwent AV junction ablation (median age 75 years, 50% men). At baseline, men were younger (72 vs. 78 years, p < 0.001), more frequently had non-paroxysmal AF (82% vs. 72%, p = 0.006), had a lower LVEF (35% vs. 55%, p < 0.001) and more frequently had cardiac resynchronization therapy (75% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Interventional complications were rare in both groups (1.2% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.72). Patients were followed for a median of 42 months in survivors (IQR 22−62). After 4 years of follow-up, the combined endpoint of all-cause death or HF hospitalization occurred more often in men (38% vs. 27%, p = 0.008). The same was observed for HF hospitalizations (22% vs. 11%, p = 0.021) and all-cause death (28% vs. 21%, p = 0.017). Sex category remained an independent predictor of death or HF hospitalization after adjustment for age, LVEF and type of stimulation. Lead-related complications, infections, and upgrade to ICD or CRT occurred in 2.1%, 0.2% and 3.5% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: Pace and ablate is safe with a need for subsequent device-related re-interventions in 5.8% over 4 years. We found significant sex-related differences in patient selection, and women had a more favourable clinical course after AV junction ablation.
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Rhythmia zero-fluoroscopy workflow with high-power, short-duration ablation: retrospective analysis of procedural data. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2022; 65:499-507. [PMID: 35763115 PMCID: PMC9640468 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01283-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Fluoroscopy is commonly used during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to guide catheter navigation and placement. Technology improvements have significantly reduced fluoroscopy time, and subsequent radiation dose, necessary to perform successful ablations. However, there is still no amount of radiation exposure known to be completely safe. The aim of this manuscript is to describe a detailed zero-fluoroscopy RHYTHMIA HDx workflow for AF ablation. Methods This was an observational, single-center experience to describe the technique, acute procedural success, and safety using a novel zero-fluoroscopy workflow with the RHYTHMIA HDx mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography (ICE). Seventy-two consecutive patients undergoing de novo or redo AF ablation were retrospectively analyzed. Venous access was guided with ultrasound. ICE combined with the mapping system’s magnetic tracking and sheath detection was used for precise catheter placement in the coronary sinus, at the transseptal puncture, and in the left atrium. A high-power, short-duration ablation strategy guided by local impedance was used. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed or touched up for all patients with additional lines added at the operator’s discretion. Results Using this zero-fluoroscopy workflow, all patients achieved acute isolation with no significant procedure-related complications. Average procedure time was 73.7 ± 16.2 min, which included persistent (58%) and paroxysmal (42%) AF cases, and no procedures required conversion to fluoroscopy. Conclusions In this experience, a zero-fluoroscopy workflow using the RHYTHMIA HDx mapping system combined with ICE was feasible and safe for ablation in a heterogenous AF population. This approach, in the appropriate patient population, can eliminate radiation exposure to patients and staff.
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