Acquired pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION: Elimination of the initiating focus within the pulmonary vein (PV) using radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is a new treatment modality for treatment of drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. However, information on the long-term safety of RF ablation within the PV is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 102 patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation and at least one initiating focus from the PV, series transesophageal echocardiography was performed to monitor the effect of RF ablation on the PV. There were 66 foci in the right upper PV and 65 foci in the left upper PV. Within 3 days of ablation, 26 of the ablated right upper PVs (39%) had increased peak Doppler flow velocity (mean 130+/-28 cm/sec, range 106 to 220), and 15 of the ablated left upper PVs (23%) had increased peak Doppler flow velocity (mean 140+/-39 cm/sec, range 105 to 219). Seven patients had increased peak Doppler flow velocity in both upper PVs. No factor (including age, sex, site of ablation, number of RF pulses, pulse duration, and temperature) could predict PV stenosis after RF ablation. Three patients with stenosis of both upper PVs experienced mild dyspnea on exertion, but only one had mild increase of pulmonary pressure. There was no significant change of peak and mean flow velocity and of PV diameter in sequential follow-up studies up to 16 (209+/-94 days) months. CONCLUSION: Focal PV stenosis is observed frequently after RF catheter ablation applied within the vein, but usually is without clinical significance. However, ablation within multiple PVs might cause pulmonary hypertension and should be considered a limiting factor in this procedure.     

Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation initiated by pulmonary vein ectopic beats

Ectopic beats from the pulmonary veins (PVs) have been demonstrated to initiate atrial fibrillation (AF). This article describes the conceptual approach to mapping, interpretation of different electrograms, and ablation of AF initiated by PV ectopic beats.     

Left atrial flutter after radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation

We report an arrhythmic complication in two patients in whom a procedure directed at isolating one or two pulmonary veins had been performed. The complication was related to pulmonary vein disconnection scars after ablation. Both patients developed new clinical tachycardia (atypical atrial flutter) secondary to a reentrant phenomena in the vicinity of a previously ablated pulmonary vein.     

导管射频消融治疗房颤时肺静脉电位振幅变化趋势的分析

目的 探讨肺静脉电位（PVP）指导的心房颤动（AF）射频消融治疗中PVP振幅（PVPA）与消融时间之间的关系以及不同类型AF在PVPA和消融时间之间是否存在差异。方法 连续选取2014年1月至2015年6月解放军总医院心内科住院且行肺静脉隔离（PVI）治疗的AF患者43例,按房颤类型分为阵发性AF组（n＝34）和持续性AF组（n＝9）,比较两组患者PVPA、消融时间以及术后12个月AF的复发率。结果 PVPA与消融时间之间存在线性相关,PVPA越大消融时间越长。两组患者在PVPA和消融时间上无显著性差异（P＞0.05）。持续性AF组复发率显著高于阵发性AF组（55.6% vs 17.6%,P＜0.05）。结论 在PVI治疗中,PVPA是指导消融的一个重要指标,但对于持续性AF患者除传统PVI外还应采取其他辅助消融策略,以提高其远期成功率。     

Evaluation of pulmonary vein stenosis after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis has emerged recently as an important issue in patients who received radiofrequency (RF) ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Serial pathophysiological responses, including thrombosis, metaplasia, proliferation and neovascularization, may lead to PV stenosis after RF energy application around or inside the PV ostia. The clinical manifestations of PV stenosis consist of chest pain, dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, recurrent lung infection and pulmonary hypertension. Although PV stenosis can be asymptomatic, its severity may be related to the numbers of stenotic PVs, the degree and chronicity of PV stenosis. The incidence of PV stenosis (defined as luminal diameter reduction >50%) detected by spiral computer tomography scan or three dimensional magnetic resonance angiography was from 0 to 7% per PV after isolation of PVs from left atria. Furthermore, some patients may show late progression of PV stenosis during follow-up. The first choice of treatment for symptomatic PV stenosis is PV angioplasty with stenting; however, restenosis were reported occasionally. Several studies have analyzed the predictors of PV stenosis, and the results are controversial. However, the consensus for prevention of PV stenosis should include less energy application and the ablation site more close to the atrial site.     

Double multielectrode mapping catheters facilitate radiofrequency catheter ablation of focal atrial fibrillation originating from pulmonary veins

INTRODUCTION: Several reports have demonstrated that focal atrial fibrillation (AF) may arise from pulmonary veins (PVs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using double multielectrode mapping catheters in ablation of focal AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-two patients (30 men, 12 women, age 65+/-14 years) with frequent attacks of paroxysmal AF were referred for catheter ablation. After atrial transseptal procedure, two long sheaths were put into the left atrium. Two decapolar catheters were put into the right superior PV (RSPV) and left superior PV (LSPV), or inferior PVs if necessary, guided by pulmonary venography. All the patients had spontaneous initiation of AF either during baseline (2 patients), after isoproterenol infusion (8 patients) or high-dose adenosine (2 patients), after short duration burst pacing under isoproterenol (14 patients), or after cardioversion of pacing-induced AF (16 patients). The trigger points of AF were from the LSPV (12 patients), RSPV (8 patients), and both superior PVs (19 patients). The trigger points from PVs (total 61 points) were 18 (30%) in the ostium of PVs and 43 inside the PVs (9 to 40 mm). After 6+/-3 applications of radiofrequency energy, 57 of 61 triggers were completely eliminated, and the other 4 triggers were partially eliminated. During a follow-up period of 8+/-2 months, 37 patients (88%) were free of symptomatic AF without any antiarrhythmic drugs. Twenty patients received a transesophageal echocardiogram, and 19 showed small atrial septal defects (2.8+/-1.2 mm) with trivial shunt. Fifteen defects closed spontaneously 1 month later. CONCLUSION: The technique using double multielectrode mapping catheters is a relatively safe and highly effective method for mapping and ablation of focal AF originating from PVs.     

A three-pulmonary vein isolation approach to treat paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a 3-pulmonary vein (PV) isolation approach in treatingparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods Radiofrequency catheter ablation was used to eliminate PVpotential in 11 patients with frequent paroxysmal AF refractory to anti-arrhythmic agents.During sinus rhythm,PVpotential was mapped in the left and right superior PVs and left inferior PV.The procedural success was defined asthe elimination of PV potential in the 3 PVs.Results PV potential was identified and abolished in a total of 24PVs,mostly in the left and fight superior PV.There was no pulmonary stenosis or other complications during or afterthe procedures.AF recurred in one patient after an average of 12±3 month follow-up.Conclusions PVpotentials were present mostly in the left or right superior PV.The 3-PVs isolation approach is safe and effective inpreventing drug-resistant paroxysmal AF.(J Ceriatr Cardiol 2004;1:29-34.)     

The role of posterior wall isolation in catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation

The left atrial posterior wall has many embryologic, anatomic, and electrophysiologic characteristics, that are important for the initiation and maintenance of persistent atrial fibrillation. The left atrial posterior wall is a potential target for ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation, a population in whom pulmonary vein isolation alone has resulted in unsatisfactory recurrence rates. Published clinical studies report conflicting results on the safety and efficacy of posterior wall isolation. Emerging technologies including optimized use of radiofrequency ablation, pulse field ablation, and combined endocardial/epicardial ablation may optimize approaches to posterior wall isolation and reduce the risk of injury to nearby structures such as the esophagus. Critical evaluation of future and ongoing clinical studies of posterior wall isolation requires careful scrutiny of many characteristics, including intraprocedural definition of posterior wall isolation, concomitant extrapulmonary vein ablation, and study endpoints.     

Incidence and predictors of pulmonary vein stenosis following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using the anatomic pulmonary vein ablation approach: results from paired magnetic resonance imaging

INTRODUCTION: There are currently no studies systematically evaluating pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using the anatomic PV ablation approach. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-one patients with AF underwent anatomic PV ablation under the guidance of a three-dimensional electroanatomic mapping system. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in all patients prior to and 8-10 weeks after ablation procedures for screening of PV stenosis. A PV stenosis was defined as a detectable (> or =3 mm) narrowing in PV diameter. The severity of stenosis was categorized as mild (<50% stenosis), moderate (50-70%), or severe (>70%). A total 157 PVs were analyzed. A detectable PV narrowing was observed in 60 of 157 PVs (38%). The severity of stenosis was mild in 54 PVs (34%), moderate in five PVs (3.2%), and severe in one PV (0.6%). All mild PV stenoses displayed a concentric pattern. Moderate or severe PV stenosis was only observed in patients with an individual encircling lesion set. Multivariable analysis identified individual encircling lesion set and larger PV size as the independent predictors of detectable PV narrowing. All patients with PV stenosis were asymptomatic and none required treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that detectable PV narrowing occurs in 38% of PVs following anatomic PV ablation. Moderate or severe PV stenosis occurs in 3.8% of PVs. The high incidence of mild stenosis likely reflects reverse remodeling rather than pathological PV stenosis. The probability of moderate or severe PV stenosis appears to be related to creation of individual encircling rather than encircling in pairs lesion.     

Prevalence of asymptomatic recurrences of atrial fibrillation after successful radiofrequency catheter ablation

INTRODUCTION: The long-term efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been based on patient-reported symptoms suggestive of AF. However, asymptomatic recurrences of AF may remain undetected. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic recurrences of AF after an apparently successful catheter ablation procedure for AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 244 consecutive patients (mean age 53 +/- 11 years) who underwent a pulmonary vein isolation procedure for symptomatic paroxysmal AF and who reported no symptoms of recurrent AF at > or =6 months after the procedure, 60 patients with a history of > or =1 episode of AF per week were asked to participate in this study. Preablation, these patients had experienced 19 +/- 13 episodes of AF per month. The patients were provided with a patient-activated transtelephonic event recorder for 30 days, a mean of 642 +/- 195 days after the ablation procedure, and were asked to record and transmit recordings on a daily basis and whenever they felt palpitations. Seven patients (12%) felt palpitations during the study, although they had not experienced symptoms previously. Each of these 7 patients had an episode of AF documented with the event monitor during symptoms. In these 7 patients, the mean number of episodes per month decreased from 19 +/- 14 preablation to 3 +/- 1 postablation (P < 0.001). Among the 53 asymptomatic patients, an episode of AF was captured in 1 (2%) patient during the study period. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic recurrences of AF after an apparently successful catheter ablation procedure for symptomatic paroxysmal AF are infrequent.     

Predicting the arrhythmogenic foci of atrial fibrillation before atrial transseptal procedure: implication for catheter ablation

INTRODUCTION: Use of endocardial atrial activation sequences from recording catheters in the right atrium, His bundle, and coronary sinus to predict the location of initiating foci of atrial fibrillation (AF) before an atrial transseptal procedure has not been reported. The purpose of the present study was to develop an algorithm using endocardial atrial activation sequences to predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (60 men and 15 women, age 68 +/- 12 years) with frequent episodes of paroxysmal AF were referred for radiofrequency ablation. By retrospective analysis, characteristics of the endocardial atrial activation sequences of right atrial, His-bundle, and coronary sinus catheters from the initial 37 patients were correlated with the location of initiating foci of AF, which were confirmed by successful ablation. The endocardial atrial activation sequences of the other 38 patients were evaluated prospectively to predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure using the algorithm derived from the retrospective analysis. Accuracy of the value <0 msec (obtained by subtracting the time interval between high right atrium and His-bundle atrial activation during atrial premature beats from that obtained during sinus rhythm) for discriminating the superior vena cava or upper portion of the crista terminalis from the pulmonary vein (PV) foci was 100%. When the interval between atrial activation of ostial and distal pairs of the coronary sinus catheter of the atrial premature beats was <0 msec, the accuracy for discriminating left PV foci from right PV foci was 92% in the 24 foci from the left PVs and 100% in the 19 foci from the right PVs. CONCLUSION: Endocardial atrial activation sequences from right atrial, His-bundle, and coronary sinus catheters can accurately predict the location of initiating foci of AF before transseptal procedure. This may facilitate mapping and radiofrequency ablation of paroxysmal AF.     

房颤患者环肺静脉前庭射频消融路径的分析

目的比较房颤患者中3种不同环肺静脉前庭射频消融路径的消融成功率。方法回顾性分析解放军总医院心血管内科2015年6月至2017年6月住院房颤患者173例,根据射频消融线所在区域分为心房前庭组61例、肺静脉前庭组47例和前庭组65例,比较3组患者手术时间、X线曝光时间和消融时间,以及穿刺房间隔后、术后即刻和术后24 h血浆中C反应蛋白(CRP)、氨基末端B型脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)水平。应用SPSS 17.0统计软件对数据进行分析。组间比较采用单因素方差分析、秩和检验或χ~2检验。结果所有患者在消融过程中达到完全电隔离的即刻成功率为84.39%(146/173)。心房前庭组患者消融时间明显长于肺静脉前庭组患者[(120.67±13.12)vs(90.17±6.95)min],差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。相比穿刺房间隔后,3组患者术后即刻和术后24 h IL-6水平升高,肺静脉前庭组患者术后24 h NT-proBNP水平升高;肺静脉前庭组患者术后24 h CRP水平相比心房前庭组患者[(1.99±1.09)vs(0.40±0.29)mg/L]升高,差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05)。161例随访12个月,12例失访,失访率为6.94%(12/173)。27例房颤复发,手术成功率为83.23%(134/161),其中心房前庭组手术成功率[89.83%(53/59)vs 73.33%(33/45)]高于肺静脉前庭组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论房颤患者不同环肺静脉前庭射频消融路径中,心房前庭侧消融路径优于肺静脉前庭消融路径。     

Incidence and time course of early recovery of pulmonary vein conduction after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

Background: Although it is well recognized that recovery of pulmonary vein (PV) conduction is common among patients who fail atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, little is known about the precise time course of recurrence.
Objective: To determine the incidence and time course of early recurrence of conduction after PV isolation during AF ablation.
Methods: The patient population was composed of 14 consecutive patients (9 men [64%]; age 56 ± 7 years) with AF who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation via circumferential ablation with PV isolation, determined by a circular mapping catheter. After successful isolation of the PVs, repeat circular electrode recordings from each PV were obtained at 30 and 60 minutes.
Results: After complete isolation of all PVs, early PV recurrence was observed in 13 (93%) patients and 26 veins (50%). Seventeen veins (33%) showed a first recurrence at 30 minutes, while nine veins (17%) showed a first recurrence at 60 minutes.
Conclusion: The results reveal an extremely high rate of early recurrence of PV conduction following AF ablation. It is particularly notable that about one-fifth of the veins remained isolated at 30 minutes, but subsequently developed recurrence between 30 and 60 minutes. Of the veins that showed early recurrence, one-third developed a first recurrence at 60 minutes. These findings suggest that AF ablation procedures should incorporate a 60-minute waiting period after initial isolation in order to detect early recurrence of conduction.     

射频导管消融电学隔离心脏大静脉治疗阵发性心房颤动的临床应用

目的评价射频导管消融电学隔离心脏大静脉预防阵发性心房颤动(房颤)发作的疗效。方法83例患者,男性58例、女性25例,年龄15～76平均(605±185)岁,有阵发性房颤病史2～15年,曾服数种抗心律失常药物疗效不佳。41例患者合并有高血压病,所有患者均无明显器质性心脏病改变。常规行心脏大静脉造影,测量靶静脉直径,将10极肺静脉环状标测导管(Lasso导管)放置在靶静脉开口内05cm处,以Lasso导管为指导,把温控大头电极导管放置于靶静脉开口处行电学隔离。结果83例患者共电学隔离大静脉343条。包括左上肺静脉(LSPV)83条,右上肺静脉(RSPV)83条,左下肺静脉(LIPV)82条,右下肺静脉(RIPV)42条,上腔静脉(SVC)53条,其中2例LSPV与LIPV共同开口。每条肺静脉行1～4段消融(平均每条消融25段),即刻电学隔离成功大静脉337条。随访2～31个月,其中50例停服抗心律失常药物后无房颤发生,13例患者房颤发作明显减少,20例患者房颤发作消融前后无明显变化。并发症有2例术中出现左侧大量胸腔积血,1例心肺复苏5天后出现脑死亡。发现肺静脉狭窄21例,其中轻度狭窄15例,重度狭窄6例,无肺静脉闭塞。结论(1)成功的心脏大静脉电学隔离治疗阵发性房颤的总有效率达到75%左右;(2)由于很难确定靶肺静脉,成功电学隔离各心脏大静脉有可能提高治愈率;(3)此     

Impact of age on the outcome of pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using circular mapping technique and cooled-tip ablation catheter:

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective analysis was performed to define the impact of age on the outcomes and complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). PVI is an evolving technique for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). The impact of age on the risks, outcomes, and complications of PVI has not been well defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 323 patients (259 men and 64 women; age 18-79 years) underwent PVI for treatment of drug-refractory symptomatic AF. An ostial isolation of the pulmonary veins was done using a cooled-tip ablation catheter guided by circular mapping. The patients were divided into three groups based on age (group I: <50 years, group II: 51-60 years, group III: >60 years) and the results were compared. There were 106 patients in group I, 114 patients in group II, and 103 patients in group III (mean age 41.3 +/- 7.8 years, 55.4 +/- 2.75 years, and 66.6 +/- 4.18 years, respectively) who underwent PVI for paroxysmal (53.8%), persistent (10.8%), or permanent (35.3%) AF. Baseline characteristics were similar except for a higher prevalence of hypertension and/or structural heart disease in groups II and III (58% and 63% vs 33% in group I, respectively). The procedural variables were similar in all age groups. The overall risk of complications was similar in the three groups, except that the risk of stroke was significantly higher in patients >60 years of age (3% vs 0%; P < 0.05). The recurrence rates of AF were similar in the three age groups (15.1%, 16.7%, and 18.4%, respectively; P > 0.05). The risk of severe pulmonary vein stenosis (1.8%, 2.6%, and 0.9%, respectively) was low and did not vary with age. CONCLUSION: PVI is a safe and effective treatment for patients with drug-refractory symptomatic AF, and its benefits extend to all age groups. The risk of procedural complications, especially thromboembolic events, appears to be higher in the elderly age group. This observation needs to be considered while assessing potential candidates for the procedure.     

Percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation prior to atrial septal defect closure

Percutaneous Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation. Patients with an atrial septal defect (ASD) commonly have atrial fibrillation (AF) and closure of the ASD rarely controls the arrhythmia. We report on the management of 4 patients with recurrent medically refractory AF in the setting of an unrepaired ASD who underwent percutaneous RFA prior to ASD closure. In 3 of the 4 patients AF was controlled after ablation without antiarrhythmic drug therapy and in the fourth patient AF was controlled with antiarrhythmic therapy after ASD closure. Based on these limited results it seems reasonable to consider RFA of medically refractory AF in patients prior to planned percutaneous ASD closure.     

射频导管消融进行心房-肺和/或上腔静脉电隔离治疗阵发性心房颤动

目的　总结射频导管消融行心房 肺和 /或上腔静脉 (大静脉 )电隔离治疗阵发性心房颤动 (房颤 )的疗效。方法　选择发作频繁、症状明显 ,药物治疗无效的 10 0例阵发性房颤患者 ,男性 72例、女性 2 8例 ,年龄 2 7～ 75(54± 10 )岁 ,均无瓣膜病等器质性心脏病依据。在环状标测电极导管 (Lasso导管 )指导下行心内电生理标测和心房 靶大静脉 (指术中标测证实为房颤相关的肺静脉或上腔静脉 )电隔离和 /或经验性大静脉电隔离 (指术中无心律失常发作而不能明确房颤相关大静脉 ,主要对双上肺静脉和左下肺静脉进行电隔离 )。结果　 10 0例患者共接受电隔离治疗 12 0次。行单纯心房 靶大静脉电隔离 2 2例 ,经验性大静脉电隔离 78例 ,共电隔离大静脉 2 68根 ,其中肺静脉 2 44根 ,上腔静脉 2 4根。即刻电隔离成功 2 57根 (96% )。平均随访 (2 2 9± 177)d ,随访期内停用所有抗心律失常药物 (部分患者服小剂量β受体阻滞剂 ) ,无房颤发作 65例 (65% ) ,房颤发作明显减少 12例 (2例服用胺碘酮后 ,12 % ) ,总有效率 77%。并发症包括脑卒中 2例 ;肺静脉狭窄 9例 ,其中单支轻度狭窄 7例 ,2支重度狭窄 1例(均为 2次消融 ) ,左上肺静脉完全闭塞 1例 ;术后心包积液 2例。并发症的总发生率为 13 %。结论　(1)使用Lasso导管