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Background: Prediction of the chamber of origin in patients with outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVA) remains challenging. A clinical risk score based on age, sex and presence of hypertension was associated with a left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) origin. We aimed to validate this clinical score to predict an LVOT origin in patients with OTVA. Methods: In a two‐center observational cohort study, unselected patients undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for OTVA were enrolled. All procedures were performed using an electroanatomical mapping system. Successful ablation was defined as a ≥80% reduction of the initial overall PVC burden after 3 months of follow‐up. Patients with unsuccessful ablation were excluded from this analysis. Results: We included 187 consecutive patients with successful CA of idiopathic OTVA. Mean age was 52 ± 15 years, 102 patients (55%) were female, and 74 (40%) suffered from hypertension. A LVOT origin was found in 64 patients (34%). A score incorporating age, sex and presence of hypertension reached 73% sensitivity and 67% specificity for a low (0–1) and high (2–3) score, to predict an LVOT origin. The combination of one ECG algorithm (V2S/V3R‐index) with the clinical score resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 81% and 70% for PVCs with R/S transition at V3. Conclusion: The published clinical score yielded a lower sensitivity and specificity in our cohort. However, for PVCs with R/S transition at V3, the combination with an existing ECG algorithm can improve the predictability of LVOT origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation of idiopathic premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) is an effective method for eliminating symptoms and preventing/reversing arrhythmia‐induced cardiomyopathy. One reason for procedural failure is low PVC frequency during the procedure. We aimed to investigate the relation between pre‐procedural PVC burden and outcome of idiopathic PVC catheter ablation. Methods: Patients who underwent idiopathic PVC ablation between 2013 and 2019 at two tertiary referral centers were retrospectively included. All procedures were performed using irrigated‐tip ablation catheters and a 3D electro‐anatomical mapping system. Sustained ablation success was defined as a ≥80% reduction of pre‐procedural PVC burden determined by 24h‐Holter at follow‐up. Results: Overall, 254 patients (median age 54 years [IQR 42–64]; 47% male) were enrolled. The median pre‐ablation PVC‐burden was 22% (IQR 11–31%), which was reduced to a post‐ablation PVC burden of 0.3% (IQR 0–4%) after a median of 90 days. Sustained ablation success was achieved in 182 patients (72%). Pre‐procedural PVC burden did not differ between patients with sustained ablation success and recurrence during follow‐up (median 21% vs. 22%, p =.76). When assessed in pre‐ablation PVC‐burden groups of ≤5%, 6–15%, 16–30%, and ≥31%, sustained ablation success was achieved in 67%, 75%, 71%, and 72%, respectively, with no significant difference (p =.89). Sustained ablation outcome for PVC‐burden ≤5% versus >5% showed no difference either (67% vs. 72%, p =.52). Conclusions: Pre‐procedural Holter‐determined PVC burden does not predict the outcome of idiopathic PVC ablation. Thus, catheter ablation may be a reasonable first choice also for patients with symptomatic yet rare PVCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background To compare the feasibility and efficiency of atrioventricular junction (AVJ) ablation and device implantation in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation using three different approaches. Methods Sixty-nine patients (57% male; age 72 ± 10; ejection fraction 45 ± 15%) undergoing device implantation and AVJ ablation were retrospectively studied at a tertiary referral center. In 20 patients (29%) AVJ ablation was performed via the femoral vein immediately following device implantation (group 1), whereas 33 patients (48%) underwent a staged procedure with AVJ ablation via the femoral vein >3 weeks after device implantation (group 2). In a third group of 16 patients (23%), AVJ ablation was performed during device implantation through the pocket using the same axillary vein access site (group 3). The main outcome measures were: procedure time, fluoroscopy time, laboratory occupancy time, and success rate. Results There was a significant difference in procedure time (118 ± 45 minutes. in group 1, 133 ± 32 minutes in group 2, and 87 ± 26 minutes in group 3, P < 0.001) and the laboratory occupancy time (175 ± 48 minutes in group 1, 200 ± 32 minutes in group 2, and 121 ± 27 minutes in group 3, P < 0.001). There was no difference in fluoroscopy time (group 1: 20 ± 15 minutes, group 2: 27 ± 22 minutes, and group 3: 24 ± 9 minutes P = 0.4). The procedure was successfully completed in all patients, but cross-over to a femoral approach was required in one patient in group 3. Conclusion The alternative approach of AVJ ablation during permanent pacemaker implantation from the same axillary vein access site is feasible and more efficient compared to the femoral approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]