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Purpose Cardiac radioablation (cRA) using a stereotactic single-session radioablative approach has recently been described as a possible treatment option for patients with otherwise untreatable recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT). There is very limited experience in cRA for patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. We present clinical experiences of two patients treated with cRA for incessant VT under long-term LVAD therapy. Methods Two male patients (54 and 61 years old) with terminal heart failure under LVAD therapy (both patients for 8 years) showed incessant VT despite extensive antiarrhythmic drug therapy and repeated catheter ablation. cRA with a single dose of 25 Gy was applied as a last resort strategy under compassionate use in both patients following an electroanatomical mapping procedure. Results Both patients displayed ongoing VT during and after the cRA procedure. Repeated attempts at post-procedural rhythm conversion failed in both patients; however, one patient was hemodynamically stabilized and could be discharged home for several months before falling prey to a fatal bleeding complication. The second patient initially stabilized for a few days following cRA before renewed acceleration of running VT required bilateral ablation of the stellate ganglion; the patient died 50 days later. No immediate side effects of cRA were detected in either patient. Conclusion cRA might serve as a last resort strategy for patients with terminal heart failure undergoing LVAD therapy and displaying incessant VT. Intermediate- and long-term outcomes of these seriously ill patients often remain poor; therefore, best supportive care strategies should also be evaluated as long as no clear beneficial effects of cRA procedures can be shown. For patients treated with cRA under running ventricular rhythm abnormality, strategies for post-procedural generation of stabilized rhythm have to be established.

Background: The impact of postural changes on various electrocardiography (ECG) characteristics has only been assessed in a few small studies. This large prospective trial was conducted to confirm or refute preliminary data and add important results with immediate impact on daily clinical practice. Methods: ECGs in supine and upright position from 1028 patients were analyzed. Evaluation was made according to changes in T-wave vector and direction, ST-segment deviation, heart rate, QT interval and QTc interval was performed. Findings were correlated with the medical history of patients. Results: Positional change from supine to upright resulted in a significantly increased heart rate (8.05 ± 7.71 bpm) and a significantly increased QTc interval after Bazetts (18 ± 23.45 ms) and Fridericas (8.84 ± 17.30) formula. In the upright position significantly more T-waves turned negative (14.7%) than positive (5.7%). ST elevation was recorded in only 0.4% and ST depression in not more than 0.2% of all patients. Conclusions: The majority of the patients do not show significant morphological changes in their ECG by changing the body position from supine to upright. Changes of QTc time instead, are significant and the interval might be overestimated in upright. Therefore assessment of the QTc interval should strictly be done in a supine position.

Restoration of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (ps. AF) induces reverse atrial remodeling and improvement of left ventricular function. We evaluated the effect of ablative treatment on cardiac remodeling after a long follow-up period of 7 years by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Patients with symptomatic ps. AF underwent CMR within 7 days prior to the ablation procedure. Left atrial and ventricular volumes were measured. All patients underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. At the end of follow-up (FU), a CMR and 7-day ECG registration were performed. Forty-two patients (67 ± 9 years) were included. After a FU of 86 ± 13 months, 23 patients had a successful outcome. In these patients, LVEF improved from 56 ± 5 to 62 ± 4% (p = 0.02), but left atrial volume and ejection fraction (LAV, LAEF) remained unchanged (105 ± 25 to 98 ± 34, p = 0.44; 34 ± 10 to 36 ± 11, p = 0.6, respectively). In 14 patients with a BMI

Background Although radiofrequency (RF) ablation has long been the standard of care for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, cryoballoon technology has emerged as a feasible approach with promising results. Prospective multicenter registry data referring to both ablation technologies in AF ablation are lacking so far. Objective The purpose of this study was to report data from the German ablation registry with respect to efficacy and safety in pulmonary vein ablation with different energy sources for paroxysmal AF after 1-year follow-up. Methods A total of 2306 patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF from the German ablation registry were included in this analysis. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the ablation energy source used: cryoballoon and RF ablation. MACCE was defined as a combination of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Results AF recurrence rate after a single ablation procedure at 1 year follow-up was not significantly different between the two groups (45.8% after cryoablation and 45.4% after RF ablation, P = .87). Also, the rate of patients without AF recurrence and free of antiarrhythmic drug at 12-month follow-up was similar (cryoablation 44.2% and RF 41.4%, P = .25). MACCE occurred with an incidence of 0.7% within 500 days after cryoablation and 1.4% after RF ablation ( P = .30). Persistent phrenic nerve palsy was more common after cryoablation compared to RF ablation (1.1% vs 0.3%, P Conclusion AF recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up was similar in RF ablation compared to cryoablation, whereas the spectrum and relevance of complications were significantly different between the two ablation methods. This finding might influence the choice of ablation method offered to the individual paroxysmal AF patient.

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) often coexist, but data on the prognostic value of differing ablation strategies according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are rare. From January 2007 until January 2010, 728 patients with HF were enrolled in the multi-center German ablation registry prior to AF catheter ablation. Patients were divided into three groups according to LVEF: HF with preserved LVEF (≥ 50%, HFpEF, n = 333), mid-range LVEF (40–49%, HFmrEF, n = 207), and reduced LVEF (

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablative treatment is common. We hypothesized that AF recurrence is heralded by fast ectopic atrial activity occurring after electrical reconnection of previously isolated pulmonary veins. Patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were followed up by 24-h Holter monitoring every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Antiarrhythmic drugs were withdrawn after a blanking period of 4 weeks for paroxysmal and 3 months for persistent AF. Ectopic atrial activity was defined as a burden of atrial extrasystoles >5 % of the total QRS number. Fast atrial activity was present if mean cycle length of ectopic atrial activity was shorter than 50 % of the mean cycle length of sinus rhythm in the last ten heartbeats. Patients with symptomatic fast atrial activity but without AF recurrence were randomized to undergo a second PVI procedure or resume antiarrhythmic medication. During follow-up, a 24-h Holter recording was performed every 3 months. Additionally, a 7-day external loop recording was performed in every pt with palpitations and no AF or ectopic atrial activity in the 24-h Holter. One hundred twenty-four pts with AF (88 paroxysmal, 36 persistent) developed fast atrial activity 6 ± 3 months after PVI. Twenty-two pts were asymptomatic and eight pts refused randomization. Ninety-four pts (61 men, age 57 ± 12 years) were randomized to either receive a second PVI procedure (group I, 48 pts) or antiarrhythmic medication (group II, 46 pts). Re-PVI in group I was performed 10 ± 8 months after the first PVI. During a follow-up of 20 ± 6 months, 11 pts of group I (23 %) and 43 pts of group II (93 %) had recurrence of AF. The mean time of AF recurrence after appearance of fast atrial activity was 4 ± 2 in group I and 5 ± 3 months in group II. In patients with atrial fibrillation and after the first PVI procedure, appearance of symptomatic fast atrial activity is associated with a high risk of AF recurrence. Re-isolation of reconnected pulmonary veins in these pts significantly reduces the risk of AF recurrence.

Precise knowledge of the coronary sinus (CS) tree anatomy facilitates catheter-based intubation of the CS, target vein and lead selection and reduces the need for fluoroscopy, contrast medium and overall procedure time in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) provides a new means of multiangle imaging of the CS tree that can be applied preoperatively. Our study aims to investigate the feasibility of preoperative rotational CS venography and its implications for CRT device implantation procedures. For this purpose, CS visualization was done either conventionally with retrograde CS venography and standard fluoroscopic views (SFV, n = 30), or with antegrade CS imaging via contrast medium injection into the left coronary artery using 3DRA in the venous phase of contrast flow (3DRA, n = 30). 3DRA successfully identified the posterior and left marginal veins in 92 % of patients and allowed target vein visualization in 86 %. Additional retrograde venography was necessary in four patients (14 %). Fluoroscopy time and contrast medium administration for stable CS intubation were lower in the group with 3DRA than in those with SFV (all p

Background We investigated whether the new second generation of cryoballoons can improve the efficiency and safety of cryoablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) during ablation and in terms of outcome. Methods Data of AF patients consecutively treated with a single 28-mm cryoballoon were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: the G1 group was treated with the first-generation cryoballoons (ArcticFront) and G2 with the second generation (ArcticFront Advance). Failure of cryoablation treatment was defined as detection of an episode of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting ≥30 seconds during 3-month follow-up. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography before cryoablation. Results One hundred twenty-five patients (group G1/G2: 57/68) were enrolled. Mean total time of the whole procedure, cryomapping, and cryoablation was shorter with G2 than with G1 (P < 0.05). No complication occurred with G1 whereas with G2 the complication rate was 8.8%. During mean 12 ± 4 months follow-up, the overall success rate of cryoablation was 76.0% (95/125); it was higher with G2 (89.7% [61/68] vs 59.7% [34/57], P < 0.001). Patients in whom treatment failed had larger LAD (48 ± 8 mm vs 44 ± 6 mm, P = 0.002) than those in whom it succeeded. Type of cryoballoon (relative risk [RR] = 5.75 [2.16, 15.27], P < 0.0001) and LAD (RR = 0.90 [0.83, 0.97], P = 0.0043) were shown in multivariable analysis to be individually related to the difference in success rate. Conclusion Ablation for AF with the new generation of cryoballoons is associated with higher success rate of pulmonary vein isolation and better outcome. However, more complications occurred during the early stage of application of the G2 cryoballoon.

We analyzed the medium-term follow-up of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) and the clinical risk factors predicting outcome. AF patients treated for the first time with CBA in a 4.5-year period were studied retrospectively. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was achieved via a single cryoballoon with diameter of 28 mm. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Failure of cryoablation treatment was defined as detection of an episode of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting more than 30 s during the 3-month follow-up. A total of 212 patients were enrolled and in 87.7 % patients PVI was achieved by CBA. The complication rate was 2.83 %. The mean follow-up was 28 ± 15 months; in 166 patients follow-up was complete. The rate of successful treatment for primary CBA was 45.8 %. The percentage of patients who experienced atrial arrhythmia recurrence in the first 12 months was 84.44 %. Patients in whom treatment failed had a larger LAD (47 ± 6 mm vs. 43 ± 5 mm, p

Introduction Detection of QRS complexes, P-waves and atrial fibrillation f-waves in electrocardiographic (ECG) signals is critical for the correct diagnosis of arrhythmias. We aimed to find the best bipolar lead (BL) with the highest signal amplitude and shortest inter-electrode spacing. Methods ECG signals (120 seconds) were recorded in 36 patients with 16 precordial electrodes placed in a standardized pattern. An average signal was analysed for each of 120 possible BLs obtained by calculating the difference between pairs of unipolar leads. Peak-to-peak amplitudes of QRS waves (50 ms around R-peak) and P waves (270–70 ms before R-peak) were calculated. For patients with atrial fibrillation, power of the fibrillatory (f) wave was used instead. Maximum values at each distance were considered and differentiation analysis was performed based on incremental changes (amplitude to distance). Results There was a significant correlation between distance and QRS-amplitude (r = 0.78, p

Introduction Electrical reconnection of the pulmonary veins (PVs) plays a key role in the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablative treatment. This randomized controlled study tested the hypothesis that prolonged ablations, on areas that may be critical for left atrial (LA)-PV conduction, can significantly reduce the rate of acute PV reconnection and AF recurrence. Methods Patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to either a control or an add-on group. Ostial PV isolation (PVI) was performed by point-to-point RF ablation (irrigated tip, 30 Watts, 30 seconds). An ostial segment was assumed to be critical for LA-PV connection if any of the following reactions occurred during RF application: (1) sudden delay of LA-PV conduction, (2) change of activation sequence, and (3) PVI. In this case, RF application was prolonged from 30 seconds to 90 seconds in the add-on group only. Results A total of 131 patients (58 ± 11 years, 47 female) were assigned to a control (n = 64) and an add-on (n = 67) group. Ablation time was longer in the add-on (48 ± 16 minutes vs 37 ± 15 minutes, P = 0.03). Acute PV reconnection was observed in 20 of 64 controls and in eight of 66 add-on patients (31% vs 12%, P < 0.001). During a follow-up of 26 months, AF recurred in 33 of 64 controls and in 16 of 66 add-on patients (52% vs 24%, P = 0.001) after a single ablation procedure. Conclusions Prolonged radiofrequency application on critical segments of LA-PV connection is a safe and effective ablative strategy that significantly reduces acute PV reconnection and AF recurrence rates after a single ablation procedure for paroxysmal AF.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with electroanatomical remodelling of the left atrium (LA), especially with LA dilatation. However, little is known about the changes of the three-dimensional structure of the LA, regarding the type of atrial fibrillation and their prognostic value after an ablative treatment.One hundred fifteen patients (72 males, 59 ± 11 years) with an indication for AF ablation were prospectively included. Preoperatively, all patients underwent cardiac computed tomography (CCT). A reconstruction of the LA and the pulmonary veins (PV) was made from CCT data using specialized software (EP PreNavigator, Philips, The Netherlands). Left atrial volume (LAV) after exclusion of the atrial appendage (LAA) and the PV was determined. The LA was then arbitrarily divided by a cutting plane, between the anterior segment of the PV ostia and the atrial appendage and parallel to the posterior wall, to anterior-(LA-Ant.) and posterior-LA (LA-Post.). The ratio LA-Ant./LAV was defined as asymmetry index (ASI). The cardiac CT data, of 25 patients (11 women, 47 ± 11 years) without organic heart disease, were similarly studied for the same parameters, as a control group.Patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 63) had significantly higher LAV (131 ± 31 vs. 95 ± 18 ml, p0.001) and higher ASI (61 ± 6 % vs. 57 ± 4, p = 0.002) than the control group. Patients with persistent AF (n = 34) in comparison with paroxysmal AF showed significantly larger volumes (154 ± 44 vs. 131 ± 31 ml, p = 0.007) but no difference in the ASI (60 ± 8% vs. 61 ± 6%, p = 0.63). Finally, patients with long-term persistent AF (n = 18) showed a bigger asymmetry index than the patients with persistent AF (64 ± 5% vs. 60 ± 8%, p = 0.06) but no significant difference in volumes (161 ± 21 vs. 154 ± 44 ml, p = 0.49). LAA and partial LA volumes had a dilatation pattern similar to LAV. During a follow-up of over 25 ± 7 months, AF recurred in 31 (27%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that ASI and LAV were the only two significant predictors of AF recurrence after ablative treatment. Independent of LAV, an ASI over 60% predicted AF recurrence with 74% sensitivity and 73% specificity.Characteristic differences of both left atrial volume and geometry exist between the different forms of atrial fibrillation (paroxysmal, persistent and long-term persistent). The asymmetry index is a simple parameter derived by cardiac CT data that reflects these changes of LA geometry and predicts the outcome after the pulmonary vein isolation.

Background:Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is facilitated by anatomical visualization of the left atrium (LA) and the pulmonary veins (PVs). The purpose of this study was to compare accuracy, radiation exposure, and costs between three-dimensional atriography (3D-ATG) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT). Methods:Seventy patients with an indication for AF ablation were included. Contrast-enhanced CCT was performed preoperatively for all patients. In addition, intraoperative 3D-ATG was performed with contrast medium injection either indirectly into the pulmonary arteries during a breath-hold (Ind.-RTA, n = 25) or directly into the LA, during adenosine-induced asystole (Ad.-RTA, n = 23), or rapid ventricular pacing (VP-RTA, n = 22). We evaluated vertical ostial PV diameters and LA volume, time needed to perform, radiation exposure, and procedural cost for each imaging method. Results:The correlation coefficient between 3D-ATG and CCT for the ostial PV diameters was r = 0.83 for Ind.-RTA, 0.91 for Ad.-RTA, and 0.88 for the VP-RTA method (P > 0.05). The volume correlations were r = 0.87 for Ind.-RTA, 0.82 for Ad.-RTA, and 0.8 for VP-RTA (P > 0.05). Time to perform was 13 ± 5 minutes for ATG and 46 ± 9 minutes for CCT (P < 0.05). Effective radiation dose was 2.2 ± 0.2 mSv for ATG and 20.4 ± 7.4 mSv for CCT (P < 0.05). The procedural cost was estimated at 91–95 € for ATG and at 126–151 € for CCT. Conclusions:3D-ATG is an intraprocedural imaging modality that provides anatomical accuracy comparable to that of CCT with significantly lower radiation dose, in less time and at less financial expense (PACE 2011; 34:315–322)

Aims Electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) is the cornerstone of the ablative treatment of atrial fibrillation. Selective angiography of the PVs in standard fluoroscopic projections is often used for intraprocedural identification of PVs and their ostia. Variable spatial orientation and significant variability of PV anatomy are important limitations of this imaging approach. Methods and results Sixty patients undergoing a PV isolation procedure received intraprocedural rotational angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction of the left atrium (LA) and PVs. For each patient, 33 angiographic projections were independently evaluated [right anterior oblique (RAO) 80 degrees to left anterior oblique (LAO) 80 degrees, in steps of 5 degrees] by two physicians in order to identify the optimal projections of the PV ostia according to the following definition: Sagittal plane: (i) clear identification of both superior and inferior segments of the LA-PV junction and (ii) no overlapping between LA (and/or left atrial appendage) and PV ostium. Frontal plane: (i) clear identification of all four quadrants of the PV ostium and (ii) fluoroscopic angles at which the maximal horizontal ostial diameter is visualized. A successful reconstruction of the LA and all PVs was obtained in 58 (97%) patients. An optimal ostial projection in a sagittal plane was identified for all four PVs. The optimal ostial projection was RAO 5 degrees for the right superior PVs in 57 out of 58 patients (98%), RAO 55 degrees for the right inferior PVs in 54 out of 58 patients (93%), LAO 45 degrees for the left superior PVs in 46 out of 58 patients (80%), and LAO 60 degrees for the left inferior PVs in 48 out of 58 patients (83%). An optimal ostial projection in a frontal plane was identified only for the inferior PVs. The optimal ostial projection was LAO 40 degrees for the right inferior PVs in 55 out of 58 patients (95%) and RAO 45 degrees for the left inferior PVs in 51 out of 58 patients (88%). Conclusion If selective angiography is to be used to delineate anatomy and location of the PV ostia to guide PV isolation, different fluoroscopic projections are required for different PVs. The preselected RAO and LAO projections proposed in our study result in optimal angiographic projections of all PV ostia in at least one plane in the majority of patients.

Lack of stable access to all desired ablation target sites is one of the limitations for efficacious circumferential left atrial (LA) pulmonary vein (PV) ablation. Targeting that, new catheter navigation technologies have been developed. The aim of this study was to describe atrial fibrillation (AF) mapping and ablation using manually controlled steerable sheath catheter navigation and to compare it against an ablation approach with a nonsteerable sheath.In this case-control-analysis 245 consecutive patients (controls) treated with circumferential left atrial PV ablation were matched with 105 subsequently consecutive patients (cases) ablated with a similar line concept but mapping and ablation performed with a manually controlled steerable sheath. One hundred sixty-six patients were selected to be included into 83 matched patient pairs. Ablation success was measured with serial 7-day Holter electrocardiograms. Patients ablated with the steerable sheath showed an increase in the success rate (freedom from AF) from 56% to 77% (P = 0.009) after a single procedure and 6 months of follow-up. With respect to procedural data no difference could be found for procedure time, fluoroscopy time, irradiation dose, and radiofrequency (RF) burning time. With the steerable sheath mean procedural RF power (33 +/- 9 vs 41 +/- 4 W; P0.0005) and total RF energy delivery (97,498 vs 111,864 J; P0.005) were significantly lower and the rate of complete PV isolation significantly increased from 10% to 52% (P0.0005). The complication rate was the same in both groups. Among different arrhythmia, procedure, and patient characteristics, the lack of early postinterventional arrhythmia recurrences was the only but powerful predictor for long-term ablation success.An AF mapping and ablation approach solely using a manually controlled steerable sheath for catheter navigation improved the outcome of circumferential left atrial PV ablation at similar intervention times and similar complication rates. The 6-month success rate after a single LA intervention increased from 56% to 77%.

Outflow tract ventricular tachycardias (OT-VTs) re the most common form of idiopathic VTs. In > 80–90% of cases OT-VT originates from the right ventricular outflow tract, however, other origins like the septum, the left ventricular outflow tract, the pulmonary artery, the aortic sinus of Valsalva, the area near the His bundle, and the epicardial surface of the ventricles have been described. OT-VT is a diagnosis by exclusion, i.e., the possible concomitant structural heart disease should be adequately explored and ruled out in all patients presenting with OT-VT. Ablation should be recommended for all patients who present with syncope and who also remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy with a well-tolerated drug.

AIMS: The experience of using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of arrhythmias in children and adolescents is still limited. This study aimed to review the most recent results of RF ablation in children and adolescents in a highly experienced centre with access to both conventional techniques and non-fluoroscopic electroanatomic mapping (CARTO). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 154 consecutive patients younger than 19 years treated with RFA during the period 2000-04 were included. Numbers (%) or median (quartiles) are reported. Age was 15 (12-17) years, 70 (45%) were males. Five patients (3%) had congenital heart disease. RFA was successful in 147/154 patients (95%). Arrhythmia recurrence occurred in 11 patients (7%). Procedure time was 55 (35-90) min and fluoroscopy time was 8.8 (4-19) min. Number of RF applications was 4 (2-10) and number of RF applications >20 s was 2 (1-7). One patient (0.7%) had complicating high-grade atrioventricular block. CARTO was used in 18 RF ablation procedures (11%) performed in 15 patients. CONCLUSION: RF ablation can be undertaken in children and adolescents with a high success rate, few recurrences and complications, very short procedure times, and acceptable fluoroscopy times. Non-fluoroscopic electroanatomic mapping is helpful in selected patients.

Background Current concepts of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly use three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the left atrium (LA) for orientation, catheter navigation, and ablation line placement. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the 3D electroanatomic reconstruction (Carto) of the LA, pulmonary veins (PVs), and esophagus with the true anatomy displayed on multislice computed tomography (CT). Methods In this prospective study, 100 patients undergoing AF catheter ablation underwent contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan with barium swallow and subsequent multiplanar and 3D reconstructions. Using Carto, circumferential plus linear LA lesions were placed. The esophagus was tagged and integrated into the Carto map. Results Compared with the true anatomy on CT, the electroanatomic reconstruction accurately displayed the true distance between the lower PVs; the distances between left upper PV, left lower PV, right lower PV, and center of the esophagus; the longitudinal diameter of the encircling line around the funnel of the left PVs; and the length of the mitral isthmus line. Only the distances between the upper PVs, the distance between the right upper PV and esophagus, and the diameter of the right encircling line were significantly shorter on the electroanatomic reconstructions. Furthermore, electroanatomic tagging of the esophagus reliably visualized the true anatomic relationship to the LA. On multiple tagging and repeated CT scans, the LA and esophagus showed a stable anatomic relationship, without relevant sideward shifting of the esophagus. Conclusion Electroanatomic reconstruction can display with high accuracy the true 3D anatomy of the LA and PVs in most of the regions of interest for AF catheter ablation. In addition, Carto was able to visualize the true anatomic relationship between the esophagus and LA. Both structures showed a stable anatomic relationship on Carto and CT without relevant sideward shifting of the esophagus.

Background— The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and impact of asymptomatic arrhythmia in patients with highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) who qualified for radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation. Methods and Results— In this prospective study, 114 patients with at least 3 documented AF episodes together with corresponding symptoms and an ineffective trial of at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug were selected for RF ablation. With the use of CARTO, circumferential lesions around the pulmonary veins and linear lesions at the roof of the left atrium and along the left atrial isthmus were placed. A continuous, 7-day, Holter session was recorded before ablation, right after ablation, and after 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. During each 7-day Holter monitoring, the patients recorded quality and duration of any complaints by using a detailed symptom log. More than 70 000 hours of ECG recording were analyzed. In the 7-day Holter records before ablation, 92 of 114 patients (81%) had documented AF episodes. All episodes were symptomatic in 35 patients (38%). In 52 patients (57%), both symptomatic and asymptomatic episodes were recorded, whereas in 5 patients (5%), all documented AF episodes were asymptomatic. After ablation, the percentage of patients with only asymptomatic AF recurrences increased to 37% ( P Conclusions— Even in patients presenting with highly symptomatic AF, asymptomatic episodes may occur and significantly increase after catheter ablation. A symptom-only–based follow-up would substantially overestimate the success rate. Objective measures such as long-term Holter monitoring are needed to identify asymptomatic AF recurrences after ablation.

Introduction 17 years ago the first radiofrequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway (AP) was performed. The aim of this study was to describe the contemporary success rates and procedure related complication rates of radiofrequency (RF) ablation of accessory pathways (APs). In addition, the present study describes the anatomical distribution of APs according to the new nomenclature introduced by NASPE and ESC in 1999. Methods The analysis included all patients, who underwent RF ablation of an AP in the Heart Center Leipzig between January 2000 and December 2003. Results Over a 4 year period 336 APs were ablated in 323 patients. 201 APs (60%) presented with antegrade and retrograde conduction and showed preexcitation on ECG. For the remaining 135 APs (40%), only retrograde conduction over the AP was documented. According to the new nomenclature APs were classified as left-sided, right sided, septal and paraseptal APs. 188 APs (56%) were located on the left, 41 (12%) on the right, 64 (19%) in the paraseptal space and 31 APs (9%) presented with a septal or parahisian localization, respectively. Because of atypical course and/or characteristics 12 APs (4%) could not be classified. Ablation of all pathways were successful in 315 patients (98%). In 289 patients (89%) success was achieved within a single ablation session. The left-sided pathways had a re-intervention rate of 5%, which was significantly lower compared to the remaining localizations. The highest re-intervention rate was observed in the septal APs (23%). Complications were observed in less than 2% of all treated patients. Conclusions 17 years after the first RF catheter ablation of an AP this therapy is established as a highly effective procedure. The success rate has improved to 98% and the complication rate has been minimized to less than 2%. The most frequent localization of APs is left posterior. Left sided APs also presented with the lowest re-intervention rate. The introduction of the new nomenclature in 1999 by NASPE and ESC has simplified the description of the exact anatomical localization of an AP.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze different anatomic mapping approaches for successful ablation of outflow tract tachycardia with R/S transition in lead V3.Background: Idiopathic ven...

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of atrial flutter and other arrhythmia recurrences (other than atrial fibrillation [AF]) during long-term follow-up after left atrial substrate modification by percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of AF. Background RF ablation is an effective treatment for patients with AF. However, late recurrent arrhythmias may complicate the patient's course. Methods One hundred fifty consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF were included in this prospective study. The incidence of arrhythmia recurrences after AF ablation was analyzed during long-term follow-up using repetitive 7-day ECG recording. Results In 28 of 150 patients (18.7%), stable regular arrhythmias other than AF were detected during follow-up. Left atrial flutter observed in 10 patients (6.7%) was treated by recompletion of the ablation lines in all 10 patients. Left atrial flutter was associated with recurrence of AF in all 10 patients. Nine of 10 patients (90%) were free from atrial flutter and 6 of 10 patients were free from AF after the second intervention. Typical right atrial flutter occurred in 10 patients (6.7%) and was treated successfully by percutaneous RF ablation without recurrence in all patients. Additionally, atrial flutter was documented during follow-up in 7 patients (4.7%); however, invasive electrophysiologic evaluation was not performed due to various reasons. Conclusions Left atrial flutter is a relevant complication after RF catheter ablation of AF and was always associated with AF recurrence in our study population. Prevention of left atrial flutter can be achieved by induction of ablation lines as continuous and transmural as possible. However, left atrial flutter that does occur late after ablation is amenable to interventional treatment with good prospects of success.

INTRODUCTION Intraoperative radiofrequency (RF) ablation is an effective treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, secondary arrhythmias late after ablation may complicate the patient's course. We report on the incidence, mechanisms, and treatment of gap-related atrial flutter and other secondary arrhythmias during long-term follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS In 129 patients who underwent intraoperative RF ablation with placement of left atrial linear lesions using minimally invasive surgical techniques, secondary arrhythmias were analyzed during long-term follow-up (20 +/- 6 months). Transient atrial arrhythmias during the first 3 postoperative months were excluded. In 8 (6.2%) of 129 patients, sustained stable secondary arrhythmias were documented. Left atrial, gap-related atrial flutter was observed in 4 patients (3.1%). The flutter was treated by percutaneous RF ablation in 3 patients (2.3%) and with drugs in 1 patient (0.8%). In 2 patients (1.6%), right atrial isthmus-dependent atrial flutter occurred and was treated successfully by percutaneous RF ablation. In 2 patients (1.6%), ectopic right atrial tachycardias occurred and were treated with percutaneous RF ablation. CONCLUSION Late after intraoperative RF ablation of atrial fibrillation, three types of stable secondary arrhythmias were observed in 6% of patients: left atrial gap-related atrial flutter, right atrial isthmus-dependent atrial flutter, and ectopic atrial tachycardia. Gaps after intraoperative RF ablation due to noncontinuous or nontransmural linear lesions may lead to stable left atrial macroreentrant tachycardias, requiring new interventional therapy.

The electroanatomic mapping system Carto((R)) with its combination of anatomic and electrophysiologic information has substantially improved our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and substrates in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and structural heart disease. Identification of the individual arrhythmogenic substrate and successful ablation guided by the combination of sinus rhythm voltage mapping and conventional electrophysiologic techniques like pace and activation/entrainment mapping are best described for patients with recurrent VT in remote myocardial infarction. In about 75-90% of the patients, the target VT can be ablated with acute success and the patients remain free of any VT recurrence in up to 75%. First results of electroanatomically guided ablation in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia are promising. Data on ablation of VT in other structural heart diseases are very limited, since the arrhythmogenic substrate is very diffuse, e. g., in dilated cardiomyopathy, or there are only small patient numbers, e. g., for cardiac sarcoidosis or monomorphic VT after repair of congenital heart disease. In this article, the current status of electroanatomically guided endocardial mapping and ablation of VT in patients with structural heart disease is described.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to describe the arrhythmogenic substrate in postinfarction patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) guiding the placement of individual strategic linear lesions transecting all potential isthmuses using target area maps with limited mapping points to allow short procedure times. Methods and Results: In 28 patients with pleomorphic, unstable, and/or incessant VT, electroanatomic voltage mapping was performed in conjunction with limited sinus rhythm mapping, pace mapping, and activation mapping. Radiofrequency (RF) energy was applied directly within the low-voltage areas of the chronically infarcted areas or in the border zone. Ablation lines typically were perpendicular to the course of the presumed central common pathways. The maps consisted of 63 ± 30 mapping points. An average lesion line length of 46 ± 21 mm was placed with 17 ± 7 RF pulses. Twenty-two (79%) of the 28 patients were rendered completely noninducible at the end of the procedure. Procedure time measured 134 ± 41 minutes. No major complications were observed. Six (27%) of 22 patients who were rendered completely noninducible experienced VT recurrence during follow-up versus 4 (67%) of 6 patients who were still inducible after ablation (P = 0.06). Conclusion: Individually tailored substrate description guiding the placement of linear lesion lines transecting potential isthmuses rendered 80% of the patients completely noninducible. The construction of regional target area maps allowed short procedure times, with a resulting low incidence of complications in these critically ill patients. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 675-681, July 2003)

We investigated whether the new second generation of cryoballoons can improve the efficiency and safety of cryoablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) during ablation and in terms of outcome.Data of AF patients consecutively treated with a single 28-mm cryoballoon were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups: the G1 group was treated with the first-generation cryoballoons (ArcticFront) and G2 with the second generation (ArcticFront Advance). Failure of cryoablation treatment was defined as detection of an episode of AF, atrial flutter, or atrial tachycardia lasting ≥ 30 seconds during 3-month follow-up. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was measured by transthoracic echocardiography before cryoablation.One hundred twenty-five patients (group G1/G2: 57/68) were enrolled. Mean total time of the whole procedure, cryomapping, and cryoablation was shorter with G2 than with G1 (P0.05). No complication occurred with G1 whereas with G2 the complication rate was 8.8%. During mean 12 ± 4 months follow-up, the overall success rate of cryoablation was 76.0% (95/125); it was higher with G2 (89.7% [61/68] vs 59.7% [34/57], P0.001). Patients in whom treatment failed had larger LAD (48 ± 8 mm vs 44 ± 6 mm, P = 0.002) than those in whom it succeeded. Type of cryoballoon (relative risk [RR] = 5.75 [2.16, 15.27], P0.0001) and LAD (RR = 0.90 [0.83, 0.97], P = 0.0043) were shown in multivariable analysis to be individually related to the difference in success rate.Ablation for AF with the new generation of cryoballoons is associated with higher success rate of pulmonary vein isolation and better outcome. However, more complications occurred during the early stage of application of the G2 cryoballoon.

Electrical reconnection of the pulmonary veins (PVs) plays a key role in the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablative treatment. This randomized controlled study tested the hypothesis that prolonged ablations, on areas that may be critical for left atrial (LA)-PV conduction, can significantly reduce the rate of acute PV reconnection and AF recurrence.Patients with paroxysmal AF were randomly assigned to either a control or an add-on group.Ostial PV isolation (PVI) was performed by point-to-point RF ablation (irrigated tip, 30 Watts, 30 seconds).An ostial segment was assumed to be critical for LA-PV connection if any of the following reactions occurred during RF application: (1) sudden delay of LA-PV conduction, (2) change of activation sequence,and (3) PVI. In this case, RF application was prolonged from 30 seconds to 90 seconds in the add-on group only.A total of 131 patients (58 ± 11 years, 47 female) were assigned to a control (n = 64) and an add-on (n = 67) group. Ablation time was longer in the add-on (48 ± 16 minutes vs 37 ± 15 minutes, P = 0.03). Acute PV reconnection was observed in 20 of 64 controls and in eight of 66 add-on patients (31% vs 12%, P0.001). During a follow-up of 26 months, AF recurred in 33 of 64 controls and in 16 of 66 add-on patients (52% vs 24%, P = 0.001) after a single ablation procedure.Prolonged radiofrequency application on critical segments of LA-PV connection is a safe and effective ablative strategy that significantly reduces acute PV reconnection and AF recurrence rates after a single ablation procedure for paroxysmal AF.

A novel circular pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) has been introduced for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Accurate delineation of left atrium-pulmonary vein (LA-PV) anatomy is important for this technique. The aim of this study was to test whether the 3-dimensional rotational angiography (3D RTA) of the left atrium can facilitate PVI using PVAC technique.Twenty patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled in this study. The 3D RTA was reconstructed and registered with live fluoroscopy in all the patients. AF ablation was performed with a PVAC catheter in the navigation of registered 3D RTA.The 3DRTA image was successfully reconstructed and registered with live fluoroscopy in all patients (100%). The LA-PV anatomy was delineated clearly in all patients. Navigation of the PVAC inside the registered 3D RTA, ensured accurate placement within the atrium to perform ablation, and the PVAC was correctly placed inside the PV ostium to verify the PVI. All the PVs were isolated. Total procedural time was (87.5 ± 12.1) minutes, and fluoroscopy time was (20.1 ± 6.3) minutes. Follow-up after (7.1 ± 1.5) months showed freedom from AF in 70% (14/20) patients. No PV stenosis was observed.Intraprocedure reconstructed and registered 3D RTA can clearly delineate the LA-PV anatomy in real-time. The results demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of combining use of 3DRA and PVAC in AF ablation procedures.

We investigate the role of left atrial volume (LAV) as a predictor of outcome following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with exclusive paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). PVI was performed in 213 patients (80 females, aged 60 ± 10 years) with paroxysmal AF using either the pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC, n = 78) or conventional single-tip ablation (n = 135). LAV was assessed by multi-detector computed tomography (n = 39) or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (n = 174) prior to ablation. LA diameter (LAD) and LA area were determined by echocardiography. Patients were followed up for 12 months clinically and with 72-h Holter ECG. The mean LAV was 85 ± 28 ml (range, 22–189 ml). Mean LAD and mean LA area were 43 ± 6 mm and 23 ± 6 cm². After a follow-up period of 18 ± 5 months, 202 patients were analyzed. AF recurrence was documented in 50 (23%) patients. Univariate analysis showed age (59 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 6 years, p = 0.049), LA area (23 ± 5 vs. 27 ± 6 cm², p = 0.03), and LAV (80 ± 27 vs. 96 ± 28 ml, p = 0.04) to be significantly associated with the outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that none of these parameters were statistically significant (hazards ratio LAV, 0.52–1.12, p = 0.058; LA area, 0.63–1.14, p = 0.069; and age, 0.90–1.09, p = 0.41). In the case of AF recurrence, patients with LAV >95 ml showed a significantly higher probability for the occurrence of persistent AF (24% vs. 8%, p = 0.02). The assessment of LA size should not be incorporated as a main factor with regard to predicted ablation success in patients with paroxysmal AF being considered for PVI, as PVI may be successful even with considerable LA enlargement. Ablation should be performed promptly in patients with LAV ≤95 ml to prevent further LA dilatation, as patients with LAV >95 ml have an increased probability to develop persistent AF in the case of ablation failure.

Purpose To prospectively determine the most reproducible approach for left-atrial size assessment using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with atrial fibrillation and its value for prediction of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) treatment success. Materials and Methods Eighty patients underwent CMR imaging prior to PVI; the CMR examination included standard cine sequences, a multislice cine sequence in 4-chamber orientation with full left-atrial coverage, and a contrast-enhanced MR angiography of the left atrium. Left-atrial size was determined as: diameter, area, volume segmented from angiography, and diastolic/systolic volumes from cine imaging (Simpson's rule). All measurements were carried out by two independent observers and repeated by one observer to assess inter- and intrareader variability. Treatment success was defined as persisting sinus rhythm after PVI (follow-up period 12.6 ± 6.6 months). Results All left-atrial measurements showed substantial intrareader agreement. Interreader agreement was substantial for diastolic/systolic left-atrial volumes only. Calculated bias was found to be minimal (0.1%–4.9%). Predictability of PVI treatment success was best using cine volumetric measurements (cutoff value for diastolic volume, 112 mL) yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 70%, respectively. Conclusion Left-atrial volumetry based on cine imaging represented the most reproducible approach to determine left-atrial size. PVI success was predicted best using cine volumetry. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;33:455–463. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is facilitated by anatomical visualization of the left atrium (LA) and the pulmonary veins (PVs). The purpose of this study was to compare accuracy, radiation exposure, and costs between three-dimensional atriography (3D-ATG) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT).Seventy patients with an indication for AF ablation were included. Contrast-enhanced CCT was performed preoperatively for all patients. In addition, intraoperative 3D-ATG was performed with contrast medium injection either indirectly into the pulmonary arteries during a breath-hold (Ind.-RTA, n = 25) or directly into the LA, during adenosine-induced asystole (Ad.-RTA, n = 23), or rapid ventricular pacing (VP-RTA, n = 22). We evaluated vertical ostial PV diameters and LA volume, time needed to perform, radiation exposure, and procedural cost for each imaging method.The correlation coefficient between 3D-ATG and CCT for the ostial PV diameters was r = 0.83 for Ind.-RTA, 0.91 for Ad.-RTA, and 0.88 for the VP-RTA method (P0.05). The volume correlations were r = 0.87 for Ind.-RTA, 0.82 for Ad.-RTA, and 0.8 for VP-RTA (P0.05). Time to perform was 13 ± 5 minutes for ATG and 46 ± 9 minutes for CCT (P0.05). Effective radiation dose was 2.2 ± 0.2 mSv for ATG and 20.4 ± 7.4 mSv for CCT (P0.05). The procedural cost was estimated at 91-95 € for ATG and at 126-151 € for CCT.3D-ATG is an intraprocedural imaging modality that provides anatomical accuracy comparable to that of CCT with significantly lower radiation dose, in less time and at less financial expense (PACE 2011; 34:315-322).

To prospectively determine the impact of sinus rhythm restoration on left-atrial (LA) volumes and function assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging within the first year after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).Forty-one patients (28 men; age: 57 ± 10 years) with paroxysmal or non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were studied serially using CMR at baseline and at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-month intervals following PVI. LA diastolic and systolic volumes were determined by cine imaging with full gapless LA coverage applying Simpson's rule. Successful PVI was defined by a persisting sinus rhythm during the 12-month follow-up after a 3-month blanking period; patients with a relapse of atrial fibrillation after the blanking period were censored (4 patients at 6-month follow-up and additional 6 patients at 12-month follow-up).In all patients, LA diastolic and systolic volumes decreased significantly and progressively during the 12-month follow-up (p0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). At baseline patients with successful PVI demonstrated a significantly smaller LA diastolic volume compared to patients with relapsed atrial fibrillation (p=0.009). During the 3-month blanking period, patients with successful PVI showed a significant decrease of LA diastolic and systolic volumes (p=0.026 and p=0.006, respectively) and a significant increase of LA ejection fraction (p=0.028); patients with subsequent relapse of atrial fibrillation, however, exhibited no significant change of LA diastolic and systolic volumes or LA ejection fraction.Restoration of sinus rhythm led to a significant and progressive decrease of left-atrial diastolic and systolic volumes during one year following pulmonary vein isolation.

A Novel Cryoballoon Technique. Introduction: The study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a simplified cryoballoon technique in which a microcircular catheter was introduced into the central lumen of a cryoballoon catheter for the purpose of recording pulmonary vein (PV) potentials during ablation procedures and without interchanging catheters. Methods and Results: A total of 23 consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were enrolled. A single transseptal puncture was made and a cryoballoon catheter was inserted into the left atrium. A 6-pole mapping catheter with a 0.035-inch shaft diameter was introduced into the PV through the central lumen of the cryoballoon catheter. In addition to the function as a recording device, the mapping catheter was also used as a “guide-wire” during the procedure. A total of 84 PVs (84/92, 91.3%) were completely isolated using this novel cryoballoon technique. In 43 of the 84 veins (51.2%), isolation was observed in real time during the cryoablation; in the remaining 41 veins (48.8%), isolation was confirmed immediately post ablation attempt with the mapping catheter. Procedure time was 152.7 ± 54.9 minutes, and fluoroscopy time was 33.2 ± 17.3 minutes. At follow-up (7.4 months, range 2–18 months), 17 (73.9%) patients were free from AF. There was 1 occurrence of phrenic nerve palsy during ablation of a right superior PV, which fully resolved after 1 month. Conclusion: The use of a cryoballoon catheter equipped with a 6-pole micromapping catheter inserted through its central lumen for the purpose of mapping and ablation during PV isolation procedures is both feasible and effective. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 626-631, June 2010)

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) image of left atrium (LA) can greatly facilitate ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Reconstructing method using computed tomography (CT) has certain limitations. The 3D image of LA can be intraprocedurally reconstructed by a rotational angiography technique. Methods: Forty-six patients undergoing AF ablation were included in this study. Preprocedural CT imaging and intraprocedural reconstructing 3D rotational angiogram (3DRA) of LA were performed in all the patients. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP, 300 ms) was used to inhibit the drainage of atrium. During RVP, contrast medium was injected into the LA, and rotational angiography was performed. The 3DRA was reconstructed and was registered with the live fluoroscopy. The 3DRA was evaluated in comparison to the CT image. In the navigation of the registered 3DRA, the ablation of AF was performed. Results: Forty-four 3DRAs (95.7%) were successfully reconstructed and registered with the live fluoroscopy. The LA anatomy was delineated in the 3DRA in comparison to a CT image. AF ablation was successfully performed in the 44 patients in the navigation of the registered 3DRA. There were good correlations in the PV ostial diameter and the LA volume as assessed by 3DRA in comparison to a CT image (r >= 0.87). The radiation exposure in rotational angiography was substantially less than that in CT scanning (2.7 ± 0.9 mSv vs. 24.9 ± 3.1 mSv, P < 0.001). Conclusions: It is feasible to reconstruct and register the 3DRA with live fluoroscopy using the RVP method during the ablation of AF.

Conventional pulmonary vein (PV) angiography cannot precisely delineate the left atrium (LA)-PV anatomy, which is essential for the ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to test the feasibility of a novel method of rotational angiography for the AF ablation.Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study. CT scanning was performed in all patients before the procedure. Rotational angiography (rotating from right anterior oblique 55 degrees to left anterior oblique 55 degrees ) was performed before AF ablation. Rapid ventricular pacing (RVP, 300 ms) was carried out to reduce cardiac output while contrast medium was injected into the LA via a pigtail catheter. RVP was successfully performed in 36 (87.8%) patients. The ostia of all PVs and the LA appendage were visible in all these 36 cases. There was a good correlation in the PV ostial diameters as assessed by rotational angiography via RVP as compared to CT imaging (r (2)0.85).Rotational angiography by RVP is able to delineate the LA-PV anatomy. There is a good correlation in the PV ostial diameters as assessed by rotational angiography via RVP and CT imaging. Rotational angiography by RVP is feasible during AF ablation.

UNLABELLED Topography of the esophagus in atrial fibrillation ablation. INTRODUCTION The close anatomic relationship of the posterior wall of the left atrium (LA) and the thermosensitive esophagus creates a potential hazard in catheter ablation procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS In 30 patients (pts) with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing catheter ablation, we prospectively studied the course and contact of the esophagus in relation to LA and the topographic proximity to ablation lines encircling the right-sided and left-sided pulmonary veins (PV) as well as to the posterior line connecting the encircling lines using the electromagnetic mapping system for reconstruction of LA and for tagging of the esophagus. This new technique of anatomic tagging of the esophagus was validated against the CT scan as a standard imaging procedure. The esophageal course was highly variable, extending from courses in direct vicinity to the left- or right-sided PV as well as in the midportion of the posterior LA. In order to avoid energy application in direct proximity to the esophagus, adjustments of the left and right PV encircling lines were necessary in 14/30 pts (47%) and 3/30 (10%). In 30 pts (100%), the mid- to inferior areas of the posterior LA revealed contact with the esophagus. Therefore, posterior and inferior linear ablation lines were abandoned and shifted to superior in 29 pts (97%). CONCLUSIONS Anatomic tagging of esophagus revealed a highly variable proximity to different areas of the posterior LA suggesting individual adjustment of encircling and linear ablation lines in AF ablation procedures to avoid the life threatening complication of esophagus perforation.

AIMS In 1999 the consensus statement "living anatomy of the atrioventricular junctions" was published. With that new nomenclature the former posteroseptal accessory pathway (APs) are termed paraseptal APs. The aim of this study was to identify ECG features of manifest APs located in this complex paraseptal space. METHODS AND RESULTS ECG characteristics of all patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of an AP during a 3 year period were analyzed. Of the 239 patients with one or more APs, 30 patients had a paraseptal AP with preexcitation. Compared to APs within the coronary sinus (CS) or the middle cardiac vein (MCV) the right sided paraseptal APs significantly more often showed an isoelectric delta wave in lead II and/or a negative delta wave in aVR. The left sided paraseptal APs presented a negative delta wave in II significantly more often compared to the right sided APs. CONCLUSIONS According to the site of radiofrequency ablation, paraseptal APs are classified into 4 subgroups: paraseptal right, paraseptal left, inside the CS or inside the MCV. Subtle differences in preexcitation patterns of the delta wave as well as of the QRS complex exist. However, the definitive localization of APs remains reserved to the periinterventional intracardiac electrogram analysis.

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze trigger activity in the long-term follow-up after left atrial (LA) linear ablation. Background Interventional strategies for curative treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) are targeted at the triggers and/or the maintaining substrate. After substrate modification using nonisolating linear lesions, the activity of triggers is unknown. Methods With the LA linear lesion concept, 129 patients were treated using intraoperative ablation with minimal invasive surgical techniques. Contiguous radiofrequency energy-induced lesion lines involving the mitral annulus and the orifices of the pulmonary veins without isolation were placed under direct vision. Results After a mean follow-up of 3.6 ± 0.4 years, atrial ectopy, atrial runs, and reoccurrence of AF episodes were analyzed by digital 7-day electrocardiograms in 30 patients. Atrial ectopy was present in all patients. Atrial runs were present in 25 of 30 patients (83%), with a median number of 9 runs per patient/week (range 1 to 321) and a median duration of 1.2 s/run (range 0.7 to 25), without a significant difference in atrial ectopy and atrial runs between patients with former paroxysmal (n = 17) or persistent AF (n = 13). Overall, 87% of all patients were completely free from AF without antiarrhythmic drugs. Conclusions A detailed rhythm analysis late after specific LA linear lesion ablation shows that trigger activity remains relatively frequent but short and does not induce AF episodes in most patients. The long-term success rate of this concept is high in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF.

The aim of this study was to analyze different anatomic mapping approaches for successful ablation of outflow tract tachycardia with R/S transition in lead V(3).Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia can originate from different areas in the outflow tract, including the right and left ventricular endocardium, the epicardium, the pulmonary artery, and the aortic sinus of Valsalva. Although electrocardiographic criteria may be helpful in predicting the area of origin, sometimes the focus is complex to determine, especially when QRS transition in precordial leads is in V(3).We analyzed surface electrocardiograms of 33 successfully ablated patients with outflow tract tachycardia: 20 from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and 13 from different sites. The R/S transition was determined, and the different anatomic approaches needed for successful catheter ablation were studied.Overall, R/S transition in lead V(3) was present in 19 (58%) of all patients. In these patients, mapping was started and successfully completed in the RVOT in 11 of 19 (58%) patients. The remaining eight patients with R/S transition in lead V(3) needed five additional anatomic accesses for successful ablation: from the left ventricular outflow tract (n = 3), aortic sinus of Valsalva (n = 2), coronary sinus (n = 1), the epicardium via pericardial puncture (n = 1), and the trunk of the pulmonary artery (n = 1), respectively.A R/S transition in lead V(3) is common. In patients with outflow tract tachycardia with R/S transition in lead V(3), a stepwise endocardial and epicardial mapping through up to six anatomic approaches can lead to successful radiofrequency catheter ablation.

We sought to analyze the time course of atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes before and after circular plus linear left atrial ablation and the percentage of patients with complete freedom from AF after ablation by using serial seven-day electrocardiograms (ECGs).The curative treatment of AF targets the pathophysiological corner stones of AF (i.e., the initiating triggers and/or the perpetuation of AF). The pathophysiological complexity of both may not result in an "all-or-nothing" response but may modify number and duration of AF episodes.In patients with highly symptomatic AF, circular plus linear ablation lesions were placed around the left and right pulmonary veins, between the two circles, and from the left circle to the mitral annulus using the electroanatomic mapping system. Repetitive continuous 7-day ECGs administered before and after catheter ablation were used for rhythm follow-up.In 100 patients with paroxysmal (n = 80) and persistent (n = 20) AF, relative duration of time spent in AF significantly decreased over time (35 +/- 37% before ablation, 26 +/- 41% directly after ablation, and 10 +/- 22% after 12 months). Freedom from AF stepwise increased in patients with paroxysmal AF and after 12 months measured at 88% or 74% depending on whether 24-h ECG or 7-day ECG was used. Complete pulmonary vein isolation was demonstrated in20% of the circular lesions.The results obtained in patients with AF treated with circular plus linear left atrial lesions strongly indicate that substrate modification is the main underlying pathophysiologic mechanism and that it results in a delayed cure instead of an immediate cure.

The electroanatomic mapping system Carto((R)) with its combination of anatomic and electrophysiologic information has substantially improved our understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms and substrates in patients with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and structural heart disease. Identification of the individual arrhythmogenic substrate and successful ablation guided by the combination of sinus rhythm voltage mapping and conventional electrophysiologic techniques like pace and activation/entrainment mapping are best described for patients with recurrent VT in remote myocardial infarction. In about 75-90% of the patients, the target VT can be ablated with acute success and the patients remain free of any VT recurrence in up to 75%. First results of electroanatomically guided ablation in patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia are promising. Data on ablation of VT in other structural heart diseases are very limited, since the arrhythmogenic substrate is very diffuse, e. g., in dilated cardiomyopathy, or there are only small patient numbers, e. g., for cardiac sarcoidosis or monomorphic VT after repair of congenital heart disease. In this article, the current status of electroanatomically guided endocardial mapping and ablation of VT in patients with structural heart disease is described.

We investigated the influence of Holter duration on the detection of recurrences after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Two-hundred-and-fifteen patients underwent a 7-day Holter ECG at 6 months after catheter ablation. We analyzed the number of patients who had a recurrence within the first 24, 48, 72 h etc. up to the total of 7 days. During the complete 7-day recording, 30% had a recurrence. All Holter durations ≤5 days would have detected significantly less patients with recurrence than the complete 7-day recording. A 24-hour Holter would have detected 59%, a 48-hour Holter 67% and a 72-hour Holter 80% of patients with recurrences, whereas a 4-day recording would have detected 91% of the recurrences that were detected with the complete 7-day recording. In conclusion, a Holter duration of less than 4 days misses a great portion of recurrences, whereas a 4-day recording might offer a reasonable compromise.