AIMS: Patients with structural heart disease (SHD) undergoing catheter ablation (CA) for ventricular tachycardia (VT) are at considerable risk of periprocedural complications, including acute haemodynamic decompensation (AHD). The PAINESD score was proposed to predict the risk of AHD. The goal of this study was to validate the PAINESD score using the retrospective analysis of data from a large-volume heart centre. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who had their first radiofrequency CA for SHD-related VT between August 2006 and December 2020 were included in the study. Procedures were mainly performed under conscious sedation. Substrate mapping/ablation was performed primarily during spontaneous rhythm or right ventricular pacing. A purposely established institutional registry for complications of invasive procedures was used to collect all periprocedural complications that were subsequently adjudicated using the source medical records. Acute haemodynamic decompensation triggered by CA procedure was defined as intraprocedural or early post-procedural (<12 h) development of acute pulmonary oedema or refractory hypotension requiring urgent intervention. The study cohort consisted of 1124 patients (age, 63 ± 13 years; males, 87%; ischaemic cardiomyopathy, 67%; electrical storm, 25%; New York Heart Association Class, 2.0 ± 1.0; left ventricular ejection fraction, 34 ± 12%; diabetes mellitus, 31%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 12%). Their PAINESD score was 11.4 ± 6.6 (median, 12; interquartile range, 6-17). Acute haemodynamic decompensation complicated the CA procedure in 13/1124 = 1.2% patients and was not predicted by PAINESD score with AHD rates of 0.3, 1.8, and 1.1% in subgroups by previously published PAINESD terciles (<9, 9-14, and >14). However, the PAINESD score strongly predicted mortality during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Primarily substrate-based CA of SHD-related VT performed under conscious sedation is associated with a substantially lower rate of AHD than previously reported. The PAINESD score did not predict these events. The application of the PAINESD score to the selection of patients for pre-emptive mechanical circulatory support should be reconsidered.
- Keywords
- Acute haemodynamic decompensation, Catheter ablation, Mechanical circulatory support, PAINESD score, Risk assessment, Ventricular tachycardia,
- MeSH
- Hemodynamics * MeSH
- Hypotension etiology physiopathology diagnosis MeSH
- Cicatrix physiopathology MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * adverse effects MeSH
- Tachycardia, Ventricular * surgery physiopathology etiology diagnosis MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pulmonary Edema etiology diagnosis physiopathology MeSH
- Postoperative Complications etiology diagnosis MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
PURPOSE: Durable pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) determines the clinical success of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. In this randomized study, we investigated whether the temporally discontiguous deployment of ablation lesions adversely affected the acute efficacy of PVI. METHODS: Thirty-six consecutive patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (aged 59 ± 11, 58% males) were randomized 1:1 to either discontiguous (D-PVI) or contiguous (C-PVI) encircling radiofrequency (RF) lesions around ipsilateral PVs. A contact force-sensing catheter was used targeting a final interlesion distance < 6 mm and the ablation index of 400-450 (anterior wall) and 300-350 (posterior wall). The study endpoint was defined as failure of first-pass PVI or acute PV reconnection during a waiting time (> 30 min) followed by adenosine challenge. RESULTS: The total RF time, number of RF lesions, and mean interlesion distance were comparable in both groups. Total endpoint rates were 1/36 (3%) in the D-PVI vs 4/36 (11%) in the C-PVI groups; P = 0.34 for superiority, P = 0.008 for non-inferiority. Adenosine-induced reconnection of right PVs was the only endpoint in the D-PVI group. In the C-PVI group, first-pass PVI failed in 2 right PVs and spontaneous reconnection occurred in 2 other circles (left and right PVs). CONCLUSION: Temporally discontiguous deployment of RF lesions is not associated with lower procedural PVI efficacy when strict criteria for interlesion distance and ablation index are applied. The development of local edema around each ablation site does not prevent effective RF lesion formation at adjacent positions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03332862).
- Keywords
- Ablation, Ablation index, Atrial fibrillation, Contiguous lesion, Interlesion distance,
- MeSH
- Adenosine MeSH
- Atrial Fibrillation * surgery MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Recurrence MeSH
- Pulmonary Veins * surgery MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
- Names of Substances
- Adenosine MeSH
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Saline-irrigated radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is limited by the absence of reliable thermal feedback limiting the utility of temperature monitoring for power titration. The DiamondTemp (DT) ablation catheter was designed to allow efficient temperature-controlled irrigated ablation. We sought to assess the 1-year clinical safety and efficacy of the DT catheter in treating drug-refractory paroxysmal AF. METHODS: The TRAC-AF trial (NCT02821351) is a prospective, multi-center (n = 4), single-arm study which enrolled patients with symptomatic, drug-refractory, paroxysmal AF. Using the DT catheter, point-by-point ablation was performed around all pulmonary veins (PVs) to achieve PV isolation (PVI). Ablation was performed in a temperature-controlled mode (60 °C, max 50 W). Acute and chronic efficacy and safety was evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients (age 69.9 ± 11.0 years; 60.6% male) were ablated using the DT catheter. The mean fluoroscopy and RF ablation times were 9.3 ± 6.1 min and 20.6 ± 8.9 min, respectively. Acute isolation of all PVs was achieved in 100% of patients, and freedom from AF after 1 year was 70.6%. There were no steam pops, char, or coagulum on the catheter tip after ablation. There were few serious procedure/device-related adverse events including a single case of cardiac tamponade (1.4%) and transient ischemic attack (1.4). CONCLUSION: This first in man series demonstrates that temperature-controlled irrigated RFA with the DT catheter is efficient, safe, and effective in the treatment of paroxysmal AF. Randomized controlled trials are ongoing and will evaluate better the role of this catheter in relation to standard RFA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on the site ClinicalTrials.gov January 2016 with identifier: NCT02821351.
- Keywords
- Atrial fibrillation, Catheter radiofrequency ablation, Diamond tip irrigated catheter, High-resolution electrograms, Safety and efficacy, Temperature contol ablation,
- MeSH
- Equipment Design MeSH
- Atrial Fibrillation * MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * adverse effects MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Prospective Studies MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Temperature MeSH
- Pulmonary Veins * surgery MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Clinical Trial MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic many health care systems have attempted to reorganize healthcare workforce. Many doctors and nurses have been redeployed to acute care wards. In order to ensure the best quality of care it is essential for health professionals to stay updated on clinical studies and novel therapeutical approaches. Most patients with COVID-19 who become seriously unwell have an acute respiratory illness and about 14 % will require non-invasive respiratory support. This article aims at presenting some of the approaches in respiratory support and drug therapy. The overview of management is based on current guidelines and conclusions of several studies. The author is aware of the fact that the approach in COVID-19 management may change over time based on the current state of knowledge. It is worth mentioning that regardless its severity clinical symptoms associated with COVID-19 pneumonia may only be minor and thus regular monitoring on standard wards is required. The article refers to recent studies related to dexamethasone and remdesivir. The treatment with interleukin-6 receptor antagonists is also discussed. Finally, other drugs in treatment of COVID-19 patients are mentioned.
- Keywords
- COVID-19, dexamethasone, non-invasive ventilation, oxygen therapy, oxygenotherapy, remdesivir, tocilizumab.,
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pandemics * MeSH
- Critical Care MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Geographicals
- United Kingdom MeSH
AIMS: Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an effective treatment in patients with structural heart disease (SHD) and recurrent arrhythmias. However, the procedure is associated with the risk of complications, including both manifest and asymptomatic cerebral thromboembolic events. We hypothesized that periprocedural asymptomatic brain injury (ABI) can be reduced by using transseptal instead of the retrograde access route to the left ventricle (LV). METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients undergoing VT ablation for SHD were randomized 1:1 to either retrograde or transseptal LV access. All patients underwent radiofrequency ablation in conscious sedation with the use of an irrigated tip catheter. The degree of brain damage was evaluated by serum level of biomarker S100B. Significant ABI was defined as a post-ablation relative increase of S100B level >30%. A total of 144 patients (66 ± 9 years; 14 females; 90% coronary artery disease; LV ejection fraction: 30 ± 8%) were enrolled and 72 were allocated to each study groups. Symptomatic neurological complication of the procedure was not observed in any subject. A significant ABI was detected in 19.4% of patients. It was more commonly observed in subjects randomized to retrograde vs. transseptal LV access (26.4% vs. 12.5%, P = 0.04). In a multivariate analysis, only retrograde LV access and advanced age were independent determinants of significant ABI. CONCLUSION: Significant ABI after ablation of VT in patients with SHD can be detected in one-fifth of subjects. Retrograde access to LV is associated with a two-fold higher probability of significant ABI.
- Keywords
- Catheter ablation, Complications, Ventricular tachycardia,
- MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * adverse effects MeSH
- Tachycardia, Ventricular * diagnosis surgery MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Heart Diseases * MeSH
- Brain Injuries * MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Heart Ventricles MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
AIMS: Complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are frequently related to vascular access. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided (USG) venipuncture may facilitate the procedure and reduce complication rates. METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a multicentre, randomized trial in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF on uninterrupted anticoagulation therapy. The study enrolled consecutive 320 patients (age: 63 ± 8 years; male: 62%) and were randomized to USG or conventional venipuncture in 1:1 fashion. It was prematurely terminated due to substantially lower-than-expected complication rates, which doubled the population size needed to maintain statistical power. While the complication rates did not differ between two study arms (0.6% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.62), intra-procedural outcome measures were in favour of the USG approach (puncture time, 288 vs. 369 s, P < 0.001; first pass success, 74% vs. 20%, P < 0.001; extra puncture attempts 0.5 vs. 2.1, P < 0.001; inadvertent arterial puncture 0.07 vs. 0.25, P < 0.001; unsuccessful cannulation 0.6% vs. 14%, P < 0.001). Though these measures varied between trainees (49% of procedures) and expert operators, between-arm differences (except for unsuccessful cannulation) were comparably significant in favour of USG approach for both subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided puncture of femoral veins was associated with preferable intra-procedural outcomes, though the major complication rates were not reduced. Both trainees and expert operators benefited from the USG strategy. (www.clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT02834221).
- MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Atrial Fibrillation diagnosis physiopathology surgery MeSH
- Ultrasonography, Interventional * MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * adverse effects MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Catheterization, Peripheral adverse effects methods MeSH
- Postoperative Complications etiology MeSH
- Early Termination of Clinical Trials MeSH
- Punctures MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Femoral Vein diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Treatment Outcome MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
- Comparative Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
- Japan MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Frequent ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) may cause symptoms and/or lead to deterioration of LV systolic function. Although frequent VPCs may be abolished by catheter ablation, it may be challenging in case of their origin from the LV papillary muscles (PMs). Our collaborative study aimed to analyze in detail the site of origin and the outcome of ablation. METHODS: Consecutive 34 patients (males: 68%; aged 62 ± 12 years; LV ejection fraction: 50 ± 9%) undergoing catheter ablation of VPCs originating from PMs were included. All procedures were guided by intracardiac echocardiography. RESULTS: The size and shape of PMs were highly variable. The length of anterolateral and posteromedial PM was 23 ± 4 mm and 28 ± 7 mm, respectively. In about one-third of patients, the PM was formed by two distinctly separate heads. The ectopic foci were located on anterolateral, posteromedial or both PM in 35%, 56% and 9% of cases, respectively. Their location was found within the distal, mid, or proximal (basal) third of PM in the 67%, 19%, and 14%, respectively. A total of 86% of PM foci were acutely abolished and long-term success was achieved in 65% of patients. Absence of VPCs of other morphologies and a high burden of ectopic activity before ablation were associated with favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: VPCs originate predominantly from the distal portion of the PM. This knowledge may facilitate the mapping in patients with infrequent ectopic beats. Intracardiac echocardiography is of crucial importance for navigation of the ablation catheter and for assessment of its stability at PM target sites.
- Keywords
- cardiomyopathy, catheter ablation, intracardiac echocardiography, papillary muscle, ventricular premature complex,
- MeSH
- Action Potentials MeSH
- Time Factors MeSH
- Echocardiography MeSH
- Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac MeSH
- Ventricular Function, Left * MeSH
- Catheter Ablation MeSH
- Ventricular Premature Complexes diagnosis physiopathology surgery MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Papillary Muscles diagnostic imaging physiopathology surgery MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Heart Rate * MeSH
- Heart Ventricles diagnostic imaging physiopathology surgery MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Multicenter Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe MeSH
BACKGROUND: Although elderly patients have been included in published series of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF), clinical benefit and safety remain still less defined in this population. A retrospective analysis of the results of catheter ablation for AF in a large volume center focused on comparison of elderly patients with the rest of the patient cohort was conducted in this study. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF between January 2001 and December 2016 were analysed. A total population of 3197 patients was dichotomized by the age of 70 years (394 elderly vs. 2803 younger subjects). Patients were followed in terms of arrhythmia status and survival for a median period of 18 vs. 21 and 35 vs. 57 months, respectively. RESULTS: Elderly patients were more frequently females (49% vs. 29%, P < 0.0001), had a history of hypertension (79% vs. 57%, P < 0.0001), diabetes (16% vs. 11%, P < 0.01), stroke (9% vs. 6%, P < 0.01), coronary/peripheral artery disease (14% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001), and CHA2DS2-VASc score (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 1.5 ± 1.2 s, P < 0.0001). Major complications were more frequent in elderly (5.3% vs. 3.2%, P = 0.03); however, this difference was driven by vascular complications (3.6% vs. 1.9%, P = 0.04). There were comparable rates of cerebrovascular (0.3 vs. 0.3%) or nonvascular complications (1.8 vs. 1.2%). Good arrhythmia control was inferior in elderly patients as compared with the rest of the cohort, both without and with antiarrhythmic drugs: 44.2% vs. 58.2% (P < 0.0001) and 78.2 vs. 83.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. Poor arrhythmia control was associated with relative risk of all-cause mortality of 2.7 (95% CI: 1.1-6.4) in elderly patients and 1.4 (95% CI: 0.9-2.0) in younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Catheter ablation for AF in elderly patients is safe although somewhat less effective. Good arrhythmia control is associated with better survival, especially in elderly patients.
- Keywords
- Atrial fibrillation, Catheter ablation, Complications, The elderly,
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper was to investigate the prevalence of resting and exercise-induced left atrial hypertension (LAH) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), association of the LAH with other cardiac abnormalities, and its implications for AF catheter ablation. BACKGROUND: The clinical role of LAH in patients with established AF is largely unknown. METHODS: Patients scheduled for catheter ablation of AF (n = 240; age 60 ± 10 years; 67% men, 62% paroxysmal AF) underwent detailed echocardiography, assessment of quality of life (QoL), left atrial (LA) voltage mapping, and measurement of the LA pressure at rest and during isometric handgrip exercise. After ablation they were followed for AF recurrence for 16 ± 6 months. RESULTS: Resting and exercise-induced LAH (mean LA pressure >15 mm Hg) occurred in 15% and 34% of the patients, respectively. Both the patients with resting and exercise-induced LAH had typical features of latent heart failure with preserved ejection fraction associated with advanced LA structural and functional remodeling. AF recurred after ablation in 45% of the patients. LAH was an independent risk factor for arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio: 1.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.2 to 2.2). The patients with LAH had worse baseline QoL, but they benefited significantly more from a successful ablation than the patients without LAH. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of either resting or exercise-induced LAH identified AF patients with a distinct clinical profile, extensive LA substrate, and different clinical response to catheter ablation. Stratification of AF patients based on the LA exercise hemodynamics could help in the future to tailor the ablation strategy.
- Keywords
- atrial pressure, atrial remodeling, atrial substrate, exercise hemodynamics, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, substrate ablation,
- MeSH
- Exercise physiology MeSH
- Atrial Fibrillation etiology surgery MeSH
- Hypertension etiology MeSH
- Catheter Ablation * MeSH
- Quality of Life MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Follow-Up Studies MeSH
- Recurrence MeSH
- Atrial Remodeling physiology MeSH
- Risk Factors MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Hand Strength physiology MeSH
- Atrial Pressure physiology MeSH
- Atrial Function, Left physiology MeSH
- Heart Atria MeSH
- Check Tag
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
