Clinical research: remote magnetic navigation vs. manually controlled catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias: a retrospective study.

Aims: Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) is an alternative to manual catheter control (MCC) radiofrequency ablation of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias. The data to support RMN approach is limited. We aimed to investigate the clinical and procedural outcomes in a cohort of patients undergoing RVOT premature ventricular complex/ventricular tachycardia (PVCs/VT) ablation procedures using RMN vs. MCC. Methods and results: Data was collected from two centres. Eighty-nine consecutive RVOT PVCs/VT ablation procedures were performed in 75 patients; RMN: 42 procedures and MCC: 47 procedures. CARTOXPTM or CARTO3 (Biosense Webster) was used for endocardial mapping in 19/42 (45%) in RMN group and 28/47 (60%) in MCC group; EnSiteTM NavXTM (St. Jude Medical) was used in the rest of the cohort. Stereotaxis platform (Stereotaxis Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA) was used for RMN approach. Procedural time was 113 ± 53 min in the RMN group and 115 ± 69 min in MCC (P = 0.90). Total fluoroscopic time was 10.9 ± 5.8 vs. 20.5 ± 13.8 (P < 0.05) and total ablation energy application time 7.0 ± 4.7 vs 11.9 ± 16 (P = 0.67) accordingly. There were two complications in RMN group and five in MCC (P = 0.43). Acute procedural success rate was 80% in RMN vs. 74% in MCC group (P = 0.46). After a median follow-up of 25 months (interquartile range 13-34), the success rate remained 55% in the RMN group and 53% in MCC (P = 0.96). Conclusion: Right ventricular outflow tract arrhythmia ablations were performed using half of fluoroscopic times with Stereotaxis platform RMN compared to manual approach. Acute and chronic success rates as well as complication rates were not significantly different.

Procedural and long-term outcome after catheter ablation of idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias: comparing manual, contact force, and magnetic navigated ablation.

Aims: Currently, comparative data on procedural and long-term clinical outcome of outflow tract (OT) idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia (IVA) ablation with manual (MAN), contact force (CF), and magnetic navigation system (MNS) ablation are lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the procedural and long-term clinical outcome of MAN, CF, and MNS ablation of OT IVAs. Methods and results: Seventy-three patients (31 MAN, 17 CF, and 25 MNS patients; consecutive per group) with OT IVA, who underwent catheter ablation in our centre were analysed. Procedural success rates (success at the end of the procedure), procedural data and long-term follow-up data were compared. Baseline patient demographics were comparable. Procedural success rates were similar (MAN 81%, 71% CF, and MNS 92%; P = 0.20). Median fluoroscopy time was shorter in the MNS group: MAN 29 (16-38), CF 37 (21-46), and MNS 13 (10-20) min (P = 0.002 for MNS vs. CF and MAN). The overall complication rate was: MAN 10%, CF 0%, and MNS 0% (P = 0.12). Median follow-up was: MAN 2184 (1672-2802), CF 1721 (1404-1913), and MNS 3031 (2524-3286) days (P <0.001). Recurrences occurred in MAN 46%, CF 50%, and MNS 46% (P = 0.97). Repeat procedures were performed in MAN 20%, CF 40%, and MNS 33% (P = 0.32). Conclusion: Procedural and long-term clinical outcome of OT IVA ablation are equal for MAN, CF, and MNS. MNS has a favourable procedural safety profile due to the shorter fluoroscopy time compared with MAN and CF.

Coupling interval variability of premature ventricular contractions in patients with different underlying pathology: an insight into the arrhythmia mechanism.

PURPOSE: Coupling interval (CI) variability of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) is influenced by the underlying arrhythmia mechanism. The aim of this study was to compare CI variability of PVCs in different myocardial disease entities, in order to gain insight into their arrhythmia mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with four underlying pathologies were included: idiopathic (n = 16), non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) (n = 16), familial cardiomyopathy (PLN/LMNA) (n = 16), and post-MI (n = 16)-associated PVCs. The post-MI group was included as a reference, on account of its known re-entry mechanism. On Holter registrations, the first 20 CIs of the dominant PVC morphology were measured manually after which median ΔCI and mean SD of CI/√R-R (= CI of PVC corrected for underlying heart rate) were obtained. Two observers independently measured PVC CIs on pre-selected Holter registrations in order to determine inter- and intra-observer reliability. RESULTS: The largest ΔCI was seen in the PLN/LMNA group (220 ms (120-295)), the lowest in the idiopathic group (120 ms (100-190)). The ΔCI in the PLN/LMNA group was significantly larger than the post-MI group (220 ms (120-295) vs 130 ms (105-155), p = 0.023). Mean SD of CI/√R-R in the PLN/LMNA group was also significantly higher than in the post-MI group (p = 0.044). Inter- and intra-observer reliability was good (ICC = 0.91 vs 0.86 and 0.96 vs 0.77, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low ΔCI and SD of CI/√R-R of idiopathic and NIDCM PVCs suggest that the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms might be re-entry or triggered activity. Abnormal automaticity or modulated parasystole are unlikely mechanisms. High CI variability in PLN/LMNA patients suggests that the re-entry and triggered activity are less likely mechanisms in this group.

Sleep Medications Containing Melatonin can Potentially Induce Ventricular Arrhythmias in Structurally Normal Hearts: A 2-Patient Report.

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (IVAs) are relatively common in the general population and usually have a good prognosis. However, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can lower the quality of life (in symptomatic cases) and can cause cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. In this report, we demonstrate a novel trigger for IVAs. Melatonin use for treating sleep disorders has increased significantly in recent years. We provide here the first human evidence of its proarrhythmic effect by presenting 2 patients (with normal myocardium) with symptomatic PVCs, while on melatonin. Discontinuation of melatonin stopped PVCs in both patients. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying precipitating factors for IVAs.

The Short and Long-Term Efficacy of Pulmonary Vein Isolation as a Sole Treatment Strategy for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an accepted treatment strategy for catheter ablation (CA) of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). In this study, we aimed to assess the short, mid- and long-term outcome of PVI as a sole treatment strategy for PAF. METHODS: Six bibliographic electronic databases were searched to identify all published relevant studies until December 14, 2015. Search of the scientific literature was performed for studies describing outcomes with mean follow-up > 24 months after PAF ablation. Only articles with 1, 3 or 5-year follow up were included, from the same group of investigators. RESULTS: Of the 2398 references reviewed for eligibility, 13 articles (enrolling a total of 1774 patients) were included in the final analysis. Pooled analysis showed that the 12- and 62 -month success rate of a single CA procedure was 78% (95% CI 0.76% to 0.855) and 59% (95% CI 0.56% to 0.64%), respectively. The results did not differ by type of CA performed. Major complications mentioned in the enrolled studies were cerebrovascular event, pericardial tamponade and PV stenosis. CONCLUSION: There is a progressive and significant decline in freedom from AF between 1, 3 and 5- year after successful PVI in patients with PAF. Our analysis suggests that a high short-time success rate after PVI does not necessarily result in high chronic success rate.

Disappearance of Idiopathic Outflow Tract Premature Ventricular Contractions After Catheter Ablation of Overt Accessory Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Multiple mechanisms have been proposed for idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the outflow tracts (OTs). Recent observations such as the coexistence of these arrhythmias with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias and the association between discrete prepotentials and successful ablation sites of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) from the OTs suggest a common link. OBJECTIVE: In this case series we draw attention to a unique association between accessory pathways (APs) and idiopathic PVCs from the OTs, disappearing after AP ablation. METHODS: We identified 6 cases in collaboration with several international electrophysiology centers, which presented with pre-excitation in association with OT, and in 1 case inflow tract (IT), PVCs on 12-lead surface ECG. RESULTS: Six cases displayed pre-excitation and PVCs, in 5 cases originating from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and in 1 case from the right ventricular inflow tract (RVIT). In all patients, PVCs were monomorphic and had fixed coupling intervals, in 3 cases presenting in bigeminy. Catheter ablation of the AP led to the simultaneous disappearance of PVCs in 5 of 6 cases. The sites of ablation were remote from the OTs in all these cases. In most cases, the occurrence of OT PVCs was closely associated with the presence of pre-excitation. CONCLUSION: The coexistence of pre-excitation and PVCs from the OTs and the fact that in 5 of 6 cases PVCs disappeared after AP ablation suggests a common mechanism for arrhythmia genesis.

Optimizing contact force during ablation of atrial fibrillation: available technologies and a look to the future.

In a select atrial fibrillation population, catheter ablation is considered first-line therapy. Prevention of early reconnection of the isolated pulmonary veins is an important goal for a successful treatment. Here, adequate catheter-tissue contact is crucial. One of the most promising new advances, therefore, is contact force (CF) sensing technology. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of innovations regarding catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation with a special focus on CF optimization. Both experimental and human studies show how CF sensing catheters lead to a reduction of fluoroscopy time, increased procedural safety and a better clinical outcome. Possible future developments include new parameters combining real-time ablation data, direct visualization of lesion formation and incorporation of robotics.

Ventricular tachycardia in ischemic cardiomyopathy; a combined endo-epicardial ablation as the first procedure versus a stepwise approach (EPILOGUE) - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of epicardial substrate ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) as a first-line approach in patients with ischemic heart disease is not clearly defined. Epicardial ablation as a first-line option is standard for patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Several nonrandomized studies, including studies on patients with ischemic heart disease, have shown that epicardial VT ablation improves outcome but this approach was often used after a failed endocardial approach. The aim of this study is to determine whether a combined endo-epicardial scar homogenization as a first-line approach will improve the outcome of VT ablation. METHODS/DESIGN: The EPILOGUE study is a multicenter, two-armed, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients with ischemic heart disease who are referred for VT ablation will be randomly assigned to combined endo-epicardial scar homogenization or endocardial scar homogenization only (control group). The primary outcome is recurrence of sustained VT during a 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes include procedural success and safety. DISCUSSION: This study is the first randomized trial that evaluates the role of a combined endo-epicardial scar homogenization versus endocardial scar homogenization for the treatment of ischemic scar-related VT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NL4816807814v02.