Faculty Bibliography

Esophageal perforation is a dreaded complication of atrial fibrillation ablation that occurs in 0.1% to 0.25% of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. Delayed diagnosis is associated with the development of atrial-esophageal fistula (AEF) and increased mortality. The relationship between the esophagus and the left atrial posterior wall is variable, and the esophagus is most susceptible to injury where it is closest to areas of endocardial ablation. Esophageal ulcer seems to precede AEF development, and postablation endoscopy documenting esophageal ulcer may identify patients at higher risk for AEF. AEF has been reported with all modalities of atrial fibrillation ablation despite esophageal temperature monitoring. Despite the name AEF, fistulas functionally act 1 way, esophageal to atrial, which accounts for the observed symptoms and imaging findings. Because of the rarity of AEF, evaluation and validation of strategies to reduce AEF remain challenging. A high index of suspicion is recommended in patients who develop constitutional symptoms or sudden onset chest pain that start days or weeks after atrial fibrillation ablation. Early detection by computed tomography scan with oral and intravenous contrast is safe and feasible, whereas performance of esophageal endoscopy in the presence of AEF may result in significant neurological injury resulting from air embolism. Outcomes for esophageal stenting are poor in AEF. Aggressive intervention with skilled cardiac and thoracic surgeons may improve chances of stroke-free survival for all types of esophageal perforation.

Background: Unfavorable outcomes observed with stepwise linear ablation of non-paroxysmal AF (NPAF) in large clinical trials utilizing ablation catheters without contact-force sensing (CFS) may be attributable to pro-arrhythmic effects of incomplete ablation lines. The optimal ablation strategy for catheter ablation of NPAF using a contact force sensing radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter remains unclear. Objective: To compare catheter ablation outcomes of stepwise linear ablation to left atrial (LA) posterior wall isolation in patients undergoing NPAF ablation using a CFS RF ablation catheter. Methods: We performed pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) followed by isolation of the LA posterior wall in 80 consecutive patients undergoing first-time NPAF ablation between November 2015 and March 2016 (Group 1) and compared clinical outcomes to those of 112 consecutive patients who underwent PVAI followed by step-wise linear ablation for NPAF between May 2014 and November 2015 (Group 2). All ablation procedures were performed using the Carto 3 mapping system and SmartTouch RF ablation catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc.). Arrhythmia recurrence was assessed using 2-week event monitors at 3-month intervals. Arrhythmia-free survival at 12 months was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Baseline characteristics of Group 1 and Group 2 were similar. At 12 months follow-up, arrhythmia-free survival was significantly greater in Group 1 patients compared with Group 2 (81.9% vs. 67.5%, respectively; p=0.0318). There was no significant difference in survival free from AF between group 1 and group 2 (89% vs. 84.1%, respectively; p=0.3431), however group 1 patients developed significantly fewer post-ablation atrial tachycardias (AT) than group 2 patients (8.1% vs 30.1%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: Among patients undergoing NPAF ablation using a contact force sensing RF ablation catheter, LA posterior wall isolation resulted in fewer recurrent atrial arrhythmias than a stepwise linear approach. The reduction in recurrent atrial arrhythmias is driven primarily by a reduction in recurrent AT

Background: Pre-procedure time outs are integral to medicine to improve quality and safety. We hypothesized that a radiation safety time out for EP procedures would reduce radiation exposure levels for patients and staff. Objective: To design, implement and assess the effect of a radiation safety time out on radiation exposure in the EP lab. Methods: Baseline data on all adult EP procedures were collected for 6 months prior to implementation of the radiation safety time out. Upon implementation of the time out, data were collected prospectively with analyses to be performed every 3 months for up to 12 months. The primary endpoint was mean dose area product (DAP). Secondary endpoints were reference dose, fluoroscopy time, use of additional shielding, and use of alternative imaging. Results: The study was halted after three months. In total, 592 cases prior to the time out and 448 cases during implementation of the time out were included. Use of the time out resulted in a 22% reduction in the DAP (p = 0.013). The mean reference dose was also reduced by 26%. The use of additional radiation shields and ultrasound imaging for venous access increased significantly during the time out period. These differences remained significant when adjusted for BMI, proceduralist, and procedure type. There was no increase in procedure time or complications with the time out (Table). Conclusion: Implementation of a radiation safety time out significantly reduces radiation exposure during EP procedures. EP laboratories, as well as other areas of medicine that use fluoroscopy, should strongly consider the use of radiation safety time outs to reduce radiation exposures and improve safety. (Table presented)

Background: Analysis of the local unipolar electrogram aids premature ventricular contraction (PVC) localization in catheter ablation of idiopathic, outflow tract PVCs. A unipolar electrogram QS complex may be seen in the region of PVC origin, but the specificity of this finding is low. The unipolar anodal electrode utilized for PVC mapping is typically Wilson central terminal (WCT) or an indifferent electrode placed within the inferior vena cava (IVC). The optimal unipolar electrode selection for unipolar PVC mapping is unknown. Objective: To compare unipolar mapping of idiopathic outflow tract PVCs using WCT to unipolar mapping using an IVC electrode. Methods: PVC mapping and ablation was performed in 20 consecutive patients presenting for first-time ablation of idiopathic, outflow tract PVCs. The unipolar electrode utilized for initial mapping was randomly assigned and blinded to the operator. Mapping was performed using the CARTO 3 mapping system and SmartTouch RF ablation catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc.). Activation mapping and pace-mapping was performed at the discretion of the operator. Locations with a QS complex were annotated on the electroanatomic map. After a complete map was created blinded mapping was repeated with the alternate unipolar electrode prior to RF application. Results: PVCs were localized to the right ventricular outflow tract in 18 patients (90%) and to the left ventricular outflow tract in 2 patients (10%). Complete unipolar mapping could not be completed in 4 of 20 (20%) of cases due to infrequency of PVCs. In the 16 remaining patients, QS complex surface area was significantly larger with WCT than with the IVC electrode (3.11 +/- 1.8 cm² vs. 1.3 +/- 0.8 cm², p < 0.001). The IVC electrode QS area was completely within the WCT QS area in all cases, and the ratio of WCT QS area to IVC electrode QS area was 2.6 +/- 0.8 (range 1.8 to 4.4). The area of RF application at which PVCs were durably suppressed was within the IVC electrode QS area in all patients. Conclusion: Utilization of an indifferent IVC electrode may improve precision and specificity of unipolar mapping in catheter ablation of idiopathic, outflow tract PVCs

BACKGROUND: Patients on rivaroxaban have variable INRs, but it is uncertain if INR impacts procedural heparin requirement during left atrial ablation. We sought to examine the determinants of heparin dosing in this patient population. METHODS: We reviewed consecutive patients who received rivaroxaban within 24 hours of left atrial ablation and compared them to patients on uninterrupted warfarin. The determinants of heparin requirement were evaluated using regression analysis. We then tested a weight based heparin dose prospectively in rivaroxaban patients. RESULTS: There were 258 patients on rivaroxaban and 213 on warfarin. The mean INR was 1.4 in the rivaroxaban group and 2.3 in the warfarin group (p<0.01). To achieve an activated clotting time (ACT) >350 seconds, rivaroxaban patients required significantly more heparin (166.9 vs. 78.3 units/kg, p<0.001). In the rivaroxaban group, body weight was the strongest predictor of heparin dose (r = 0.52) while INR was weakly correlated (r = -0.21). In the prospective group, 25 patients were given an initial heparin dose of 120 units/kg with 22/25 (88%) achieving an ACT >300 seconds. There were 7 and 3 cases of pericardial effusion in rivaroxaban and warfarin patients, respectively (p = 0.41). The average volume drained in the rivaroxaban group was elevated (988.6 vs. 275.0 milliliters, (p = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Body weight is the strongest predictor of procedural heparin requirement during left atrial ablation in patients on uninterrupted rivaroxaban, even in those with an elevated INR. A heparin dose of 120 units/kg achieves an ACT >300 seconds in the majority of patients. In cases of pericardial effusion, bleeding may be prolonged

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to categorize arrhythmia mechanisms and to summarize ablation strategies in patients with persistent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) at the time of redo procedures. BACKGROUND:Persistent PVI is more frequently seen in patients undergoing redo procedures for recurrent atrial arrhythmias after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS:Consecutive patients who underwent their first AF ablation procedures at Brigham and Women's Hospital were screened and included if they had persistent isolation of all pulmonary veins at the time of redo procedures. RESULTS:Of 300 consecutive patients undergoing first AF ablation procedures, redo procedures were performed in 63 (21%), and 26 patients (9%) had persistent PVI. Of those, 11 had recurred with AF and 15 with organized atrial tachycardia (AT). During the index procedure, linear ablation was performed in 46% of patients with recurrent AF and 93% with recurrent organized AT (p = 0.020). At the time of last follow-up, 2 of 10 patients (20%) in the AF group and 10 of 15 patients (67%) in AT group were in sinus rhythm, without class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS:Patients with recurrence of atrial arrhythmia despite persistent PVI frequently present with organized AT. Linear ablation during the index procedure is associated with recurrence of organized AT. Recurrence rates after redo procedures were higher if patients had recurrent AF after the index procedure, and these patients often presented with AF again. Patients with recurrent AF despite persistent PVI may represent a population with lower success rates of catheter ablation.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:This study sought to assess loss of pulmonary vein (PV) excitability to pacing relative to the development of entrance block and the anatomic completion of the circumferential radiofrequency ablation (RFA) line. BACKGROUND:During encircling RFA for PV isolation (PVI), entrance block develops before anatomic completion of encirclement (early) in some patients. We hypothesized that early entrance block may be associated with loss of PV excitability to pacing. METHODS:In 30 patients undergoing PV isolation (age 61 ± 10 years, 21 men), excitability to pacing was assessed at predefined PV sites when entrance block developed and after completion of the RFA line. RESULTS:Of 60 PV pairs, 37 developed entrance block early, with a gap ≥10 mm in the RFA line. In only 35% of PV pairs in this subgroup, both PV sleeves captured, and all of the capturing PV pairs showed exit block (no conduction from PV to atrium) despite the presence of an excitable gap. In the remaining 23 PV pairs, entrance block did not occur until encircling RFA was anatomically complete. In 83% of these PV pairs, both sleeves captured with exit block (p < 0.001 compared with early block PVs). CONCLUSIONS:The majority of PV pairs develops entrance and exit block before complete anatomic encircling by RFA lesions. Early entrance block is frequently associated with loss of PV sleeve excitability, consistent with a spreading wave of injury or edema rather than a permanent conduction barrier. This may help to explain the significant rate of PV conduction recovery associated with the acute endpoints of entrance and exit block.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:This study sought to assess the incidence, operator demographics, clinical characteristics, procedural factors, and prognosis of esophageal perforation and fistula after atrial fibrillation ablation. BACKGROUND:Esophageal injury is a feared complication of atrial fibrillation ablation. METHODS:An Internet-based global survey soliciting anonymous information regarding esophageal perforation and fistula was emailed to 3,080 physicians. Detailed information regarding physician, patient, and procedural characteristics related to esophageal perforation with or without fistula was collected. RESULTS:; p = 0.03), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (55.1 ± 9.1% vs. 61.7 ± 5.4%; p = 0.04). Among analyzed patients, atrial-esophageal fistula was seen in 72%, pericardial-esophageal fistula in 14%, and esophageal perforation without fistula in 14%. Mortality was 79% with atrial-esophageal fistula and 13% in esophageal perforation without atrial-esophageal fistula. CONCLUSIONS:Esophageal perforation is rare but continues to occur with multiple catheter types despite esophageal monitoring during ablation. The prognosis of esophageal perforation is substantially improved if diagnosed and treated before development of atrial-esophageal fistula. An early surgical approach to esophageal perforation should be strongly considered regardless of evidence of fistula.

BACKGROUND:Long-term outcomes after ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation are sparsely described. OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to describe long-term prognosis after VT ablation in patients with no structural heart disease (no SHD), ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), and nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). METHODS:Consecutive patients (N = 695: no SHD, 98; ICM, 358; NICM, 239) ablated for sustained VT were followed for a median of 6 years. Acute procedural parameters (complete success [noninducibility of any VT]) and outcomes after multiple procedures were reported. RESULTS:Compared with patients with no SHD or NICM, patients with ICM were the oldest, were more likely to be men, lowest left ventricular ejection fraction, highest drug failures, VT storms, and number of inducible VTs. Complete procedure success was highest in patients with no SHD than in patients with ICM and those with NICM (79%, 56%, 60%, respectively; P < .001). At 6 years, ventricular arrhythmia (VA)-free survival was highest in patients with no SHD (77%) than in patients with ICM (54%) and those with NICM (38%) (P < .001), and overall survival was lowest in patients with ICM (48%), followed by patients with NICM (74%) and patients with no SHD (100%) (P < .001). Age, left ventricular ejection fraction, presence of SHD, acute procedural success (noninducibility of any VT), major complications, need for nonradiofrequency ablation modalities, and VA recurrence were independently associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION:Long-term follow-up after VT ablation shows excellent prognosis in the absence of SHD, highest VA recurrence, and transplantation in patients with NICM and highest mortality in patients with ICM. The extremely low mortality for those without SHD suggests that VT in this population is rarely an initial presentation of a myopathic process.