Catheter Ablation Procedures (catheter + ablation_procedure)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Percutaneous Catheter Ablation Procedures for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2004
Anthony R. Magnano M.D.
Given the success of the surgical Maze procedure, initial catheter-based approaches involved creation of linear atrial lesions. Success rates were low and utility was limited by a high complication rate and long procedural times. The recent discovery that AF is often initiated by atrial ectopic beats has resulted in therapies designed to target the ectopic sources, particularly those within the pulmonary veins. Experience and technological advances have improved the efficacy and safety of such procedures. This article will review catheter ablation procedures for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with AF. (J Card Surg 2004;19:188-195) [source]


Electroanatomic Versus Fluoroscopic Mapping for Catheter Ablation Procedures:

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
A Prospective Randomized Study
Introduction: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the routine use of electroanatomic imaging (CARTO) with that of conventional fluoroscopically guided activation mapping (conventional) in an unselected population referred for catheter ablation. We sought to compare the two approaches with respect to procedure outcome and duration, radiation exposure, and cost. Methods and Results: All patients undergoing catheter ablation (with the exception of complete AV nodal ablation) were prospectively randomized to either a CARTO or conventional procedure for mapping and ablation. One hundred two patients were randomized. Acute procedural success was similar with either strategy (CARTO vs conventional 43/47 vs 51/55, P > 0.5), as was procedure duration (144 [58] vs 125 [48] min, P = 0.07 (mean [SD]). CARTO was associated with a substantial reduction in fluoroscopy time (9.3 [7.6] vs 28.8 [19.5] min, P < 0.001) and radiation dose (6.2 [6.1] vs 20.8 [32.7] Gray, P = 0.003). CARTO cases used fewer catheters (2.5 [0.7] vs 4.4 [1.1], P < 0.001), but catheter costs were higher (13.8 vs 9.3 units, P < 0.001, where one unit is equivalent to the cost of a nonsteerable quadripolar catheter). Conclusion: For all catheter ablation procedures, even when a center's "learning curve" for CARTO is included, procedure duration and outcome are similar for CARTO and conventional procedures. CARTO is associated with drastically reduced fluoroscopy time and radiation dose. Although fewer catheters are used with CARTO, catheter costs remain higher. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 310-315, March 2004) [source]


Percutaneous Catheter Ablation Procedures for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 3 2004
Anthony R. Magnano M.D.
Given the success of the surgical Maze procedure, initial catheter-based approaches involved creation of linear atrial lesions. Success rates were low and utility was limited by a high complication rate and long procedural times. The recent discovery that AF is often initiated by atrial ectopic beats has resulted in therapies designed to target the ectopic sources, particularly those within the pulmonary veins. Experience and technological advances have improved the efficacy and safety of such procedures. This article will review catheter ablation procedures for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with AF. (J Card Surg 2004;19:188-195) [source]


Experience with the Hansen Robotic System for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation,Lessons Learned and Techniques Modified: Hansen in the Real World

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2009
OUSSAMA M. WAZNI M.D.
Introduction: The Hansen robotic system has only recently been used in the United States for catheter ablation procedures in humans. Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation may be performed utilizing this system. We report our management of complications with early experience of this system. Methods and Results: All 71 patients in whom the system was utilized were included. In all patients, a 2-operator technique was to be employed; one operator manipulates the ablation catheter via the robot and the other manipulates the circular mapping and intracardiac echocardiogram catheters. There was no procedure-related mortality. All vascular complications occurred in the first 25 procedures performed. There were 6 intraoperative procedural-related complications. These included significant vascular complications (n = 4), one of whom required iliac vein stenting, and 2 cardiac tamponade (one related to a pop-phenomenon),successfully treated by pericardiocentesis. Early complications (n = 3) were 1 tamponade several hours post-procedure, 1 vascular complication, and 1 pericarditis. Late complications included 5 patients with severe pulmonary vein stenosis (all in first 27 patients) and 1 patient with gastroparesis. All complications were successfully managed without persistent morbidity and occurred earlier in our experience. This led to specific alterations in our vascular access and ablation techniques. These include the use of a longer 14 Fr sheath, through which the robotic sheath is more safely advanced. The choice of ablation catheter and titration of power, particularly when the catheter has a perpendicular orientation to the atrial wall, is also important. Conclusions: The suggested modifications may make the system easier to use with the potential to reduce complications. [source]


A Conservative Approach to Performing Transseptal Punctures Without the Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography: Stepwise Approach with Real-Time Video Clips

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2007
ALAN CHENG M.D.
Atrial transseptal puncture as a means of accessing the left heart is a critical component of catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation, left-sided accessory pathways, and access to the left ventricle in patients with certain types of prosthetic aortic valves. Although this technique has been performed successfully since the 1950s, severe and potentially life-threatening complications can still occur, including cardiac tamponade and/or death. Some have adopted the use of intracardiac echocardiography, but our laboratory and many others throughout the world have successfully relied on fluoroscopic imaging alone. The aim of this brief report is to describe in detail our technique for performing transseptal punctures during catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. We employ a similar approach when targeting left-sided accessory pathways, although only a single transseptal is performed in those cases. Utilizing a series of real-time video clips, we describe our technique of double transseptal puncture and illustrate in detail ways in which to avoid common pitfalls. [source]


Electroanatomic Versus Fluoroscopic Mapping for Catheter Ablation Procedures:

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
A Prospective Randomized Study
Introduction: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the routine use of electroanatomic imaging (CARTO) with that of conventional fluoroscopically guided activation mapping (conventional) in an unselected population referred for catheter ablation. We sought to compare the two approaches with respect to procedure outcome and duration, radiation exposure, and cost. Methods and Results: All patients undergoing catheter ablation (with the exception of complete AV nodal ablation) were prospectively randomized to either a CARTO or conventional procedure for mapping and ablation. One hundred two patients were randomized. Acute procedural success was similar with either strategy (CARTO vs conventional 43/47 vs 51/55, P > 0.5), as was procedure duration (144 [58] vs 125 [48] min, P = 0.07 (mean [SD]). CARTO was associated with a substantial reduction in fluoroscopy time (9.3 [7.6] vs 28.8 [19.5] min, P < 0.001) and radiation dose (6.2 [6.1] vs 20.8 [32.7] Gray, P = 0.003). CARTO cases used fewer catheters (2.5 [0.7] vs 4.4 [1.1], P < 0.001), but catheter costs were higher (13.8 vs 9.3 units, P < 0.001, where one unit is equivalent to the cost of a nonsteerable quadripolar catheter). Conclusion: For all catheter ablation procedures, even when a center's "learning curve" for CARTO is included, procedure duration and outcome are similar for CARTO and conventional procedures. CARTO is associated with drastically reduced fluoroscopy time and radiation dose. Although fewer catheters are used with CARTO, catheter costs remain higher. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 310-315, March 2004) [source]


Anatomy of the Pulmonary Veins in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Effects of Segmental Ostial Ablation Analyzed by Computed Tomography

JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003
CHRISTOPH SCHARF M.D.
Pulmonary Vein Anatomy.Introduction: The anatomic arrangement of pulmonary veins (PVs) is variable. No prior studies have quantitatively analyzed the effects of segmental ostial ablation on the PVs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of segmental ostial radiofrequency ablation on PV anatomy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: Three-dimensional models of the PVs were constructed from computed tomographic (CT) scans in 58 patients with AF undergoing segmental ostial ablation to isolate the PVs and in 10 control subjects without a history of AF. CT scans were repeated approximately 4 months later. PV and left atrial dimensions were measured with digital calipers. Four separate PV ostia were present in 47 subjects; 3 ostia were present in 2 subjects; and 5 ostia were present in 9 subjects. The superior PVs had a larger ostium than the inferior PVs. Patients with AF had a larger left atrial area between the PV ostia and larger ostial diameters than the controls. Segmental ostial ablation resulted in a 1.5 ± 3.2 mm narrowing of the ostial diameter. A 28% to 61% focal stenosis was present 7.6 ± 2.2 mm from the ostium in 3% of 128 isolated PVs. There were no instances of symptomatic PV stenosis during a mean follow-up of 245 ± 105 days. Conclusion: CT of the PVs allows identification of anatomic variants prior to catheter ablation procedures. Segmental ostial ablation results in a significant but small reduction in ostial diameter. Focal stenosis occurs infrequently and is attributable to delivery of radiofrequency energy within the PV. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 150-155, February 2003) [source]