Treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeF) remains a procedural challenge with high recurrence rate after catheter ablation. Posterior wall isolation (PWI) has emerged as a potential concomitant treatment strategy for PAF with conflicting outcomes. PWI introduces a left atrial (LA) roof and low posterior line through a series of radiofrequency (RF) applications to achieve entrance and exit block of the LA posterior wall. It remains unclear whether PWI with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during initial catheter ablation improves success rate over PVI alone.

BACKGROUND:Active esophageal cooling reduces the incidence of endoscopically identified severe esophageal lesions during radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. A formal analysis of the atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) rate with active esophageal cooling has not previously been performed. OBJECTIVES:The authors aimed to compare AEF rates before and after the adoption of active esophageal cooling. METHODS:This institutional review board (IRB)-approved study was a prospective analysis of retrospective data, designed before collecting and analyzing the real-world data. The number of AEFs occurring in equivalent time frames before and after adoption of cooling using a dedicated esophageal cooling device (ensoETM, Attune Medical) were quantified across 25 prespecified hospital systems. AEF rates were then compared using generalized estimating equations robust to cluster correlation. RESULTS:A total of 14,224 patients received active esophageal cooling during RF ablation across the 25 hospital systems, which included a total of 30 separate hospitals. In the time frames before adoption of active cooling, a total of 10,962 patients received primarily luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during their RF ablations. In the preadoption cohort, a total of 16 AEFs occurred, for an AEF rate of 0.146%, in line with other published estimates for procedures using LET monitoring. In the postadoption cohort, no AEFs were found in the prespecified sites, yielding an AEF rate of 0% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:Adoption of active esophageal cooling during RF ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation was associated with a significant reduction in AEF rate.

Cardioneuroablation (CNA) has been introduced as a potential alternative treatment strategy in appropriately selected patients for prevention of recurrent cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope (VVS) and functional atrioventricular block (AVB).

ABSTRACTBackgroundActive esophageal cooling reduces the incidence of endoscopically identified severe esophageal lesions during radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. No atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) has been reported to date with active esophageal cooling, and only one pericardio-esophageal fistula has been reported; however, a formal analysis of the AEF rate with active esophageal cooling has not previously been performed.MethodsAtrial fibrillation ablation procedure volumes before and after adoption of active cooling using a dedicated esophageal cooling device (ensoETM, Attune Medical) were determined across 25 hospital systems with the highest total use of esophageal cooling during RF ablation. The number of AEFs occurring in equivalent time frames before and after adoption of cooling were then determined, and AEF rates were compared using generalized estimating equations robust to cluster correlation.ResultsThroughout the 25 hospital systems, which included a total of 30 separate hospitals, 14,224 patients received active esophageal cooling during RF ablation, with the earliest adoption beginning in March 2019 and the most recent beginning in March 2022. In the time frames prior to adoption of active cooling, a total of 10,962 patients received primarily luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring during their RF ablations. In this pre-adoption cohort a total of 16 AEFs occurred, for an AEF rate of 0.146%, in line with other published estimates of <0.1% to 0.25%. No AEFs were found in the cohort treated after adoption of active esophageal cooling, yielding an AEF rate of 0% (P<0.0001).ConclusionAdoption of active esophageal cooling during RF ablation of the left atrium for the treatment of atrial fibrillation was associated with a significant reduction in AEF rate.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is continually evolving, with a recent emphasis on a “minimalist” approach toward reducing procedural invasiveness, duration, and recovery time. Whereas a better understanding of the relationship between TAVR and new conduction disturbances has led to improved periprocedural management, intraprocedural rapid-pacing techniques have not evolved beyond traditional right ventricular temporary pacing. An alternative strategy utilizing the left ventricular guidewire for rapid pacing has been developed with evidence supporting its safety, effectiveness, and potential reductions in procedure time and cost. This review will outline the current best practices in left ventricular pacing for TAVR, a practical technique that embraces the minimalist approach to TAVR and may be considered for routine use. It aims to explore the current evidence and combine this with expert opinion to offer a strategy for temporary pacing that encourages efficiencies for physicians and patients without compromising periprocedural safety.

Background: High grade atrioventricular (AV) block (HGAVB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) is a well-established complication, but recovery of intrinsic AV conduction is not well studied. We assessed the incidence and electrocardiography (ECG) predictors of AV conduction recovery after PPM implantation post-TAVR. Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, consecutive patients undergoing TAVR between January 2015 to February 2019 were identified. All patients requiring PPM for HGAVB within 30 days after TAVR were included. Follow up ECGs, PPM checks, and clinic notes were reviewed to determine AV conduction recovery, defined as no need for ventricular pacing. Results: There were 533 TAVR patients, 443 with balloon expandable valves (BEV) and 90 with self-expanding valves (SEV). 5.1% of patients (n=27) required PPM for HGAVB, including 4.5% (n=20) from BEV group and 7.8% (n=7) from SEV group. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) was the most common baseline ECG finding (n=19). Mean time to PPM implant was 3.3±4.5 days. 11 patients received leadless and 16 received conventional pacemakers. At 6 months, 65% (n=13) of BEV group and none of SEV group had AV conduction recovery. BEV patients without AV conduction recovery had significantly longer baseline PR intervals compared to those with recovery (248±85 msec vs 169±22 msec; 95% CI 12.5-147.2; p=0.024). There were no significant differences in baseline QRS duration or presence of RBBB between those with and without AV conduction recovery. Conclusion: AV conduction recovery is more frequent after PPM implantation in TAVR patients receiving BEV (65%) compared to SEV (0%). Normal baseline PR intervals at baseline is associated with higher rate of AV conduction recovery among BEV patients. Temporary pacing with leadless pacemakers may be an alternative to conventional pacemakers in BEV patients without baseline first degree AV block.

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the left atrium of the heart is increasingly used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). Unfortunately, inadvertent thermal injury to the esophagus can occur during this procedure, potentially creating an atrioesophageal fistula (AEF) which is 80% fatal. The ensoETM (Attune Medical, Chicago, IL), is an esophageal cooling device that has been shown to reduce thermal injury to the esophagus during RF ablation.This review summarizes growing evidence related to active esophageal cooling during RF ablation for the treatment of AF. The review presents data demonstrating improved outcomes related to patient safety and procedural efficiency and suggests directions for future research.The use of active esophageal cooling during RF ablation reduces esophageal injury, reduces or eliminates fluoroscopy requirements, reduces procedure duration and post-operative pain, and increases long-term freedom from arrhythmia. These effects in turn increase patient same-day discharge rates, decrease operator cognitive load, and reduce cost. These findings are likely to further accelerate the adoption of active esophageal cooling.Atrial fibrillation is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly, causing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and death. One treatment for atrial fibrillation is a procedure called a catheter ablation. This procedure is minimally invasive and is performed by a specialized cardiologist, called an electrophysiologist. The electrophysiologist, or operator, uses an energy source, such as radiofrequency energy (radio waves), to stop erratic electrical signals from traveling through the heart. One complication of the catheter ablation is an inadvertent injury to the esophagus, the organ that passes food from the mouth to the stomach. If the injury is severe, it may develop into an atrioesophageal fistula, which often results in death. In this review, a new technology is described that helps prevent this type of injury and can provide additional benefits for the patient, operator, and hospital.

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council Background SBRT is currently restrained to the most severe patients with drug- and catheter ablation-refractory VT, often associated with advanced heart failure. Purpose To analyze the determinants of mortality after SBRT for VT. Methods Patients with drug- and catheter ablation-refractory VT underwent imaging prior to SBRT. The inHEART technology was used to create image-based 3D models of substrate, cardiac anatomy, and organs at risk (coronaries, phrenic nerve, GI tract, AV node). In MUSIC software (IHU Liryc-Inria), 3D models were fused with prior EP maps, and SBRT targets were interactively drawn in 3D by the referring EP cardiologist. Transmural target volumes and organs at risk were fused with a 4D planning CT and used to plan SBRT in Eclipse (Varian). SBRT was delivered with either Truebeam or Edge systems (Varian), at a total dose of 25 Gy in a single session. The determinants of adverse outcomes after SBRT were analyzed. Results 30 pts from 7 centers were included (age 70±10, 90% men). Mean LVEF was 26±9%. The VT etiology was ischemic in 67%, and non-ischemic or mixed in 47%. Patients had undergone a mean of 1.7±1.2 prior failed catheter ablation procedures. SBRT was delivered on median planning treatment volumes (PTVs) of 96[63-149] mL. Complications attributed to SBRT were observed in 2/30 (7%), none of which were fatal (heart failure and pneumonitis, both managed with steroids). Over a median FU of 4[2-8] months, death or heart transplant occurred in 11(37%) pts, attributed to VT recurrence in 4(13%), and heart failure in 7(23%). On univariate analysis, patients experiencing death or transplant after SBRT were older (77±6 vs. 66±9 years, P=0.001) and showed lower LVEF (22±6 vs. 29±10%, P=0.03). In contrast, mortality or transplant did not relate to the underlying VT etiology (P=0.30), the number of prior catheter ablations (P=0.20), the pre-SBRT VT burden (P=0.20) and the SBRT treatment volume (P=0.18). Conclusion In patients with severe drug- and catheter ablation-refractory VT undergoing cardiac SBRT, mortality is most often due to non-arrhythmic causes, and is more driven by age and LV dysfunction than by the VT substrate, pre-SBRT arrhythmia burden, and SBRT treatment volume.

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Research Council Background Optimal SBRT planning methods for VT ablation are yet to be defined. Purpose To evaluate a multimodal approach for SBRT planning. Methods 30 pts (age 70±10, 90% men, LVEF 26±9%, 67% ICM, 47% NICM or mixed, 1.7±1.2 prior catheter ablations) with drug-refractory VT underwent imaging prior to SBRT. The inHEART technology was used to create image-based 3D models of substrate, cardiac anatomy, and organs at risk (coronaries, phrenic nerve, GI tract, AV node). In MUSIC software (IHU Liryc-Inria), 3D models were fused with prior EP maps, and SBRT targets were interactively drawn in 3D by the referring EP cardiologist. Transmural target volumes and organs at risk were fused with a 4D planning CT and used to plan SBRT in Eclipse (Varian). Results SBRT was delivered on median PTVs of 96[63-149] mL (total dose 25 Gy) with either Truebeam or Edge systems (Varian). Over a median FU of 4[2-8] months, death occurred in 11(37%) pts, due to arrhythmia recurrence in 4(13%). FU at 6 months was available in 14 pts. In these, the median numbers of VT episodes and ICD shocks over the 6 months preceding SBRT were 20[9-27] and 8[5-15], respectively. In the 6 months following SBRT, these decreased to 0[0-30] and 0[0-0], respectively (P<0.001 for both). 8/14(57%) pts were free from any VT recurrence, and 11/14(79%) were free from any ICD shock. In the total cohort, complications attributed to SBRT were observed in 2/30 (7%), none of which were fatal (heart failure and pneumonitis, both managed with steroids). Conclusion In patients with severe drug- and catheter ablation-refractory VT, SBRT planning based on 3D image-based models fused with prior EP maps is feasible, and associated with favorable efficacy and safety profiles.

Non-invasive stereotactic radiotherapy (SAbR) is an emerging therapy for refractory ventricular tachycardia. However, the precision of SAbR may be limited by respiratory motion, and the current workflow is time intensive.