bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided venipuncture of femoral veins vs standard palpation approach in patients undergoing pulmonary veins isolation
Authors: Addeo L , Valeriano C , Viscusi M M , Buytaert D , Abbate V , Geelen P , Peythcev P , De Schouwer K , De Potter T 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Complications related to vascular access frequently arise during transcatheter atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Vascular access related complications remain the main cause of procedure related adverse events. In the literature, there is no clear evidence supporting the benefit of ultrasound-guided (USG) vascular access.

Purpose
We hypothesized that USG venipuncture could reduce vascular complication rates and reduce the need for additional interventions due to complications related to vascular access.

Methods
We conducted a single-center retrospective study. The primary endpoint was the rate of major complications, defined as arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm, and groin hematoma with Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) classification ≥ 2 requiring interventions such as transfusions or surgical/percutaneous repair and/or resulting in hospital prolongation or readmission). The secondary endpoints were the rate of minor complications, defined as groin hematoma with BARC classification = 1 or bleeding without sequelae, and the composite rate of additional non-scheduled exams and procedures due to vascular complications. The study included all patients who underwent atrial fibrillation ablation with radiofrequency (RF) between January 2020 and December 2022 in our center, performed by two expert operators: one utilizing a classic palpation (BLIND) approach and the second one employing the USG approach. Identical materials were used for access in both groups, and the choice of protamine administration or closure method was decided by the operator on a case by case basis. In total, there were 946 patients, 352 in USG group and 594 in BLIND group. For patients in both groups who were on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), uninterrupted administration with an international normalized ratio (INR) ratio between 2.0 and 3.0 was required.

Results
Major complications were significantly reduced in the USG group compared to the BLIND group (0 (0%) in USG vs. 9 (1.5%) in BLIND, P = 0.02). No significant difference was observed in minor complications between the two groups (3 (0.8%) in USG vs. 6 (1.0%) in BLIND, P = 0.809). During hospitalization or readmission, 3 additional non-scheduled exams/procedures were required (3 vascular echos) in the USG group, while 33 were needed in the BLIND group (23 vascular echos, 6 thrombin injections, 2 surgical procedures and 2 CT-Angio) with a significative reduction (P 0.034).

Conclusions
USG venipuncture was associated with a reduction in major complication rates and a decrease in additional exams required during hospitalization or readmission. However, it did not lead to a reduction in minor complications. These findings support the use of ultrasound in AF ablation procedures to avoid access related complications requiring intervention.Baseline CharacteristicsSummary
Intelligent filter to remove artifact during cryo freezing for pulmonary vein isolation increases the time window for observation of time of isolation
Authors: De Pooter J , Firth K , Paamand R , Valvik M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Time to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) during cryo balloon (CB) PVI is a critical data point in characterizing the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation status as it improves clinical outcomes. PV potentials on the circular mapping catheter may be obscured by power line artifact during the freeze process as ice forms near the electrode. This study assesses the ability of an intelligent digital filter to sample, predict and remove noise from PV electrograms during the freeze cycle to increase the time window available to observe the abolition of PV potentials.

Method
An intelligent filter that detects and removes power line related signal artifact was developed. The filter algorithm was then retrospectively applied to electrograms collected during delivery of cryo energy in the PVISION trial of the PVI Analyzer study previously described. The PV potential amplitude immediately before the delivery of cryo energy was recorded. During the freeze cycle, artifact amplitude was measured and the time required for the noise to exceed that of the original PV potential recorded. This operation was repeated with the application of the predictive filter. An example of an analysis of a single bipolar trace is shown in Fig 1.

Results
The PVISION trial included 47 patients who underwent a cryo PVI procedure (42% female, mean age 59 years, +/- 11 years). Of those, 24 cases and 68 vein cryo applications had sufficient information about when the cryo freeze cycle started and ended. Of these 68 veins treated, 33 exhibited power line noise on one or more bipolar traces during the freeze cycle (49%). The mean amplitude of PV potentials before application of energy was 0.49 mV (+/- 0.79 mV) and the mean time to artifact exceeding this level was 69 (+/-50 seconds), across all bipolar traces with freeze noise present. After application of the intelligent filter, the mean time to artifact exceeding the baseline PV amplitude increased to 82 seconds (+/- 57 seconds), across all bipolar traces with freeze noise present. In 44 veins noise amplitude never exceeded PV potential amplitude on any of the bipolar traces during the freeze after application of the intelligent filter. Paired analysis of the average time of noise exceeding the PV potential amplitude during the freeze was 116 s before application of the filter and 26 s with the filter applied. See Fig 2. for a summary of the results.

Conclusion
An intelligent digital filter designed to remove artifact from electrograms during cryo ablation procedures might increase the time window before noise saturates PV potentials and, in some cases, remove noise such that it never exceeds that of the PV potential.Fig 1 Example of noise and filteringFig 2. Summary of results
Procedural and outcome impact of body mass index on pulsed field ablation of atrial fibrillation: insights from the EU-PORIA Registry
Authors: Telesca A , Bordignon S , Neven K , Reichlin T , Blaauw Y , Hansen J , Boveda S , Ouss A , Mulder B A , Ruwald M H , Reinsch N , Kueffer T , Albrecht E M , Chun J K R , Schmidt B 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a "single-shot" non thermal ablation modality for atrial fibrillation (AF). In general, obesity is associated with increased risk of AF recurrence after catheter ablation with thermal energy sources.

Purpose
We aimed to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on procedural characteristics, safety, acute efficacy and long-term outcomes of PFA for symptomatic AF.

Methods
Of 1233 subjects enrolled in the EU-PORIA registry, in our subanalysis we included 1055 patients undergoing de novo pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)-only ablation procedure for symptomatic AF using the pentaspline PFA catheter from March 2021 until May 2022 at seven high-volume European centers. Patients were divided into two groups based on BMI: normal weight (nW, &lt; 25 kg/m2) and overweight (oW, ≥ 25 kg/m2). Overweight patients were further categorized into three subgroups: pre-obesity (pOb, 25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (Ob, 30-34.9 kg/m2) and severe obesity (sOb, ≥ 35 kg/m2). Clinical and procedural characteristics, complications and follow up data were collected.

Results
A total of 1055 patients (39% female, mean age 65,7±10,9 years, 65% paroxysmal AF) were enrolled. 32% of patients were normal weight (nW) and 68% overweight (oW). Among oW group, 438 subjects (41%) were assigned to pOb group, 204 (19%) to Ob, and 71 (7%) to sOb. Acute PVI was achieved in 100% of cases. The median skin-to-skin procedure and the median fluoroscopy time were similar between nW and oW and in all investigational subgroups, but radiation exposure increased in line with BMI (p&lt;0.001). Periprocedural complications were 5% in nW, 1.6% in pOb, 3.9% in Ob, and 2.8% in sOb (p=0.06). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of arrhythmia-free survival was 80.2% in nW and 71.9% in oW (p=0.017). Each unit increment in BMI was associated with 4.2% increase in risk of AF/AT recurrence. Severe obese patients presented the highest 1-year AT/AF recurrence rate (37.2%). In the sOb group the rate of recurrence was not influenced by the type of AF (PAF 65.7% vs. pers AF 59.4%; p=0.484).

Conclusion
Overweight patients seem to experience more AF recurrences even after PFA PVI, mainly driven by a higher recurrence rate for BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Weight reduction programs remain crucial, nevertheless, reduced procedural times, good safety profile and acceptable 1-year observed AF/AT freedom make PFA a feasible strategy for AF rhythm control in patients with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.Freedom from AF/AT recurrence
Role of BMI on radiation dose in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation by pulsed field, cryoballoon and high-power-short-duration radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Kupusovic J , Avranas K , Schmidt K , Falagkari A , Luik A , Leistner D , Furnkranz A , Wakili R 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Different ablation modalities for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have been established. Since recent data from a randomized trial showed non-inferiority for pulse field ablation (PFA) vs. cryoballoon (CBA) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) it seems reasonable to evaluate procedural parameters of these modalities in specific subgroups.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation dose and procedural parameters in patients with body mass index (BMI) &gt;26 kg/m² vs. ≤26 kg/m² undergoing PVI with different modalities.

Methods
Data of n=409 patients (140 PFA, 125 CBA, 144 RFA) having undergone PVI in three German centers for either paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation were analysed. The primary endpoint was total radiation dose (Dose Area Product, DAP). Patients were analyzed with respect to BMI&gt; vs. ≤26 kg/m² in PFA, CBA and RFA (with high-power short duration applications) groups, respectively. Secondary endpoints were radiation time and procedure time.

Results
The study included predominantly male patients (63.1%) with a mean age of 67.8±10.5 years. Cardiovascular risk factors were comparable within the groups, while the overall CHA2DS2-VASc-score was higher in CBA patients, which was largely influenced by a higher proportion of women in the CBA group. BMI was well balanced between the modalities (PFA: 28.7±5.6 kg/m² vs CBA: 28.5±6.0 kg/m² vs HPSD-RFA: 28.3±4.8 kg/m², p=0.78) as well as the proportion of patients with extreme obesity (BMI &gt;30 kg/m²). The overall DAP was the lowest in the PFA group (370.2±274.6 µGym2) followed by HPSD-RFA (471.4±385.3 µGym2) and the highest in the CBA (1260.9±1053.5 µGym2) group. The radiation time was longest in the CBA group (16.6±17.0min) while being comparatively lower in PFA and HPSD-RFA groups (9.4±6.8 vs. 9.4±5.8 min). Procedure time was the shortest in the PFA group (79.6±30.5min), while being longest in the HPSD-RFA group (111.9±55.3 min). When stratifying patients according to BMI&gt; 26 kg/m², there was a significant increase in DAP in all modalities, with the lowest mean increase in DAP in the PFA group (Δ143.84 µGym2), followed by HPSD-RFA (Δ329.54 µGym2) and the highest increase in the CBA group (Δ691.17 µGym2) (Figure 1). No difference was observed in radiation or procedure time when stratifying patients to BMI. (Figure 2)

Conclusion
Our study analyzing differences of radiation exposure according to elevated BMI among various PVI techniques shows that while there is a significant increase of DAP in patients with BMI &gt;26 kg/m² in all modalities, the lowest increase is registered in the PFA collective. These results suggest that PVI performed with PFA, if available, or HPSD-RFA should be the energy sources of choice in obese patients with respect to radiation exposure.
Left atrial wall thickness measured by a machine learning method predicts AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Gomes D , Bello A R , Freitas P , Matos D , Certo Pereira J , Rodrigues G , Carmo J , Moscoso Costa F , Galvao Santos P , Abecasis J , Carmo P , Bello Morgado F , Cavaco D , M. Ferreira A , Adragao P 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Left atrial (LA) remodeling plays a significant role in the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). Although LA wall thickness (LAWT) has emerged as an indicator of structural remodeling, its impact on AF outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to determine the association between LAWT and AF recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods
Single-center registry of patients enrolled for radiofrequency PVI from 2016 to 2018. In all cases, a pre-ablation CT scan was performed within less than 48 hours. Mean LAWT was retrospectively determined by a semi-automated machine learning method with minimal human intervention (ADAS 3D®). Additionally, regional tissue thickness was assessed in four locations: roof and inferior, posterior, and anterior walls. In a subgroup of patients, a pre-ablation cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was also performed within the same week. LA functional parameters and fibrosis, using 3D delayed gadolinium enhancement, were analyzed. The primary endpoint was AF recurrence after a 3-month blanking period.

Results
A total of 439 patients (mean age 61±12years, 62% male, 78% with paroxysmal AF) were included. The mean LAWT was 1.4±0.2mm (ranging from 0.9 to 1.9mm). Software processing duration was 8.2±0.4 min, and the mean human input time was 1.3±0.1 min. There was no correlation between LAWT and CT-derived LA-indexed volume (Spearman –0.01, p=0.845). During a median follow-up of 5.8 (IQR 4.9–6.6) years, 238 patients (54%) had an AF relapse. LAWT was an independent predictor of recurrence, after adjusting for known confounders including age, non-paroxysmal AF, LA-indexed volume, and chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR 6.49 [95% CI 2.70-15.49], p&lt;0.001). AF recurrence rates were 11%, 15%, and 21%/year across terciles of increasing LAWT (log-rank p&lt;0.001) – Figure. The posterior LAWT revealed the strongest association with the study endpoint (HR 1.93 [95% CI 1.24-3.02], p=0.004).
In the cohort of 62 patients with both CT and CMR, LAWT showed weak correlations with LA ejection fraction and LA coupling index (Spearman &lt;0.25; p=0.054 and p=0.093, respectively), and a moderate correlation with LA fibrosis (Spearman 0.468; p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions
Mean LAWT, easily assessed by commercially available machine learning software, is an independent predictor of AF recurrence after PVI in the long-term follow-up. This association is mainly driven by the posterior LAWT. Whether patients with increased LAWT should receive tailored therapy deserves further investigation.Figure
Pressure-guided evaluation of pulmonary vein occlusion during cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation compared to contrast-guided approach
Authors: Alothman O , Borisov G , Keelani A , Issa K , Fink A , Frommhold M , Raffa S , Geller C 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Single-shot ablation devices (e.g. cryoballoon [CB] technique) have simplified pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Vein occlusion is mainly assessed utilizing contrast media (CM) during CB ablation. However, this approach entails possible risks, including renal impairment and adverse contrast-related allergic reactions. Furthermore, the assessment of pulmonary venography is often challenging and necessitates fluoroscopy exposure.

Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to compare procedural data and outcome of pressure-guided (PG) vs. conventional (CM) assessment of vein occlusion.

Methods and results
From 07/2018 to 12/2022, 915 patients with AF (59% paroxysmal) undergoing CB-PVI at our hospital were prospectively enrolled (single-center experience). 369 (40,3%) patients (age 64,5 ± 10 years; 154 females 41,7%) underwent PVI with the use of CM (CM group), while in 546 (59,7%) cases (age 65,3 ± 10 years; 222 females 40,6%) pressure curve assessment (PG group) was exclusively used to guide the procedure (and no contrast was given).
Compared with the CM approach, pressure-guided procedures had lower X-ray time (9,5±5min vs 6,4±3,5min, P&lt;0,0001) and X-ray dose (586±546cGy/cm2 vs 96,7±93 cGy/cm2, P&lt;0,0001). Procedure time (PG: 90,3±20,1min, CM: 92,7±22,7 min, p:0,1 ) and ablation time (PG: 1352 ± 365 min, CM: 1393 ± 651 min, p: 0,2) were not different between groups. There was no significant difference observed in the BMI between the two groups, with a mean value of ca. 28.2 ± 4 kg/m2.
In 79 redo-procedures, persistent isolation of all pulmonary veins was observed in 11/45 (25%) patients in the CM group and 21/34 (61%) patients in the PG group (p: 0.001).

Conclusion
Compared to current (CM) assessment of vein occlusion, pressure monitoring is associated with less X-ray exposure during the index procedure and more frequent durable isolation of all PVs during repeat study for recurrence.
One shot "fire & ice"
Authors: Manfrin M , Bertagnolli L , Torri F , Unterhuber M 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the best and first strategies during ablation of atrial fibrillation (1-4). Short- and long-term effectivity as well as procedure time are important parameters during PVI-ablation. New efforts are made to find longer effectivity, low risk of the procedure and shorter procedure.

Purpose
The aim of our study is to compare the two "balloon - one shot" methods (radiofrequency balloon "RFB" and cryoballoon "CB") in terms of speed, efficacy and safety.

Methods
Prospective, randomized, pilot single-center trial including 74 consecutive patients with paroxysmal, persistent or long lasting persistent atrial fibrillation who undergo for the first time PVI-ablation between December 2022 and October 2023. Patient were randomized 1:1 according type of AF, Sex, Hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction e left atrial volume in a multi-electrode radiofrequency balloon catheter Heliostar ablation or in cryoballoon system ablation. Both groups had comparable clinical characteristics.

Results
Median Age of the population was 64 year (iq range 57-70), 19 were female (25,7%), 31 patients (42%) had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, median EF was 60% (iq range 55-65) and median left atrial volume 36 ml/mq (iq 28-40). 37 patients undergo cryoballoon PVI and 37 patients undergo RF balloon Ablation.
Compared with the RFB group, the CB group showed a shorter procedure time [65 minutes (55-75) vs. 75 minutes (65-90) (P &lt; 0.008)]. The DAP (dose area product) was lower in RFB Group [7 Gy*cm2 ( 5-10) vs CB Group 11 ( 7-18), p&lt;0,001]. First-pass isolation was comparable.
We had 5 complications in RFB group (1 pericardial effusion without pericardiocentesis, 3 transitory ST-elevation on ECG due to air embolism, 1 transient phrenic nerve palsy) and 3 complications in CB group (3 transient phrenic nerve palsy) P=ns. During the procedures in 3 cases of RF group and in 1 case of CB group (p=ns) we had to change the balloon due to technical issues.

Conclusion
The RFB appears to have a safety and efficacy profile similar to that of the CB for PVI. CB has shorter procedural times but with a higher X-Ray exposure.Figure 1Figure 2
Difference between cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablations for atrial fibrillation based on electroanatomical mechanisms
Authors: Kim M H , Kwon O S , Kim D , Kim K , Yu H T , Kim T H , Uhm J S , Joung B , Lee M H , Pak H N 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds
Cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (PVI; Cryo-PVI) has comparable results to conventional radiofrequency PVI (RF-PVI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, Cryo-PVI using a 28-mm cryoballoon has limitations for wide circumferential PVI or extra-pulmonary vein (PV) trigger (ExPVT) ablations. We compared long-term outcomes of Cryo-PVI and RF-PVI in patients without ExPVT and explored the potential electroanatomical mechanisms.

Methods
We identified 2,160 patients who underwent de novo AF ablation. After propensity score matching for age, sex, AF type, and left atrial (LA) diameter for patients without ExPVT (female 24.6%, mean 61.8years old, paroxysmal AF 53.2%), we compared rhythm outcomes between 403 Cryo-PVI and 403 RF-PVI procedures, considering AF type and LA size. We determined the LA diameter cutoff which best differentiated rhythm outcomes between RF-PVI and Cryo-PVI using a maximum likelihood approach based on the Cox proportional hazard model and investigated the relationship between PVI level and LA mass reduction through computational modeling.

Results
During the 24 months of median follow-up, Cryo-PVI showed poorer rhythm outcomes to RF-PVI (Log-rank p=0.009) in overall patients. However, Cryo-PVI showed comparable overall rhythm outcomes to RF-PVI (Log-rank p=0.370) in patients with paroxysmal AF. Cryo-PVI showed higher AF recurrence in patients with larger LA size (LA diameter≥40mm; hazard ratio [HR] 1.55 [1.04-2.30]; log-rank p=0.030) or with persistent AF (log-rank p=0.001). In the computational modeling, PV antrum was likely to be covered by Cryo-PVI in patients with small LA, but not in those with large LA.

Conclusions
Cryo-PVI showed inferior rhythm outcomes than RF-PVI in patients with higher LA diameter or with persistent AF.