Catheter ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation: the A4 study. Left atrial ablation versus biatrial ablation for persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation: a prospective and randomized study. A randomized assessment of the incremental role of ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms after antral pulmonary vein isolation for long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation. Circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation for chronic atrial fibrillation. Noninducibility of atrial fibrillation as an end point of left atrial circumferential ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a randomized study. Catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: segmental pulmonary vein ostial ablation versus left atrial ablation. Prophylactic cavotricuspid isthmus block during atrial fibrillation ablation in patients without atrial flutter: a randomised controlled trial. Single procedure efficacy of isolating all versus arrhythmogenic pulmonary veins on long-term control of atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized study. A randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation and amiodarone in the treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation and linear lesions in atrial fibrillation ablation. Ablation of superior pulmonary veins compared to ablation of all four pulmonary veins:. Achievement of pulmonary vein isolation in patients undergoing circumferential pulmonary vein ablation: a randomized comparison between two different isolation approaches. Pulmonary vein isolation combined with superior vena cava isolation for atrial fibrillation ablation: a prospective randomized study. Substrate modification combined with pulmonary vein isolation improves outcome of catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized comparison. Catheter ablation treatment in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation: a prospective, multi-centre, randomized, controlled study (Catheter Ablation For The Cure Of Atrial Fibrillation Study). Does electrogram guided substrate ablation add to the success of pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation? A prospective, randomized study. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2: results from a randomized study comparing pulmonary vein isolation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy. A randomized trial to compare atrial fibrillation ablation using a steerable vs. a non-steerable sheath. Left mitral isthmus ablation associated with PV Isolation: long-term results of a prospective randomized study. Changes in atrial fibrillation cycle length and inducibility during catheter ablation and their relation to outcome. Techniques, evaluation, and consequences of linear block at the left atrial roof in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized study. Is circumferential pulmonary vein isolation preferable to stepwise segmental pulmonary vein isolation for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation? A randomized trial of circumferential pulmonary vein ablation versus antiarrhythmic drug therapy in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: the APAF Study. Prevention of iatrogenic atrial tachycardia after ablation of atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized study comparing circumferential pulmonary vein ablation with a modified approach. Small or large isolation areas around the pulmonary veins for the treatment of atrial fibrillation? Results from a prospective randomized study. Randomized comparison between open irrigation technology and intracardiac-echo-guided energy delivery for pulmonary vein antrum isolation: procedural parameters, outcomes, and the effect on esophageal injury. Radiofrequency ablation vs antiarrhythmic drugs as first-line treatment of symptomatic atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial. Randomized study comparing combined pulmonary vein-left atrial junction disconnection and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation versus pulmonary vein-left atrial junction disconnection alone in patients presenting with typical atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. Efficacy of adjuvant anterior left atrial ablation during intracardiac echocardiography-guided pulmonary vein antrum isolation for atrial fibrillation.
The mainstay of treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains pharmacological; however, catheter ablation has increasingly been used over the last decade. The relative merits of each strategy have not been extensively studied.
                We conducted a randomized multicenter comparison of these 2 treatment strategies in patients with paroxysmal AF resistant to at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug. The primary end point was absence of recurrent AF between months 3 and 12, absence of recurrent AF after up to 3 ablation procedures, or changes in antiarrhythmic drugs during the first 3 months. Ablation consisted of pulmonary vein isolation in all cases, whereas additional extrapulmonary vein lesions were at the discretion of the physician. Crossover was permitted at 3 months in case of failure. Echocardiographic data, symptom score, exercise capacity, quality of life, and AF burden were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months by the supervising committee. Of 149 eligible patients, 112 (18 women [16%]; age, 51.1+/-11.1 years) were enrolled and randomized to ablation (n=53) or "new" antiarrhythmic drugs alone or in combination (n=59). Crossover from the antiarrhythmic drugs and ablation groups occurred in 37 (63%) and 5 patients (9%), respectively (P=0.0001). At the 1-year follow-up, 13 of 55 patients (23%) and 46 of 52 patients (89%) had no recurrence of AF in the antiarrhythmic drug and ablation groups, respectively (P<0.0001). Symptom score, exercise capacity, and quality of life were significantly higher in the ablation group.
                This randomized multicenter study demonstrates the superiority of catheter ablation over antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with AF with regard to maintenance of sinus rhythm and improvement in symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The aim of this study was to compare--in patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation (AF)--the efficacy and safety of left atrial ablation with that of a biatrial approach.
                Left atrium-based catheter ablation of AF, although very effective in the paroxysmal form of the arrhythmia, has an insufficient efficacy in patients with persistent and permanent AF.
                Eighty highly symptomatic patients (age, 58.6 +/- 8.9 years) with persistent (n = 43) and permanent AF (n = 37), refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs, were randomized to two different ablation approaches guided by electroanatomical mapping. A procedure including circumferential pulmonary vein, mitral isthmus, and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation was performed in 41 cases (left atrial ablation group). In the remaining 39 patients (biatrial ablation group), the aforementioned approach was integrated by the following lesions in the right atrium: intercaval posterior line, intercaval septal line, and electrical disconnection of the superior vena cava.
                During follow-up (mean duration 14 +/- 5 months), AF recurred in 39% of patients in the left atrial ablation group and in 15% of patients in the biatrial ablation group (p = 0.022). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that ablation technique was an independent predictor of AF recurrence during follow-up.
                In patients with persistent and permanent AF, circumferential pulmonary vein ablation, combined with linear lesions in the right atrium, is feasible, safe, and has a significantly higher success rate than left atrial and cavotricuspid ablation alone. This study sought to determine whether ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) after antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) further improves the clinical outcome of APVI in patients with long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).
                Ablation of CFAEs has been reported to eliminate persistent AF. However, residual pulmonary vein arrhythmogenicity is a common mechanism of recurrence.
                In this randomized study, 119 consecutive patients (mean age 60 +/- 9 years) with long-lasting persistent AF underwent APVI with an irrigated-tip radiofrequency ablation catheter. Antral pulmonary vein isolation resulted in termination of AF in 19 of 119 patients (Group A, 16%). The remaining 100 patients who still were in AF were randomized to no further ablation and underwent cardioversion (Group B, n = 50) or to ablation of CFAEs in the left atrium or coronary sinus for up to 2 additional hours of procedure duration (Group C, n = 50).
                Atrial fibrillation terminated during ablation of CFAEs in 9 of 50 patients (18%) in Group C. At 10 +/- 3 months after a single ablation procedure, 18 of 50 (36%) in Group B and 17 of 50 (34%) in Group C were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.84). In Group A, 15 of 19 patients (79%) were in sinus rhythm. A repeat ablation procedure was performed in 34 of 100 randomized patients (for AF in 30 and atrial flutter in 4). At 9 +/- 4 months after the final procedure, 34 of 50 (68%) in Group B and 30 of 50 (60%) in Group C were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.40).
                Up to 2 h of additional ablation of CFAEs after APVI does not appear to improve clinical outcomes in patients with long-lasting persistent AF. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation.
                A total of 146 patients with a mean (+/-SD) age of 57+/-9 years who had chronic atrial fibrillation were randomly assigned to receive amiodarone and undergo two cardioversions during the first three months alone (the control group) or in combination with circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation. Cardiac rhythm was assessed with daily telephonic transmissions for one year. The left atrial diameter and the severity of symptoms were assessed at 12 months.
                Among the 77 patients assigned to undergo circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation, ablation was repeated because of recurrent atrial fibrillation in 26 percent of patients and atypical atrial flutter in 6 percent. An intention-to-treat analysis showed that 74 percent of patients in the ablation group and 58 percent of those in the control group were free of recurrent atrial fibrillation or flutter without antiarrhythmic-drug therapy at one year (P=0.05). Among the 69 patients in the control group, 53 (77 percent) crossed over to undergo circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation by one year and only 3 (4 percent) were in sinus rhythm without antiarrhythmic-drug therapy or ablation. There were significant decreases in the left atrial diameter (12+/-11 percent, P<0.001) and the symptom severity score (59+/-21 percent, P<0.001) among patients who remained in sinus rhythm after circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation. Except for atypical atrial flutter, there were no complications attributable to circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation.
                Sinus rhythm can be maintained long term in the majority of patients with chronic atrial fibrillation by means of circumferential pulmonary-vein ablation independently of the effects of antiarrhythmic-drug therapy, cardioversion, or both. The maintenance of sinus rhythm is associated with a significant decrease in both the severity of symptoms and the left atrial diameter.
                Copyright 2006 Massachusetts Medical Society. An anatomic approach of left atrial radiofrequency circumferential ablation (LACA) to encircle the pulmonary veins is often effective in eliminating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, no electrophysiological end points other than voltage abatement and/or conduction slowing or block across ablation lines have been used. It has been unclear whether noninducibility of AF is a clinically useful end point.
                In 100 patients with paroxysmal AF (mean age, 55+/-10 years), LACA to encircle the left- and right-sided pulmonary veins was performed during AF, with additional ablation lines in the posterior left atrium and mitral isthmus, with an 8-mm-tip catheter. After completion of this lesion set, sinus rhythm was present, and AF lasting >60 seconds was not inducible in 40 patients (40%; group 1). The 60 patients in whom AF was still present or who still had inducible AF were randomly assigned to no further ablation (group 2; 30 patients) or to additional ablation lines along the left atrial septum, roof, and/or anterior wall where there were fractionated electrograms (group 3; 30 patients). In group 3, AF was rendered noninducible in 27 of 30 patients (90%). At a 6-month follow-up, 67% of patients in group 2 were free of AF without drug therapy compared with 86% of patients in group 3. (P=0.05, log-rank test). Left atrial flutter occurred in 17% and 27% of patients in each group, respectively (P=0.3).
                After LACA in patients with paroxysmal AF, AF usually can be rendered noninducible by additional ablation at sites of fractionated electrograms. Noninducibility of AF attained by additional electrogram-guided left atrial ablation may be associated with a better midterm clinical outcome than when AF is still inducible after LACA alone. Segmental ostial catheter ablation (SOCA) to isolate the pulmonary veins (PVs) and left atrial catheter ablation (LACA) to encircle the PVs both may eliminate paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). The relative efficacy of these 2 techniques has not been directly compared.
                Of 80 consecutive patients with symptomatic PAF (age, 52+/-10 years), 40 patients underwent PV isolation by SOCA and 40 patients underwent LACA to encircle the PVs. During SOCA, ostial PV potentials recorded with a ring catheter were targeted. LACA was performed by encircling the left- and right-sided PVs 1 to 2 cm from the ostia and was guided by an electroanatomic mapping system; ablation lines also were created in the mitral isthmus and posterior left atrium. The mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 156+/-45 and 50+/-17 minutes for SOCA and 149+/-33 and 39+/-12 minutes for LACA, respectively. At 6 months, 67% of patients who underwent SOCA and 88% of patients who underwent LACA were free of symptomatic PAF when not taking antiarrhythmic drug therapy (P=0.02). Among the variables of age, sex, duration and frequency of PAF, ejection fraction, left atrial size, structural heart disease, and the ablation technique, only an increased left atrial size and the SOCA technique were independent predictors of recurrent PAF. The only complication was left atrial flutter in a patient who underwent LACA.
                In patients undergoing catheter ablation for PAF, LACA to encircle the PVs is more effective than SOCA. This randomised trial evaluated if patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and no history of atrial flutter (AFL) had any benefit of prophylactic cavotricuspid isthmus block (CTIB) in addition to circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA).
                149 patients with AF (54% paroxysmal) were randomised to CPVA and CTIB (group CTIB+, n = 73) or CPVA alone (group CTIB-, n = 76). Patients were followed for 12 months with repetitive 7-day Holter monitoring after 3, 6 and 12 months.
                Six patients (4%) had cardiac tamponade, and one patient had a stroke. No difference was found in the cumulative AFL-free rate between the two treatment groups (CTIB+: 88% vs CTIB-: 84%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.80, 95% CI (0.34 to 1.90), p = 0.61). There was no difference in the cumulative AF-free rate between the groups (CTIB+: 34% vs CTIB-: 32%, HR 0.93, 95% CI (0.63 to 1.38), p = 0.71). Overall, 33% of the patients were free of AF after a single procedure. Including reprocedures, a complete or partial beneficial effect was noted in 62% of the patients at 12 months. At 12-month follow-up, 24 (50%) patients with documented AF or AFL in the Holter recordings were asymptomatic.
                It was not possible to demonstrate any beneficial effect of CTIB in addition to CPVA with regard to AFL or AF recurrences during follow-up. Repetitive long-term Holter monitoring demonstrated a 33% rate of freedom from AF during a 1-year follow-up. Including additional CPVA procedures, a clinical effect was noted in 62% of the patients at 12 months. Patients with AF or AFL recurrences were often asymptomatic. Current atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation involves isolation of all pulmonary veins (PVs) with or without additional linear lesions. However, whether such extensive ablation is necessary is unclear.
                The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of different ablation strategies on long-term AF control.
                We prospectively randomized patients to undergo isolation of all versus arrhythmogenic PVs (identified by standardized stimulation protocol). PV isolation was guided by circular mapping catheter. The endpoint was entry/exit block persisting for > or = 20 minutes. Patients were evaluated at three clinic visits (at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year) and multiple transtelephonic monitoring periods. Antiarrhythmic drugs were discontinued at 6 weeks. Primary study endpoint was long-term AF control (freedom or >90% reduction in AF burden off or on previously ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs at 1 year after a single ablation procedure).
                Over a 20-month period, 105 patients (76 men and 29 women, age 57 +/- 9 years; paroxysmal AF = 77) were randomized, and 103 patients completed 1-year follow-up (51 patients in all-PV arm, 52 patients in arrhythmogenic PV arm). The primary endpoint was achieved in 75 (73%) patients and was similar in patients randomized to all-PV arm versus arrhythmogenic PV arm [38 (75%) patients vs 37 (71%) patients, respectively; odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 0.50, 2.83, P = .70]. Secondary study endpoints, including freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drugs, total procedure/fluoroscopy times, and occurrence of serious adverse events, were not different between the two groups.
                In a randomized comparison, isolation of arrhythmogenic veins was as efficacious as empiric isolation of all veins in achieving long-term AF control. The limited efficacy and proarrhythmic risks of antiarrhythmia agents have resulted in alternative therapeutic approaches. Radiofrequency ablation has been reported to be an effective treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation. However, there is no randomized clinical trial comparing drug and radiofrequency ablation. The authors randomized 30 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation refractory to medication into amiodarone and radiofrequency ablation. The primary objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of amiodarone and radiofrequency ablation in the maintenance of sinus rhythm at 1 year after randomization. Pulmonary vein isolation and linear ablation of right atrium was the technique used for radiofrequency ablation. There were no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics between the 2 groups. The results of this study showed that the probability of free from atrial fibrillation was better in the radiofrequency ablation group compared to amiodarone (78.6% in the ablation group and 40% in the amiodarone group, p = 0.018). Radiofrequency ablation results in a significant reduction in symptoms relating to atrial fibrillation and a significant improvement in quality of life, whereas amiodarone had no significant effect on symptoms and quality of life. There was an ischemic stroke as a major complication related to radiofrequency ablation. Amiodarone was associated with adverse effects in 46.7 per cent of patients and needed discontinuation in 1 patient. In conclusion, radiofrequency ablation is an effective alternative treatment in patients with atrial fibrillation refractory to medication. Various strategies have been used for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. It is unclear whether adding linear lesions to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has significant advantages.
                We assessed the clinical benefit of adding linear lesions in patients undergoing PV isolation for AF.
                One hundred patients (63 male and 37 female; mean age of 59 +/- 11 years) with documented paroxysmal AF were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. The first group underwent PV isolation alone. The second group underwent PV isolation and had two linear lesions created; one line between the superior PVs, and a second line from the left inferior PV to the mitral valve annulus. Patients' clinical progress after the ablation was evaluated and compared at 1, 3, and 9 months after their respective ablation procedures.
                The linear lesions group maintained sinus rhythm and had fewer symptoms than the lone PV isolation group (86 vs. 58%, respectively) (p < 0.05) at 1 month. At 9 months, when patients who reverted to AF underwent additional management to regain sinus rhythm (90 vs. 82%, respectively) (p = NS), there was no statistical difference between the groups regarding the use of antiarrhythmics, the need for electrical cardioversion, and subjective improvement.
                The addition of linear lesions to PV isolation more effectively achieved sinus rhythm initially and fewer patients required additional management to maintain their rhythm when compared to patients who underwent lone PV isolation. However, at 9 months, the overall results were similar in both groups. Isolation of all pulmonary veins (PV) is advocated for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). However, the superior PVs are responsible for most AF triggers, whereas the inferior PVs carry the higher risk for ablation-induced ostial stenosis. The aim of this study was to compare a superior PV isolation approach with isolation of all PVs for treatment of PAF.
                Fifty-two patients with PAF were randomized to either left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) isolation followed by additional isolation of the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) in case of AF recurrence (group A, n = 27) or isolation of all four PVs followed by a repeat procedure in case of recurrence (group B, n = 25). At 1-year follow-up, 11 patients (41%) in group A and 8 patients (32%) in group B had AF relapse (P = 0.55). No significant differences in AF relapse were detected between groups at 3 and 12 months (log rank = 0.36, P = 0.54) and by Cox proportional hazards model analysis (P = 0.62). Nonsignificant PV stenosis was detected in two patients from group B. Total radiofrequency energy delivery and fluoroscopy and procedure times were lower in group A: 8.9 +/- 1.4 minutes vs 25.6 +/- 3.7 minutes (P < 0.001), 22.2 +/- 6.8 minutes vs 62 +/- 10.3 minutes (P < 0.001), and 131.8 +/- 26.5 minutes vs 222.2 +/- 32.3 minutes (P < 0.001), respectively.
                A staged superior PVs isolation approach confers equal success rates but with reduced radiofrequency energy delivery and fluoroscopy and procedure times compared to isolation of all PVs at the initial ablation attempt. Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) with the endpoint of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has been developed as an effective therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). This endpoint can be achieved either by closing gaps along circular lines or by segmental PV isolation inside the circular lines after creation of initial CPVA lesions. We investigated whether the clinical outcome depends on the PV isolation approach used during the first-time CPVA procedure.
                One hundred consecutive patients (69 male; age, 56.7 +/- 11.6 years) who underwent first-time CPVA for treatment of symptomatic AF were enrolled. PV isolation was randomly achieved either by CPVA alone (aggressive CPVA [A-CPVA] group, n = 50) or by a combination of CPVA with segmental PV ostia ablation (modified CPVA [M-CPVA] group, n = 50). Recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATa) within 3 months after the initial procedure occurred in 30 patients (60%) in the M-CPVA group and in only 15 patients (30%) in the A-CPVA group (P < 0.01). ATa relapse after the first 3 months was detected in 21 patients (42%) in the M-CPVA group, compared with 9 patients (18%) in the A-CPVA group (P = 0.01). At 13 +/- 4 months, patients treated by the A-CPVA approach had greater freedom from ATa recurrence than patients who underwent M-CPVA (P = 0.01). The M-CPVA approach was the only independent predictor associated with procedural failure (RR 0.318; 95% CI 0.123-0.821; P = 0.02).
                When PV isolation is the endpoint of CPVA, the efficacy of the A-CPVA approach is better than that of M-CPVA. Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) is an established strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Superior vena cava (SVC), by harbouring the majority of non-pulmonary vein (PV) foci, is the most common non-PV origin for AF. However, it is unknown whether CPVI combined with SVC isolation (SVCI) could improve clinical results and whether SVCI is technically safe and feasible.
                A total of 106 cases (58 males, average age 66.0 +/- 8.8 years) with paroxysmal AF were included for ablation. They were allocated randomly to two groups: CPVI group (n = 54) and CPVI + SVCI group (n = 52). All cases underwent the procedure successfully. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all cases. The procedural time and fluoroscopic time were comparable between the two groups. The mean ablation time for SVC was 7.8 +/- 2.7 min. Superior vena cava isolation was obtained in 50/52 cases. In the remaining two cases, SVCI was not achieved because of obviating diaphragmatic nerve injury. During a mean follow-up of 4 +/- 2 months, 12 (22.2%) cases in the CPVI group and 10 (19.2%) cases in the CPVI + SVCI group had atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATa) recurrence (P = 0.70). Nine of 12 cases in the CPVI group and 8/10 cases in the CPVI + SVCI group underwent reablation (P = 0.86), and PV reconnection occurred in 7/9 cases in the CPVI group and in 8/8 cases in the CPVI + SVCI group. All PV reconnection was reisolated by gaps ablation. There was no SVC reconnection in the CPVI + SVCI group. In two cases without PV reconnection from the CPVI group, SVC-originated short run of atrial tachycardia was identified and eliminated by the SVCI. At the end of 12 months of follow-up, 50 cases (92.6%) in the CPVI group and 49 (94.2%) in the CPVI + SVC group were free of ATa recurrence (P = 0.73).
                In our series of paroxysmal AF patients, empirically adding SVCI to CPVI did not significantly reduce the AF recurrence after ablation. Superior vena cava isolation may be useful, however, in selected patients in whom the SVC is identified as a trigger for AF. However, because of the preliminary property of the study and its relatively small sample size, the impact of SVCI on clinical results should be evaluated in a large series of patients. To investigate the effectiveness of additional substrate modification (SM) by left atrial (LA) linear lesions as compared with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) in a prospective randomized study. Percutaneous PVI has evolved as an accepted treatment for paroxysmal AF but seemed to be less effective in patients with persistent AF. The benefit of PVI alone and additional linear lesions has not been validated in a randomized study so far.
                Sixty-two patients with persistent AF (median duration 7, range 1-18 months) were randomly assigned to either PVI alone (n = 30) or additional SM (n =32) consisting of a roof line connecting both left superior and right superior PV and LA isthmus ablation between left inferior PV and mitral annulus. Procedures including SM were performed using a three-dimensional mapping system (EnSite NavX, St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA). Anti-arrhythmic drugs were discontinued within 8 weeks after ablation in both groups. Follow-up included daily trans-telephonic ECG transmitted irrespective of the patient's symptoms. PVI was successful in 98% of all targeted veins in both groups. Additional SM did not increase fluoroscopy time (72.1+/-18.7 vs. 72.9+/-17.3 min, P=0.92) because of the use of three-dimensional navigation in the PVI+SM group. AF recurrences within the first 4 weeks following ablation were more common after PVI alone (77%) than additional SM (44%, P=0.002). After a follow-up time of 487 (429-570) days, only 20% of patients undergoing stand alone PVI remained in sinus rhythm when compared with 69% following PVI combined with SM (P=0.0001). Two patients assigned to PVI+SM experienced procedure-related complications (cardiac tamponade and minor stroke) which resolved without sequelae.
                PVI alone is insufficient in the treatment of persistent AF. However, additional left linear lesions increase the success rate significantly. Early AF-relapses are associated with a negative outcome after PVI alone but not following additional SM. We conducted a multi-centre, prospective, controlled, randomized trial to investigate the adjunctive role of ablation therapy to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) relapses in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF in whom antiarrhythmic drug therapy had already failed.
                One hundred and thirty seven patients were randomized to ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ablation group) or antiarrhythmic drug therapy alone (control group). In the ablation group, patients underwent cavo-tricuspid and left inferior pulmonary vein (PV)-mitral isthmus ablation plus circumferential PV ablation. The primary end-point of the study was the absence of any recurrence of atrial arrhythmia lasting >30 s in the 1-year follow-up period, after 1-month blanking period. Three (4.4%) major complications were related to ablation: one patient had a stroke during left atrium ablation, another suffered transient phrenic paralysis, and the third had a pericardial effusion which required pericardiocentesis. After 12 months of follow-up, 63/69 (91.3%) control group patients had at least one AF recurrence, whereas 30/68 (44.1%) (P<0.001) ablation group patients had atrial arrhythmia recurrence (four patients had atrial flutter, 26 patients AF).
                Ablation therapy combined with antiarrhythmic drug therapy is superior to antiarrhythmic drug therapy alone in preventing atrial arrhythmia recurrences in patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF in whom antiarrhythmic drug therapy has already failed. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established treatment for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) has emerged as a novel treatment approach. We sought to evaluate the additional effect of CFAE ablation to PVI in paroxysmal AF.
                Ninety-eight patients with paroxysmal AF (57 +/- 10 years, 74 male) were randomized to the PVI (n = 48) or PVI + CFAE group (n = 50). After PVI, CFAE ablation was performed in patients with inducible AF in the PVI + CFAE group. The primary endpoint was combined objective (7-day Holter ECG) and subjective (symptoms) freedom of atrial tachyarrhythmia 3 months after ablation. Long-term follow-up (19 +/- 8 months) was available in 94 of 98 patients. CFAE ablation was performed in 30 of 50 patients of the PVI + CFAE group. After 3 months, 36 of 48 patients (75%) in the PVI group and 38 of 50 patients (76%) in the PVI + CFAE group were in stable sinus rhythm (P = NS). During long-term follow-up (19 +/- 8 months), 34 of 46 patients (74%) in the PVI group and 40 of 48 patients (83%) in the PVI + CFAE group were in sinus rhythm (P = 0.08). In a subgroup analysis, a significantly better long-term outcome was achieved if inducible AF after PVI had been treated by additional CFAE ablation as compared with PVI only (sinus rhythm in 25/28 patients; 89% vs 22/30 patients 73%; P = 0.003).
                In the intention-to-treat analysis, additional CFAE ablation did not improve the success rate of PVI in patients with paroxysmal AF. However, during long-term follow-up, patients with still inducible AF after PVI seemed to profit from additional CFAE ablation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) often coexist; however, a small number of patients with DM2 undergoing catheter ablation (CA) of AF have been included in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of ablation therapy in DM2 patients with drug refractory AF.
                From January 2005 to September 2006, 70 patients with a diagnosis of DM2 and paroxysmal (n = 29) or persistent (n = 41) AF were randomized to receive either pulmonary vein isolation or a new antiarrhythmic drug treatment (ADT) with a 1-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was the time to first AF recurrence. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, at the end of follow-up, 42.9% of patients in the ADT group and 80% of patients who received a single ablation procedure and were without medications were free of AF (P = 0.001). In the ablation group, a significant improvement in quality-of-life (QoL) scores as compared with ADT group was observed. Six patients in the ADT group (17.1%) developed significant adverse drug effects. Hospitalization rate during follow-up was higher in the ADT group (P = 0.01). The only complication attributable to ablation was one significant access-site hematoma.
                In patients with DM2, CA of AF provides significant clinical benefits over the ADT and appears to be a reasonable approach regarding feasibility, effectiveness, and low procedural risk. Catheter positioning and stability are recognized challenges in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective randomized study assessed whether routinely using a steerable sheath affects procedure outcomes.
                Fifty-six AF patients were randomized to ablation using either an Agilis NXT (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) steerable sheath or a fixed-curve Mullins sheath (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) for the ablation catheter. A mapping system with CT integration was used to isolate the pulmonary veins (PVs) in pairs and further ablation performed if AF persisted. There was no significant difference in time to gain trans-septal access, CT registration time, time to isolate PVs, fluoroscopy time for PV isolation, total procedure time, or total fluoroscopy time. A learning curve was seen for the steerable sheath, and after correcting for this, CT registration time and right PV isolation were quicker in this group. One patient crossed over from fixed-curve to steerable. Acute, 3-, and 6-month single procedure success were similar in both groups.
                Allowing for the usage learning curve, a steerable sheath reduced time for some elements of AF ablation. Although this did not result in improved success, it may be useful for inexperienced operators, but at increased procedure cost. The deployment of an ablation line connecting the left inferior PV to the mitral annulus (mitral isthmus line [MIL]) enhances the efficacy of pulmonary vein disconnection (PVD) in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences.
                To investigate the long-term effect of the additional linear lesion in a prospective randomized study.
                One hundred and eighty-seven patients (37 females, mean age: 55 +/- 11 years) with paroxysmal (126) or persistent (61 patients) AF, were prospectively randomized into two groups: PVD (group A, 92 patients) or PVD combined with MIL (group B, 95 patients), performed by means of an irrigated-tip ablation catheter.
                Successful disconnection of all PVs was achieved in all patients. A bidirectional block (BB) along the left atrial isthmus was obtained in 72 of 95 (76%) patients in group B, most of whom required additional RF pulses from within the distal CS. A transient ischemic attack occurred in 1 patient of group A, and a cardiac tamponade occurred in 1 patient of group B. At 1 year, 53 +/- 5% (group A) and 71 +/- 5% (group B) remained arrhythmia free (P = 0.01); subgroup analysis highlights a higher improvement among patients with persistent AF (74 +/- 9% vs 36 +/- 9%; P < 0.01) than what was observed in paroxysmal AF (76 +/- 6% vs 62 +/- 6%; P < 0.05); antiarrhythmic drugs were continued in 56% and 50%, respectively, in groups A and B (P = ns).
                The addition of mitral isthmus line to the PV disconnection allows a significant improvement of sinus rhythm maintenance rate, particularly in patients with persistent AF, without the risk for major complications. The modification of atrial fibrillation cycle length (AFCL) during catheter ablation in humans has not been evaluated.
                Seventy patients undergoing ablation of prolonged episodes of AF were randomized to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation or additional ablation of the mitral isthmus. Mean AFCL was determined at a distance from the ablated area (coronary sinus) at the following intervals: before ablation, after 2- and 4-PV isolations, and after linear ablation. Inducibility of sustained AF (> or =10 minutes) was determined before and after ablation. Spontaneous sustained AF (715+/-845 minutes) was present in 30 patients and induced in 26 (AFCL, 186+/-19 ms). PV isolation terminated AF in 75%, with the number of PVs requiring isolation before termination increasing with AF duration (P=0.018). PV isolation resulted in progressive or abrupt AFCL prolongation to various extents, depending on the PV: to 214+/-24 ms (P<0.0001) when AF terminated and to 194+/-19 ms (P=0.002) when AF persisted. The increase in AFCL (30+/-17 versus 14+/-11 ms; P=0.005) and the decrease in fragmentation (30.0+/-26.8% to 10.3+/-14.5%; P<0.0001) were significantly greater in patients with AF termination. Linear ablation prolonged AFCL, with a greater prolongation in patients with AF termination (44+/-13 versus 22+/-23 ms; P=0.08). Sustained AF was noninducible in 57% after PV isolation and in 77% after linear ablation. At 7+/-3 months, 74% with PV isolation and 83% with linear ablation were arrhythmia free without antiarrhythmics, which was significantly associated with noninducibility (P=0.03) with a recurrence rate of 38% and 13% in patients with and without inducibility, respectively.
                AF ablation results in a decline in AF frequency, with a magnitude correlating with termination of AF and prevention of inducibility that is predictive of subsequent clinical outcome. There are no reports describing the technique, electrophysiological evaluation, and clinical consequences of complete linear block at roofline joining the superior pulmonary veins (PVs) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF).
                Ninety patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation were prospectively randomized into 2 ablation strategies: (1) PV isolation (n=45) or (2) PV isolation in combination with linear ablation joining the 2 superior PVs (roofline; n=45). In both groups, the cavotricuspid isthmus, fragmented peri-PV-ostial electrograms, and spontaneous non-PV foci were ablated. Roofline ablation was performed at the most cranial part of the left atrium (LA) with complete conduction block demonstrated during LA appendage pacing by the online mapping of continuous double potential and an activation detour propagating around the PVs to activate caudocranially the posterior wall of the LA. The effect of ablation at the LA roof was evaluated by the change in fibrillatory cycle length, termination and noninducibility of AF, and clinical outcome. PV isolation was achieved in all patients with no significant differences in the radiofrequency duration, fluoroscopy, or procedural time between the groups. Roofline ablation required 12+/-6 (median 11, range 3 to 25) minutes of radiofrequency energy delivery with a fluoroscopic duration of 7+/-2 minutes and was performed in 19+/-7 minutes. Complete block was confirmed in 43 patients (96%) and resulted in an activation delay that was shorter circumventing the left than the right PVs during LA appendage pacing (138+/-15 versus 146+/-25 ms, respectively; P=0.01). Roofline ablation resulted in a significant increase in the fibrillatory cycle length (198+/-38 to 217+/-44 ms; P=0.0005), termination of arrhythmia in 47% (8/17), and subsequent noninducibility of AF in 59% (10/17) of the patients inducible after PV isolation. However, LA flutter, predominantly perimitral, could be induced in 10 patients (22%) after roofline ablation. At 15+/-4 months, 87% of the roofline group and 69% with PV isolation alone are arrhythmia free without antiarrhythmics (P=0.04).
                This prospective randomized study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving complete linear block at the LA roof. Such ablation resulted in the prolongation of the fibrillatory cycle, termination of AF, and subsequent noninducibility and is associated with an improved clinical outcome compared with PV isolation alone. Stepwise segmental pulmonary vein isolation (SPVI) and circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) have been developed to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but the preferable approach for paroxysmal AF (PAF) has not been established.
                One hundred and ten patients with symptomatic PAF were randomized into a stepwise SPVI group (n=55) or CPVI group (n=55). Systemic SPVI combined with left atrial linear ablation tailored by inducibility of AF was performed in the stepwise SPVI group. Circumferential linear ablation around the left and right-sided pulmonary veins (PVs) guided by 3-dimensional electroanatomic mapping was performed in the CPVI group. The endpoints of ablation are non-induciblity of AF in the stepwise SPVI group and continuity of circular lesions combined with PV isolation in the CPVI group. After the initial procedures, atrial tachyarrhythmis (ATa) recurred within the first 3 months in 23 of the 55 patients (41.8%) who underwent stepwise SPVI and in 20 of the 55 patients (36.4%) who had CPVI (p=0.69). Repeat procedures were performed in 7 patients from the stepwise SPVI group and 5 from the CPVI group (p=0.76). During the 3-9 months after the last procedure, 46 patients (83.6%) from the CPVI group and 43 (78.2%) from the stepwise SPVI group did not have symptomatic ATa while not taking anti-arrhythmic drugs (p=0.63). Severe subcutaneous hematoma or PV stenosis occurred in 3 patients.
                The efficacy of stepwise SPVI is comparable to that of CPVI for patients with PAF. We compared ablation strategy with antiarrhythmic drug therapy (ADT) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).
                Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation strategy is superior to ADT in patients with an initial history of PAF, but its role in patients with a long history of AF as compared with ADT remains a challenge.
                One hundred ninety-eight patients (age, 56 +/- 10 years) with PAF of 6 +/- 5 years' duration (mean AF episodes 3.4/month) who had failed ADT were randomized to AF ablation by circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) or to the maximum tolerable doses of another ADT, which included flecainide, sotalol, and amiodarone. Crossover to CPVA was allowed after 3 months of ADT.
                By Kaplan-Meier analysis, 86% of patients in the CPVA group and 22% of those in the ADT group who did not require a second ADT were free from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT) (p < 0.001); a repeat ablation was performed in 9% of patients in the CPVA group for recurrent AF (6%) or atrial tachycardia (3%). At 1 year, 93% and 35% of the CPVA and ADT groups, respectively, were AT-free. Ejection fraction, hypertension, and age independently predicted AF recurrences in the ADT group. Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation was associated with fewer cardiovascular hospitalizations (p < 0.01). One transient ischemic attack and 1 pericardial effusion occurred in the CPVA group; side effects of ADT were observed in 23 patients.
                Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation is more successful than ADT for prevention of PAF with few complications. Atrial fibrillation ablation warrants consideration in selected patients in whom ADT had already failed and maintenance of sinus rhythm is desired. (A Controlled Randomized Trial of CPVA Versus Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy in for Paroxysmal AF: APAF/01; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show; NCT00340314). Circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) is effective in curing atrial fibrillation (AF), but new-onset left atrial tachycardia (AT) is a potential complication. We evaluated whether a modified CPVA approach including additional ablation lines on posterior wall and the mitral isthmus would reduce the incidence of AT after PV ablation.
                A total of 560 patients (291 men, 52%; age, 56.5+/-7.3 years) entered the study; 280 were randomized to CPVA alone (group 1) and 280 to modified CPVA (group 2). The primary end point was freedom from AT after the procedure. In group 1, 28 patients (10%) experienced new-onset AT, and 41 (14.3%) experienced recurrent AF. In group 2, 11 patients (3.9%) experienced AT, and 36 (12.9%) had recurrent AF. Group 1 was more likely to experience AT than group 2 (P=0.005). Freedom from AF after ablation was similar in both groups (P=0.57). Among those in group 1, gap-related macroreentrant AT was documented in 23 of the 28 patients (82%), and focal AT was found in 5 (18%). In group 2, gap-related macroreentrant AT was found in 8 of the 11 patients (73%), and focal AT was seen in 3 (27%). Two patients in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2 had both AT and AF. The strongest predictor of AT was the presence of gaps (P<0.001).
                Modified CPVA is as effective as CPVA in preventing AF but is associated with a lower risk of developing incessant AT. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation is a promising new treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that isolation of large areas around both ipsilateral PVs with verification of conduction block is more effective than the isolation of each individual PV.
                A total of 110 patients, 67 with paroxysmal AF and 43 with persistent AF, were randomly assigned to undergo either isolation of each individual PV or isolation of large areas around both ipsilateral PVs. The isolation of each individual PV was an electrophysiologically guided, ostial segmental ablation with a 64-pole basket catheter or a 20-pole circular mapping catheter (group I). Isolation of large areas was performed around the 2 ipsilateral veins with a nonfluoroscopic navigation system and a circular 20-pole mapping catheter for verification of conduction block (group II). In both groups, an irrigated-tip ablation catheter (25 to 35 W) was used to achieve complete isolation. Procedure and ablation times were longer in group II, whereas fluoroscopic time was significantly shorter (P < or = 0.001). After a follow-up period of 15+/-4 months, 27 patients in group I (49%) and 37 patients in group II (67%) remained free of symptoms of AF and had no AF or atrial flutter during repetitive Holter monitoring without antiarrhythmic drug treatment after a single procedure (P < or = 0.05).
                The rate of success was significantly higher and fluoroscopy times were significantly lower in the group with large isolation areas around both ipsilateral PVs than in those who underwent individual PV isolation. We performed a prospective study to compare efficacy and safety of both open irrigation tip (OIT) technology with intracardiac echo (ICE)-guided energy delivery in patients presenting for PVAI.
                Fifty-three patients presenting for PVAI were randomized to ablation using an OIT catheter (Group 1, 26 patients; temperature and power were set at 50 degrees and 50 W, respectively, with a saline pump flow rate of 30 mL/min) or radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery under ICE guidance (Group 2, 27 patients; energy was titrated based on microbubbles formation). The mean procedure time and fluoroscopy exposure were lower in Group 1 (164 +/- 42 min and 7,560 +/- 2,298 microGray m2 vs 204 +/- 47 min and 12,240 +/- 4,356 microGray m2; P = 0.005 and 0.008, respectively). Moreover, the durations of RF lesions applied per PV antrum was lower in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.2 min vs 9.2 +/- 3.2 min, P = 0.03, respectively). Within 24 hours after PVAI in 35.7% (all erythema) of Group 1 and 57.1% (21.4% erythema and 35.7% necrosis) of Group 2, patients' esophageal wall changes were documented. After 14 +/- 2 months of follow up, recurrences were documented in 19.2% of Group 1 and 22.2% of Group 2 patients.
                Although both OIT and ICE-guided energy delivery possess a similar effect in treating AF, OIT seems to be superior in terms of achieving isolation and shortening fluoroscopy exposure. Moreover, a lower incidence of esophageal wall injury was observed utilizing OIT for PVAI. Treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulation is considered first-line therapy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency ablation may cure AF, obviating the need for antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulation.
                To determine whether PVI is feasible as first-line therapy for treating patients with symptomatic AF.
                A multicenter prospective randomized study conducted from December 31, 2001, to July 1, 2002, of 70 patients aged 18 to 75 years who experienced monthly symptomatic AF episodes for at least 3 months and had not been treated with antiarrhythmic drugs.
                Patients were randomized to receive either PVI using radiofrequency ablation (n=33) or antiarrhythmic drug treatment (n=37), with a 1-year follow-up.
                Recurrence of AF, hospitalization, and quality of life assessment.
                Two patients in the antiarrhythmic drug treatment group and 1 patient in the PVI group were lost to follow-up. At the end of 1-year follow-up, 22 (63%) of 35 patients who received antiarrhythmic drugs had at least 1 recurrence of symptomatic AF compared with 4 (13%) of 32 patients who received PVI (P<.001). Hospitalization during 1-year follow-up occurred in 19 (54%) of 35 patients in the antiarrhythmic drug group compared with 3 (9%) of 32 in the PVI group (P<.001). In the antiarrhythmic drug group, the mean (SD) number of AF episodes decreased from 12 (7) to 6 (4), after initiating therapy (P = .01). At 6-month follow-up, the improvement in quality of life of patients in the PVI group was significantly better than the improvement in the antiarrhythmic drug group in 5 subclasses of the Short-Form 36 health survey. There were no thromboembolic events in either group. Asymptomatic mild or moderate pulmonary vein stenosis was documented in 2 (6%) of 32 patients in the PVI group.
                Pulmonary vein isolation appears to be a feasible first-line approach for treating patients with symptomatic AF. Larger studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy. Atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist in the same patient. Recently it has been demonstrated that the triggers for both AF and AFL may originate in the pulmonary veins (PVs). We hypothesized that in patients with both AF and typical AFL, pulmonary vein-left atrial junction (PV-LAJ) disconnection may eliminate both arrhythmias.
                Consecutive patients with documented symptomatic AF and typical AFL were randomly assigned to have PV-LAJ disconnection combined with cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation (group 1, n=49) or PV-LAJ disconnection alone (group 2, n=59). Within the first 8 weeks after ablation, 32 of the group 2 patients had typical AFL documented, whereas none was seen in group 1. Twenty of these 32 converted to sinus rhythm after initiating antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Twelve were cardioverted, and AADs were started. After 8 weeks, all AADS were stopped, and only 3 patients continued to have recurrent sustained typical AFL that was eliminated by CTI ablation. Beyond 8 weeks of follow-up, 7 patients in group 1 and 6 patients in group 2 (14% and 11%, respectively) continued to have AF. Ten of these 13 patients underwent a repeat PV-LAJ disconnection procedure and were cured. The remaining 3 remained in normal sinus rhythm while taking AADs.
                In patients with both AFL and AF, PV-LAJ disconnection alone may be sufficient to control both arrhythmias. CTI block reduced early postablation recurrence of arrhythmias, which in the majority of patients reflects a short-term clinical problem. Recent data have shown that the septum and anterior left atrial (LA) wall may contain "rotor" sites required for AF maintenance. However, whether adding ablation of such sites to standard ICE-guided PVAI improves outcome is not well known.
                To determine if adjuvant anterior LA ablation during PVAI improves the cure rate of paroxysmal and permanent AF.
                One hundred AF patients (60 paroxysmal, 40 persistent/permanent) undergoing first-time PVAI were enrolled over three months to receive adjuvant anterior LA ablation (Group I). These patients were compared with 100 randomly selected, matched first-time PVAI controls from the preceding three months who did not receive adjuvant ablation (Group II). All 200 patients underwent ICE-guided PVAI during which all four PV antra and SVC were isolated. In group I, a decapolar lasso catheter was used to map the septum and anterior LA wall during AF (induced or spontaneous) for continuous high-frequency, fractionated electrograms (CFAE). Sites where CFAE were identified were ablated until the local EGM was eliminated. A complete anterior line of block was not a requisite endpoint. Patients were followed up for 12 months. Recurrence was assessed post-PVAI by symptoms, clinic visits, and Holter at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients also wore rhythm transmitters for the first 3 months. Recurrence was any AF/AFL >1 min occurring >2 months post-PVAI.
                Patients (age 56 +/- 11 years, 37% female, EF 53%+/- 11%) did not differ in baseline characteristics between group I and II by design. Group I patients had longer procedure time (188 +/- 45 min vs 162 +/- 37 min) and RF duration (57 +/- 12 min vs 44 +/- 20 min) than group II (P < 0.05 for both). Overall recurrence occurred in 15/100 (15%) in group I and 20/100 (20%) in group II (P = 0.054). Success rates did not differ for paroxysmal patients between group I and II (87% vs 85%, respectively). However, for persistent/permanent patients, group I had a higher success rate compared with group II (82% vs 72%, P = 0.047).
                Adjuvant anterior LA ablation does not appear to impact procedural outcome in patients with paroxysmal AF but may offer benefit to patients with persistent/permanent AF.
There is limited evidence to suggest that CA may be a better treatment option compared to medical therapies in the management of persistent AF. This review was also unable to recommend the best CA method.