Pulmonary vein disconnection using the LocaLisa three-dimensional nonfluoroscopic catheter imaging system.
BACKGROUND
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with prolonged fluoroscopy times. We prospectively evaluated the use of the LocaLisa three-dimensional nonfluoroscopic catheter imaging system with the aim of reducing fluoroscopy times during pulmonary vein (PV) disconnection.


RESULTS
Fifty-two patients with AF (47 men and 5 women, mean age 53 +/- 9 years) underwent disconnection of all four PVs guided by a circumferential mapping catheter. The LocaLisa navigation system was used for real-time three-dimensional nonfluoroscopic imaging of the circumferential mapping catheter and ablation catheter electrodes in 26 patients. Procedural parameters were compared with those of a control group consisting of 26 patients in whom only standard fluoroscopy was used. PV disconnection was performed similarly in both groups by circumferential ablation around the ostia, with the endpoint of disconnecting left atrium to PV breakthroughs. The cumulative duration of radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery, procedural time, and fluoroscopy time required for PV disconnection were compared. Successful disconnection was achieved in all PVs, without acute complications. There was no significant difference in cumulative RF energy delivery: 34.8 +/- 11.4 minutes for the nonfluoroscopic imaging group versus 38.2 +/- 10.5 minutes for the control group. The fluoroscopy time required for disconnection of all four PVs was significantly lower in the LocaLisa group than in the control group: 8.4 +/- 4.3 minutes versus 23.7 +/- 9.7 minutes (P < 0.0001). There also was a significant difference in the mean time taken for PV disconnection: 46.5 +/- 12.0 minutes for the nonfluoroscopic imaging group versus 66.3 +/- 18.9 minutes for the control group (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
By allowing continuous three-dimensional monitoring of ablation and mapping catheter position and orientation, the LocaLisa nonfluoroscopic imaging system significantly reduces fluoroscopy and PV disconnection times.
Macle
Laurent
L
Hôpital Cardiologique du Haut-Lévêque, Avenue de Magellan, 33604 Bordeaux-Pessac, France. LMacle@hotmail.com
Jaïs
Pierre
P
Scavée
Christophe
C
Weerasooriya
Rukshen
R
Hocini
Mélèze
M
Shah
Dipen C
DC
Raybaud
Florence
F
Choi
Kee-Joon
KJ
Clémenty
Jacques
J
Haïssaguerre
Michel
M
D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018780:Body Surface Potential Mapping / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome