Segmental radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation using multi-slice spiral computed tomography guidance.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of segmental radiofrequency ablation of pulmonary vein (PV) ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) under multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) guidance before the procedure.


METHODS
A series of 58 consecutive patients with refractory paroxysmal AF were enrolled to undergo segmental radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia. The 36 male and 22 female patients with mean age of (57.4+/-9.5) (32-79) years and no obvious organic heart disease. Before ablation, patients received MSCT to generate 3-dimensional image of the left atrium (LA) and proximal PVs. Patients then underwent segmental radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia using PV circular mapping catheter manipulated several times to ensure complete isolation between PVs and LA.


RESULTS
No complications occurred during the procedure. One patient developed delayed cardiac tamponade, which was drained percutaneously. The mean follow-up time was (17.1+/-9.3) months. Forty-one patients (95%) experienced improved quality of life one month after the procedure. Thirty-six patients (83%) showed stable sinus rhythm, while 10 patients (23%) required additional anti-arrhythmic drugs. AF returned> or =1 time in 6 (14%) patients who underwent anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, but the number of episodes was less than that before the procedure. However, one patient experienced recurrent episodes of atrial flutter.


CONCLUSIONS
It is safe and effective to perform segmental radiofrequency ablation of PV ostia for patients with refractory paroxysmal AF using MSCT guidance mappening.
Jiang
Chen-yang
CY
Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China. jiangchenyang@hotmail.com
Wang
Jian-an
JA
He
Hong
H
Sun
Yong
Y
Zhou
Bin-quan
BQ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016896:Treatment Outcome