星状神经节电刺激建立交感神经介导的急性房颤犬模型

目的建立交感神经张力异常介导的急性房颤动物模型的方法学。方法将16只随意来源犬分为三组：对照组（n=4）,右侧星状神经节（aSG）组（n=6）和左侧星状神经节（LSG）组（n=6）,测定心房和肺静脉不同部位的房颤诱发率、房颤持续时间。结果RSG刺激显著增加右心房（RA）的房颤诱发率和持续时间（P〈0．05）,LSG刺激显著增加左心房（LA）、左上肺静脉（LSPV）、左下肺静脉（LIPV）的房颤诱发率和持续时间（P〈0．05）;与刺激时相比,RSG切除显著降低RA的房颤诱发率和持续时间（P〈0．05）;LSG切除显著降低LA、LSPV、LIPV的房颤诱发率和持续时间（P〈0．05）。结论星状神经节电刺激同时快速心房起搏6h可成功建立交感神经介导的急性房颤犬模型,星状神经节电刺激使心房和肺静脉部位的房颤诱发率显著升高,房颤持续时间显著延长,去星状神经节支配可减少房颤的发生和维持。     

肺静脉口弧形指数与房颤消融术后复发的关系

目的:探讨肺静脉口弧形指数与心房颤动(房颤)导管消融术后复发的关系。方法:选取2008年2月至2011年3月在我院接受导管消融术的房颤患者120例,所有患者于术前3日内利用多排CT行左心房及肺静脉造影,并进行图像的三维重建。测量每条肺静脉前后径及上下径,并计算弧形指数(肺静脉前后径/肺静脉上下径)以描述肺静脉口形态。行射频消融治疗的房颤病人全部达消融终点,术后随访超过3个月,根据患者房性快速性心律失常(房颤、房扑或房速)的发生情况,将其分为治愈组和复发组,进行统计分析。结果:由弧形指数分析,四支肺静脉开口形态存在统计学差异(P0.05);房颤消融术后,53例病人复发。房颤消融术后复发患者的LIPV弧形指数与治愈者不同,差异有显著性(P0.05);两组患者的左上肺静脉(Left Superior Pulmonary Vein,LSPV),右上肺静脉(Right Superior Pulmonary Vein,RSPV),右肺下静脉(Right Inferior Pulmonary Vein,RIPV),的弧形指数比较差异不明显(P0.05)。结论:左下肺静脉形态的不一致性与房颤导管消融术复发有关。     

山羊房颤模型中左心房与肺静脉外膜碎裂电位的动态比较

目的: 比较在持续性房颤发生、发展过程中,房颤模型山羊左心房与肺静脉外膜碎裂电位(CFAEs)的变化,以期探讨肺静脉外膜碎裂电位(CFAEs)在持续性房颤中的作用。方法: 选取10只雌性山羊,使用左心房快速刺激,发送输出电压为6 V、周长为20 ms的脉冲1 s,间隔2 s后重复发放,以此方法建立持续性房颤模型(房颤持续＞24 h),平均刺激时间为(9.5±2.3)d。在整个房颤发生、发展过程中,记录并比较刺激前后左心房及肺静脉外膜CFAEs的动态变化。结果: 随着刺激时间延长,心房不应期(AERP)逐渐缩短,房颤持续时间逐渐延长,左心房及肺静脉外膜的CFAEs逐渐增多,肺静脉外膜CFAEs的比例始终多于左心房。当房颤持续24 h,肺静脉外膜CFAEs几乎持续存在(房颤初发与房颤持续24 h相比,2.7%±3.6% vs 92.6%±6.4%,P＜0.05),肺静脉外膜CFAEs比例明显高于左心房(P＜0.05)。结论: 心外膜CFAEs具有位置特异性,与电重构相关联。房颤发生发展中心外膜CFAEs逐渐增多,可能在房颤的维持中起重要作用。     

三维标测环肺静脉前庭隔离术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素

目的:探讨房颤射频消融术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素,为其预防提供依据。方法:收集113例射频消融房颤患者的临床资料,记录射频术中消融时间、阻抗和温度;术后6个月64层CT左房-肺静脉重建随访,统计肺静脉狭窄的发生率;多元Logistic回归分析肺静脉狭窄的相关因素。结果:依据肺静脉数量计算的肺静脉狭窄率为3.4%,按照患者数量计算的肺静脉狭窄率为7.7%。多元Logistic回归分析,初始50例手术较其后病例的OR为2.167,95%CI=1.038~9.857,P=0.046,消融时间在总消融时间均数之上的患者比在均数之下者OR为2.856,95%CI=1.352~6.043,P=0.021。结论:初始50例手术和消融时间长是房颤射频消融术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素。     

心力衰竭合并房颤患者血浆脑钠肽水平及相关因素分析

目的:探讨心力衰竭合并房颤患者血浆脑钠肽水平变化及相关因素,为心血管疾病的临床诊断提供理论依据。方法:选取我院2011年1月-2013年1月收治的心力衰竭患者94例,分为窦性心律组和心房颤动组。分别抽取两组患者的血液样本并检测血浆中的BNP浓度,比较不同NYHA分级患者血浆内的脑钠肽水平的变化情况,记录左心房和左心室舒张末内径及房颤持续时间等。结果:心力衰竭合并心房颤动组与窦性心律组血浆BNP水平比较,心房颤动组高于窦性心律组;差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组NYHA不同分级相互比较,Ⅱ级、Ⅲ级和Ⅳ级间的BNP水平,心房颤动组BNP水平均高于窦性心律组;差异显著具有统计学意义(P0.05);血浆BNP水平与患者年龄、左心房大小、左心室大小、房颤持续时间因素呈正相关(r分别为0.0.801,0.748,0.854和0.703,P0.05),与左心室射血分数呈负相关(r=-0.41,P0.05)。结论:BNP血浆浓度与心功能状态密切相关,BNP浓度的检测有助于临床心血管疾病的诊断。     

房颤不同时期结构重构的血清学变化

目的:探讨转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)、基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、金属蛋白酶组织抑制因子-1(TIMP-1)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白介素-6(IL-6)、白介素-10(IL-10)与阵发性或持续性房颤结构重构的关系。方法:入选患者分为3组,其中持续性房颤组30例、阵发性房颤组45例,以及32例阵发性室上速(包括预激综合征)作为对照组,通过ELISA方法检测上述患者左房血清的TGF-β1、MMP-9、TIMP-1、TNF-α、IL-6、IL-10水平,超声测量左心房长径。分析上述细胞因子水平与阵发性房颤或持续性房颤的关系。结果:阵发性房颤组与对照组相比,左房内径增大、TGF-β1、TNF-α升高(P0.05),IL-10、TIMP-1降低(P0.05),MMP-9无统计学差异。持续性房颤组与对照组相比,TGF-β1无统计学差异(P0.05),MMP-9、TNF-α、IL-6均升高(P0.05),IL-10、TIMP-1降低(P0.05);阵发性房颤组TGF-β1高于持续性房颤组(P0.05),持续性房颤组左房内径及MMP-9高于阵发性房颤组(P0.05)。结论:阵发性房颤患者左房扩大,已出现结构重构,结构重构的血清学变化以TGF-β1升高为主;持续性房颤患者结构重构血清学变化以MMP-9、IL-6升高为主。     

三维标测环肺静脉前庭隔离术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素

目的：探讨房颤射频消融术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素,为其预防提供依据。方法：收集113例射频消融房颤患者的临床资料,记录射频术中消融时间、阻抗和温度;术后6个月64层CT左房-肺静脉重建随访,统计肺静脉狭窄的发生率;多元Logistic回归分析肺静脉狭窄的相关因素。结果：依据肺静脉数量计算的肺静脉狭窄率为3．4％,按照患者数量计算的肺静脉狭窄率为7．7％。多元Logistic回归分析,初始50例手术较其后病例的OR为2．167,95％CI=I．038-9．857,P=0．046,消融时间在总消融时间均数之上的患者比在均数之下者OR为2．856,95％CI=1．352-6．043,P=0．021。结论：初始50例手术和消融时间长是房颤射频消融术后肺静脉狭窄的相关因素。     

左房内径、血清尿酸水平与老年心房颤动的相关性分析

目的:探讨左房内径(LAD)、血清尿酸(UA)水平与老年心房颤动的相关性。方法:选择2013年1月至2016年7月在我院住院的60岁以上的非瓣膜性房颤患者,共166例,其中持续性房颤组85例,阵发性房颤组81例,选择同期无房颤的高血压、冠心病老年患者83例作对照组。通过心脏彩超检查检测LAD、左心室舒张末期内径(LVDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVDS)、左心室射血分数(LVEF),以≥40 mm为左房内径增大。并采用生化分析检测患者血清UA水平。结果:(1)持续性房颤组LAD、LVEF、左心房增大发生率均显著高于阵发性房颤组和对照组,而阵发性房颤组以上指标均明显高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。(2)持续性房颤组和阵发性房颤组患者血清UA水平均显著高于对照组,但持续性房颤组和阵发性房颤组之间血清UA水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:左心房内径大小、血尿酸水平与老年患者心房颤动的发生密切相关。     

上胸段硬膜外阻滞治疗慢性心力衰竭合并房颤的临床研究

目的:比较上胸段硬膜外阻滞对有无合并房颤的扩张型心肌病心衰患者的疗效差异。方法:入选40例扩张型心肌病心衰患者,根据入院心电图有无房颤分为房颤组和非房颤组。所有患者均在抗心力衰竭常规治疗基础上,给予胸段硬膜外阻滞治疗4周,比较治疗前、后NYHA心功能分级、血浆N末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)水平、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张期内径(LVEDD)及左房前后径(LAD)的变化情况。结果:与治疗前比较,两组患者经治疗后的NYHA心功能分级、NT-pro BNP、LVEF、LVEDD及LAD均明显改善(均P0.05),差异有统计学意义,但两组间各指标治疗前后的差值无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:对于慢性心力衰竭合并房颤的患者而言,给予抗心力衰竭常规治疗基础上联合上胸段硬膜外阻滞治疗有效,且房颤的存在与否不影响上胸段硬膜外阻滞的疗效。     

心-肺联合灌流法分离兔肺静脉肌细胞的方法（英文）北大核心CSCD

肺静脉中存在的心肌样细胞在阵发性房颤的发生中发挥了极重要作用。因而研究这些心肌样细胞的生理特性有很重要的现实意义。由于缺乏有效地分离这些肌细胞的方法,使相应的科学研究工作受到很大限制。本文介绍了一种创新性的分离肺静脉肌细胞的方法,该方法的关键点是联合经主动脉逆行心脏灌注与经肺动脉的顺行肺静脉灌流,最大程度地确保了肺静脉肌细胞微环境的有效灌注。通过本方法获取的肺静脉肌细胞的数量与活性均明显高于传统的经心脏灌流消化的方法。     

The usefulness of ventricular pacing during atrial fibrillation ablation in a persistent left superior vena cava: A case report

A 69-year-old woman with palpitations was referred to our hospital for a second session of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. She had a history of AF ablation including pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) isolation. Electrophysiologic studies showed the veno-atrial connections that had recovered. After PV isolation was performed, AF was induced by atrial premature contraction (APC) from the PLSVC, and AF storm occurred. During PLSVC isolation, AF was not induced by APC from the PLSVC. PLSVC isolation continued during sinus rhythm. The elimination of the PLSVC potential was difficult to confirm because of the far-field potential of the left ventricle. Then, we performed right ventricular pacing. The remaining PLSVC potential was identified. After that, the PLSVC isolation was successful during right ventricular pacing. Complications were not observed. The patient had no recurrence of AF thereafter.     

Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). During PVI an electrical conduction block between pulmonary vein (PV) and left atrium (LA) is created. This conduction block prevents AF, which is triggered by irregular electric activity originating from the PV. However, transmural atrial lesions are required which can be challenging. Re-conduction and AF recurrence occur in 20 - 40% of the cases. Robotic catheter systems aim to improve catheter steerability. Here, a procedure with a new remote catheter system (RCS), is presented. Objective of this article is to show feasibility of robotic AF ablation with a novel system. Materials and Methods: After interatrial trans-septal puncture is performed using a long sheath and needle under fluoroscopic guidance. The needle is removed and a guide wire is placed in the left superior PV. Then an ablation catheter is positioned in the LA, using the sheath and wire as guide to the LA. LA angiography is performed over the sheath. A circular mapping catheter is positioned via the long sheath into the LA and a three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical reconstruction of the LA is performed. The handle of the ablation catheter is positioned in the robotic arm of the Amigo system and the ablation procedure begins. During the ablation procedure, the operator manipulates the ablation catheter via the robotic arm with the use of a remote control. The ablation is performed by creating point-by-point lesions around the left and right PV ostia. Contact force is measured at the catheter tip to provide feedback of catheter-tissue contact. Conduction block is confirmed by recording the PV potentials on the circular mapping catheter and by pacing maneuvers. The operator stays out of the radiationfield during ablation. Conclusion: The novel catheter system allows ablation with high stability on low operator fluoroscopy exposure.     

Expression of TGFβ1 in pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation of dogs

The development of pulmonary vein stenosis has recently been described after radiofrequency ablation (RF) to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). The purpose of this study was to examine expression of TGFβ1 in pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation of dogs. About 28 mongrel dogs were randomly assigned to the sham-operated group (n = 7), the AF group (n = 7), AF + RF group (n = 7), and RF group (n = 7). In AF or AF + RF groups, dogs underwent chronic pulmonary vein (PV) pacing to induce sustained AF. RF application was applied around the PVs until electrical activity was eliminated. Histological assessment of pulmonary veins was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining; TGFβ1 gene expression in pulmonary veins was examined by RT-PCR analysis; expression of TGFβ1 protein in pulmonary veins was assessed by Western blot analysis. Rapid pacing from the left superior pulmonary vein (LSPV) induced sustained AF in AF group and AF + RF group. Pulmonary vein ablation terminated the chronic atrial fibrillation in dogs. Histological examination revealed necrotic tissues in various stages of collagen replacement, intimal thickening, and cartilaginous metaplasia with chondroblasts and chondroclasts. Compared with sham-operated and AF group, TGFβ1 gene and protein expressions was increased in AF + RF or RF groups. It was concluded that TGFβ1 might be associated with pulmonary vein stenosis after radiofrequency ablation in chronic atrial fibrillation of dogs. Shufeng Li and Hongli Li contributed equally to the work.     

Double-gap-in-roof reentrant tachycardia following surgical thoracoscopic atrial fibrillation ablation

A case of macro-reentrant tachycardia associated with a box lesion after thoracoscopis left atrial surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation yet to be described. The goal was to clarify the mechanisms and electrophysiological characteristics of this type of tachycardia.A patient was admitted for an EP study following surgical thoracoscopic AF ablation (box lexion formation by right-sided Cobra thoracoscopic ablation). Thoracoscopic ablation was done as the first step of the hybrid ablation approach to the persistent AF; the second step was the EP study. At the EP study, he presented with incessant regular tachycardia (cycle length of 226 ms). An EP study with conventional, 3D activation and entrainment mapping was done to assess the tachycardia mechanism. Two conduction gaps in the superior line (roofline) between the superior pulmonary veins were discovered. The tachycardia was successfully treated with a radiofrequency application near the gap close to the left superior pulmonary vein; however, following tachycardia termination, pulmonary vein isolation was absent. A second radiofrequency application, close to the roof of the right superior pulmonary, vein closed the gap in the box and led to the isolation of all 4 pulmonary veins. No atrial tachycardia recurred during the 6-month follow-up.Conduction gaps in box lesion created by thoracospcopic ablation can present as a novel type of man-made tachycardia after surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation. Activation and entrainment mapping is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.     

Cryoballoon Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Septuagenarians: a Prospective Study

Aims

To evaluate the effects of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in terms of feasibility, safety and success rate on a midterm follow-up period in septuagenarians undergoing ablation with the Arctic Front Cryoballoon for atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 21 patients aged 70 years or older (14 male; age 73 ± 2.5 years) elected to circumferential PVI with the 28mm cryoballoon for symptomatic drug resistant paroxysmal AF. A total number of 82 pulmonary veins (PV) were evidenced. Successful isolation could be obtained in all 82 (100%) PV ostia at the end of procedure. No major complication occurred during procedure. At a mean follow-up of 11.5 ± 4.7 months following ablation, 62% of patients did not present recurrence of atrial arrhythmias.

Conclusion

Cryoballoon ablation may be feasible and safe in older patients. Moreover a large proportion of the latter did not present AF recurrence during follow-up.     

Characterization of pulmonary vein reconnection post Cryoballoon ablation

BackgroundThe Arctic Front Cryoballoon System is a technology in which substrate alterations in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence have not been well characterized. In this study, we evaluated sites of pulmonary vein (PV) reconnections and the accuracy of the Achieve? circular mapping catheter in detecting these reconnections after cryoablation.MethodsThis study included 15 patients undergoing redo AF ablation after a prior single cryoablation procedure. PV reconnection sites were determined by measuring PV signals and high output pacing from 4 vectors of the Achieve catheter. The results were compared with a roving mapping catheter guided by rotational intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) in the left atrium.ResultsAll patients had PV reconnections (2.1 ± 0.8 veins/patient). The left superior PV was most commonly reconnected (n = 11), whereas the right inferior PV was least likely (n = 3). Both carinas (left: n = 11; right: n = 7) and left atrial appendage ridge (n = 11) were also frequently reconnected. Mapping with the Achieve catheter showed a positive predictive value (PPV) 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) 96% when compared with ICE guided mapping. In 2 patients, right superior PV reconnection was not identified by the Achieve.ConclusionDuring redo AF ablation after index cryoablation, multiple PVs are usually reconnected, with both carinas and left atrial appendage ridge being common sites of reconnection. The Achieve mapping catheter was able to identify reconnection with high positive and negative predictive values.     

The ABC of a Simple Method for Pulmonary Vein Angiography

Catheter-directed intervention to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) is becoming widely accepted procedure in current clinical practice. For assessment of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy, angiography of left atrium (LA) and/or PV is often performed. We present a new, simple angiographic method for PVs and LA opacification using SL1 sheath. Total of 100 patients in our clinic underwent this procedure. In all of the cases good angiographic results were achieved. No immediate or late complications related to this procedure were observed.     

Anatomical Characteristics of Pulmonary Veins for the Prediction of Postoperative Recurrence after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background

The relationship between focal pulmonary vein potential and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been confirmed. Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation and circumferential pulmonary vein ablation have been the most commonly used procedures of radiofrequency ablation. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between anatomical characteristics of PV and AF recurrences after radiofrequency ablation.

Methodology

For 267 AF patients treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation, the anatomic structure characteristics of pulmonary veins were assessed by multi-slice spiral computed tomography while the values of left atrial diameter (LAD) were measured with transesophageal ultrasonic cardiogram. After radiofrequency catheter ablation, postoperative recurrence was evaluated during a 10-month term follow-up.

Principal Findings

During follow-up, postoperative recurrence occurred in 44 patients. The mean diameters of LAD, left superior PV, right superior PV, all left PV, and all superior PV were significantly larger in patients with postoperative recurrence (Recurrence vs. Non-recurrence group; 43.9 ± 6.4 mm vs. 40.7 ± 5.6 mm; 18.4 ± 2.1 mm vs. 17.1 ± 3.1 mm; 18.2 ± 2.8 mm vs. 17.2 mm ± 3.9 mm; 16.4 ± 1.5 mm vs. 15.6 ± 2.5 mm; 18.3 ± 2.1 mm vs. 17.1 ± 3.0 mm; respectively; all P < 0.05). Multivariable survival analysis showed that the type and the course of AF, LAD, and the diameters of all superior PV were the independent risk factors for the postoperative recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Conclusions

The enlargements of all superior PV and LAD, long course of diseases, and persistent AF were the independent risk factors for the postoperative recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation.     

Direct Pressure Monitoring Accurately Predicts Pulmonary Vein Occlusion During Cryoballoon Ablation

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion is essential for achieving antral contact and PV isolation and is typically assessed by contrast injection. We present a novel method of direct pressure monitoring for assessment of PV occlusion.Transcatheter pressure is monitored during balloon advancement to the PV antrum. Pressure is recorded via a single pressure transducer connected to the inner lumen of the cryoballoon. Pressure curve characteristics are used to assess occlusion in conjunction with fluoroscopic or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) guidance. PV occlusion is confirmed when loss of typical left atrial (LA) pressure waveform is observed with recordings of PA pressure characteristics (no A wave and rapid V wave upstroke). Complete pulmonary vein occlusion as assessed with this technique has been confirmed with concurrent contrast utilization during the initial testing of the technique and has been shown to be highly accurate and readily reproducible.We evaluated the efficacy of this novel technique in 35 patients. A total of 128 veins were assessed for occlusion with the cryoballoon utilizing the pressure monitoring technique; occlusive pressure was demonstrated in 113 veins with resultant successful pulmonary vein isolation in 111 veins (98.2%). Occlusion was confirmed with subsequent contrast injection during the initial ten procedures, after which contrast utilization was rapidly reduced or eliminated given the highly accurate identification of occlusive pressure waveform with limited initial training.Verification of PV occlusive pressure during CBA is a novel approach to assessing effective PV occlusion and it accurately predicts electrical isolation. Utilization of this method results in significant decrease in fluoroscopy time and volume of contrast.