OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the feasibility of a novel simplified ablation protocol targeting only the pulmonary vein antrum using the radiofrequency hot-balloon catheter in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency hot-balloon (RHB) catheter has been recently introduced into clinical practice for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The authors hypothesized that a novel simplified ablation protocol targeting only the PV antrum with energy application for a longer time (single-shot technique) could be an alternative approach to achieve PVI, while avoiding unnecessary energy application at the PV ostium. METHODS: A total of 61 consecutive paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients (age 64.1 ± 10.9 years, 48 male) who underwent antrum RHB-PVI were enrolled. Energy applications were performed following the pre-specified protocol only targeting the PV antrum. If the PVI was not achieved after 2 energy applications using the RHB, a touch-up ablation was performed. RESULTS: Of 241 PV, including 3 left common PV, 194 (80%) were isolated exclusively using the RHB. The target PVI average per group of 15 consecutive procedures improved from 75% (initial 15) to 89% (last 16) of patients. The injected volume was greatest in the right superior PV (13.1 ± 2.0 ml) and the smallest in the left inferior PV (10.8 ± 1.1 ml), and 23 PV (9.5%) required over 15 ml (estimated balloon diameter of 30 mm). Periprocedural complications were noted in 3 patients (4.9%), but phrenic nerve injury was not observed. Sinus rhythm maintenance at 12-month follow-up was achieved in 57 patients (93%). CONCLUSIONS: A novel simplified antrum RHB-PVI appears to be a feasible technique for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the feasibility of a novel simplified ablation protocol targeting only the pulmonary vein antrum using the radiofrequency hot-balloon catheter in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency hot-balloon (RHB) catheter has been recently introduced into clinical practice for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The authors hypothesized that a novel simplified ablation protocol targeting only the PV antrum with energy application for a longer time (single-shot technique) could be an alternative approach to achieve PVI, while avoiding unnecessary energy application at the PV ostium. METHODS: A total of 61 consecutive paroxysmal atrial fibrillationpatients (age 64.1 ± 10.9 years, 48 male) who underwent antrum RHB-PVI were enrolled. Energy applications were performed following the pre-specified protocol only targeting the PV antrum. If the PVI was not achieved after 2 energy applications using the RHB, a touch-up ablation was performed. RESULTS: Of 241 PV, including 3 left common PV, 194 (80%) were isolated exclusively using the RHB. The target PVI average per group of 15 consecutive procedures improved from 75% (initial 15) to 89% (last 16) of patients. The injected volume was greatest in the right superior PV (13.1 ± 2.0 ml) and the smallest in the left inferior PV (10.8 ± 1.1 ml), and 23 PV (9.5%) required over 15 ml (estimated balloon diameter of 30 mm). Periprocedural complications were noted in 3 patients (4.9%), but phrenic nerve injury was not observed. Sinus rhythm maintenance at 12-month follow-up was achieved in 57 patients (93%). CONCLUSIONS: A novel simplified antrum RHB-PVI appears to be a feasible technique for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.