Occlusion tool software for pulmonary vein occlusion verification in atrial fibrillation cryoballoon ablation

• Published in: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology
• Main Authors: Cauti F. M., Solimene F., Stabile G., Polselli M., Schillaci V., Arestia A., Shopova G., Iaia L., Giannitti C. M., Rossi P., Bianchi S.
• Other Authors: Cauti, F. M., Solimene, F., Stabile, G., Polselli, M., Schillaci, V., Arestia, A., Shopova, G., Iaia, L., Giannitti, C. M., Rossi, P., Bianchi, S.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Inc. 2021
• Subjects: atrial fibrillation; cryoablation; new dielectric imaging system; occlusion tool; pulmonary vein isolation; Arctic
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11573/1552887; https://doi.org/10.1111/pace.14130

Background: Optimal pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion, usually verified with selective contrast injection, is mandatory to obtain an effective PV isolation during cryoballoon (CB) ablation. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility and the accuracy of a new dielectric sensing system in assessing PV occlusion during CB ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We enrolled 28 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF. After transseptal access, a detailed image reconstruction of left atrium and PVs was achieved with an octapolar or decapolar mapping catheter (Achieve catheter, Medtronic Inc.) and KODEX-EPD system (EPD Solutions, a Philips company). The degree of PV occlusion with the inflated Arctic Front Advance Cryoballoon (Medtronic Inc.) was verified using the new “occlusion tool” software module (EPD Solutions, a Philips company) and compared to an angiogram obtained with contrast medium injection in each PV. Results: A total of 105 PV CB occlusion were tested. The new occlusion tool software module showed a 91% sensitivity and 76% specificity in assessing a complete PV occlusion verified with contrast medium injection. The positive predictive value was 80%, and the negative predictive value was 88.6%. Mean procedure time was 81± 17 minutes. Mean fluoroscopy time was 6± 2 minutes. No 30-day complications were observed. Conclusion: The new dielectric imaging system was able to assess the degree of PV occlusion during a CB ablation with good sensitivity and specificity.