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Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures Dr Catanzaro has received research funding from Circa Scientific. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

Competing Interests: M.M.G. has received research funding from Medtronic and Attune Medical and has acted as a consultant and paid speaker for Medtronic, Biosense Webster, and Cook Medical.

Background: Transseptal puncture is a necessary component of many electrophysiology and structural heart procedures. Improving this technique has broad ramifications for the overall efficiency and safety of these interventions. A new technology uses a specialized introducer wire to cross the septum with radiofrequency (RF) energy, eliminating the need for a transseptal needle and wire/needle exchanges., Objectives: This study sought to compare the efficacy and safety of an RF needle versus RF wire approach for transseptal puncture., Methods: Individuals ≥18 years of age undergoing double transseptal puncture for atrial fibrillation or left atrial flutter ablation were randomized to a transseptal approach with either an RF needle or RF wire. The primary outcome was time to achieve first transseptal puncture. Secondary outcomes included second and combined transseptal puncture time, fluoroscopy time, number of equipment exchanges, and complications., Results: A total of 75 participants were enrolled (36 RF needle, 39 RF wire). No crossovers occurred. Randomization to the RF wire resulted in a significant reduction in first transseptal time compared with the RF needle (median 9.2 [IQR: 5.7-11.2] minutes vs 6.9 [IQR: 5.2-8.4] minutes, P = 0.03). Second and combined transseptal times, and number of equipment exchanges, were also reduced with the RF wire. One participant in the RF needle group experienced transient atrioventricular block due to mechanical trauma from the sheath/dilator assembly. There were no complications in the RF wire group., Conclusions: The RF wire technique resulted in faster time to transseptal puncture and fewer equipment exchanges compared with an RF needle with no difference in complications., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures This was an investigator-initiated study funded by Baylis Medical. The funding entity played no role in the design, implementation, analysis, or presentation of the study. Dr Marcus is a consultant for Johnson & Johnson and InCarda; and holds equity in InCarda. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is a complex arrhythmia, and attaining freedom from AF with ablation has been challenging., Objectives: This study evaluated a novel CARTO software algorithm based on the CARTO Ripple map for AF termination and 18-month freedom from AF., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent first-time ablation for persistent AF were included. A high-density Ripple map was created using a Pentaray catheter. Following PVI, ablation was performed at locations with rapid Ripple activations, a protocol previously described by us. Patients were followed for 18 months to assess rhythm outcomes. A retrospective analysis was performed using the CARTO Ripple frequency software algorithm. The Ripple frequency algorithm quantifies amplitude changes in the bipolar electrogram., Results: A total of 115 AF maps were analyzed from 84 patients (mean age 65.9 years, 63.1% men). The top quartile of Ripple frequency corresponded to a visual reference with 96.7% sensitivity and 91.1% specificity. AF terminated during ablation in 88.1% of patients: pulmonary vein antrum alone (14.9%) or pulmonary vein plus nonantral sites (85.1%). The top quartile of Ripple frequency was present in nonantral areas associated with AF termination with 90.2% sensitivity and 86.5% specificity. After 14.0 ± 6.5 months and 1.2 ± 0.4 ablations, 78 (92.9%) of 84 patients were free of AF, and 79.8% were free of any atrial arrhythmia., Conclusion: A novel algorithm for automated analysis of CARTO Ripple frequency demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for detecting atrial regions in persistent AF in which ablation is associated with frequent AF termination and freedom from AF during follow-up., (© 2022 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has several detrimental effects on heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). These include suboptimal biventricular pacing and the loss of atrioventricular (AV) synchrony. AV node ablation improves biventricular pacing and clinical outcomes in large observational studies. However, restoration of sinus rhythm with AF ablation may have additional benefits., Objectives: To compare the effects of AV node ablation and AF ablation on echocardiographic and symptomatic outcomes in patients with CRT and suboptimal biventricular pacing., Methods: RHYTHMIC is a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial. Seventy patients will be recruited and randomized to each ablation strategy in a 1:1 ratio. Key inclusion criteria include a previous CRT implant (with atrial lead) for dyssynchronous heart failure, and biventricular pacing <95% secondary to AF. Patients with permanent AF will be excluded., Results: Patients will undergo baseline assessment including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), device check, blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), 6-minute walk test, and symptom questionnaire. They will then undergo either AV node ablation or AF ablation according to their allocated group. Follow-up will occur at 1 week (TTE and ECG) and at 6 months (repeat of baseline investigations). The primary endpoint will be change in left ventricular ejection fraction on TTE., Conclusion: This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing AV node ablation and AF ablation in patients with CRT. We anticipate it will provide valuable insight into the management of this frequently encountered clinical scenario in a challenging patient cohort., (© 2022 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Ultra-low temperature cryoablation (ULTC) is a novel ablation modality aiming to combine the effectiveness of surgical lesion delivery with percutaneous safety to improve outcomes in catheter ablations of atrial fibrillation, particularly in persistent AF (PsAF). In the Cryocure-2 study (NCT02839304) 78 patients (56.4% PsAF) received ULTC pulmonary vein isolation plus posterior wall ablation, and linear left and right atrial lesions as needed. The safety and acute success of ULTC appear consistent with current catheter ablation techniques and, together with Kaplan-Meier 85.9% 1-year freedom from AF observed in Cryocure-2 PsAF patients, warrant further evaluation in larger clinical trials, which are currently ongoing., Competing Interests: Funding Support and Author Disclosures All study-related costs were funded by Adagio Medical. Dr De Potter has received consulting fees from and owns equity options in Adagio Medical. Dr Babkin has served as a consultant and is a former employee of Adagio Medical. Dr Cox is co-founder and Director of Adagio Medical. Dr Boersma has received consulting fees from Adagio Medical. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Atrioesophageal fistula is a life-threatening complication of ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation. Methods to reduce the risk of esophageal injury have evolved over the last decade, and diagnosis of this complication remains difficult and therefore challenging to treat in a timely manner. Delayed diagnosis leads to treatment occurring in the context of a critically ill patient, contributing to the poor prognosis associated with this complication. The associated mortality risk can be as high as 70%. Recent important advances in preventative techniques are explored in this review. Preventative techniques used in current clinical practice are discussed, which include high-power short-duration ablation, esophageal temperature probe monitoring, cryotherapy and laser balloon technologies, and use of proton pump inhibitors. A lack of randomized clinical evidence for the effectiveness of these practical methods are found. Alternative methods of esophageal protection has emerged in recent years, including mechanical deviation of the esophagus and esophageal temperature control (esophageal cooling). Although these are fairly recent methods, we discuss the available evidence to date. Mechanical deviation of the esophagus is due to undergo its first randomized study. Recent randomized study on esophageal cooling has shown promise of its effectiveness in preventing thermal injuries. Lastly, novel ablation technology that may be the future of esophageal protection, pulsed field ablation, is discussed. The findings of this review suggest that more robust clinical evidence for esophageal protection methods is warranted to improve the safety of atrial fibrillation ablation., (© 2021 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and arrhythmia recurrence following atrial fibrillation ablation; and to examine the impact of NAFLD stage on outcomes., Background: Metabolic derangements, including obesity and diabetes, are associated with incident and recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF), in addition to the development of NAFLD., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 267 consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation, 89 of whom were diagnosed with NAFLD prior to ablation and matched in a 2:1 manner based on age, sex, body mass index, ejection fraction, and AF type with 178 patients without NAFLD. Patients were monitored for arrhythmia recurrence during a mean follow-up of 29 months., Results: Recurrent arrhythmia was observed in 50 (56%) patients with NAFLD compared with 37 (21%) without NAFLD. Epicardial fat volume was measured on computed tomography and was significantly higher among those with NAFLD (248 ± 125 ml vs. 223 ± 97 ml; p = 0.01). On multivariable models adjusting for sleep apnea, body mass index, heart failure, AF type, and left atrial size, NAFLD was independently associated with increased rates of arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio: 3.010; 95% confidence interval: 1.980 to 4.680; p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: NAFLD is associated with significantly increased arrhythmia recurrence rates following AF ablation. Identification and reversal, where possible, may result in improved arrhythmia-free survival., (Copyright © 2020 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to assess the incidence and outcomes of life-threatening complications from atrial fibrillation ablations in a high volume center., Background: With increasing rates of atrial fibrillation ablation procedures, an increase in life-threatening procedure-related complications has been reported despite improvements in technology and ablation strategies., Methods: Between 2000 and 2015, 10,378 patients underwent atrial fibrillation ablation at our institution and were enrolled in a prospectively maintained data registry. We identified all patients who had life-threatening cardiac, neurological, respiratory, or vascular complications to the ablation resulting in death or requiring emergent intervention., Results: Major life-threatening complications occurred in 100 patients (0.9%). The most common was pericardial effusion requiring pericardiocentesis (0.5%), with 7 (0.07%) requiring emergent surgical repair for cardiac perforation. Stroke occurred in 27 patients (0.3%) with a vast majority having an ischemic stroke (93%) followed by hemorrhagic (3.5%) and ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion (3.5%). The yearly incidence of stroke decreased from an average of 1.1% per year in the first tertile (2000 to 2004) to 0.2% per year in the last 2 tertiles (2005 to 2015). Permanent neurological deficits occurred in 23 patients. Vascular complications causing hemorrhagic shock occurred in 7 patients (0.06%), 5 of whom required urgent surgical intervention. Acute coronary syndrome requiring urgent percutaneous coronary revascularization occurred in 2 patients whereas 1 developed a right coronary artery air embolus. No procedural death or atrio-esophageal fistulae occurred., Conclusions: In a large quaternary care center, the incidence of life-threatening complications is low. Experienced operators, high volume, continuous quality improvement initiatives, and efficient back-up support have allowed exemplary safety profiles and 0 procedure-related deaths over 16 years., (Copyright © 2019 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of the current investigation is to examine whether use of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) performed with force-sensing catheters is associated with improved outcomes., Background: Catheter ablation is well established as therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Reconnection following PVI is commonly observed during repeat ablation procedures. Technologies that may optimize catheter stability and lesion delivery include both force-sensing ablation catheters and HFJV., Methods: Patients undergoing PVI at Johns Hopkins Hospital were prospectively enrolled in a registry. The study compared procedural characteristics, adverse event rates, and 1-year procedural outcomes in patients undergoing PVI supported either by standard ventilation or HFJV. Patient and procedural aspects were otherwise constant., Results: Eighty-four HFJV patients and 84 matched control patients with 1-year outcome data were identified. Atrial arrhythmia recurrence occurred in 26 of 84 HFJV patients (31%) and 42 of 84 control patients (50%; p = 0.019). In patients with paroxysmal AF, arrhythmia recurrence in HFJV and control patients was 27.3% and 47.3%, respectively (p = 0.045). In patients with persistent AF, arrhythmia recurrence rates were not significantly different (37.9% in HFJV patients, 55.2% in control patients; p = 0.184). On multivariate analysis, HFJV was independently associated with improved freedom from arrhythmia recurrence. Vasopressor use during HFJV cases was significantly higher than during standard ventilation (79.7% vs. 22.4%; p = 0.001). Indices of catheter stability and contact force adequacy were significantly higher in the HFJV patients than in control patients. Complication rates in the 2 groups were similarly low., Conclusions: Use of HFJV in patients undergoing PVI with radiofrequency force-sensing catheters is associated with improved outcomes, without appreciable increase in adverse procedural events., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of a novel esophageal balloon retractor (DV8) for MED during PVI., Background: The authors previously showed that mechanical esophageal deviation (MED) is feasible using an off-the-shelf metal stylet to allow uninterrupted ablation along the posterior left atrium during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although it is an attractive strategy to avoid esophageal thermal injury, this technique was hampered by both the propensity for oropharyngeal trauma from the stiff stylet and the limited lateral esophageal displacement., Methods: In 200 consecutive patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation, the DV8 balloon retractor was used for MED; contrast was instilled into the esophagus to accurately delineate the trailing esophageal edge. Deviation was performed to maximize the distance from the trailing esophageal edge to the closest point of the ablation line (MED Effective ) and correlated to occurrences of luminal esophageal temperature elevation., Results: In patients undergoing MED during a first-ever PVI of 304 vein pairs, the MED Effective during right and left PVI were 21.2 ± 8.7 mm and 15.5 ± 6.8 mm, respectively. Deviation of at least 5 mm of MED Effective was achievable in 97.7%. Luminal esophageal temperature increases universally occurred (100%) at MED Effective  <5 mm, less often (28%) at MED Effective 5 to 20 mm, and rarely (1.9%) at MED Effective >20 mm. There were no esophageal complications, but 2 patients experienced oropharyngeal bleeding due to trauma related to device placement., Conclusions: MED with the balloon retractor safely moved the esophagus away from the site of energy delivery during atrial fibrillation ablation., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe and identify useful electrocardiographic characteristics to help identify the mechanism of atrial tachycardia (AT) occurring after persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF) ablation., Background: Electrocardiographic analysis to help identify the mechanism of AT after PsAF ablation is much limited by the fact that remodeling and ablation alter the normal activation pattern., Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent mapping and ablation of AT after PsAF ablation were included. Surface P waves were analyzed during higher (>2:1) grades of atrioventricular block., Results: One hundred ninety-six ATs with visible P waves were identified in 127 patients (macro-re-entry in 57%, centrifugal AT in 43%). One-third displayed low-voltage P waves (≤0.1 mV). An isoelectric line >80 ms was more common in centrifugal compared with macro-re-entrant AT (47% vs. 24%; p < 0.001), but its positive predictive value was limited (60%). A minority of peritricuspid ATs displayed the classic saw-tooth pattern (27% [n = 22]). However, the "precordial transition" (a gradual transition from an upright component in lead V 1 to a negative component with progression across the precordium) remained often observed and specifically identified peritricuspid AT (specificity, 98%; sensitivity, 59%). Only 2 unique features could help identify perimitral AT (n = 60). First, the presence of a negative or negative-positive P-wave in any of leads V 2 to V 6 identified perimitral AT with 97% specificity and 30% sensitivity. Second, a "notched" negative component at the beginning of a positive P-wave in the inferior leads specifically identified clockwise perimitral AT (specificity, 98%; sensitivity, 25%)., Conclusions: Only few unique electrocardiographic characteristics help identify the mechanism of AT after PsAF ablation. Knowledge of these characteristics may aid in planning and performing ablation., (Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study sought to assess the impact of ablation power and catheter irrigation during clinical radiofrequency ablation using impedance drop., Background: In preclinical studies, ablation power and catheter irrigation are determinants of ablation efficacy., Methods: Static 30-s left atrial ablations were delivered in patients undergoing their first atrial fibrillation ablation. Impedance drop during ablation (as a measure of efficacy) was compared using the following: the force time integral (FTI); the FTI-P (a cumulative multiple FTI and ablation power), and ablation index (AI), a weighted algorithm including contact force, power, and duration. Comparison was also made between a conventionally irrigated (SmartTouch [ST]) versus surround flow (STSF) contact force-sensing catheter., Results: We analyzed 1,013 ablations. For both catheters, the Spearman correlation was higher between impedance drop and AI (rho = 0.89 ST, 0.84 STSF) than FTI-P (rho = 0.71 ST, 0.53 STSF) or FTI (rho = 0.77 ST, 0.52 STSF); p < 0.0005 for each. STSF ablations had lower minimum catheter tip temperatures (25°C [interquartile range (IQR): 25°C to 27°C] vs. 35°C [IQR: 34°C to 36°C]; p < 0.005), and lesser impedance drop per FTI or AI (p < 0.005 for both). For STSF, impedance drop plateaued sooner than for ST with respect to FTI (184g.s vs. 463g.s) and AI (370 AI vs. 430 AI)., Conclusions: AI is a more complete ablation descriptor than is FTI or FTI-P, reflected by a stronger correlation with impedance drop. STSF ablations have lower impedance drop per AI or FTI than ST ablations do, suggesting different targets should be used if ablating guided by impedance drop with STSF. With ST, ablation beyond 430 AI provides minimal additional biophysical efficacy, suggesting an upper limit to use for clinical ablation., (Copyright © 2017 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)