Published in:
Open Access
01-05-2022 | Atrial Fibrillation | Original Article
Initial experience with AcQMap catheter for treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation and atypical atrial flutter
Authors:
M. Liebregts, M. C. E. F. Wijffels, M. N. Klaver, V. F. van Dijk, J. C. Balt, L. V. A. Boersma
Published in:
Netherlands Heart Journal
|
Issue 5/2022
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Abstract
Introduction
The AcQMap High Resolution Imaging and Mapping System was recently introduced. This system provides 3D maps of electrical activation across an ultrasound-acquired atrial surface.
Methods
We evaluated the feasibility and the acute and short-term efficacy and safety of this novel system for ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) and atypical atrial flutter.
Results
A total of 21 consecutive patients (age (mean ± standard deviation) 62 ± 8 years, 23% female) underwent catheter ablation with the use of the AcQMap System. Fourteen patients (67%) were treated for persistent AF and 7 patients (33%) for atypical atrial flutter. Eighteen patients (86%) had undergone at least one prior ablation procedure. Acute success, defined as sinus rhythm without the ability to provoke the clinical arrhythmia, was achieved in 17 patients (81%). At 12 months, 4 patients treated for persistent AF (29%) and 4 patients treated for atypical flutter (57%) remained in sinus rhythm. Complications included hemiparesis, for which intra-arterial thrombolysis was given with subsequent good clinical outcome (n = 1), and complete atrioventricular block, for which a permanent pacemaker was implanted (n = 2). No major complications attributable to the mapping system occurred.
Conclusion
The AcQMap System is able to provide fast, high-resolution activation maps of persistent AF and atypical atrial flutter. Despite a high acute success rate, the recurrence rate of persistent AF was relatively high. This may be due to the selection of the patients with therapy-resistant arrhythmias and limited experience in the optimal use of this mapping system that is still under development.