Methods and Results
Fifty-one consecutive patients undergoing cryoballoon PVI were enrolled. All patients underwent sedation using propofol throughout the procedure. Sedation status was monitored by the bispectral index. After the transseptal puncture and inserting the long sheath into the LA, the LAP was measured via the sheath. Then, the ASV treatment was started, and the LAP was re-measured. The LAP before and after the ASV support was investigated.
Before the ASV, the LAP during inspiratory phase was significantly smaller than that during expiratory phase (4.9±5.4 mmHg vs. 14.0±5.2 mmHg, p<0.01). The lowest LAP was -2.2±5.1 mmHg and was under 0 mmHg in 37 (73%) patients. After the ASV, the LAP during inspiratory phase significantly increased to 8.9±4.1 mmHg (p<0.01), and lowest LAP to 4.7±5.9 mmHg (p<0.01). The negative lowest LAP value became positive in 30/37 (81%) patients. There were no statistical differences regarding obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity, gender, or other comorbidities between patients with and without a negative lowest LAP after the ASV support.