Higher than recommended lesion size index target values for pulmonary
vein isolation result in better clinical outcomes in paroxysmal atrial
fibrillation patients- a single center experience
Abstract
Introduction: Catheter ablation is a cornerstone of the therapy for the
paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The importance of effective lesion size
formation during pulmonary vein isolation is gauged through conduction
recovery and recurrence of arrhythmia. Therefore, lesion size index
(LSI) It is designed to utilize traditional intraprocedural parameters
and predict the procedural success. The impact of the optimal LSI index
and the respective segments of the pulmonary veins has not been commonly
evaluated. We aimed to assess whether higher and targeted LSI on the
different segments of pulmonary veins could actually leads to better
clinical outcomes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods:
Retrospective analyses of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
patients who underwent first catheter ablation were conducted. Targeted
LSI of 6.5 at the anterior wall and 5.2 at the posterior wall, roof and
floor of pulmonary vein was applied. The primary endpoint was defined as
arrhythmias recurrence assessed by routine electrocardiograms and 24
hours ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring at 3, 6, and 12 months
postablation. Results: Among the included 39 patients, the
single-procedure 12-months freedom from arrhythmias was reached in
92.3% patients. Interestingly, there was no tendency towards a
increased number of adverse effects using higher LSI index. Conclusion:
Atrial fibrillation ablation guided by targeted LSI value showed
efficiency on the freedom from arrhythmias during 1-year follow up
period without harmful effects.