Feasibility of single position endoscopic laser balloon ablation for atrial fibrillation: The open 8 approach

Ablation without shaft repositioning may make the endoscopic laser ablation system (EAS) more like a single shot approach. We tested the feasibility of wide circumferential ablation (WCA; no carina ablation and no shaft repositioning) in an "open 8" pattern for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Forty-eight patients (n = 48, age 64.6 ± 12 years) with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were referred to our center for PVI with the EAS. WCA for the lateral and septal pulmonary veins was attempted in all patients. If not feasible, individual full circular isolation of each pulmonary vein (iPVI) was performed. Additional lesions were applied if acute complete electrical isolation was not achieved on the first encirclement. Any documented episode of AF after a 1-month blanking period was registered as a recurrence. Bilateral WCA was feasible in 21 out of 48 patients (43.8%). Additional lesions for complete electrical isolation after the first-pass ablation were less in WCA compared with iPVI (P = 0.02). WCA was accomplished faster, with less applied energy at both lateral (P < 0.01) and septal side (P < 0.01). The mean follow-up of the patient population was 232 ± 150 days. AF recurrence occurred later in patients treated with WCA (315 ± 124 vs 110 ± 88 days, P = 0.008).

WCA with the EAS is safe, at least moderately feasible and highly effective, if achieved. Compared with iPVI it may be less time consuming, results in less energy application, and suppresses AF more effectively.