Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025
Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins
Published on: October 28, 2020
Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent
Nicolas Derval1, Josselin Duchateau2, Arnaud Denis1
1IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac-Bordeaux, France; Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Cardio-Thoracic Unit, Pessac, France.
Background:
Beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), the optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains poorly defined.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to examine a novel comprehensive ablation strategy (Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation [Marshall-PLAN]) strictly based on anatomical considerations.
Methods:
Left atrial (LA) sites were sequentially targeted as follows: (1) coronary sinus and vein of Marshall (CS-VOM) musculature; (2) PVI; and (3) anatomical isthmuses (mitral, roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus [CTI]). The primary endpoint was 12-month freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT).
Results:
Seventy-five consecutive patients were included (age 61 ± 9 years; 10 women; AF duration 9 ± 11 months; mean LA volume 197 ± 43 mL). VOM ethanol infusion was completed in 69 patients (92%). The full Marshall-PLAN lesion set (VOM, PVI, mitral, roof, and CTI with block) was successfully completed in 68 patients (91%). At 12 months, 54 of 75 patients (72%) were free from AF/AT after a single procedure (no antiarrhythmic drugs) in the overall cohort. In the subset of patients with a complete Marshall-PLAN lesion set (n = 68), the single procedure success rate was 79%. After 1 or 2 procedures, 67 of 75 patients (89%) remained free from AF/AT (no antiarrhythmic drugs). After 1 or 2 procedures, VOM ethanol infusion was complete in 72 of 75 patients (96%).
Conclusion:
A novel ablation strategy that systematically targets anatomical atrial structures (VOM ethanol infusion, PVI, and prespecified linear lesions) is feasible, safe, and associated with a high rate of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months in patients with persistent AF.
