Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Robotic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: May 29, 2015
A multicentre study on persistent atrial fibrillation ablation targeting rotational activity on top of pulmonary vein
Marco Scaglione1, Francesco Geuna1, Enrico Guido Spinoni1
1Division of Cardiology, Cardinal Massaia Hospital, Asti, Italy.
Background-Aims:
Recently, the etiopathogenetic role of rotational activity (RotAct) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has been proposed. We designed a prospective multicenter study using CARTO Finder to evaluate the presence/distribution of RotActs in persistent AF (persAF), pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)influences on RotActs, and the impact of its elimination on top of PVI on procedural outcomes.
Methods:
For this study, 76 patients with pers AF ablation were enrolled. Procedural steps involved (1) using a CARTO-Finder map to look for RotActs (physician blinded); (2) PVI; (3) using a new map to look for residual/new RotActs; (4) ablation of RotActs, if present; (5) and finally using a new map to confirm RotAct elimination. Populations were divided based on the presence or absence of structural heart disease (Group I and II) and the presence or absence (R+ and R-) of RotActs before PVI. Presence, number, and distribution of RotAct at STEP 1, the impact of PVI on RotAct at STEP 3, and maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR) during follow-up were evaluated. 56 AF patients undergoing standard ablation protocol were included as a control group.
Results:
RotAct was identified in 29 (38%) patients at STEP1. RotAct did not differ between GI and GII patients. PVI significantly modified the number and localization of RotActs (p = 0.012). RotActs which were present at STEP 1 were different after PVI, with disappearance in 18 and new appearance in 5 patients. 71 patients completed a mean 13 ± 6 months follow-up and 91.5% were in stable SR. No difference in relapses was seen between R + and R- and GI and GII. RotAct ablation significantly reduced arrhythmia relapse during the follow-up compared to the control group (freedom from arrhythmia 91.5% vs. 78.6%, p = 0.025).
Conclusion:
RotAct was present in 38% in persAF patients. PVI influenced the number and distribution of RotActs. A tailored ablation strategy provided a high success rate (91.5%) at the follow-up.
