Incidence and Duration of Unintentional Neuromodulation Effects After Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

NCT ID: NCT05677516

Last Updated: 2023-01-10

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

UNKNOWN

Total Enrollment

100 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2021-12-23

Study Completion Date

2023-12-23

Brief Summary

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Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a proven, high-efficiency treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Performed, among others, using cryoablation, pulsed field ablation (PFA) or radiofrequency (RF) ablation. It has been shown that its effectiveness significantly increases when the PVI procedure is combined with cardioneuroablation (CNA). The autonomic nervous system - ganglionated plexi (GP), the target of the CNA, are the endings of the vagal nerve and are located in the neighborhood of the pulmonary veins ostia. Places that, in many cases, are unintentionally damaged during PVI. Varying degrees of injury to the GP during PVI indicate that the group of patients undergoing PVI is heterogeneous in this regard, and the effectiveness of PVI may vary. Vagal nerve endings damage during CNA abolishes or modifies its activity, which is manifested by the acceleration of sinus rhythm and increased atrioventricular conduction efficiency. Unintended CNA is not observed in every PVI procedure. The severity of the unintended CNA effect and its duration also vary.

THE STUDY OBJECTIVES:

1. Frequency of unintentional CNA occurrence during PVI
2. Duration effect of CNA after unintentional CNA
3. Evaluation of the relationship between the different kinds of energy - cryo, pulsed field) and RFwith the unintentional CNA frequency occurrence and durability effect
4. Clinical significance evaluation of the new assessment method of the CNA effectiveness with the measure of the cSNRT and the sinus rate after its return, measured before and after PVI
5. Assessment of clinical significance for CNA evaluation of the electrophysiological parameters of AV node conduction efficiency, such as PQ interval, AH interval, HV interval, and Wenckebach's point. Parameters will be examined before and after PVI.
6. PVI efficacy evaluation with the AF and Sick Sinus Syndrome treatment, especially with the elimination of the indications for the PM implantation (sinus bradycardia, AV conduction disorders)
7. Assessment of sinus rhythm maintenance after PVI with unintentional CNA and without unintentional CNA
8. Assessment of ventricular rate control during AF burden after unintentional CNA
9. The search for new parameters evaluating the effectiveness and degree of CNA, such as the change in SR frequency after its return, may prove helpful and allow for resignation or significantly reduce the use of the complicated protocol of extracardiac vagal ganglion stimulation (ECVS) as a method to verify the effectiveness CNAs.

Detailed Description

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This is a multi-centre, prospective, observational study, which will include patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation qualified for PVI by the European Society of Cardiology guidelines. Pulmonary veins will be isolated with three kinds of energies: cryo, pulsed field and RF. The study group will consist of four subgroups:

1. Patients undergoing cryoablation of pulmonary veins with paroxysmal or persistent AF with ongoing AF during ablation
2. Patients undergoing cryoablation of pulmonary veins with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure
3. Patients undergoing pulmonary veins isolation with PFA with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure
4. Patients undergoing RF ablation of the pulmonary veins using an electroanatomical system with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure

The effect of unintentional neuromodulation will be assessed based on the following:

1. ECG Holter monitoring performed before and after the procedure in all groups
2. Parameters assessed in EPS before and after the procedure in groups 2,3, and 4.

The long-term effect of neuromodulation and its impact on maintaining sinus rhythm will be assessed based on the following:

1. The Holter ECG monitoring in groups 2,3, and 4.
2. The interview in all groups after three months of observation.

PROTOCOL STUDY:

GROUP 1:

1. Holter ECG prior to PVI
2. Holter ECG after PVI
3. Survey after three months of observation.

GROUPS 2,3 AND 4:

1. Holter ECG prior to PVI
2. EPS prior to PVI
3. EPS after PVI
4. Holter ECG prior to PVI
5. Holter ECG after three to six months of observation
6. Survey after three months of observation.

All the measured parameters as well as demographic and clinical data will be recorded in the study database.

Conditions

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Atrial Fibrillation

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Group 1

Patients undergoing cryoablation of pulmonary veins with paroxysmal or persistent AF with ongoing AF during ablation.

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- crioablation

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the cryoablation technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated using a cryoablation balloon. Cryoablation procedures are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Electrophysiological study (EPS)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In the electrophysiological study (EPS), electrophysiological parameters such as the recovery time of sinus rhythm (SNRT), Wenckebach's point, AH and HV intervals are measured. The examination begins with venous access through the femoral vein. Then, diagnostic electrodes are inserted into the right atrium, right ventricle and coronary sinus, with which electrophysiological tests are performed. The SNRT is measured after 60 seconds of atrial pacing with a 600ms cycle. The Wencjabach point is determined by stimulation in the incremental protocol. AV and HV intervals are measured during sinus rhythm using an electrode placed on the bundle of His. EPS is performed under local anesthesia. EPS will be performed both before and after pulmonary vein isolation. In patients with atrial fibrillation, during ablation, only the HV interval will be measured.

The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Holter EKG

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Holter ECG is a 24-hour, non-invasive ECG recording using a portable recorder and electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The Holter ECG will be performed three times: on the day preceding and on the first day after pulmonary veins isolation, and after 3 months of observation.

Questionnaire

Intervention Type OTHER

The survey will be conducted after 3 months of observation and will include questions about the number of hospitalizations due to atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, changes in pharmacotherapy.

Group 2

Patients undergoing cryoablation of pulmonary veins with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure.

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- crioablation

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the cryoablation technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated using a cryoablation balloon. Cryoablation procedures are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Electrophysiological study (EPS)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In the electrophysiological study (EPS), electrophysiological parameters such as the recovery time of sinus rhythm (SNRT), Wenckebach's point, AH and HV intervals are measured. The examination begins with venous access through the femoral vein. Then, diagnostic electrodes are inserted into the right atrium, right ventricle and coronary sinus, with which electrophysiological tests are performed. The SNRT is measured after 60 seconds of atrial pacing with a 600ms cycle. The Wencjabach point is determined by stimulation in the incremental protocol. AV and HV intervals are measured during sinus rhythm using an electrode placed on the bundle of His. EPS is performed under local anesthesia. EPS will be performed both before and after pulmonary vein isolation. In patients with atrial fibrillation, during ablation, only the HV interval will be measured.

The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Holter EKG

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Holter ECG is a 24-hour, non-invasive ECG recording using a portable recorder and electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The Holter ECG will be performed three times: on the day preceding and on the first day after pulmonary veins isolation, and after 3 months of observation.

Questionnaire

Intervention Type OTHER

The survey will be conducted after 3 months of observation and will include questions about the number of hospitalizations due to atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, changes in pharmacotherapy.

Group 3

Patients undergoing pulmonary veins isolation with PFA with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure.

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- pulsed field ablation (PFA)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the pulsed field ablation (PFA) technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated with a PFA electrode. PFA procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Electrophysiological study (EPS)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In the electrophysiological study (EPS), electrophysiological parameters such as the recovery time of sinus rhythm (SNRT), Wenckebach's point, AH and HV intervals are measured. The examination begins with venous access through the femoral vein. Then, diagnostic electrodes are inserted into the right atrium, right ventricle and coronary sinus, with which electrophysiological tests are performed. The SNRT is measured after 60 seconds of atrial pacing with a 600ms cycle. The Wencjabach point is determined by stimulation in the incremental protocol. AV and HV intervals are measured during sinus rhythm using an electrode placed on the bundle of His. EPS is performed under local anesthesia. EPS will be performed both before and after pulmonary vein isolation. In patients with atrial fibrillation, during ablation, only the HV interval will be measured.

The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Holter EKG

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Holter ECG is a 24-hour, non-invasive ECG recording using a portable recorder and electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The Holter ECG will be performed three times: on the day preceding and on the first day after pulmonary veins isolation, and after 3 months of observation.

Questionnaire

Intervention Type OTHER

The survey will be conducted after 3 months of observation and will include questions about the number of hospitalizations due to atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, changes in pharmacotherapy.

Group 4

Patients undergoing RF ablation of the pulmonary veins using an electroanatomical system with paroxysmal AF, in sinus rhythm during the procedure.

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- radiofrequency ablation (RF)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the radiofrequency ablation (RF) technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated with a RF electrode. RF procedures are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Electrophysiological study (EPS)

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

In the electrophysiological study (EPS), electrophysiological parameters such as the recovery time of sinus rhythm (SNRT), Wenckebach's point, AH and HV intervals are measured. The examination begins with venous access through the femoral vein. Then, diagnostic electrodes are inserted into the right atrium, right ventricle and coronary sinus, with which electrophysiological tests are performed. The SNRT is measured after 60 seconds of atrial pacing with a 600ms cycle. The Wencjabach point is determined by stimulation in the incremental protocol. AV and HV intervals are measured during sinus rhythm using an electrode placed on the bundle of His. EPS is performed under local anesthesia. EPS will be performed both before and after pulmonary vein isolation. In patients with atrial fibrillation, during ablation, only the HV interval will be measured.

The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Holter EKG

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Holter ECG is a 24-hour, non-invasive ECG recording using a portable recorder and electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The Holter ECG will be performed three times: on the day preceding and on the first day after pulmonary veins isolation, and after 3 months of observation.

Questionnaire

Intervention Type OTHER

The survey will be conducted after 3 months of observation and will include questions about the number of hospitalizations due to atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, changes in pharmacotherapy.

Interventions

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ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- crioablation

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the cryoablation technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated using a cryoablation balloon. Cryoablation procedures are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- pulsed field ablation (PFA)

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the pulsed field ablation (PFA) technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated with a PFA electrode. PFA procedures are performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

ablation- pulmonary vain isolation- radiofrequency ablation (RF)

Pulmonary vein isolation is the electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins from the left atrium. It can be performed using the radiofrequency ablation (RF) technique. The procedure begins with venous access through the femoral vein through which catheters and electrodes are inserted. Then, the left atrium is accessed through a transseptal puncture and the pulmonary veins are isolated with a RF electrode. RF procedures are performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Electrophysiological study (EPS)

In the electrophysiological study (EPS), electrophysiological parameters such as the recovery time of sinus rhythm (SNRT), Wenckebach's point, AH and HV intervals are measured. The examination begins with venous access through the femoral vein. Then, diagnostic electrodes are inserted into the right atrium, right ventricle and coronary sinus, with which electrophysiological tests are performed. The SNRT is measured after 60 seconds of atrial pacing with a 600ms cycle. The Wencjabach point is determined by stimulation in the incremental protocol. AV and HV intervals are measured during sinus rhythm using an electrode placed on the bundle of His. EPS is performed under local anesthesia. EPS will be performed both before and after pulmonary vein isolation. In patients with atrial fibrillation, during ablation, only the HV interval will be measured.

The procedure is performed using X-ray fluoroscopy.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Holter EKG

Holter ECG is a 24-hour, non-invasive ECG recording using a portable recorder and electrodes placed on the patient's chest. The Holter ECG will be performed three times: on the day preceding and on the first day after pulmonary veins isolation, and after 3 months of observation.

Intervention Type DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Questionnaire

The survey will be conducted after 3 months of observation and will include questions about the number of hospitalizations due to atrial fibrillation, heart palpitations, changes in pharmacotherapy.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Patients qualified for PVI due to paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.
* Signed and dated written informed consent prior to admission to the trial.

Exclusion Criteria

* Any underwent cardiac ablation.
* A history of cardiac surgery.
* Pregnancy.
* Diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system.
* Change in heart rhythm during PVI, with no conversion to the primary rhythm at the end of the procedure.
* Cardiac pacing during Holter ECG monitoring.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

85 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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4th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic, Poland

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Krystian Josiak

PhD

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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4th Military Hospital, Cardiology Department

Wroclaw, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland

Site Status RECRUITING

Polish-American Heart Clinics Cardiovascular Center in Dąbrowa Górnicza, American Heart of Poland Group

Dąbrowa Górnicza, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Poland

Central Contacts

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Przemysław Skoczyński, PhD

Role: CONTACT

+48602753043

Bruno Hrymniak, MD

Role: CONTACT

+48603766801

Facility Contacts

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Przemysław Skoczyński, PhD

Role: primary

+48602753043

Bruno Hrymniak, MD

Role: backup

+48603766801

Sebastian Stec, PhD

Role: primary

+48600298022

References

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Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, Arbelo E, Bax JJ, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Boriani G, Castella M, Dan GA, Dilaveris PE, Fauchier L, Filippatos G, Kalman JM, La Meir M, Lane DA, Lebeau JP, Lettino M, Lip GYH, Pinto FJ, Thomas GN, Valgimigli M, Van Gelder IC, Van Putte BP, Watkins CL; ESC Scientific Document Group. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS): The Task Force for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Developed with the special contribution of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J. 2021 Feb 1;42(5):373-498. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32860505 (View on PubMed)

Katritsis DG, Pokushalov E, Romanov A, Giazitzoglou E, Siontis GC, Po SS, Camm AJ, Ioannidis JP. Autonomic denervation added to pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a randomized clinical trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013 Dec 17;62(24):2318-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.06.053. Epub 2013 Aug 21.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23973694 (View on PubMed)

Aksu T, Guler TE, Bozyel S, Yalin K, Gopinathannair R. Why is pulmonary vein isolation not enough for vagal denervation in all cases? Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2020 May;43(5):520-523. doi: 10.1111/pace.13922. Epub 2020 May 2.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32324285 (View on PubMed)

Sakamoto S, Schuessler RB, Lee AM, Aziz A, Lall SC, Damiano RJ Jr. Vagal denervation and reinnervation after ablation of ganglionated plexi. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2010 Feb;139(2):444-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2009.04.056. Epub 2009 Sep 9.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 19740492 (View on PubMed)

Yorgun H, Aytemir K, Canpolat U, Sahiner L, Kaya EB, Oto A. Additional benefit of cryoballoon-based atrial fibrillation ablation beyond pulmonary vein isolation: modification of ganglionated plexi. Europace. 2014 May;16(5):645-51. doi: 10.1093/europace/eut240. Epub 2013 Aug 16.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 23954919 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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UNCOVER-PVI

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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