Initial Experience With Zero-Fluoroscopy Pulsed Field Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Study and Workflow Analysis

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EP LAB DIGEST. 2024;24(11):24-30.

Hany Demo, MD, FACC, FHRS
Swedish Covenant Hospital, Endeavor Health Medical Group, Chicago, Illinois

Catheter ablation, specifically pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), has become a cornerstone in the treatment of symptomatic, drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the traditional reliance on fluoroscopy for catheter navigation during ablation has raised concerns about cumulative radiation exposure to both patients and health care providers.^1-6

A zero-fluoroscopy approach for traditional thermal ablation methods such as radiofrequency (RF) ablation and cryoablation has been increasingly described in the literature and is progressively gaining adoption in clinical practice. The integration of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and electroanatomical mapping enables a zero-fluoroscopy approach that reduces radiation exposure while maintaining procedural efficacy and safety.^7-12

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is an emerging non-thermal modality for PVI that promises similar efficacy but a better safety profile,13 particularly when integrated into a zero-fluoroscopy workflow.

This article outlines our initial experience with zero-fluoroscopy PFA for AF, focusing on patient selection, procedural workflow, and practical tips for incorporating this technique into clinical practice. The findings provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of zero-fluoroscopy PFA, highlighting key considerations for adopting this innovative approach. 

Case Presentation

The case involves a 64-year-old man with paroxysmal AF refractory to multiple antiarrhythmic drugs, including amiodarone and flecainide. The patient had a history of hypertension and was at low risk for stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1). Given the patient’s symptomatic burden and failure of pharmacological therapy, catheter ablation was recommended. PFA was chosen due to its favorable safety profile, particularly concerning the reduced risk of esophageal and phrenic nerve injury. The decision to perform the procedure without fluoroscopy was based on our experience with ICE and electroanatomical mapping, which we believed would allow for accurate and safe catheter navigation and ablation. The PulseSelect PFA ablation system (Medtronic) was used.

Preprocedural Planning

The patient was scheduled for PFA using a zero-fluoroscopy approach. Preprocedural imaging, including transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was not performed. ICE was used to assess atrial anatomy and rule out left atrial (LA) thrombus. Anticoagulation (apixaban) was held the morning of the procedure.

Vascular Access and Introduction of ICE Catheter

The procedure was performed under deep sedation. Under vascular ultrasound guidance, percutaneous femoral vascular access was obtained using the modified Seldinger technique. A long 10 French (F) sheath, short 10F sheath, and 7F sheath were placed in the right femoral vein. A 9F ICE catheter was advanced through the 10F sheath. The catheter was guided through the left femoral vein up to the right atrium (RA). 

Obtaining Baseline Images

Once in the RA, the ICE catheter was minimally rotated clockwise or counterclockwise until the “home view” was seen. The home view is where the RA, tricuspid valve (TV), right ventricle (RV), and aortic valve (AV) are seen (Figure 1). From this position, an anterior curve was applied to the ICE catheter prior to advancing the ICE catheter across the tricuspid valve and into the RV. Once in the RV, the anterior curve was released and the catheter was used to assess for the presence of any pericardial effusion around the RV (Figure 2). To assess for fluid around the LV, the ICE catheter was rotated clockwise until the LV was in view (Figure 3). These images were stored and served as a useful comparator in the event of hypotension later in the case. 

Transseptal Puncture

ICE was used to visualize the fossa ovalis and guide the transseptal puncture. A VersaCross RF transseptal wire (Boston Scientific) was used for transseptal access. The wire was advanced to the superior vena cava (SVC) through the short 10F sheath. The short sheath was then removed and a 10F FlexCath Contour sheath (Medtronic) and dilator assembly were advanced over the wire for zero-exchange transseptal access. The puncture was performed with real-time ICE imaging, ensuring accurate puncture without the need for fluoroscopic guidance. The transseptal assembly was withdrawn from the SVC down to the fossa. The sheath was manipulated to achieve tenting of the septum in a satisfactory location (Figure 4). Transseptal puncture was performed by delivering RF energy thorough the RF wire. The transseptal sheath was then advanced into the LA under continuous ICE monitoring (Figure 5).

Placing the ICE in the LA

While all 4 PVs could be seen from the RA, excellent visualization of the PVs was obtained when the ICE catheter was advanced into the LA. To achieve this end, the ICE catheter was placed through the hole created by the transseptal puncture. Following transseptal sheath exchange, the pigtail wire was left in the mid LA. The FlexCath Contour-dilator assembly was then pulled back into the RA while keeping the wire in the LA. Next, anterior tilt was placed so that the tip of the ICE catheter approximated the entry point of the wire into the transseptal hole. The ICE catheter was then advanced from the RA to LA next to the wire through the same hole (Figure 6). The FlexCath-dilator assembly was advanced into the LA, and the dilator and wire were then removed. With the ICE catheter in the LA, placing posterior tilt resulted in improved visualization of the left PVs. With the posterior tilt removed, clockwise rotation resulted in visualization of the right-sided PVs.

PFA

Current first-generation FDA-approved PFA catheters available in the United States are over-the-wire multielectrode catheters that lack tissue contact indicators, which is important for maximizing lesion depth with PFA. The wire must be distal to the PFA catheter and without any contact with the catheter electrodes to avoid any potential arcing during energy delivery. The catheter should be rotated after each successful PFA application to overlap lesion sets and achieve PVI. 

During PFA, the integration of ICE and mapping systems allows for accurate registration of the wire and catheter position within the 3D map, obviating the need for fluoroscopic verification (Figure 7). The map shift is minimal when the coronary sinus catheter is used as a reference for the map. ICE provides real-time, high-resolution visualization of intracardiac structures, enabling precise catheter manipulation and accurate identification of anatomical landmarks. Additionally, the continuous feedback from ICE allows for real-time assessment of adequate catheter contact with the atrial tissue (Figure 8), which is crucial for a successful PFA procedure. The mapping system provides detailed spatial information, enabling the identification and localization of PV ostia, the LA posterior wall, and other critical sites. This spatial precision is crucial in PFA, where lesion sets must be carefully tailored to achieve complete and durable PVI while avoiding gaps that could lead to AF recurrence. The PulseSelect PFA catheter is designed with 20° forward tilted array to ensure contact where the 5th electrode is the first electrode to contact the tissue. Our workflow includes highlighting electrode 5 on our mapping system and tagging it as a lesion once a satisfactory PFA application is delivered. The catheter is then rotated 90° to overlap lesion set and electrode 5 is tagged in its new location. In our stepwise ostial-antral approach, at least 4 ostial and 4 antral applications are applied with electrode 5 tagged at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions in the vein to ensure contiguous PVI (Figure 9).

The non-thermal nature of PFA allows for rapid lesion formation with minimal discomfort to the patient. All PVI is confirmed by post-ablation voltage mapping (Figure 10) as well as entrance and exit block testing.

Postprocedural Monitoring

After the ablation, the patient was monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit for 3 hours before being discharged home on continued anticoagulation with instructions for follow-up in 2 weeks. No immediate complications were observed.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of zero-fluoroscopy ablation using the PulseSelect PFA catheter. Our initial experience with zero-fluoroscopy PFA for AF has been positive, demonstrating that this technique is both feasible and effective when integrated with ICE and advanced electroanatomical mapping. The non-thermal nature of PFA, combined with the radiation-free approach, offers significant advantages in terms of safety and patient outcomes. The learning curve is steep for operators accustomed to fluoroscopy-based techniques, but more manageable for those already experienced with fluoroless methods.

The long-term benefits of adopting this technique make it a valuable addition to the electrophysiologist’s armamentarium. Continued refinement of the procedure and further studies on long-term outcomes will be crucial in defining the role of zero-fluoroscopy PFA in AF management. 

While zero-fluoroscopy PFA represents a significant advancement, several challenges must be addressed for widespread adoption. These challenges include the need for precise ICE imaging and interpretation, especially during transseptal puncture, and the reliance on both ICE and electroanatomical mapping for catheter localization. Electrophysiologists must gain proficiency in ICE imaging and become adept in the use of advanced electroanatomical mapping systems to fully realize the potential of this approach. Training programs should emphasize the integration of these technologies, focusing on the understanding of ICE images and the nuances of non-fluoroscopic navigation.

Ongoing technological developments in PFA catheter design and pulse delivery systems are expected to further enhance the efficacy, efficiency, and safety of this approach. Future studies are needed to establish the long-term durability of PFA lesions and to compare clinical outcomes with those of established thermal ablation techniques. As these technologies evolve, zero-fluoroscopy PFA has the potential to become the standard approach for AF ablation, providing a safer and more precise alternative to conventional methods. 

Disclosure: Dr Demo has completed and returned the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. He reports consulting fees and payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from Abbott and Medtronic. 

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