2020 AF Symposium Abstract

Using MRI to Check Pulsed Field Ablations (PFA)

by Steve S. Ryan

Background: Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) is a new treatment for Atrial Fibrillation with some unique features. First, the ablations are tissue-specific, only affecting heart tissue and not the surrounding organs. Second, instead of direct contact to make lesions, as with RF ablation, all that’s necessary is proximity to the targeted tissue to make the ablation.

Pierre Jaïs, MD, The Bordeaux Group

In a remarkable statement that would strike terror in the heart of most Electrophysiologists (EPs), the French Bordeaux group stated about Pulsed Field Ablations:

“Measures to alter lesion placement based on proximity of the esophagus and phrenic nerve were not taken.”

Normally, during a RF or cryo ablation, doctors move the esophagus as far away as possible from where they are ablating. In this study they took no such precautions.

Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) study

Farapulse catheter – Five Petal Flower configuration

At this year’s AF Symposium, the French Bordeaux group presented an abstract of their study using Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) with MRI.

Study Technique: With the Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) waveform generator, they used a 5-spline 12F catheter to isolate the Pulmonary Veins (PVs). Then, they used MRI to check the PFA lesions to assess any extra-cardiac damage.

Study Results

NO DAMAGE TO THE ESOPHAGUS

Position of Esophagus behind the heart

In 17 patients, the esophagus was located directly behind and adjacent to PFA lesions at a distance of 0.5 to 2 mm. Post PFA ablation and using MRI imaging, they found no esophageal lesions.

They also found no discontinuities (gaps) in any isolated PV.

(With other energy ablation sources such as RF, the esophagus would be scarred, have ulcer-like damage, and fistula.)

NO PHRENIC NERVE DAMAGE

Phrenic nerve near heart

When they ablated the right PVs, they knew that they were right next to or close to the phrenic nerve.

Upon examination, PFA lesions were found in the area of the phrenic nerve but no damage was seen (despite the fact that there was consistent phrenic nerve capture during PFA delivery).

LESS THAN 60 SECONDS PER PATIENT

And even more remarkably, the total energy delivery time per patient was less than 60 seconds. This is much less time than with other types of ablation.

Editor’s Comments:

I expect Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) will revolutionize catheter ablation for A-Fib. This is incredibly good news for patients and will make the EP’s job much easier requiring less time in the EP lab.

Better for Patients

Atrial-Esophageal Fistula No Longer a Threat: These are remarkable results! When using Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA), EPs don’t have to worry about damaging the esophagus, even though the PFA catheter may be very close to the esophagus. The dreaded complication Atrial-Esophageal Fistula will become a thing of the past! The same holds for Phrenic Nerve damage.

PFA is Tissue Selective: Instead of direct tissue contact as with RF ablation, all that’s necessary with PFA is to position the catheter in proximity to the targeted tissue. Because PFA is tissue selective, it’s easier and faster to make lesions without gaps.

Better for EPs

PFA Allows More A-Fib Patients to be Treated: Because PFA takes so little time, patients won’t have to wait for months to schedule an ablation. EPs will be better able to handle today’s epidemic of A-Fib cases. (One wonders how many PFA ablations a skilled EP will be able to do during a day?)

Better for Health of EPs: PFA may add years to an EP’s career and health. EPs no longer will have to wear those heavy lead shields for long periods of time to prevent fluoroscopy radiation damage.

But Not Ready Yet

It will probably take 3-5 years for PFA to be available for most A-Fib patients.

If you find any errors on this page, email us. Y Last updated: Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Return to 2020 AF Symposium Reports

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