Pulmonary vein isolation by radiosurgery: Implications for non-invasive treatment of atrial fibrillation

Frank Bode*, Oliver Blanck, Maximilian Gebhard, Peter Hunold, Martin Grossherr, Sebastian Brandt, Reinhard Vonthein, Holger Thiele, Juergen Dunst, Dirk Rades

*Korrespondierende/r Autor/-in für diese Arbeit
12 Zitate (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims Electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins (PVs) has been established in clinical routine as a curative treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). While catheter ablation carries procedural risks, radiosurgery might be able to non-invasively induce lesions at the PV ostia to block veno-atrial electrical conduction. This porcine feasibility and dose escalation study determined the effect of radiosurgery on electrophysiologic properties of the left atrial-PV junction. Methods and results Eight adult Goettingen mini-pigs underwent electrophysiological voltage mapping in the left atrium and the upper right PV. Radiation was delivered with a conventional linear accelerator. A single homogeneous dose ranging from 22.5 to 40 Gy was applied circumferentially to the target vein antrum. Six months after radiosurgery, electrophysiological mapping was repeated and a histological examination performed. Voltage mapping consistently showed electrical potentials in the upper right PV at baseline. Pacing the target vein prompted atrial excitation, thus proving veno-atrial electrical conduction. After 6 months, radiation had reduced PV electrogram amplitudes. This was dose dependent with a mean interaction effect of -5.8%/Gy. Complete block of atrio-venous electrical conduction occurred after 40 Gy dose application. Histology revealed transmural scarring of the targeted PV musculature with doses >30 Gy. After 40 Gy, it spanned the entire circumference in accordance with pulmonary vein isolation. Conclusion Pulmonary vein isolation to treat AF can be achieved by radiosurgery with a conventional linear accelerator. Yet, it requires a high radiation dose which might limit clinical applicability.

OriginalspracheEnglisch
ZeitschriftEuropace
Jahrgang17
Ausgabenummer12
Seiten (von - bis)1868-1874
Seitenumfang7
ISSN1099-5129
DOIs
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 10.11.2015

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