CPVI With Modified Linear Ablation Versus CPVI in Patients With Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (SINUS)

The details include: (1) EI-VOM procedure: An 8.5-French-long sheath is inserted into to the CS via the femoral vein. A JR4 catheter is inserted into the CS to identify the ostium of the VOM. Subsequently, a guide wire supported by an OTW balloon catheter is advanced into the VOM. The balloon is inflated at 6-8 atm pressure in the VOM. Ethanol is infused into VOM from distal to proximal with 3ml each time within 1-2min. After the distal EI-VOM, the balloon is deflated and adjusted to the middle part of VOM. The EI-VOM procedure in the proximal and middle part of VOM should be the same as that in the distal. After three times of EI-VOM, the contrast is injected into VOM to make it permeable and dispersed to observe the effect of alcohol ablation. (2) After EI-VOM, radiofrequency ablation is performed to achieve bilateral PVI, PWI, bidirectional block of MI and CTI, disappearance of LAI-CS potential and SVCI. (3) Any organized AT observed during the procedure is targeted as well.

After reconstructing the left atrial geometry, CPVI is performed. Radiofrequency ablation should be applied at least 1-2 cm outside of the PV ostia for PVI to achieve a wide PVI ring. The mapping catheter PentaRay will be used to confirm the complete isolation of the PV antrum when all PV potentials within each antrum are abolished. If the AF persists after CPVI, direct current cardioversion is then be conducted to restore sinus rhythm. If spontaneous AFL/AT occurs during ablation, ablation is performed targeting the focal or critical isthmus under the guidance of high-density activation mapping. The endpoint of CPVI is to achieve complete entrance and exit block of all PV antra as recorded by PentaRay during sinus rhythm or CS pacing.