Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (Marshall-PLAN): Prospective, single-center study

Abstract

Background: Beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), the optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains poorly defined.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine a novel comprehensive ablation strategy (Marshall bundle elimination, Pulmonary vein isolation, and Line completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation [Marshall-PLAN]) strictly based on anatomical considerations.

Methods: Left atrial (LA) sites were sequentially targeted as follows: (1) coronary sinus and vein of Marshall (CS-VOM) musculature; (2) PVI; and (3) anatomical isthmuses (mitral, roof, and cavotricuspid isthmus [CTI]). The primary endpoint was 12-month freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia (AT).

Results: Seventy-five consecutive patients were included (age 61 ± 9 years; 10 women; AF duration 9 ± 11 months; mean LA volume 197 ± 43 mL). VOM ethanol infusion was completed in 69 patients (92%). The full Marshall-PLAN lesion set (VOM, PVI, mitral, roof, and CTI with block) was successfully completed in 68 patients (91%). At 12 months, 54 of 75 patients (72%) were free from AF/AT after a single procedure (no antiarrhythmic drugs) in the overall cohort. In the subset of patients with a complete Marshall-PLAN lesion set (n = 68), the single procedure success rate was 79%. After 1 or 2 procedures, 67 of 75 patients (89%) remained free from AF/AT (no antiarrhythmic drugs). After 1 or 2 procedures, VOM ethanol infusion was complete in 72 of 75 patients (96%).

Conclusion: A novel ablation strategy that systematically targets anatomical atrial structures (VOM ethanol infusion, PVI, and prespecified linear lesions) is feasible, safe, and associated with a high rate of freedom from arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months in patients with persistent AF.

Keywords: Anatomical approach; Catheter ablation; Ethanol infusion; Persistent atrial fibrillation; Vein of Marshall.