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Clinical Trial
. 2023 Aug 2;25(9):euad222.
doi: 10.1093/europace/euad222.

Deep sedation protocol during atrial fibrillation ablation using a novel variable-loop biphasic pulsed field ablation catheter

Massimo Grimaldi  1 , Federico Quadrini  1 , Nicola Caporusso  2 , Federica Troisi  1 , Nicola Vitulano  1 , Vito Delmonte  2 , Antonio Di Monaco  1
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Deep sedation protocol during atrial fibrillation ablation using a novel variable-loop biphasic pulsed field ablation catheter

Massimo Grimaldi et al. Europace. .

Abstract

Background: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, largely nonthermal ablative modality that, by virtue of its putative preferential action on myocardial tissue through the process of irreversible electroporation (IRE), may replace conventional thermal ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). The recent inspIRE study confirmed safety and effectiveness of a fully integrated biphasic PFA system with a variable loop circular catheter for the treatment of paroxysmal AF. The majority of PFA procedures were performed using general anesthesia. However, due to the risks of general anesthesia we report the data regarding our sedation protocol used during inspIRE study.

Methods: A total of 29 patients (mean age 55±9 years; 72% male) were enrolled as part of this analysis within the inspIRE trial. The sedation protocol is reported in the manuscript. The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Patient State Index were collected during sedation. Each patient was monitored using the Masimo Sedline. At the end of ablation, the Likert Scale Questionnaire (LSQ) was used to assess the patients' satisfaction with intraoperative analgesia-sedation.

Results: No procedural complications were documented. Sufficient oxygen saturation was maintained in all patients during procedure. Non-invasive ventilation or tracheal intubation were not required for any patient. The RAAS score between -1 to -5 was obtained in 27 patients (93%) while the value 0 was obtained in 2 patients (7%). The VAS score between 0 to 2 was obtained in 24 patients (83%); the VAS score 3 in 3 patients (10%) and the VAS score 4 in 2 patients (7%). The PSI score <50 was achieved in 16 patients (55%) while the PSI between 50 and 70 was achieved in 9 patients (31%). Positive answers to LSQ were obtained in most patients.

Conclusion: During PFA ablation procedures with the variable-loop circular catheter and its accompanying biphasic pulse, our deep sedation protocol is a valid alternative to general anesthesia.

Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Electroporation; Pulmonary vein isolation; Pulsed field ablation; Sedation protocol.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: M.G. holds an agreement with Biosense Webster on new technologies development. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Graphical abstract
Graphical abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
The results regarding the Richmond agitation-sedation scale (RASS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient state index (PSI) before starting pulsed field ablation (upper part). Answers given by patients on the Likert scale questionnaire (lower part).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

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