ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a novel modified epicardial radiofrequency (RF) ablation for preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) combined with aortic valve disease. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients with AF and aortic valve disease underwent the novel modified epicardial RF ablation combined with aortic valve replacement (AVR) in our hospital between December 2009 and December 2014. There were 18 males and 10 females at age of 53-73 (64.9±4.8) years. The patients were performed epicardial atrial fibrillation RF ablation plus aortic valve replacement. ResultsThe modified epicardial RF ablation and AVR were performed successfully in all the patients. The maintenance of sinus rhythm was 96.4% (27/28) at discharge. There were no early death and permanent pacemaker implantation in perioperation. At a mean following-up of 29.2±17.7 months, 26 of 28 (92.9%) patients were in sinus rhythm. Following-up transthoracic echocardiography(TTE) at 6 months postoperatively showed that left atrial diameter was significantly reduced and left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly increased. ConclusionThe novel modified epicardial RF ablation procedure is safe, feasible, and effective. It may be useful in selecting the best ablation approaches for patients with AF and aortic valve disease.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation of great saphenous varicose veins in ambulatory surgery.MethodsPatients who underwent radiofrequency ablation of great saphenous varicose veins between May 2018 and June 2019 in General Hospital of Northen Theater Command were prospectively selected. According to their choices of treatment modes, patients were divided into two groups, day surgery group and routine inpatient group. The preoperative waiting time, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses of the two groups were compared. The postoperative pain, tenderness, and complications were followed up on the first day (the next day after operation), the third day, and the fourteenth day after operation, and the time of return to normal life and work and patients’ satisfaction in two groups were recorded.ResultsA total of 95 patients were enrolled, including 52 in the day surgery group and 43 in the routine inpatient group. There was no significantly difference in age, gender, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, or operation time between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the routine inpatient group, the day surgery group had shorter preoperative waiting time, shorter length of hospital stay, and lower hospitalization expenses (P<0.05). In the day surgery group, the time of return to normal life and the time of return to work were shorter and patients’ satisfaction was significantly higher than those in the routine inpatient group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in pain, tenderness, or paresthesia scores between the two groups after surgery according to the follow-up assessment (P>0.05); the pain, tenderness, and paresthesia scores on the first day and the third day were significantly different from those on the fourteenth day after surgery, indicating that the longer the postoperative time of the two groups, the less pain, tenderness, and paresthesia scores were.ConclusionRadiofrequency ablation of great saphenous varicose veins in ambulatory surgery has a short hospital stay, low medical cost, high patient satisfaction, and can ensure the safety of treatment at the same time, which is worthy of clinical promotion
Objective To investigate the impact of injection of acetic acid hypertonic saline solution (AHS) in dog liver during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on its destructive zone. Methods RFAs were performed in dog livers by using LDRF-120S mutiple probe ablation system combining 50% acetic acid 5% hypertonic saline solution injection. Thirty healthy adult hybrid dogs were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=6). Group A: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 2 ml AHS; Group B: RFA was performed 5 min after injection of 2 ml AHS; Group C: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 4 ml AHS; Group D: RFA was performed 5 min after injection of 4 ml AHS; Group E: RFA was performed immediately after injection of 6 ml AHS. Results There were no significant differences in the mean initial impedance within 5 groups. The mean ablation times were different significantly among 5 groups (F=83.831, P＜0.001). The mean ablation time was different significantly between any two groups by LSD-t analysis (P＜0.001). The mean coagulation diameters were different significantly among 5 groups （F=53.488, P＜0.001）. The mean coagulation diameter of group E was the largest among 5 groups. Besides mean coagulation diameter was no significant difference between group D and E (Pgt;0.05), the mean coagulation diameter was different significantly between any two groups by LSD-t analysis (P＜0.001). Obviously thrombus were shown in coagulation necrosis zone and nearly normal tissue with gordon amp; sweet. AHS spillage from the injection site occurred in group E. Four dogs died in group E within 14 d but no dog died in the other groups. Conclusion RFA is performed 5 min after injection of 4 ml AHS in dog liver produces the ideal ablation destructive zone.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of thoracoscopy-assisted epicardial radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or left atrial appendage exclusion (LAAE).MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with solitary AF admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 7 males and 5 females, with an average age of 65.2±5.3 years. Of them, 2 had paroxysmal AF, 1 had persistent AF and 9 had permanent AF.ResultsNo patient died during hospitalization, 5 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for AF and LAAE, and 6 received LAAE alone. The operation time was 293±70 min in radiofrequency ablation for AF+LAAE patients and 71±14 min in LAAE patients. Two patients restored sinus rhythm, two restored after electric cardioversion, and one remained AF in AF+LAAE patients. Postoperatively, 1 patient had pleural effusion and 1 had subcutaneous emphysema. No stroke was observed.ConclusionThoracoscopy-assisted radiofrequency ablation for AF and/or LAAE reduce the risk of procedure, and provide alternative approach to treat AF-associated diseases. However, large sample size studies using prospective cohort designs are required to corroborate the present findings.
ObjectiveTo explore the value of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the radical cure for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodThe recent literatures about RFA in the treatment for HCC were retrieved and reviewed. ResultsThe liver transplantation, liver resection, and RFA were the three effective treatments in curative intent for early HCC.RFA was more frequently used in downsize therapy prior to liver transplantation in recent years because of its excellent local tumor control.Preoperative RFA extended the average waiting time without increasing the risk of dropout.Even though the controversy about effectiveness of RFA and hepatectomy was not been settled, the liver resection com-bined with RFA extended the operation indication of HCC and improved the effectiveness. ConclusionsRFA plays more and more important roles among the various treatment strategies in HCC.RFA, liver transplantation, and hepatectomy could be complementary to each other in the treatment for HCC and benefit numerous patients.Among these strategies, the key to improve the effectiveness is that minimum reduces residual tumors and suppresses their growth.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods From March 2004 to March 2006, 137 patients with primary HCC underwent TACE alone (n=87) and TACE+RFA (n=50), respectively, after the interventional treatment, all patients periodically received CT reexaminations and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) measurement. The therapeutic efficacy, AFP level and survival rate between two groups were compared with each other. Results In TACE group the effective rate (CR+PR) was 34.5%, AFP decreasing amplitude was 54.2%, and 2 years survival rate was 43.7%. While in TACE+RFA group, the effective rate (CR+PR) was 70.0%, AFP decreasing amplitude was 78.0%, and 2 years survival rate was 62.0%, there were significant differences between two groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion Combined application of TACE and RFA is significantly superior to TACE alone in treatment of primary HCC.
Abstract： Objective To analyze the influence of preoperative left atrial dimension （LAD） on the effectiveness of surgical radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation （AF） through a 5-year postoperative follow-up of AF patients after surgical radiofrequency ablation. Methods Clinical data of 433 patients with persistent or permanent AF who received bipolar radiofrequency ablation procedures during concomitant cardiac surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from 2006 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were divided into 4 groups according to their preoperative LAD：Group A， 75 patients with their LAD＜50 mm， including 22 males and 53 females with their average age of 56.50±10.05 years；Group B， 89 patients with their LAD ranging from 50 to 60 mm， including 32 males and 57 females with their average age of 55.63±10.28 years；Group C， 117 patients with their LAD ranging from 60 to 70 mm， including 41 males and 76 females with their average age of 55.13±10.96 years；and Group D， 152 patients with their LAD＞70 mm， including 68 males and 84 females with their average age of 53.22±11.49 years. Postoperative ECG records right after surgery， before discharge， at 6 months and 1，2，3，4 and 5 years during follow-up were collected. The relationship between preoperative LAD and postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rate was analyzed. Results There was statistical difference in sinus rhythm restoration rate right after surgery（P=0. 011）， before discharge（P=0. 002）， at 6 months（P＜ 0. 001） and 1 year （P＜0. 001）， 2 years（P＜0. 001）， 3 years（P＜0. 001）， 4 years（P＜0. 001） and 5 years（P= 0. 006） during follow-up among the 4 groups. Postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rates right at 6 months and 1，2，3， 4 and 5 years during follow-up was 90.4%， 89.9%， 90.3%， 91.3%， 89.1%， and 90.9% in Group A， 80.2%，79.0%，78.1%， 76.1%，72.5%，70.0% in Group B，74.7%，74.0%，71.2%，72.4%，70.0%， and 64.7% in Group C， and 61.8%，57.6%，56.8%，53.9%，50.7%，and 48.6% in Group D， respectively. Conclusion Patients with a larger preoperative LAD have a lower postoperative sinus rhythm restoration rate after surgical radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of AF.
Objective To observe the effect of radiofrequency ablation technology for the treatment of infected wounds in minipigs. Methods Infected wounds of full-thickness skin defects (about 6.15 cm2/wound) were prepared in 8 6-month-old minipigs (weighing, 30-35 kg) using the method of Davis et al. The 160 wounds were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=40). Infected wounds were debrided with the radiofrequency ablation technology in group A, with the electric knife in group B, and with the scalpel in group C; no treatment was done in group D as a control. The healing rate, healing time, and tissue filling rate were observed; bacterial quantitative examination and histological examination were done at 0, 2, 7, and 14 days after operation. Results All infected wounds were successfully established after 48 hours when Staphylococcus aureus dilution were inoculated. The wounds after radiofrequency ablation technology treatment were fresh and flat with slight bleeding; the healing time of group A was significantly shorter than that of groups B, C, and D (P lt; 0.05), and the healing rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). The tissue filling rate of group A was significantly higher than that of groups B, C, and D at 2 days after operation (P lt; 0.05); the tissue filling rates of groups A, B, and C were significantly higher than that of group D at 7 and 14 days after operation (P lt; 0.05). At 0, 2, 7, and 14 days, there were significant differences in the bacterial count per gram tissue among 4 groups (P lt; 0.05), the order from low to high was groups A, B, C, and D. The histological observation showed that the surface of wound was smooth in group A at 0 day, and group A was better than the other groups in wound healing; at 2 days, some exudates were observed in 4 groups, but it was least in group A. There was inflammatory cell infiltration in various degrees in 4 groups at 7 and 14 days; it was lightest in group A with thick epithelium and dense collagen bundles, followed by groups B and C, and it was severe in group D. Conclusion The radiofrequency ablation technology can effectively remove the necrotic tissues of infected wounds, remarkably reduce the number of bacteria, improve the healing rate, and shorten the healing time of wounds.
ObjectiveTo evaluate surgical outcomes of combined off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB)and bipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA)for atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsFrom January 2008 to October 2013, 49 patients with coronary artery disease and AF underwent OPCAB and concomitant Atricure bipolar RFA for AF in Beijing Anzhen Hospital. According to their AF duration, all the 49 patients were divided into 2 groups. In group A, there were 14 patients with permanent AF including 9 males and 5 females with their age of 56.7±7.5 years. In group B, there were 35 patients with paroxysmal AF including 27 males and 8 females with their age of 60.2±10.5 years. AF duration was 9.4±6.0 months. Coronary artery stenosis was 85%-100%. Ambulatory electrocardiogram and echocardiography were performed to observe AF recurrence during follow-up. ResultsNone of the patients received intraoperative conversion operation under cardiopulmonary bypass, and there was no in-hospital death. Postoperatively, 81.6% (40/49)patients had conversion to sinus rhythm (SR)or junctional rhythm, 18.4% (9/49)patients remained AF, but none of the patients had second or third-degree atrioventricular block. A total of 139 distal anastomoses were performed with a mean of 2.8 distal anastomoses per patient. Length of hospital stay was 10-15 (12±3)days. SR was observed in 34 patients (69%)before discharge including 9 patients (64%)in group A and 25 patients (71%)in group B. All the patients (100%)were followed up for 5-12 months. 39 patients (80%)maintained SR over 6 months, including 10 patients (71%)in group A and 29 patients (83%)in group B. 44 patients (90%)maintained SR over 12 months, including 11 patients (79%)in group A and 33 patients (94%)in group B. There was no statistical difference in SR maintenance rate between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionOPCAB and concomitant bipolar RFA for AF is safe, efficacious and feasible.
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency ablation for left ventricular aneurysm-related ventricular arrhythmia associated with mural thrombus. MethodsFifteen patients with left ventricular aneurysm-related frequent premature ventricular contractions associated with mural thrombus were enrolled in Beijing Anzhen Hospital between June 2013 and June 2015. There were 11 male and 4 female patients with their age of 63.5±4.8 years. All patients had a history of myocardial infarction, but no cerebral infarction. All patients received bipolar radiofrequency ablation combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, ventricular aneurysm plasty and thrombectomy. Holter monitoring and echocardiography were measured before discharge and 3 months following the operation. ResultsThere was no death during the operation. Cardiopulmonary bypass time was 92.7±38.3 min. The aortic clamping time was 52.4±17.8 min.The number of bypass grafts was 3.9±0.4. All the patients were discharged 7-10 days postoperatively. None of the patients had low cardiac output syndrome, malignant arrhythmias, perioperative myocardial infarction, or cerebral infarction in this study. Echocardiography conducted before discharge showed that left ventricular end diastolic diameter was decreased (54.87±5.21 cm vs. 60.73±6.24 cm, P=0.013). While there was no significant improvement in ejection fraction (45.20%±3.78% vs. 44.47%±6.12%, P=1.00) compared with those before the surgery. The number of premature ventricular contractions[4 021.00 (2 462.00, 5 496.00)beats vs. 11 097.00 (9 327.00, 13 478.00)beats, P < 0.001] and the percentage of premature ventricular contractions[2.94% (2.12%, 4.87%) vs. 8.11% (7.51%, 10.30%), P < 0.001] in 24 hours revealed by Holter monitoring were all significantly decreased than those before the surgery. At the end of 3-month follow-up, all the patients were angina and dizziness free. Echocardiography documented that there was no statistical difference in left ventricular end diastolic diameter (55.00±4.41 mm vs. 54.87±5.21 mm, P=1.00). But there were significant improvements in ejection fraction (49.93%±4.42% vs. 45.20%±3.78%, P=0.04) in contrast to those before discharge. Holter monitoring revealed that the frequency of premature ventricular contractions[2 043.00 (983.00, 3 297.00)beats vs. 4 021.00 (2 462.00, 5 496.00)beats, P=0.03] were further lessened than those before discharge, and the percentage of premature ventricular contractions[2.62% (1.44%, 3.49%)vs. 8.11% (7.51%, 10.30%), P < 0.001] was significantly decreased than those before the surgery, but no significant difference in contrast to those before discharge. ConclusionThe recoveries of cardiac function benefit from integrated improvements in myocardial ischemia, ventricular geometry, pump function, and myocardial electrophysiology. Bipolar radiofrequency ablation can correct the electrophysiological abnormality, significantly decrease the frequency of premature ventricular contractions, and further improve the heart function.