Aims: The third-generation laser balloon (LB3) is an established ablation device for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) that allows direct visualization of the anatomical target. Equipped with an automatic circumferential laser delivery modality, it aims at continuous circumferential PVI, improving both acute and clinical outcomes. We sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LB3 ablation using an anatomical-based approach without verifying electrical isolation.
Methods and results: Among 257 paroxysmal AF patients undergoing LB3 ablation across four Italian centres, 204 (72% male, mean age 60.4 ± 11.1 years) were included. The primary endpoint was freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) recurrence after the blanking period (BP), assessed with implantable cardiac monitors (ICMs). All pulmonary veins (PVs) were targeted using the LB3, with the RAPID mode used on an average of 96 ± 8, 86 ± 19, 98 ± 11, and 84 ± 15% for the left superior, left inferior, right superior, right inferior PV, and left common ostium, respectively. Freedom from arrhythmia recurrences was 84.8% at 1, 80.4% at 2, and 76.0% at 3 years. An ATa burden ≥ 5% was documented in 2.5, 4.4, and 5.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Relapses during the BP [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.182, P = 0.032] and left atrial dilation (HR = 1.964, P = 0.048) were independent predictors of recurrences.
Conclusion: Anatomical-guided LB3 ablation for paroxysmal AF is a safe and effective approach, providing excellent clinical outcomes as assessed by ICM over nearly 3 years of follow-up.
Keywords: Atrial fibrillation; Continuous rhythm monitoring; Implantable cardiac monitors; Laser balloon ablation; Pulmonary vein isolation.
© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.