This work was funded by the Hungarian Government Research Fund [GINOP-2.3.2-15-2016-00043, Sz&#237;v- &#233;s &#233;rkutat&#225;si kiv&#225;l&#243;s&#225;gk&#246;zpont (IRONHEART)].

All the patients signed informed consent before examination according to approval of the local ethical committee (OGY&#201;I/12743/2018).
1. Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Start the examination with patient preparation: ensuring at least a 4-hour fasting status, questionnaire about problems with swallowing and known upper gastrointestinal diseases.</li>
	<li>Ensure that written informed consent is read and signed.</li>
	<li>Prepare an intravenous line before the examination.</li>
	<li>Position the pa...

<ol>
	<li>Altinkaynak, D., Koktener, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Evaluation+of+pulmonary+venous+variations+in+a+large+cohort:+Multidetector+computed+tomography+study+with+new+variations.">Evaluation of pulmonary venous variations in a large cohort: Multidetector computed tomography study with new variations.</a> Wiener klinische Wochenschrift. 131 (19-20), 475-484 (2019).</li><li>Haissaguerre, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spontaneous+initiation+of+atrial+fibrillation+by+ectopic+beats+originating+in+the+pulmonary+veins.">Spontaneous initiation of atrial fibrillation by ectopic beats originating in the pulmonary veins.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 339 (10), 659-666 (1998).</li><li>Nault, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Drugs+vs.+ablation+for+the+treatment+of+atrial+fibrillation:+the+evidence+supporting+catheter+ablation.">Drugs vs. ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation: the evidence supporting catheter ablation.</a> European Heart Journal. 31 (9), 1046-1054 (2010).</li><li>Calkins, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=HRS/EHRA/ECAS+expert+consensus+statement+on+catheter+and+surgical+ablation+of+atrial+fibrillation:+recommendations+for+patient+selection,+procedural+techniques,+patient+management+and+follow-up,+definitions,+endpoints,+and+research+trial+design:+a+report+of+the+Heart+Rhythm+Society+(HRS)+Task+Force+on+Catheter+and+Surgical+Ablation+of+Atrial+Fibrillation.">HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: recommendations for patient selection, procedural techniques, patient management and follow-up, definitions, endpoints, and research trial design: a report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on Catheter and Surgical Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.</a> Heart Rhythm. 9 (4), 632-696 (2012).</li><li>Kojodjojo, P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pulmonary+venous+isolation+by+antral+ablation+with+a+large+cryoballoon+for+treatment+of+paroxysmal+and+persistent+atrial+fibrillation:+medium-term+outcomes+and+non-randomised+comparison+with+pulmonary+venous+isolation+by+radiofrequency+ablation.">Pulmonary venous isolation by antral ablation with a large cryoballoon for treatment of paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation: medium-term outcomes and non-randomised comparison with pulmonary venous isolation by radiofrequency ablation.</a> Heart. 96 (17), 1379-1384 (2010).</li><li>Packer, D. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cryoballoon+ablation+of+pulmonary+veins+for+paroxysmal+atrial+fibrillation:+first+results+of+the+North+American+Arctic+Front+(STOP+AF)+pivotal+trial.">Cryoballoon ablation of pulmonary veins for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: first results of the North American Arctic Front (STOP AF) pivotal trial.</a> Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 61 (16), 1713-1723 (2013).</li><li>Kuck, K., Brugada, J., Albenque, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cryoballoon+or+Radiofrequency+Ablation+for+Atrial+Fibrillation.">Cryoballoon or Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.</a> New England Journal of Medicine. 375 (11), 1100-1101 (2016).</li><li>Knecht, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anatomical+predictors+for+acute+and+mid-term+success+of+cryoballoon+ablation+of+atrial+fibrillation+using+the+28+mm+balloon.">Anatomical predictors for acute and mid-term success of cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation using the 28 mm balloon.</a> Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 24 (2), 132-138 (2013).</li><li>Cabrera, J. A., Ho, S. Y., Climent, V., Sanchez-Quintana, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+architecture+of+the+left+lateral+atrial+wall:+a+particular+anatomic+region+with+implications+for+ablation+of+atrial+fibrillation.">The architecture of the left lateral atrial wall: a particular anatomic region with implications for ablation of atrial fibrillation.</a> European Heart Journal. 29 (3), 356-362 (2008).</li><li>Kubala, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Normal+pulmonary+veins+anatomy+is+associated+with+better+AF-free+survival+after+cryoablation+as+compared+to+atypical+anatomy+with+common+left+pulmonary+vein.">Normal pulmonary veins anatomy is associated with better AF-free survival after cryoablation as compared to atypical anatomy with common left pulmonary vein.</a> Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology. 34 (7), 837-843 (2011).</li><li>Guler, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+Pulmonary+Vein+Anatomy+and+Pulmonary+Vein+Diameters+on+Outcome+of+Cryoballoon+Catheter+Ablation+for+Atrial+Fibrillation.">Effect of Pulmonary Vein Anatomy and Pulmonary Vein Diameters on Outcome of Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation.</a> Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology. 38 (8), 989-996 (2015).</li><li>Baran, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Impact+of+pulmonary+vein+ostia+anatomy+on+efficacy+of+cryoballoon+ablation+for+atrial+fibrillation.">Impact of pulmonary vein ostia anatomy on efficacy of cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a> Heart Beat Journal. 1, 65-70 (2017).</li><li>Sorgente, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pulmonary+vein+ostium+shape+and+orientation+as+possible+predictors+of+occlusion+in+patients+with+drug-refractory+paroxysmal+atrial+fibrillation+undergoing+cryoballoon+ablation.">Pulmonary vein ostium shape and orientation as possible predictors of occlusion in patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing cryoballoon ablation.</a> Europace. 13 (2), 205-212 (2011).</li><li>Chun, K. R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+'single+big+cryoballoon'+technique+for+acute+pulmonary+vein+isolation+in+patients+with+paroxysmal+atrial+fibrillation:+a+prospective+observational+single+centre+study.">The 'single big cryoballoon' technique for acute pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a prospective observational single centre study.</a> European Heart Journal. 30 (6), 699-709 (2009).</li><li>Cabrera, J. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphological+evidence+of+muscular+connections+between+contiguous+pulmonary+venous+orifices:+relevance+of+the+interpulmonary+isthmus+for+catheter+ablation+in+atrial+fibrillation.">Morphological evidence of muscular connections between contiguous pulmonary venous orifices: relevance of the interpulmonary isthmus for catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation.</a> Heart Rhythm. 6 (8), 1192-1198 (2009).</li><li>McLellan, A. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pulmonary+vein+isolation:+the+impact+of+pulmonary+venous+anatomy+on+long-term+outcome+of+catheter+ablation+for+paroxysmal+atrial+fibrillation.">Pulmonary vein isolation: the impact of pulmonary venous anatomy on long-term outcome of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.</a> Heart Rhythm. 11 (4), 549-556 (2014).</li><li>Mansour, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+anatomy+of+the+left+atrium+by+magnetic+resonance+angiography:+implications+for+catheter+ablation+for+atrial+fibrillation.">Three-dimensional anatomy of the left atrium by magnetic resonance angiography: implications for catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.</a> Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 17 (7), 719-723 (2006).</li><li>Ottaviano, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cryoballoon+ablation+for+atrial+fibrillation+guided+by+real-time+three-dimensional+transoesophageal+echocardiography:+a+feasibility+study.">Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation guided by real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography: a feasibility study.</a> Europace. 15 (7), 944-950 (2013).</li><li>Faletra, F. F., Regoli, F., Acena, M., Auricchio, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Value+of+real-time+transesophageal+3-dimensional+echocardiography+in+guiding+ablation+of+isthmus-dependent+atrial+flutter+and+pulmonary+vein+isolation.">Value of real-time transesophageal 3-dimensional echocardiography in guiding ablation of isthmus-dependent atrial flutter and pulmonary vein isolation.</a> Circulation Journal. 76 (1), 5-14 (2012).</li><li>Coulombe, N., Paulin, J., Su, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Improved+in+vivo+performance+of+second-generation+cryoballoon+for+pulmonary+vein+isolation.">Improved in vivo performance of second-generation cryoballoon for pulmonary vein isolation.</a> Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 24 (8), 919-925 (2013).</li></ol>

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Here, we demonstrate a step-by-step methodology to study the PVs, their surrounding structures and anatomical characteristics with 3D echocardiography. The above described method for 3D imaging of the PVs is an easily standardizable method, which provides high quality 3D images in most patients suitable for precise measurements. Optimal quality and orientation of the acquired images are paramount for the appropriate assessment of PV anatomy. The 3D reconstructed images enhance the visualization of the PV drainage pattern...

The drainage pattern of the pulmonary veins (PV) is highly variable with 56.5% variation in the average population1. Evaluation of the PV drainage pattern is crucial when planning PV isolation (PVI), which is the most common interventional treatment of atrial fibrillation nowadays2,3,4. Although radiofrequency catheter ablation has been the standard technology for achieving PVI, the cryoballoon (CB)-based ablation technology (CA) is an alternative method requiring less procedural time. The technique is less complicated compared with radiofrequency ablation5,6, while the efficacy and safety of CA are similar to those of radiofrequency ablation7.
The rate of procedural PV occlusion by the CB and the continuous circumferential extension of tissue injury in the PV ostium determines the permanent success of PVI after CA. One of the main determinants of PV occlusion is the variation of PV anatomy. In recent, computed tomography- (CT) and cardiac MRI-based studies, several PV parameters were identified with predictive values of short and long term success rates following CA. These parameters included variations of both the PV anatomy (left common PV, supernumerary PVs8,9,10, ostial area, ovality index8,11,12,13) and its surroundings (intervenous ridge8,14,15,16, thickness of left lateral ridge8,9,17).
Although conventional 2D echocardiography is not suitable for displaying and measuring most of the above parameters, three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) seems to be an alternative tool to visualize the PVs, as demonstrated in previous literature data18,19.
Furthermore, 3D TEE prior to PVI brings additional value compared to CT or MRI, as it not only provides data on PV characteristics for procedural design, but also clarifies whether a thrombus in the left atrial appendage (LAA) is present. This investigation is especially important prior to PVI. At the same time, 3D TEE requires less time, its procedural cost is low, and it does not expose the patient and the medical staff to radiation.
In the past, several types of CBs existed with different sizes, which made it difficult to extrapolate how the various parameters of the PVs influence the success rate of CA. Today, the newly introduced second-generation CB is used for CA, which only exists in one size. Thanks to its improved cooling effect, the second-generation CB offers a much higher performance compared to the first-generation CB20, which further highlights the importance of PV anatomy and interventional planning before PVI.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>4D Cardio-view 3 software</td>
			<td>Tomtec Imaging Systems GmbH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Epiq 7G scanner</td>
			<td>Philips</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Q-Lab Software</td>
			<td>Philips</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>X5-1 transducer</td>
			<td>Philips</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

three-dimensional echocardiographic method for the visualization and assessment of specific parameters of the pulmonary veins

The dimensions of the pulmonary veins are important parameters when planning pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), especially with the cryoballoon ablation technique. Acknowledging the dimensions and anatomical variations of the pulmonary veins (PVs) may improve the outcome of the intervention. Conventional 2D transoesophageal echocardiography can only provide limited data about the dimensions of the PVs; however, 3D echocardiography can further evaluate relevant diameters and areas of the PVs, as well as their spatial relationship to surrounding structures. In previous literature data, parameters influencing the success rate of PVI have already been identified. These are the left lateral ridge, the intervenous ridge, the ostial area of the PVs and the ovality index of the ostium. Proper imaging of the PVs by 3D echocardiography is a technically challenging method. One crucial step is the collection of images. Three individual transducer positions are necessary to visualize the important structures; these are the left lateral ridge, the ostium of the PVs and the intervenous ridge of the left and right PVs. Next, 3D images are acquired and saved as digital loops. These datasets are cropped, which result in the en face views displaying spatial relationships. This step can also be employed to determine the anatomical variations of the PVs. Finally, multiplanar reconstructions are created to measure each individual parameter of the PVs.
Optimal quality and orientation of the acquired images are paramount for the appropriate assessment of PV anatomy. In the present work, we examined the 3D visibility of the PVs and the suitability of the above method in 80 patients. The aim was to provide a detailed outline of the essential steps and potential pitfalls of PV visualization and assessment with 3D echocardiography.

Using the above-described image acquisition protocol, the first step is to visualize the left atrial appendage (LAA) using 2D acquisition (Figure 1). The probe is in the upper (or mid) transoesophageal position at 20-45&#176;. The image shows the LAA. The left lateral ridge and the left upper PV is displayed at 60-80&#176; (Figure 2), and then the 3D dataset is acquired and confirmed by cropping the dataset in order to visualize the LAA and the left lateral ridg...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins at JoVE.com

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins

The dimensions of the pulmonary veins (PV) are important parameters when planning pulmonary vein isolation. 2D transoesophageal echocardiography can only provide limited data about the PVs; however, 3D echocardiography can evaluate relevant diameters and areas of the PVs, as well as their spatial relationship to surrounding structures.

The dimensions of the pulmonary veins are important parameters when planning pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), especially with the cryoballoon ablation ...

Acknowledging the dimensions and anatomical variations of the pulmonary veins is important when planning pulmonary vein isolation, which contributes to improving the outcome of the intervention.3D TEE is an alternative tool to visualize the pulmonary veins before pulmonary vein isolation because it can evaluate relevant diameters in areas of the pulmonary veins, and their spatial relationship to surrounding structures.Conventional 2D echocardiography is not suitable for displaying and measuring most of the specific pulmonary veins parameters that affect the pulmonary veins isolation outcome.However, the 3D method can overtake the 2D limitations.3D TEE could replace the CT in the visualization of pulmonary veins with the advantages that it requires less time, the cost is lower and it doesn't expose the patient to radiation.Before beginning the image acquisition, position the patient in a left lateral decubitus position.Set up echocardiographic and oxygen saturation monitoring.For visualization of the left pulmonary veins, insert the probe into the esophagus at approximately 30-40 cm from the front teeth and use 2D image acquisition at 20-45

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2.6K 조회수.  University of Debrecen. Acknowledging the dimensions and anatomical variations of the pulmonary veins is important when planning pulmonary vein isolation, which contributes to improving the outcome of the intervention.3D TEE is an alternative tool to visualize the pulmonary veins before pulmonary vein isolation because it can evaluate relevant diameters in areas of the pulmonary veins, and their spatial relationship to surrounding structures.Conventional 2D echocardiography is not suitable for displaying and measuri...