LAUSR

Introduction: Hybrid convergent epicardial/endocardial ablation was developed in response to the limited effectiveness of endocardial catheter ablation for persistent (PersAF) and longstanding PersAF (LSPAF). The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported safety and efficacy outcomes with convergent procedures. Methods: Predefined search terms were used in PubMed; the initial search was performed in June 2019 and updated in May 2020. Abstracts and full text in English were reviewed for peer-reviewed, primary clinical studies of hybrid convergent procedures in PersAF/LSPAF. Meta-analysis was performed with using a random effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator and forest plots. Heterogeneity was tested using Cochran’s Q-test. Results: The updated search yielded 325 unique results. Two articles from meta-analyses were added. Nineteen articles met inclusion with safety and/or efficacy data. Three overlapping studies were excluded. Results from the randomized CONVERGE trial were added, for a total of 1084 patients in 17 studies; 94% had PersAF or LSPAF. The 30-day major adverse event rate was 3.1% (95% CI 1.9% - 4.3%; n=1084; 17 studies), excluding pericardial effusions (PE) (non-emergent inflammatory response) and 5.1% (95% CI 3.6% - 6.6%) overall. The PEs may be mitigated by anti-inflammatory prophylaxis, pericardial drainage and appropriate patient monitoring. Freedom from AF/atrial arrhythmia at one year or later was 75.0% (95% CI 66.0%-83.9%; n=805; 14 studies) regardless of anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) and 64.9% (95% CI 54.7%-75.1%; n=494; 8 studies) off AADs/ absent increased dosage of failed AADs. Heterogeneity across studies was detected for effectiveness (p<0.0001), but not for safety (p=0.12). Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows high efficacy of hybrid convergent ablation at one year, even off AADs, and a reasonable safety in mostly persistent or long-standing persistent AF.