Catalyst Awardee

Project Description

A novel strategy to treat atrial fibrillation with extracorporeal stereotactic radioablation for pulmonary vein isolation

Xingxing Cai, MD, PhD;  Jian Sun, MD; Yigang Li, MD; Wei Li, MD, PhD; Yudong Fei, MD, PhD; Yuli Yang, MD; Mawei Jiang, MD, PhD; Yichen Shen, MM; Shunxuan Yu, MB; Jing Cai, MB | Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
Competition Sponsor: Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences
Award year: 2021

Atrial fibrillation is a common clinical cardiovascular disease. With the aging of society, its incidence is increasing year by year, reaching as high as 7.5% in people over 80 years old. Abnormal electrical activity of the pulmonary veins triggering atrial fibrillation is recognized as an important pathogenesis. Radiofrequency or cryo-balloon based pulmonary vein ablation via catheter is the main invasive treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, complications such as pseudoaneurysm, cardiac perforation, and left atrial esophageal fistula may occur. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a conventional treatment method for some malignant tumors. At present, we have mastered the key technology of SBRT through preclinical studies. Using its characteristics of non-invasive, precise and stereotactic ablation of lesions, we can explore noninvasive SBRT for pulmonary vein isolation to treat atrial fibrillation. This project intends to enroll 12-18 patients with refractory and symptomatic atrial fibrillation (anti-arrhythmic drugs are ineffective, and there are contraindications to catheter ablation, or previous catheter ablation therapy has failed, or they are unwilling/cannot tolerate catheter ablation), stereotactic radioablation will be performed using a dose-climbing strategy. Patients will be followed for 6 months to observe the efficacy and safety of noninvasive SBRT for pulmonary vein isolation to treat atrial fibrillation. The research results may provide a new strategy for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and provide evidence for its promotion and application, and finally promote healthy aging.

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