Anesthetic Management of Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation Using High-Frequency Jet Ventilation

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe anesthetic management and perioperative complications in patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation under general anesthesia using high-frequency jet ventilation. The authors also identified variables associated with longer ablation times in this patient cohort.DesignA retrospective observational study.SettingThe electrophysiology laboratory in a major university hospital.ParticipantsOne hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation under general anesthesia with high-frequency jet ventilation.InterventionsHigh-frequency jet ventilation was used as the primary mode of ventilation under general anesthesia.Measurements and Main ResultsHigh-frequency jet ventilation was performed successfully throughout the ablation procedure in 175 cases of the study cohort. The remaining 13 patients had to be converted to conventional positive-pressure ventilation because of high PaCO2 or low PaO2 on arterial blood gas measurements. Variables associated with a shorter ablation time included a higher ejection fraction (p = 0.04) and case volume performed by each electrophysiologist in the study group (p = 0.001).ConclusionsHigh-frequency jet ventilation is generally a safe technique that can be used in catheter ablation treatment under general anesthesia.