We hypothesize that proton beams can be used for catheter-free, image-guided particle therapy mediated ablation. Therefore, this study was conducted (1) to assess electrophysiological effects and lesion creation at the atrioventricular junction (AVJ) with scanned proton beams, (2) evaluate time-course of lesions created in left ventricular (LV) myocardium by scanned proton beams using serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and correlating with lesion histology, and (3) investigate the role of tissue apoptosis in lesion creation by proton beams. 6, 7 Although we have shown ablation of cardiac tissue using carbon ions, 4 biophysiological and electrophysiological effects of proton beam therapy on cardiac tissue remain unclear. 6, 7 Using this technology, beams can be delivered in a truly 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional fashion. Particle beams, consisting of accelerated ions such as protons, offer unique radiophysical properties, delivering most of their energy abruptly in the distal region of their path at the Bragg peak. 4, 5 The entire mechanism and time-course for lesion formation with these sources remains incomplete. Different types of ionizing radiation have been proposed and tested for noninvasive ablation of cardiac tissue.

1–3 Unfavorable outcomes and complications could be overcome by noninvasive use of image-guided ablation technology. 1, 2 Furthermore, catheter ablation is an invasive procedure, accompanied by procedure-related complications. 1, 2 Efficacy outcomes, however, are still unsatisfactory. Catheter ablation, which commonly uses radiofrequency or cryothermal energy, has emerged as an increasingly useful treatment modality for arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

Customer Service and Ordering InformationĪrrhythmias are a major source for morbidity and mortality worldwide.

About Circ: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology.

Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA).

Circ: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology (ATVB).

Proton free