Direct Current Cardioversion In Patients Research Articles

Clinical and instrumental factors associated with sinus rhythm maintenance following direct current cardioversion of late persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation at 6-months follow-up

Abstract Purpose To study the clinical and instrumental factors, associated with sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance following direct current cardioversion (DCCV) in patients with late persistent non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) at 6-months follow-up. Methods The cohort single-center study analyzed clinical and instrumental data from 59 late persistent AF patients (with duration of its episode ≥90 days [up to 12 months]), who underwent an elective DCCV. At 6-months follow-up, 32 (54 %%) patients succeeded to maintain SR, in contrast to 27 (46 %) patients with a failure to its maintenance. Results The univariate logistic regression analysis revealed, that the absence of heart failure (HF) stage C (i.e., the presence of its stage B), the higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (by transthoracic echocardiography [TTE]), left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) >40 cm/s and the freedom from left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) (by transesophageal echocardiography), ‒ all were associated with the higher chance to maintain SR at 6-months follow-up (Figure). At the same time, the higher baseline left atrial dimension (LAD) and more advanced pulmonary hypertension (PH) (by TTE) were associated with the failure of its maintenance to be more probable (Figure). At multivariate analysis, the following predictors of SR maintenance after DCCV at 6-months follow-up were identified: higher LVEF (OR 1,07 (95 % CI 1,01-1,13); р=0,021); LAAFV >40 cm/s (OR 4,33 (95 % CI 1,06-17,78); р=0,042), and less advanced PH (OR 0,24 (95% CI 0,06-0,93); р=0,038). Conclusion Better LV systolic function, LAAFV >40 cm/s and less advanced PH were the predictors of SR maintenance following DCCV in patients with late persistent (with duration of its episode ≥90 days) non-valvular AF at 6-months follow-up.

Abstract 14165: Left Atrial Appendage Emptying Velocity as a Predictor of Energy Required for Successful DC Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease in the elderly population. Restoring sinus rhythm in AF often involves antiarrhythmic drugs, direct current (DC) cardioversion, and ablation. The predictive value of left atrial appendage (LAA) emptying velocity in determining the energy required for successful DC cardioversion remains uncertain. Aim: To study the association between LAA emptying velocity and the amount of energy required for cardioversion in patients with AF undergoing DC cardioversion. Methods: A total of 79 consecutive AF patients were enrolled in the study. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed to exclude the presence of clot formation, after which patients underwent DC cardioversion using escalating biphasic energy levels of 100 joules, 200 joules, and 360 joules to restore sinus rhythm. Patients were stratified into two groups based on LAA emptying velocity: the low-velocity group (≤30 cm/sec) and the high-velocity group (>30 cm/sec). Clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Results: Of the 79 patients, 49 had a low LAA emptying velocity (LAAEV). The low-velocity group was older, with a mean age of 75 years compared to 70 years in the high-velocity group. The severity of mitral regurgitation was similar between the two groups. Patients with reduced LAA emptying velocity required significantly higher joules for successful cardioversion compared to the high-velocity group (192 joules vs. 155 joules, p-value = 0.02). Sleep apnea was more prevalent in the high-velocity group. The utilization of antiarrhythmic medications did not differ significantly between the groups (55% vs. 63%, p-value = 0.25). Conclusions: The study showed AF patients with low LAA emptying velocity require higher energy levels for successful cardioversion, suggesting that LAA emptying velocity may serve as a predictor of energy requirement in DC cardioversion for restoring sinus rhythm in AF patients.

Comparative Effectiveness of Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Obesity With Body Mass Index ≥50 kg/m2

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most frequently encountered arrhythmia, with obesity being an independent risk factor. There are sparse data on the success rates of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) in patients with severe obesity. We compared the effectiveness of DCCV in patients with a body mass index (BMI) >50kg/m2 with those with a BMI <30kg/m2. A retrospective chart review of 111 patients was performed between January 1, 2011 and January 1, 2022. The study cohort was stratified into 2 groups: BMI ≥50kg/m2 and BMI <30kg/m2. The primary outcome was successful achievement of normal sinus rhythm after DCCV. The secondary outcomes included number of attempted shocks, number of successful shocks on first attempts, and energy of successful shock. The primary outcome occurred in 94.6% of patients with a BMI <30kg/m2 group compared with 81.8% in the patients with a BMI ≥50kg/m2 (p=0.042). Patients in the higher BMI cohort had a higher median energy during a successful shock than the lower BMI cohort (250J [200 to 360J] vs 200J [150 to 200J], p <0.001). There was no difference in the number of shocks used between the 2 groups or in the success of the first shock delivered between BMI ≥50kg/m2 and BMI <30 kg/m2 (75% vs 58.2%, p=0.093). In conclusion, patients with a BMI ≥50kg/m2 had lower rates of successful DCCV than patients with a BMI <30kg/m2; therefore, clinicians must be aware of the alternative strategies to improve DCCV success and the possibility of DCCV failure in patients with higher BMIs.

Safety of Cardiac Computed Tomography to Exclude Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus Prior to Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Atrial Arrhythmias

Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) is a feasible imaging modality to exclude left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus prior to pulmonary vein isolation procedures but has not been routinely used prior to direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for atrial arrhythmias until piloted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of CCT to exclude LAA thrombus is evaluated in this study. All patients with atrial arrhythmias requiring DCCV as inpatients at Middlemore Hospital between 1 September 2020 to 31 December 2022, and who underwent CCT to exclude LAA thrombus were prospectively collected using the All New Zealand Acute Coronary Syndrome-Quality Improvement (ANZACS-QI) linked cardiac CT registry database. Patients’ clinical records were reviewed for the combined primary outcome of periprocedural and 60-day death, and thromboembolic events including cerebrovascular accidents. A total of 217 patients (64.5% male, mean age 57.8±14 years) underwent CCT during the study period. The majority (37%) were European, 19.8% were Māori, 30.4% were Pasifika, and 7% were other ethnicity. The mean body mass index was 34.8±8 kg/m2. Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was present in 70 (32.2%) patients. No LAA thrombus or slow flow was seen in 192 (88.4%) CCT scans. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) was performed in 17 patients with LAA thrombus or slow flow on CCT, of which six had LAA thrombus. Direct current cardioversion was performed in 180 patients with no periprocedural or 60-day stroke. No deaths were recorded. Cardiac CT appears to be a safe alternative to TOE for excluding LAA thrombus prior to DCCV.

The Impact of Right Atrial Size to Predict Success of Direct Current Cardioversion in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

The prognostic implication of right atrial (RA) and left atrial (LA) size for an immediate success of direct current cardioversion (DCCV) in atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. This study aimed to compare RA and LA size for the prediction of DCCV success. Between 2012 and 2018, 734 consecutive outpatients were screened for our prospective registry. Each eligible patient received a medical history, blood analysis, and transthoracic echocardiography with a focus on indexed RA (iRA) area and LA volume (iLAV) prior to DCCV with up to three biphasic shocks (200-300-360 J) or additional administration of amiodarone or flecainide to restore sinus rhythm. We enrolled 589 patients, and DCCV was in 89% (n=523) successful. Mean age was 68 ± 10 years, and 40% (n=234) had New York heart association class >II. A prevalence of the male sex (64%, n=376) and of persistent AF (86%, n=505) was observed. Although DCCV success was associated with female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-3.65), with absence of coronary heart disease and normal left ventricular function (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.26-4.25), with short AF duration (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.05-4.04) in univariable regression, only iRA area remained a stable and independent predictor of DCCV success (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12-0.69; area under the curve 0.71), but not iLAV size (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56) in multivariable analysis. iRA area is superior to iLAV for the prediction of immediate DCCV success in AF.

Unstable Atrial Fibrillation RVR and DNR: A Challenging Ethical Dilemma

An 82-year-old man with history of dementia and atrial fibrillation (AF) was admitted for sepsis and subsequently developed AF with rapid ventricular response (RVR). Given a recent do not resuscitate (DNR) order, there was disagreement among providers regarding the use of direct current cardioversion (DCCV). This patient case reveals the ethical challenges faced by providers when patients with a DNR order develop unstable AF with RVR and discusses an ethical framework for decision-making regarding DCCV in patients with a DNR order. This case also promotes changes to clinical practice, such as discussing DCCV when discussing code status and replacing DNR with “no cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”

Usefulness of the systemic immune-inflammation index in predicting atrial fibrillationrecurrence after direct current cardioversion.

Background: We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between thesystemic immune-inflammation (SII) index and the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after successful direct current cardioversion (DCCV). Methods: The study included 99 patients with persistent AFwho underwent successful cardioversion between 2015 and 2020. Results: In multiple regression analyses, the SII index was found to be a better independent predictor of AF recurrence after successful DCCV (p<0.001). The cut-off value of SII (563) was associated with 96.9% sensitivity and 55.2% specificity to predict AF recurrence after DCCV. Conclusion: As a simple biomarker, SII index is an independent parameter for predicting AF recurrence after successful DCCV in patients with persistent AF. Also, SII levels can predict AF recurrence better than neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Abstract 11863: History of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation is Associated With Earlier Recurrence After Initial Cardioversion Compared to New-Onset Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for persistent AF is common. A preceding history of paroxysmal AF before persistent AF may predispose to recurrence of AF after DCCV. However, whether the absence of paroxysmal AF before new-onset persistent AF (primary persistent AF) affects the recurrence of AF is currently poorly defined. Hypothesis: Patients with persistent AF and a preceding history of paroxysmal AF will have a higher rate of recurrence after DCCV compared to patients with primary persistent AF. Methods: Prospective clinical database at a Veterans Hospital was used to compare recurrence rates of AF after initial DCCV in patients with primary persistent AF to patients with a history of prior paroxysmal AF. Results: Among 484 patients who underwent initial cardioversion for persistent AF, 21% had a history of paroxysmal AF (n = 101). 80% of patients with a history of paroxysmal AF had a recurrence within one year, compared to 58% of patients with a history of primary persistent AF (p=0.0001). Those with a history of paroxysmal AF had a smaller left atrium, 4.47 cm, compared to those with primary persistent AF, 4.64 cm (p=0.04) and were more likely to be taking anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD) at the time of DCCV (p=0.00002). Although those with prior paroxysmal AF were more likely to have a history of CKD (p=0.03), OSA (p=0.0004), and CVA (p=0.001), the presence of these respective comorbidities did not affect recurrence rates (p=0.3055, 0.8253, 0.1689). Conclusions: Patients with prior paroxysmal AF were more likely to have a recurrence of AF after DCCV compared to patients without a history of primary persistent AF, despite smaller left atriums and higher rates of AAD use. Although those with prior paroxysmal AF had higher prevalence of CKD, OSA, and CVA, the presence of these comorbidities was not predictive of recurrence.

The Impact of Personal Thoracic Impedance on Electrical Cardioversion in Patients with Atrial Arrhythmias.

Background and Objectives: Direct current cardioversion (DCCV) is a safe and useful treatment for atrial tachyarrhythmias. In the past, the energy delivered in DCCV was decided upon empirically, based only on the type of tachyarrhythmia. This conventional method does not consider individual factors and may lead to unnecessary electrical damage. Materials and Methods: We performed DCCV in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias. The impedance and electrical current at the moment of shock were measured. The human thoracic impedance between both defibrillator patches and the electric current that was used were measured. Results: A total of 683 DCCVs were performed on 466 atrial tachyarrhythmia patients. The average impedance was 64 ± 11 Ω and the average successful current was 23 ± 6 mA. The magnitude of the electrical current that was successful depended upon the human impedance (linear regression, B = −0.266, p < 0.001) and the left atrial diameter (B = 0.092, p < 0.001). Impedance was directly proportional to body mass index (BMI) (B = 1.598, p < 0.001) and was higher in females than in males (77 ± 15 Ω vs. 63 ± 11 Ω, p < 0.001). Notably, the high-impedance (>70 Ω) group had a higher BMI (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs. 25 ± 3 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and a higher proportion of females (37% vs. 9%, p < 0.001) than the low-impedance group (<70 Ω). However, thoracic impedance was not an independent predictor for successful DCCV. Conclusions: Human thoracic impedance was one of the factors that impacted the level of electrical current required for successful DCCV in patients with atrial arrhythmias. In the future, it will be helpful to consider individual predictors, such as BMI and gender, to minimize electrical damage during DCCV.

Impact of Catheter Ablation for Atrial Arrhythmias on Repeat Cardioversion in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

BackgroundAtrial tachyarrhythmias (AAs) are the main source of morbidity and mortality in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). Direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) is an effective method to acutely terminate AAs, but many patients require repeated DCCV. Little is known about the impact of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of AAs on the incidence of repeated DCCV in patients with ACHD. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of RFCA on the incidence of DCCV in patients with ACHD. MethodsA total of 157 patients with ACHD undergoing DCCV in our hospital from 2011 to 2018 (female n = 76 [48.4%], mean age 37.8 ± 12.5 y), were reviewed. The median follow-up period was 31.8 months (interquartile range 16.3-55.1 mo). ResultsOut of the total of 157 patients, 102 (65.0%) underwent RFCA for AAs, and 55 (35.0%) were treated without RFCA. Successful RFCA with termination of AAs during ablation was 62.7%. More than one-half of the patients had complex forms of CHD (62.4%). During follow-up, 57 patients (55.9%) who had RFCA developed recurrence of AAs, and 36 patients (35.2%) underwent repeated DCCV. Thirty-three (60.0%) out of 55 patients without RFCA required repeated cardioversion. Compared with patients without RFCA, RFCA significantly reduced the need for repeated DCCV by 40% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.80; P = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, successful RFCA was associated with reduced risk of DCCV (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.92; P = 0.031). ConclusionsAAs remain common despite RFCA in patients with ACHD. Nevertheless, RFCA is associated with a marked reduction in the need for repeated DCCV.

Left atrial emptying fraction determined during atrial fibrillation predicts maintenance of sinus rhythm after direct current cardioversion in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation.

Echocardiography is the basic imaging technique used to determine the odds of maintaining sinus rhythm (SR) following direct current cardioversion (DCCV) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, most studies are focused on the echocardiographic parameters obtained during SR resulting from successful DCCV. The aim of this study was to assess the value of the echocardiographic parameters measured before DCCV for the prognosis of SR maintenance after DCCV. The study included 146 patients with persistent AF who underwent DCCV. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected directly before DCCV and, for patients with SR, one month, six months, and 12 months after DCCV. We found that left atrial emptying fraction (LAEF) assessed during atrial fibrillation was significantly larger in the group with SR maintenance after 12 months than in the group with AF recurrence (30.8±8.3 vs. 24.6±10.4%; p<0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis with a model containing echocardiographic parameters, LAEF (OR 1.053; 95% CI 1.011-1.096; p = 0.013) and the E/e'mean ratio (OR 0.883; 95% CI 0.788-0.990; p = 0.033) were independent predictors of SR maintenance. Analyzing a model including clinical and echocardiographic variables, only LAEF (OR 1.046; 95% CI 1-1.095; p = 0.049) and beta-blockers used before DCCV (OR 14.694; 95% CI 1.622-133.139; p = 0.017) were independent predictors of SR maintenance after 12 months. Our results indicate that LAEF measured during AF is a significant predictor of SR maintenance in the 12 months following DCCV due to persistent AF. Our findings confirm the recently raised hypothesis about the superiority of echocardiographic parameters assessing mechanical remodeling over parameters assessing structural remodeling of left atrium in predicting sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion.

Clinical outcomes after AF cardioversion in patients presenting left atrial sludge in trans-esophageal echocardiography.

Direct-current cardioversion (DCC) for atrial fibrillation carries a risk of stroke, probably associated with the temporary atrial stunning following cardioversion. The presence of a cardiac thrombus, usually localized in the left atrial appendage (LAA), is recognized as a clear contra-indication to the cardioversion. However, the presence of atrial sludge without LAA thrombus in trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) remains, for many cardiologists, a relative contra-indication to the cardioversion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of DCC in patients presenting atrial sludge without LAA thrombus. We prospectively included all consecutive patients demonstrating atrial sludge without LAA thrombus in TEE and undergoing DCC for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Safety of DCC was evaluated by the occurrence of clinical events at 1month following cardioversion, i.e., up to the end of the atrial stunning period, as assessed by clinical examination and the standardized and validated Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status (QVSFS). Over a period of 2years, 21 patients presenting atrial sludge without LAA thrombus underwent DCC for AF. During the follow-up period of 1month after DCC, no clinical embolic event, cardiac event, or unscheduled consultations/hospitalizations occurred. At 1month, 67% of the patients remained in sinus rhythm. No clinical event occurred in patients demonstrating atrial sludge without thrombus and undergoing DCC for AF. These findings support current guidelines that only keep atrial thrombus as a contraindication to cardioversion, but warrant further investigation in large studies.

Safety and Effectiveness of Electrical and Pharmacological Cardioversion in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Part 2: Assessment of Safety

Aim. To compare safety of new class III antiarrhythmic drug Refralon with direct current cardioversion (DCC) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Material and methods. 60 patients with persistent AF were randomized to groups of DCC (n=30) and pharmacologic conversion (PCV; n=30). There were no significant differences in age, sex, AF duration, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc score and echocardiographic parameters between the groups compared. Initial assessment excluded contraindications to restore sinus rhythm (SR). In DCC group two attempts using biphasic synchronized shocks of 150 J and 170 J were performed. In PCV group patients received up to three subsequent intravenous injections of Refralon 10 μg/kg (maximal dose 30 μg/kg). Results. There were no mortality, stroke, transient ischemic attack, ventricular arrhythmia, asystole longer than 3,0 sec (primary safety criteria) in both groups. Prolongation of QT interval longer than 500 ms observed in 1 of 30 patients (3,3%) in DCC group and in 7 of 30 patients (23,3%) in PCV group. 2 patients (one patient in each group; 3,3%) developed asymptomatic bradycardia after conversion to SR that resolved spontaneously within 30 minutes. 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for secondary safety criteria is [0,02-0,38] for QT prolongation and [-0,04-0,04] for bradycardia. Conclusion. Safety of PCV is noninferior to DCC in patients with persistent AF in terms of primary safety criteria and bradyarrhythmias. More frequent QT interval prolongation to values &gt;500 ms observed in PCV group points to necessity of precautions with use of the drug.

Safety and Effectiveness of Electrical and Pharmacological Cardioversion in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Part I: Study Rationale, Design and Assessment of Effectiveness

Aim. We aimed to compare effectiveness of new class III antiarrhythmic drug Refralon with direct current cardioversion (DCC) in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Material and methods. 60 patients with persistent AF were randomized to groups of DCC (n=30) and pharmacologic conversion (PCV; n=30). There were no differences in age, sex, AF duration, concomitant cardiovascular diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc score and echocardiographic parameters between the groups compared. Initial assessment excluded contraindications to restore sinus rhythm (SR). In DCC group two attempts using biphasic synchronized shocks of 150 J and 170 J were performed. In PCV group patients received up to three subsequent intravenous injections of Refralon 10 μg/kg (maximal dose 30 μg/kg). Results. SR was restored in 27 of 30 patients (90%) in DCC group and in 28 of 30 patients (93.3%) in PCV group. 95% confidence interval (CI) for primary effectiveness criterion was [-0.1 – 0.16]. AF recurred in 1 patient after successful DCC. There were no AF recurrences in PCV group. 26 of 30 patients (86.7%) in DCC group and 28 of 30 patients (93.3%) in PCV group remained in SR 24 hours after cardioversion. 95%CI for secondary effectiveness criterion was [-0.07 – 0.19]. Conclusion. Effectiveness of Refralon is noninferior to DCC in patients with persistent AF.

Outcomes With Novel Oral Anticoagulants in Obese Patients who Underwent Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Tachyarrhythmias

The efficacy of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in severely obese patients is uncertain as volume of distribution is related to weight, and few such patients were enrolled in the pivotal trials. As the month after direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) for atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter is a high-risk period for stroke, we sought to evaluate the safety of performing DCCV in obese patients on NOAC. All patients who underwent DCCV after ≥3 weeks of NOAC or therapeutic warfarin treatment without a previous transesophageal echocardiogram over a 3-year period at a single center were included. Obesity groups were defined as normal (body mass index [BMI] < 25), overweight (BMI 25 to <30), class 1 obesity (BMI 30 to <35), class 2 obesity (BMI 35 to <40), and class 3 or severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40). The primary end point was stroke at 30days. Of 761 patients, 73 were severely obese, 78 class 2 obese, 197 class 1 obese, 254 overweight, and 159 in the normal weight group. Average age 66.4 ± 10.3years and 32.5% women. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 2.6 ± 1.6, and 78.9% were on NOACs with no differences in groups. There were no strokes in the severely obese group, and 1 each in class 2 obesity and normal weight (p = 0.3). In conclusion, there was a low rate of stroke in all weight classes after DCCV in patients taking NOACs and warfarin. NOAC use in severely obese patients who underwent DCCV appears safe even in the absence of transesophageal echocardiogram.

P3633Incidence of left atrial thrombus prior to direct current cardioversion in patients anticoagulated for 3 weeks or more with warfarin or novel oral anticoagulation

P3633Incidence of left atrial thrombus prior to direct current cardioversion in patients anticoagulated for 3 weeks or more with warfarin or novel oral anticoagulation

Safety of transesophageal echocardiography‑guided electrical cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation and inadequate anticoagulation.

INTRODUCTION Restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)/atrial flutter (AFl) requires adequate oral anticoagulation prior to direct current cardioversion (DCC). Some patients eligible for DCC are not properly anticoagulated. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess risk factors for thrombus and spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) in the left atrium (LA) as well as the safety profile of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided DCC in patients with inadequate anticoagulation. PATIENTS AND METHODS From the cohort of 316 patients admitted for DCC, 139 patients (mean [SD] age, 63.4 [11.5] years) had inadequate anticoagulation; 91 patients were admitted urgently for acute coronary syndrome, heart failure (HF), or poor tolerance of arrhythmia. The mean (SD) CHA2DS2‑VASc score was 3.0 (1.7). RESULTS TEE revealed a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in 16 patients (11.5%), and SEC in the LA in 63 patients (45.3%). In a univariate analysis, LAA thrombus was more common in patients after myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR], 3.92; 95% CI, 1.34-11.48; P = 0.009), while SEC in the LA was more common in patients with HF (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.1-4.53; P = 0.02) and left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 40% (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.66-8.06; P = 0.001). In a multivariate model, the most powerful SEC‑predicting factor was the LA size exceeding 45 mm (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.3-7.29). DCC was performed in 105 patients. No complications of TEE or DCC were observed. CONCLUSIONS AF/AFl inadequately treated with oral anticoagulation predisposes to thrombus formation and SEC in the LA. Once thrombus is excluded, DCC is a safe procedure. There were no predictors of LAA thrombus; therefore, TEE before DCC should be performed in all patients with AF/AFl in accordance with the guidelines.

Left Atrial Sphericity Index Predicts Early Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Direct-Current Cardioversion: An Echocardiographic Study.

Attempts to achieve rhythm control using direct-current cardioversion (DCC) are common in those with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Although often successful, AF recurs within 1 month in as many as 57% of patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether a baseline left atrial sphericity index (LASI) acquired by 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) could be used as a predictor of AF recurrence after successful DCC. A baselline LASI assessed by 2D TTE can predict AF recurrence after successful DCC in patients with persistent AF. A total of 124 consecutive patients with persistent AF lasting <120 days underwent successful DCC. Other than β-blockers, no other antiarrhythmic treatment was administered. Prior to DCC, all patients underwent thorough TTE, and LASI was calculated as the fraction of the left atrial width/length of the largest possible left atrial volume in a 4-chamber view. The primary outcome was a TTE-estimated baseline LASI as a predictor of AF recurrence after successful DCC for persistent AF. Anatomically, a more spherical shape of the left atrium (LASI >0.9) proved to be a strong and independent predictor of AF recurrence, with an odds ratio between 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.6-11.9, P = 0.005) and 7.6 (95% confidence interval: 3.3-19.7; P = 7.2 × 10(-6) ). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated good power for distinguishing between recurring and nonrecurring AF, and we chose a cutoff of 0.9 because high specificity was a priority for clinical reasons. In conclusion, baseline LASI >0.9 was associated with significantly greater AF recurrence throughout the 12-month follow-up period.

Feasibility of an Elective Cardioversion Service Led by Advanced Practice Providers without Direct Cardiologist Supervision

Background: Elective direct current cardioversion (DCCV) has traditionally been performed by physicians in the United States. A few recent reports from the United Kingdom suggested that a specialist nurse-led service for elective DCCV of persistent atrial fibrillation was feasible. This practice has not been reported in the United States previously. Several years ago, we introduced a program where specially trained advanced practice providers (APPs) (physician assistants and nurse practitioners) assisted by an anesthesiology team, performed elective DCCV in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, without direct cardiologist supervision. Methods: Upon receiving approval from the Institutional Review Board, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 447 consecutive DCCVs electively performed by APPs, for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, at Regions Hospital between 12/2006 and 10/2010. Transient deep sedation was administered by an anesthesiology team. The cohort was evaluated for procedural success and safety. Results: The procedural success rate was 92% (412/447). The incidence of procedural related adverse events, requiring immediate intervention, was 0.2% (1/447). This patient required emergent temporary pacing catheter insertion followed by a permanent pacemaker implantation at a later date. There were no other procedure-related complications and no thromboembolic events. A comparison with fifty elective cardioversions performed by cardiologists during the same period found no statistical difference in procedural success rates or complications. Conclusion: Under deep sedation administered by anesthesiology service, elective DCCV of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter performed by well-trained APPs, without direct cardiologist supervision, is feasible and does not compromise patient safety.

Effect of Early Direct Current Cardioversion on the Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation

In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), the sinus rhythm (SR) can be restored by direct current cardioversion (DCC), although the recurrence of AF after successful DCC is common. We examined whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)-guided early DCC, compared with the conventional approach of DCC after 3 weeks of anticoagulation with dabigatran-etexilat, reduces the recurrence of AF. A total of 126 consecutive patients with persistent AF were randomly assigned to a TEE followed by early DCC (n = 65) or to a conventional treatment with dabigatran-etexilat for 3 weeks followed by DCC (n = 61). None of the patients received any antiarrhythmic treatment other than β blockers, and all the DCCs were successful. Forty-eight-hour Holter monitoring was performed at 28 days and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the DCC. The primary outcome was AF recurrence lasting ≥30 seconds. The analysis was stratified by AF duration <60 (n = 62) or >60 days (n = 64) before DCC. We observed a significant reduction in the AF recurrence risk (p = 0.003) in patients with persistent AF <60 days who received early DCC, but there was no significant benefit of early DCC (p = 0.456) in patients with persistent AF lasting >60 days. The recurrence-free survival probability at 28 days in patients with persistent AF <60 days was 0.27 (95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.51) in the conventional treatment group compared with 0.69 (95% confidence interval 0.54 to 0.87; p = 0.006) in the early DCC group. A benefit of early DCC persisted throughout 12 months of follow-up. In conclusion, TEE-guided early DCC in patients with persistent AF <60 days results in a significant reduction of AF recurrence.