Outcome Of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Research Articles

Long-term outcomes of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in octogenarians

Abstract Background Catheter ablation is superior to standard medical therapy in controlling atrial fibrillation (AF). There is limited data on the long-term outcomes of AF ablation in octogenarians. Purpose This study aims to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of AF catheter ablation in octogenarians, compared to non-octogenarians. Methods In this retrospective, multicentre, international study in 13 centres in the United Kingdom, France, and Switzerland, the long-term outcomes of 473 consecutive octogenarian patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF were compared to 473 propensity-matched non-octogenarian controls (median age 81.3 [80.0, 83.0] vs 64.4 [56.5, 70.7] years, 54.3% vs 35.1% females; p-value for both <0.001). The primary endpoint was the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia during 365 days' follow-up after an initial blanking period of 90 days (median follow-up time 322 [153, 365] days. Results Acute success of the ablation was achieved in 97% of octogenarians. When comparing non-octogenarians vs octogenarians, there were more complications in the octogenarians group (11.4% vs 7.0%, p=0.018), with the most common adverse events being vascular complications (3.8% vs 2.7%). The median follow-up time was 322 [153, 365] days. Through day 365, 131 (27.7%) octogenarians had a recurrence of atrial arrhythmia as compared to 111 (23.5%) non-octogenarians (odds ratio 1.49; 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.92; p=0.002). In a multivariable regression model including gender, previous AF ablation, vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, CHA2DS2-VASc score, left atrial dilatation, and indwelling cardiac implantable electronic device, age above 80 remained an independent predictor of recurrence of atrial arrhythmias throughout 365 days' follow-up. Conclusion Age over 80 is associated with higher rates of recurrence of atrial arrhythmia on 365 days' follow-up post-catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Arrhythmia recurrence on follow-up

Integrating clinical variables with magnetic resonance imaging and electroanatomic mapping parameters to predict response to first-time and repeat atrial fibrillation ablation procedures

Abstract Background The heterogeneity in patient response to atrial fibrillation ablation mandates the development of methods to predict clinical outcomes. Several clinical risk scores exist to prognosticate patients post ablation. Magnetic resonance imaging can quantify anatomical and functional atrial properties, whilst electroanatomic mapping data provides unparalleled atrial substrate characterisation. These data could be leveraged to predict ablation outcomes more accurately. Purpose To incorporate magnetic resonance imaging and electroanatomic mapping parameters with clinical variables to predict response to 1) first-time and 2) repeat atrial fibrillation ablation. Methods A retrospective analysis of 123 consecutive patients undergoing first-time atrial fibrillation ablation including pre-procedural atrial magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Data were split into training (n=68) and test (n=55) cohorts depending on data availability for clinical risk score calculation. The APPLE, DR-FLASH, FLAME, HATCH, HATCH+OSA, CHA2Ds2VASc and CAAP-AF scores were calculated for patients in the training cohort. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with arrhythmia recurrence which were then combined into a multivariate logistic regression model. Area under the curve receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) analysis was used to compare the ability of clinical risk scores and the combined model to predict arrhythmia recurrence risk after one procedure. The model's ability to predict repeat ablation response was tested in 38 patients who underwent redo procedures. The ROC optimal cut-off score was used to divide patients into two groups (high and low arrhythmia recurrence risk) for time-to-event analysis. Results In univariate analysis, weight, age, hypertension, left atrial ejection fraction and mean left atrial bipolar voltage were associated with arrhythmia recurrence after one procedure. The multivariate logistic regression model achieved an AUC of 0.7491 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6269-0.8712) in the training cohort and 0.7457 (95% CI 0.6137-0.8778) in the test cohort for predicting arrhythmia recurrence at 12 months (Figure 1A). Amongst clinical risk prediction tools, CAAP-AF had the highest predictive value (AUC 0.6529, 95% CI 0.5265-0.7793) (Figure 1B). In patients undergoing repeat ablations, the combined model had an AUC of 0.7585 (95% CI 0.5989-0.9182) for predicting arrhythmia recurrence (Figure 2A). The Kaplan-Meier curves showed a higher risk of arrhythmia recurrence in the ‘high recurrence risk’ group at 12 months (log-rank p=0.029) (Figure 2B). Conclusion A logistic regression model integrating clinical, anatomical, functional, and electrophysiological parameters improved the accuracy of atrial fibrillation ablation outcome prediction compared to existing clinical risk scores. The model may be used to predict response to repeat procedures offering the potential to improve the patient selection process.

Vein of Marshall Ethanol Infusion for AF Ablation; A Review.

The outcomes of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation are modest with various adjunctive strategies beyond pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) yielding largely disappointing results in randomised controlled trials. Linear ablation is a commonly employed adjunct strategy but is limited by difficulty in achieving durable bidirectional block, particularly at the mitral isthmus. Epicardial connections play a role in AF initiation and perpetuation. The ligament of Marshall has been implicated as a source of AF triggers and is known to harbour sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibres that contribute to AF perpetuation. Ethanol infusion into the Vein of Marshall, a remnant of the superior vena cava and key component of the ligament of Marshall, may eliminate these AF triggers and can facilitate the ease of obtaining durable mitral isthmus block. While early trials have demonstrated the potential of Vein of Marshall 'ethanolisation' to reduce arrhythmia recurrence after persistent AF ablation, further randomised trials are needed to fully determine the potential long-term outcome benefits afforded by this technique.

Periodontal Treatment During the Blanking Period Improves the Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Periodontitis has not been recognized as a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF). This prospective nonrandomized study investigated whether periodontal treatment improves the AF ablation outcome. We prospectively enrolled 288 AF patients scheduled to undergo initial radiofrequency catheter ablation. Each patient underwent periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA; a quantitative index of periodontal inflammation) measurement. All eligible patients were recommended to receive periodontal treatment within the blanking period, and 97 consented. During the mean follow-up period of 507±256 days, 70 (24%) AF recurrences were documented. Patients who exhibited AF recurrences had a higher PISA than those who did not (456.8±403.5 versus 277.7±259.0 mm2, P=0.001). These patients were categorized into high-PISA (>615 mm2) and low-PISA (<615 mm2) groups according to the receiver operating characteristic analysis for AF recurrence (area under the curve, 0.611; sensitivity, 39%; specificity, 89%). A high PISA, as well as female sex, AF duration, and left atrial volume, were the statistically significant predicter for AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.308 [95% CI, 1.234-4.315]; P=0.009). In patients with a high PISA, those who underwent periodontal treatment showed significantly fewer AF recurrences (P=0.01, log-rank test). The adjusted HR of periodontal treatment for AF recurrence was 0.393 (95% CI, 0.215-0.719; P=0.002). Periodontitis may serve as a modifiable risk factor for AF. PISA is a hallmark of AF recurrence, and periodontal treatment improves the AF ablation outcome, especially for those with poor periodontal condition.

Durability of CLOSE-Guided PulmonaryVein Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Remapping Study.

Recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is presumably caused by pulmonary vein (PV) reconnections. However, there is little data available on the durability of PVI and incidence of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with persistent AF. To evaluate the lesion durability by means of an a priori planned remapping procedure in patients with persistent AF undergoing CLOSE-guided PVI. In a prospective study, we included patients with symptomatic, persistent AF undergoing CLOSE-guided radiofrequency ablation. Irrespective of AF recurrence, a redo procedure was mandated 6months following the index procedure to evaluate PV reconnections. The outcome of AF ablation was based on clinical recurrence and 7-day Holter electrocardiogram 3 and 6months after the index procedure and 3, 6, and 12months after the redo procedure. Of 30 patients included, 26 (81% men; median age 68 years) underwent the planned remapping study a median of 6months after the index procedure, whereas 4 patients without recurrence refused a repeat procedure. In total, 78 of 102 (76%) PVs showed durable isolation and 15 patients (58%) presented complete isolation of all PVs. Beyond the blanking period, 6 of 26 patients (23%) had arrhythmia recurrence before the redo procedure. Recurrence had occurred in 33% of patients with complete isolation of all veins and in 9% of patients with PV reconnections (P = 0.197). After re-PVI in patients with PV reconnections and additional ablation in patients with recurrence but durable PVI, 17 of 26 patients (65%) were free of arrhythmia after 12months. In patients with persistent AF, CLOSE-guided PVI resulted in durable rate of PVI on a per-vein and per-patient level of 76% and 58%, respectively. Arrhythmia recurrence was numerically higher in patients with durable PVI compared with patients without.

Relationship between wait times and post–atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes: A population-based study

BackgroundRhythm control is a cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) management. Shorter time between diagnosis of AF and receipt of catheter ablation is associated with greater rates of therapy success. Previous work considered diagnosis-to-ablation time as a binary or categorical variable and did not consider the unique risk profile of patients after a referral for ablation was made. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess the impact of diagnosis-to-ablation and referral-to-ablation time on postprocedural outcomes at a population level. MethodsThis observational cohort study included patients who received catheter ablation to treat AF in Ontario, Canada. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, AF diagnosis date, ablation referral date, and ablation date were collected. The primary outcomes of interest included a composite of death and hospitalization/emergency department visit for AF, heart failure, or ischemic stroke. Multivariable Cox models assessed the impact of diagnosis-to-ablation and referral-to-ablation times on the primary outcome. ResultsOur cohort included 7472 patients who received ablation for de novo AF between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022. Median [interquartile range] diagnosis-to-ablation time was 718 [399–1274] days and median referral-to-ablation time was 221 [117–363] days. Overall, 911 patients (12.2%) had the composite endpoint within 1 year of ablation. Increasing diagnosis-to-ablation time was associated with a greater incidence for the primary outcome (hazard ratio [HR]1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.02 per month). Increasing referral-to-ablation time did not impact the primary outcome (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.98–1.01 per month). ConclusionDelays between AF diagnosis and ablation referral may contribute to adverse postprocedural outcomes and provide an opportunity for health system quality improvements.

Pulmonary Vein Intervention for Severe Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis (PVS) is a serious complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The objective of this study was to describe interventional treatments for PVS after AF ablation and long-term outcomes in Japanese patients.Methods and Results: This multicenter retrospective observational study enrolled 30 patients (26 [87%] male; median age 55 years) with 56 severe PVS lesions from 43 PV interventional procedures. Twenty-seven (90%) patients had symptomatic PVS and 19 (63%) had a history of a single AF ablation. Of the 56 lesions, 41 (73%) were de novo lesions and 15 (27%) were retreated. Thirty-three (59%) lesions were treated with bare metal stents, 14 (25%) were treated with plain balloons, and 9 (16%) were treated with drug-coated balloons. All lesions were successfully treated without any systemic embolic event. Over a median follow-up of 584 days (interquartile range 265-1,165 days), restenosis rates at 1 and 2 years were 35% and 47%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed devices <7 mm in diameter (hazard ratio [HR] 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-6.0; P=0.040) and totally occluded lesions (HR 3.33; 95% CI 1.21-9.15; P=0.020) were independent risk factors for restenosis. All PVS lesions were successfully enlarged by the PV intervention; however, restenosis developed in approximately half the lesions within 2 years.

Prospective 1-year results of atrial fibrillation ablation using the pentaspline pulsed field ablation catheter: The initial French experience

BackgroundPulsed field ablation has recently emerged as an interesting non-thermal energy for atrial fibrillation ablation. At a time of rapid spread of this technology, there is still a lack of prospective real-life data. AimTo describe multicentre prospective safety and 1-year efficacy data in three of the first French centres to use pulsed field ablation. MethodsAll consecutive patients undergoing a first pulsed field ablation were included prospectively. The primary outcome was freedom from documented atrial arrhythmia. The safety endpoint was a composite of major adverse events. Univariate and multivariable analyses, including patient and procedural characteristics, were performed to identify factors predictive of recurrence. ResultsBetween May 2021 and June 2022, 311 patients were included (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in 53%, persistent atrial fibrillation in 35% and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation in 11%). Additional non-pulmonary vein pulsed field ablation applications were performed in 104/311 patients. One-year freedom from arrhythmia recurrence was 77.6% in the overall population and was significantly higher in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (88.4%) compared with patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (69.7%; P<0.001) and those with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (49.0%; P<0.001). The major complication rate was 2.6% (tamponade in four patients, stroke in two patients and coronary spasm in one patient). Besides the usual predictors of recurrences (left atrium size, CHA2DS2-VASc score, type of atrial fibrillation), the presence of atrial fibrillation at procedure start was independently associated with arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–3.77). ConclusionIn this prospective multicentre real-world study, pulsed field ablation for atrial fibrillation ablation seems to be associated with a good safety profile and rather favourable acute and 1-year success rates.

Quality of Life Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Heart Failure with Preserved or Mildly Reduced Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Quality of Life Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Heart Failure with Preserved or Mildly Reduced Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Population rates and contemporary outcomes of atrial fibrillation ablation among older adults: a nationwide cohort study

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) increasingly recommended as first-line therapy. Limited data suggest increasing use of PVI as well as increasing rates of post-PVI complications, but contemporary real-world outcomes among older adults remain unclear. Purpose To evaluate patient characteristics, population rates and 30-day clinical outcomes for PVI in a nationwide sample of adults aged &amp;gt;65 in the United States. Methods First-time PVIs were identified among US Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries using CPT procedural codes, and comorbidities were ascertained using ICD-10 diagnosis codes associated with each procedural claim. Study outcomes included rates of PVI use, procedural complications, all-cause re-hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality at 30 days. Results From January 2017 through December 2020, 156,601 patients underwent first-time PVI performed by 2,791 unique operators. The mean patient age was 72.5 ± 5.2 years, 42.6% were female and the majority (92.7%) Caucasian. The rate of PVI increased from 2.48 per 100,000 beneficiaries in the first quarter of 2017 (performed by 2,113 operators) to 3.01 per 100,000 beneficiaries in the last quarter of 2020 (performed by 2,415 operators) – a 4.8% relative increase per year (p=0.02). This growth was driven primarily by outpatient elective procedures, which represented the majority (85.0%) of all PVIs. Concurrent with this increase in PVI use, there was a significant decrease in complication rates (3.9% in 2017 vs 3.1% in 2020, p&amp;lt;.0001) and re-hospitalizations (8.8% vs 7.1%, p&amp;lt;0.001) at 30 days, with no significant change in mortality at 30 days (0.36% vs 0.40%, p=0.38). Bleeding was the most common peri-procedural complication (1.4%), followed by pericardial effusion requiring intervention (1.2%) and access site vascular complications (0.55%). Conclusions This large nationwide cohort study shows that the use of PVI has steadily increased in contemporary clinical practice. Despite the widespread adoption of this procedure by a growing number of operators, cumulative complication and re-hospitalization rates at 30 days have decreased over time, with stable and very low rates of short-term mortality – even among older patients, who are ordinarily considered to be at higher risk. These findings contrast with those from previously published studies of non-representative cohorts. Results from our study should reassure both patients and providers on the overall safety of PVI as an increasingly common first-line procedure for rhythm control. Forthcoming analyses will be finalized by the time of presentation to evaluate whether hospital and operator volume further influence procedural outcomes.Central Figure: PVI Trends and Outcomes

Abstract 15314: Rhythm Outcome of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Depending on the Timing of the First Electrocardiographic Documentation

Introduction: Recently, delaying atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (AFCA) by 12 months for antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) management didn't result in reduced ablation efficacy. In this study, we explored AFCA rhythm outcomes based on the diagnosis-to-ablation time (DAT) in AAD-resistant persistent AF (PeAF). Methods: We included 1,038 AAD-resistant PeAF patients with clear DAT (male 79.8%, 61.0 [54.0-68.0]) who underwent AFCA followed by guidelines-based regular rhythm follow-up. Before AFCA, all patients underwent optimal medial therapy (AAD) with or without cardioversion. Patients on AADs, who experienced paroxysmal type recurrence, were classified as AAD-partial-responders, while those maintaining PeAF were categorized as AAD-non-responders. We determined the DAT cut-off for rhythm outcome using a maximum likelihood approach in a Cox regression model. Results: AAD-partial-responders showed higher body mass index (p=0.007), larger left atrial diameter (p&lt;0.001), lower eGFR (p=0.039). AAD non-responder showed higher recurrence after AFCA (Log-rank p&lt;0.001; aHR 1.75, 95% CI 1.33-2.30, p&lt;0.001). The maximum likelihood estimation from Cox analysis showed bimodal peaks at 22 and 40 months. In contrast, DAT 12 months didn't show discrimination power for post-AFCA recurrence (Log-rank p=0.290, HR1.13[0.91-1.41], p=0.281), while DAT&gt;22 months (Log-rank p=0.001, HR1.34[1.09-1.64], p=0.005) and DAT&gt;40 months (Log-rank p=0.001, HR1.34[1.09-1.64], p=0.006) significantly indicated poor rhythm outcome. DAT&gt;22 months among AAD-partial-responders (Log-rank p=0.012, HR 1.96 [1.16-3.31], p=0.012) and DAT&gt;40 months among AAD-non-responders (Log-rank p=0.009, HR 1.28 [1.02-1.60], p=0.031) were a poor prognostic factor for rhythm control after AFCA. Conclusions: DAT and AAD responsiveness affected the rhythm outcome of AFCA. Delaying AFCA over 22 months of DAT is not desirable in PeAF patients even under optimal medical therapy with AADs.

Abstract 12151: Impact of Psychosocial Risk Factors on the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Cather Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: There is limited data on how psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) affect the outcomes of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the presence of PSRFs affects the outcomes of AF ablation and tested this hypothesis using a nationally representative sample of the US population. Methods: The National Readmissions Database (NRD) was analyzed from 2016-2019 to identify patients ≥ 18 years old undergoing AF ablation. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the presence or absence of ≥1 PSRF. PSRFs were divided into 5 domains including limited cognitive understanding, substance use, psychiatric disease, low socioeconomic status, and uninsured status. A multivariable logistic regression model was utilized to adjust for confounders. Results: Our cohort included 50,623 AF ablation procedures, of which 21,363 (42.2%) had ≥ 1 PSRF. On multivariable analysis, the presence of ≥ 1 PSRF was associated with higher odds of cardiovascular complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.22; p=0.02), peripheral vascular complications (aOR:1.18; 95% CI: 1.01-1.38; p=0.04), pulmonary complications (aOR:1.16; 95% CI: 1.05-1.29; p&lt;0.01) and neurological complications (aOR:1.42; 95% CI: 1.12-1.78; p&lt;0.01), along with higher odds of 30-day all-cause readmissions (aOR:1.30; 95% CI: 1.19-1.43; p&lt;0.01) and atrial fibrillation/flutter related readmissions (aOR:1.27; 95% CI: 1.08-1.50; p&lt;0.01), 90-day all-cause readmissions (aOR:1.30; 95% CI: 1.20-1.40; p&lt;0.01) and atrial fibrillation/flutter related readmissions (aOR:1.22; 95% CI: 1.06-1.41; p&lt;0.01), and 180-day all-cause readmissions (aOR:1.35; 95% CI: 1.24-1.45; p&lt;0.01) (Figure 1). Conclusion: In conclusion, our data suggest an association between PSRFs and worse in-hospital outcomes along with increased all-cause and arrhythmia-related readmissions in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Comparison of the effect of ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall between with and without collateral veins.

Despite the potential benefits of ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (EIVOM) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, concerns about its reversible and unpredictable effects persist. To assess the effectiveness of EIVOM in the vein of Marshall (VOM) with collateral veins (CVs) during mitral isthmus and AF ablation. We included 142 AF patients. EIVOM was performed before radiofrequency ablation, and low-voltage areas (<0.5 mV) were measured before, immediately after, and 1 h after EIVOM. Among the 142 patients, 93 (65%) underwent EIVOM, and among these, 35 (37%) were found to have CVs. In the VOM with CVs group, areas with low voltage measured 0 (0-1.85) cm2 before EIVOM, 6.9 (4.1-11.2) cm2 immediately after EIVOM, and 5.7 (3.5-10.6) cm2 1 h after EIVOM. Conversely, in the group designated as VOM without CVs-from which the nine leakage cases were excluded-the areas measured 0 (0-1.35) cm2 , 5.5 (2.6-11.8) cm2 , and 4.7 (1.8-13.5) cm2 at the respective time points. MI line block was fully achieved in 89% (31/35) of cases in the VOM with CVs group and 88% (44/49) in the VOM without CVs groups (p = .94). There was no significant difference in the outcome of AF ablation between these groups (log-rank p = .73). Additionally, no significant difference was observed between EIVOM (+) and EIVOM (-) groups (log-rank p = .59). EIVOM effectively creates MI line block, and its beneficial effects are sustained for at least 1 h after the procedure despite the low-voltage areas showing a slight reduction in size.

Outcome of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Cancer Patients: A Review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a cardiac arrhythmia, exhibits a heightened prevalence among individuals diagnosed with cancer, notably prominent in cases of lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. Robust evidence from extensive studies underscores this association, emphasizing its clinical significance. However, the precise mechanistic underpinnings and specific risk factors linking cancer and AF remain a subject of incomplete understanding. Notably, the prevalence of AF in cancer patients substantially exceeds that in non-cancer counterparts, prompting further exploration of the underlying pathophysiological processes. This review aims to address the existing knowledge void regarding AF management in cancer patients, with a specific focus on the potential role of ablation procedures. While catheter and surgical ablation techniques have been thoroughly investigated and validated as effective treatments within non-cancer populations, their applicability and outcomes in cancer patients have remained inadequately explored. The principal objective of this exhaustive review is to bridge this research gap by conducting a meticulous examination of the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of ablation interventions for AF in the context of cancer patients. By amalgamating existing evidence and pinpointing critical areas necessitating additional investigation, this review endeavors to provide invaluable insights into AF management in cancer patients, with the ultimate goal of enhancing their clinical care and optimizing outcomes.

Skin sympathetic nerve activity in different ablation settings for atrial fibrillation

BackgroundModifying the autonomic system after catheter ablation may prevent the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Evaluation of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) is a noninvasive method for the assessment of sympathetic activity. However, there are few studies on the effects of different energy settings on SKNA. ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in SKNA in different energy settings and their relationship to AF ablation outcomes. MethodsSeventy-two patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF were enrolled. Forty-three patients received AF ablation with the conventional (ConV) energy setting (low power for long duration), and 29 patients using a high-power, short-duration (HPSD) strategy. The SKNA was acquired from the right arm 1 day before and after the radiofrequency ablation. We analyzed the SKNA and ablation outcomes in the different energy settings. ResultsBoth groups had a similar baseline average SKNA (aSKNA). We found that the median aSKNA increased significantly from 446.82 μV to 805.93 μV (p = 0.003) in the ConV group but not in the HPSD group. In the ConV group, patients without AF recurrence had higher aSKNA values. However, the 1-year AF recurrence rate remained similar between both groups (35 % vs. 28 %, p = 0.52). ConclusionThe post-ablation aSKNA levels increased significantly in the ConV group but did not change significantly in the HPSD group, which may reflect different neuromodulatory effects. However, the one-year AF recurrence rates were similar for both groups. These results demonstrate that the HPSD strategy has durable lesion creation but less lesion depth, which may reduce collateral damage.

Radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation: A 14 years' experience at a tertiary care center in Thailand.

The result of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation varies across centers. Most data are derived from the Western world, while data from Southeast Asian countries are lacking. We aimed to investigate the outcomes of AF ablation in Thailand. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent AF ablation in a tertiary care center, between the years 2006-2020. Details of AF ablation, including pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) ablation, were classified. The success rate of AF ablation is determined by freedom from AF beyond 3 months blanking period. Combined success rate of AF ablation was reported along with the success rate of each technique (PVI, CFAE, and combine PVI plus CFAE). We identified a total of 171 patients who underwent the first AF ablation. Ninety-four (55%) patients went through PVI, 55 (32%) patients for CFAE ablation, and 22 (13%) patients for PVI plus CFAE ablation. Overall freedom from AF was 73% at 12 months, 66% at 24 months, and 55% at 36 months. The success rate of PVI was 79% at 12 months, 74% at 24 months, and 59% at 36 months. The success rate of CFAE ablation was 63% at 12 months, 51% at 24 months, and 47% at 36 months. Catheter ablation of AF is proven safe and effective in Thai population.

Posterior Wall Isolation Improves Outcomes for Persistent AF With Rapid Posterior Wall Activity: CAPLA Substudy

BackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is less effective in persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) than in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the CAPLA (Effect of Catheter Ablation Using Pulmonary Vein Isolation With vs Without Posterior Left Atrial Wall Isolation on Atrial Arrhythmia Recurrence in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: The CAPLA randomized clinical trial) of PVI vs posterior wall isolation (PWI) did not support empiric PWI in PerAF. We examined pulmonary vein (PV) and posterior wall (PW) electrical characteristics to determine if select patients may benefit from additional PWI. ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the impact of PV and PW electrical characteristics on AF ablation outcomes in the CAPLA randomized study. MethodsParticipants in spontaneous AF at the time of ablation were included from the CAPLA study. The mean, shortest, and longest PV, PW, and left atrial (LA) appendage cycle length measurements were annotated preablation using a multipolar catheter for 100 consecutive cycles. Next, cardioversion was performed with a high-density LA voltage map completed. Cox proportional hazards regression was utilized to determine clinical and electroanatomic predictors of AF recurrence overall and according to ablation strategy. Follow-up included twice daily single-lead electrocardiograms or continuous monitoring for 12 months. ResultsA total of 151 patients (27% female, age 65 ± 9 years, 18% long-standing PerAF, LA volume index 52 ± 16 mL/m2, median AF duration 5 months [IQR: 2-10 months]) were in AF on the day of procedure and were randomized to PVI alone (50%) or PVI+PWI (50%) according to the CAPLA randomized clinical trial protocol. Baseline clinical, echocardiographic, and electroanatomic parameters were comparable between groups (all P > 0.05) including PV and PW characteristics. After 12 months, freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drug therapy was 51.7% in PVI and 49.7% in PVI+PWI (log-rank P = 0.564). Rapid PW activity was defined as less than the median of the shortest PW cycle length (140 ms) and rapid PV activity was defined as less than the median of the shortest PV cycle length (126 ms). In those with rapid PW activity, the addition of PWI was associated with greater arrhythmia-free survival (56.4%) vs PVI alone (38.6%) (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.67-0.94; log-rank P = 0.030). Moreover, in those undergoing PVI only, the risk of AF recurrence was higher in those with rapid PW activity (55.3% vs 46.5% in slower PW activity; HR: 1.50, 95%CI 1.11-2.26; log-rank P = 0.036). Rapid PV activity and PV cycle length (individual PVs or average of all 4 PVs) were not associated with outcome (all P > 0.05) regardless of ablation strategy. There was no correlation between PW cycle length and posterior low voltage (r = −0.06, P = 0.496). The addition of PWI did not improve arrhythmia-free survival in subgroups with LA enlargement (LA volume index >34 mL/m2) (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.39-1.25; P = 0.301), posterior low-voltage zone (HR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.68-1.66; P = 0.807), or long-standing PerAF (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.71-1.72; P = 0.669). ConclusionsRapid PW activity is associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence post–catheter ablation. The addition of PWI in this subgroup was associated with a significant improvement in freedom from AF compared with PVI alone. The presence of rapid PW activity may identify patients with PerAF likely to benefit from PWI.

Impact of gender on left atrial low-voltage zones in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation: results of a voltage-guided ablation.

Gender-related differences have been reported in atrial fibrotic remodeling and prognosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients after ablation. We assessed in persistent AF the regional distribution of left atrial (LA) bipolar voltage and the extent of low-voltage zones (LVZ) according to gender as well as the results of a voltage-guided substrate ablation. Consecutive patients who underwent a voltage-guided AF ablation were enrolled. LA endocardial voltage maps were obtained using a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system in sinus rhythm. LVZ was defined as <0.5 mV. A total of 115 patients were enrolled (74 men, 41 women). The LA bipolar voltage amplitude was twice lower in the whole LA (p < 0.01) and in each atrial region in women compared with men, whereas the LA indexed volume was similar. LVZ were found in 56.1% of women and 16.2% of men (p < 0.01). LVZ were also more extensive in women (p = 0.01), especially in the anterior LA. Atrial voltage alteration occurred earlier in women than in men. In a multivariate analysis, the female sex (OR 12.99; 95% CI, 3.23-51.63, p = 0.0001) and LA indexed volume (OR 1.09; 95% CI, 1.04-1.16, p = 0.001) were predictive of LVZ. Atrial arrhythmia-free survival was similar in men and women 36 months after a single ablation procedure. The study reports a strong relationship between the female gender and atrial substrate remodeling. The female gender was significantly associated with higher incidence, earlier occurrence, and greater extent of LVZ compared with men. Despite the female-specific characteristics in atrial remodeling, LVZ-guided ablation may improve the AF ablation outcome in women.

Acute and mid-term outcomes of ablation for atrial fibrillation with VISITAG SURPOINT: the Japan MIYABI registry.

The effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) guided by VISITAG SURPOINT (VS) has been demonstrated in Western populations. However, data for Asian populations are limited. VS settings may differ for Asians, given their smaller body size. This study aimed to describe outcomes of radiofrequency atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation guided by VS in a large Asian population. The prospective, observational, multicentre MIYABI registry collected real-world data from patients undergoing VS-guided AF ablation using ThermoCool SmartTouch and ThermoCool SmartTouch SF catheters from 50 Japanese centres. All patients had paroxysmal AF or persistent AF for <6 months. Primary adverse events (PAEs) were evaluated for safety. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with PVI at the end of the procedure. Mid-term effectiveness (up to 12 months) was evaluated by freedom from documented atrial arrhythmias. Of the 1011 patients enrolled, 1002 completed AF ablation. The mean number of VS values per procedure was 428.8 on the anterior wall and 400.4 on the posterior wall. Nine patients (0.9%) experienced PAEs. Upon procedure completion, 99.7% of patients had PVI. Twelve-month freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence was 88.5%; 5.7% of patients were re-ablated. At repeat ablation, 54% of RSPV, 73% of RIPV, 70% of LSPV, and 86% of LIPV evaluated remained durably isolated. Despite lower anterior wall VS values compared with the CLOSE protocol (≥550), the present study demonstrated comparable efficacy outcomes, indicating that a VS of ≥550 for the anterior wall may not be necessary for Asian patients.

Two-incision totally thoracoscopic mitral valve repair combined with radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation in rheumatic mitral valve disease: Early results of a case series of 43 consecutive patients

BackgroundFew studies have reported the outcomes of two-incision total thoracoscopic mitral valve repair (MVr) and concomitant radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation (RAFA) in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 43 consecutive patients who underwent MVr and RAFA through two-incision total thoracoscopic technique from October 2018 to June 2022. We collected data on baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and early-term results. ResultsThe mean age was 55.67 ± 7.64 years and 29 (67.4%) patients had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 115.56 ± 8.53 min and aortic clamping time was 81.42 ± 7.54 min. There were no in-hospital deaths or strokes. The mean preoperative mitral valve orifice area (MVOA) was 0.95 (0.84–1.16) cm2 and increased to 2.56 (2.41–2.87) cm2 at discharge and 2.54 (2.44–2.76) cm2 at 3 months after surgery (P < .001). At discharge, 32 (74.4%) patients were in sinus rhythm, 7 (20.9%) were in junctional or atrial flutter rhythm, and 4 (9.3%) remained in AF. At 6 months, 35 (81.4%) patients were in sinus rhythm, 5 (11.63%) were in junctional or atrial flutter rhythm, and 3 (4.7%) were in AF. ConclusionsTwo-incision total thoracoscopic MVr and RAFA is a safe and effective procedure that can improve the MVOA and promote conversion of AF to sinus rhythm in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and AF. Further studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm the long-term benefits of this approach.