Preoperative Left Atrial Size Research Articles

Incidence and predictors of de novo late-onset persistent atrial fibrillation in postoperative rheumatic heart disease patients (LOAF-RHD study).

Late-onset atrial fibrillation (LOAF) after valve surgery for degenerative mitral valve disease often with underlying mitral valve prolapse is a known phenomenon. However, there is no similar data for postoperative rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients. We sought to assess the incidence and predictors of LOAF during postoperative follow-up in RHD patients. This single-center retrospective case-control study included a total of 384 RHD patients with normal sinus rhythm (NSR) who underwent rheumatic valve surgery between 1st July 2008 and 30th June 2013. Patients detected with de novo persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) after 2months of valve surgery were diagnosed as having LOAF. Presurgical demographic and echocardiographic parameters were compared between the LOAF and NSR groups to identify risk factors for LOAF. The incidence of de novo LOAF after rheumatic valve surgery was 9.63% at an average of 2.67 ± 1.32years follow-up. Age ≥ 32years [OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-5.1); P = 0.01] and left atrial (LA) size ≥ 51mm [OR 5.9 (95% CI 2.8-12.4); P < 0.0001] were the most significant and independent predictors of LOAF. Moreover, significant mitral valve disease was associated with a higher risk of LOAF than significant aortic valve disease (P = 0.037). LA size ≥ 51mm at surgery showed a fair discriminative power [AUC = 0.75; sensitivity = 68%, specificity = 70%] to identify patients at high risk for LOAF. Late-onset AF develops in almost a tenth of the RHD patients postoperatively following corrective valve surgery. Preoperative LA size can be used to identify patients at high risk for LOAF.

Mid-term results of valve repairs for atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitations.

This study aimed to determine the mid-term outcomes of surgical valve repairs for atrial functional mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation. From October 2008 to August 2016, we performed mitral and tricuspid valve repairs in 45 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, chronic heart failure, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and at least moderate functional mitral regurgitation and mild functional tricuspid regurgitation. The follow-up period ranged from 56 to 3283days (2-109months; median 932days). All patients underwent both mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty. Mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation improved from 2.6 ± 0.6 (0-3) and 2.0 ± 0.7 (0-3) preoperatively to 0.4 ± 0.3 (0-3) and 0.8 ± 0.5 (0-3) at the most recent echocardiography (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001), respectively. Further, the New York Heart Association functional class dramatically improved from 2.8 ± 0.7 to 1.5 ± 0.7 (p < 0.0001). Postoperative cardiovascular events occurred in 10 patients, including 3 with re-admissions for heart failure. The event-free rates were 93%, 87%, and 52% at 1, 3, and 5years after surgery, respectively. The preoperative left atrial volume index was the independent predictor of postoperative cardiovascular events. Our results suggest that mitral and tricuspid valve repairs lead to reductions in regurgitations and heart failure symptoms in patients with atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitations. The preoperative left atrial size should be recognized as an important risk factor of postoperative cardiovascular events.

VALVULAR PATIENTS

Cost effectiveness in any surgical procedure is a major contributory factor in thecontinuation of medical services in developing countries. Limited data is available in assessingthe factors related with the duration of ICU stay and treatment after valvular replacementsurgeries. Objectives: Our aim was to see the correlation of pre operative Left Atrial size of thepatient and duration of post operative stay in ICU. Study Design: Observational Study. Period:March 2010 to April 2014. Setting: Faisalabad Institute of Cardialogoy, Faisalabad. Method:A total of 550 consecutive patients with valvular lesions were included in the study. Their LeftAtrial size was measured echocardiographically pre-operatively and their stay /course in theICU was monitored. Result: Three categories were identified in regard with the Left Atrial sizeand the ICU stay. If LA size is below 60 cm2, the post operative course &amp; stay in ICU is normaland lasts for about 1-2 days. If LA size is between 60-65 mm2, the post operative course maybe complicated &amp; prolonged by the atrial fibrillation / flutter for which pharmacological cardioversion may be needed and the stay in ICU is prolonged and may last for about 2-3 days. Andif pre-operative LA size is more the 65 mm2 the patient may behave in entirely different way. Hisatrial fibrillation persists in spite of electro cardiovertion or pharmacological cardiovertion andhis stay in ICU may last up to 4-5 days and thus the cost of treatment is raised. Conclusions:LA size can predict the post operative behavior of the patient in ICU and duration of stay andexpected cost of the treatment. Smaller is the size of LA, shorter is the stay in ICU and thuslesser is the post operative cost &amp; vice versa.

Pulmonary vein isolation for persistent atrial fibrillation. Long-term results.

Pulmonary vein isolation has been employed to eliminate paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, the long-term outcome in terms of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation is unclear. One hundred patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease and long-standing (>1 year) persistent atrial fibrillation were operated on between July 1998 and June 2007. Mitral valve surgery and surgical isolation (cut-and-sew) of the pulmonary veins were performed in all cases. Transthoracic echocardiography and 24-h Holter monitoring were obtained after 3 and 6 months and yearly thereafter. Early and late follow-up was 99% and 92% complete, respectively. The endpoint was freedom from atrial fibrillation. There was one (1%) hospital death. Atrial fibrillation was present in 39%, 47%, 63% and 68% of patients at 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years after surgery, respectively. The odds ratios for recurrence of atrial fibrillation postoperatively were 1.41 (95% confidence interval 1.14-1.74), 2.17 (95% confidence interval 1.63-2.90), and 3.62 (95% confidence interval 2.44-5.38) at 1 week, 3 years, and 5 years, respectively. Actuarial freedom from atrial fibrillation was 35% at 3 years, and 30% at 5 years. A direct relationship was observed between preoperative left atrial size >6 cm and atrial fibrillation recurrence at 5 years (p < 0.05 odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.15 - 5.4). No beneficial effects of simple pulmonary vein isolation for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation concomitant with rheumatic mitral valve disease were observed. Atrial fibrillation cannot be fully treated using only pulmonary vein isolation.

Preoperative atrial natriuretic peptide level and atrial fibrosis as predictors of outcome after epicardial ablation for atrial fibrillation

Objectives: Although preoperative left atrial size and duration of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been associated with ablation results, these factors are not sufficient to predict the outcome in long standing persistent AF (LsPeAF). The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) may reflect atrial fibrosis and has predictive value for outcome after epicardial ablation.

Impact of mitral annular calcification on early and late outcomes following mitral valve repair of myxomatous degeneration

Mitral annular calcification is associated with significant morbidity and mortality at the time of mitral valve surgery. However, few data are available describing the impact of mitral annular calcification on early and late outcomes following mitral valve repair in the current era. Between 2001 and 2011, 625 patients were referred for mitral valve repair of severe mitral regurgitation due to myxomatous degeneration. The mean patient age was 63.9 ± 12.7 years and 164 (26%) were female. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 91 (15%) and 24 (4%) had previous cardiac surgery. Calcification of the mitral annulus was observed in 119 patients (19%), of whom complete debridement and extensive annulus reconstruction were performed in 14. The mean follow-up was for 2.4 ± 2.3 years. There were no deaths within 30 days of surgery. Risk factors associated with mitral annular calcification included older age (odds ratio 1.05 ± 0.02 per increasing year), female gender (odds ratio 1.88 ± 0.42) and larger preoperative left atrial size (odds ratio 1.04 ± 0.03 per increasing mm) (all P<0.01). Severe renal impairment defined as a creatinine clearance <30 mL/min was observed in 9 patients, all of whom had mitral annular calcification. Intraoperative conversion to mitral valve replacement was performed in 19 patients (97% repair rate), 5 of whom had mitral annular calcification. Extension of mitral annular calcification into one or more leaflet scallops was observed for all patients who required conversion to valve replacement. Five-year survival, freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation ≥ 2+ and freedom from recurrent mitral regurgitation ≥ 3+ was 88.1 ± 2.4, 89.6 ± 2.3 and 97.8 ± 0.8%, respectively. Mitral annular calcification was not associated with survival or recurrent mitral regurgitation. Risk factors for mitral annular calcification in patients with myxomatous degeneration and severe mitral regurgitation include older age, female gender, severe renal dysfunction and larger preoperative left atrial size. Nevertheless, favourable early and late results can be achieved with mitral valve repair in this population.

The influence of postoperative mitral valve function on the late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after the maze procedure combined with mitral valvuloplasty

Although a number of reports have identified risk factors for postoperative recurrence of atrial fibrillation after the maze procedure, no studies have investigated the influence of postoperative mitral valve disease on atrial fibrillation recurrence after mitral valvuloplasty combined with the maze procedure. Between January 1999 and October 2006, 228 patients underwent the maze procedure and concomitant mitral valve repair. There were 4 early deaths. Of the early survivors, 206 patients with restored sinus rhythm were chosen for analysis. During a median follow-up of 50.8 months (range, 0.6-122.8 months), there were 35 patients who had mitral regurgitation (n = 26) or mitral stenosis (n = 9). Patients who had postoperative mitral valve disease (disease group, n = 35) were compared with those who did not (control group, n = 171) for late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Twenty-eight patients experienced late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The disease group had a higher atrial fibrillation recurrence rate than the control group (5-year atrial fibrillation-free rates were 65.2% +/- 10.3% and 85.8% +/- 3.4%, respectively; P = .014). Univariate and multivariate analyses of a range of variables revealed that a larger preoperative left atrial size (hazard ratio, 2.61; P = .041), the use of microwave ablation rather than cryoablation (hazard ratio, 2.33; P = .041), the presence of early (<3 months) postoperative atrial fibrillation events (hazard ratio, 3.75; P = .001), and the presence of postoperative mitral valve disease (hazard ratio, 3.67; P = .005) were independent predictors for late atrial fibrillation recurrence. Maze procedure outcomes were negatively affected by postoperative mitral valve disease after mitral valvuloplasty, as evidenced by greater atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Long-term outcome of modified maze procedure combined with mitral valve surgery: Analysis of outcomes according to type of mitral valve surgery

Efficacy of the maze procedure for atrial fibrillation associated with advanced mitral disease not amenable to repair has not been determined. This study investigated whether type of mitral surgery affects maze outcome. From January 1999 to January 2007, a total of 435 patients underwent the maze procedure and concomitant mitral operation. Of these, 226 underwent mitral repair and 209 underwent mitral replacement. Median follow-up was 40.6 months (0.4-111.3 months), with 25 deaths and 6 strokes. Nineteen patients did not regain normal sinus rhythm. There were no significant intergroup differences in survival, stroke incidence, or sinus rhythm restoration rate. Among 427 early survivors, 64 had late atrial fibrillation recurrence. Five-year atrial fibrillation-free rates were 80.9% + or - 3.7% in the repair group and 77.3% + or - 4.1% in the replacement group (P = .099). By multivariate analysis, age at surgery older than 60 years (P = .045), fine atrial fibrillation wave pattern (P = .033), and preoperative left atrial dimension greater than 60 mm (P = .019) were independent risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence, whereas type of mitral surgery was not (P = .573). Although transmitral A-wave prevalence did not differ significantly between groups beyond the early postoperative period, A-wave velocity was faster in the repair group through the entire postoperative period (P < .001). Maze outcomes were acceptable regardless of type of mitral surgery. Late atrial fibrillation recurrence was mainly affected by age, unfavorable electrocardiographic characteristics of atrial fibrillation, and larger preoperative left atrial size.

Predictive factors of sustained sinus rhythm and recurrent atrial fibrillation after a radiofrequency modified Maze procedure

Preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery is a well-known phenomenon. The cut and sew Maze procedure or variant Maze procedures abolish AF in 45-95% of patients during short- to intermediate-term follow-up. We determined preoperative and postoperative factors predictive of sustained sinus rhythm (SR) and recurrent AF in an elderly cohort of patients with structural heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery. From November 1995 to November 2003, 285 patients with structural heart disease and permanent AF were scheduled for elective cardiac surgery. All patients underwent a radiofrequency (RF) modified Maze procedure as an adjunct to the open-heart operation. Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic or follow-up data were obtained from attending doctors. Patients are being followed in an ongoing registry; however for the patients who are the subject of this paper follow-up ended November 2006. Preoperative factors predicting recurrent AF postoperatively were assessed, as were factors associated with sustained SR. Two hundred and eighty-five patients (mean age 68.0+/-9.6 years) underwent a total of 655 open-heart procedures and concomitant RF Maze surgery. In-hospital mortality was 4.6% (13 patients). Mean and median duration of AF were 60.9+/-68.7 months and 26 months (range 6-396), respectively. Median follow-up was 36.5 months (range 27-114 months). Sustained SR, including atrial rhythm or an atrial-based paced rhythm was present in 59% of patients at 1 year, in 54.4% at 3 years, in 53.4% at 5 years and in 57.1% of patients at the latest follow-up. Stroke was reported in six patients (2.1%). Factors predictive of postoperative AF recurrence were duration of permanent AF, preoperative atrial fibrillation wave and preoperative left atrial (LA) size. Postoperative angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy was associated with SR during follow-up. LA size decreased during follow-up in patients with sustained SR, whereas LA size increased in case of recurrent AF. In this group of elderly patients with permanent AF in the setting of structural heart disease who underwent cardiac surgery and a RF Maze procedure as a concomitant procedure, the duration of AF, preoperative atrial fibrillation wave and preoperative LA size were predictive of recurrent AF, whereas left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular diameters and invasive hemodynamic parameters were not. Postoperative ACE inhibitor therapy was associated with sustained SR. Furthermore, sustained SR after RF Maze surgery was associated with decreased LA dimensions.

Ablation Surgery Failure after Combined Permanent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Mitral Valve Surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and late results of a permanent atrial fibrillation (pAF) ablation concept carried out concomitantly with mitral valve (MV) surgery and to identify risk factors for ablation surgery failure. Between February 2001 and April 2006, 109 patients with pAF over a median time of 48 months (Perc25/75; range 6 - 396 months) underwent monopolar endocardial radiofrequency ablation procedures concomitantly with MV surgery. All patients were restudied to assess survival, conversion rate to stable sinus rhythm (SR) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class early (3 +/- 1 months) and late after surgery (36 +/- 19 months). For data assessment an explorative data analysis including univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression was performed. Early and late survival was 95 % and 91 %, respectively; at follow-up stable SR was documented in 76 % (74 %) of patients. NYHA class improved significantly after surgery ( P = 0.009), particularly when stable SR was achieved ( P = 0.042). Among these MV patients left atrial (LA) enlargement and pAF of long-time duration prior to surgery were detected as risk factors for postoperative recurrence and persistence of atrial fibrillation ( P = 0.026 and P = 0.002); furthermore, advanced age and significant tricuspidal regurgitation at the time of surgery were also relevant. The best prediction (95 % of patients) for SR, as demonstrated in a multivariate model, was based on the factors LA size and pAF duration ( P = 0.052 and 0.005). Particularly the preoperative LA size and pAF duration seem to be useful parameters to evaluate the success rate of ablation performed concomitantly with MV surgery. It could be demonstrated that an established SR remains stable over time.

Superiority of cut-and-sew technique for the Cox maze procedure: Comparison with radiofrequency ablation

Although radiofrequency ablation is increasingly used to create the atrial lesions of the Cox maze procedure, its effectiveness in ablating atrial fibrillation compared with the standard cut-and-sew method is not known. We compare the freedom from atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing both methods with identical lesion sets. Radiofrequency ablation was used to create full Cox maze lesions in 56 patients between January 2002 and February 2005; these patients were matched with those who underwent the standard cut-and-sew method. Matched variables were gender (33 male, 23 female, both), age (67.5 vs 67.2 years), New York Heart Association class (mean 2.28 vs 1.96), atrial fibrillation type (37 paroxysmal, 19 continuous, both), and concomitant mitral valve surgery (37 in both). Hypertension, preoperative left atrial size, and preoperative duration of atrial fibrillation were similar between groups. When compared with matched controls, fewer patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation were free from atrial fibrillation at dismissal (63% vs 88%; P = .0039) and at last follow-up (62% vs 92%; P = .016). According to logistic regression for matched pairs, patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation were 4.5 times more likely to be in atrial fibrillation at dismissal (95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.8, 10.9) and 5 times more likely to be in atrial fibrillation at follow-up (95% CI, 1.4, 17.3). No other covariate was associated with atrial fibrillation status at hospital dismissal or follow-up. Creating Cox maze lesions with radiofrequency ablation is associated with less freedom from atrial fibrillation both early and late postoperatively. Because transmurality can be assured, the standard cut-and-sew Cox maze procedure remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation.

2386: Preoperative left atrial size predicts postoperative atrial function after maze procedure: Evaluation with tissue Doppler imaging

2386: Preoperative left atrial size predicts postoperative atrial function after maze procedure: Evaluation with tissue Doppler imaging

Clinical Determinants of Sinus Conversion by Radiofrequency Maze Procedure for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Concomitant Mitral Valvular Surgery

The radiofrequency Maze procedure can effectively restore sinus rhythm in most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral valve disease. AF after cardiac surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, clinical determinants of long-term postoperative AF after the radiofrequency Maze procedure and concomitant mitral valve surgery are poorly defined. This study comprised 99 consecutive patients with persistent AF and mitral valve disease who underwent radiofrequency Maze procedures and concomitant mitral valvular operations. The predictive values of clinical variables for postoperative AF were examined. After a mean follow-up period of 46.1+/-24.6 months, 83 patients (83.8%) had sinus conversion after the Maze procedure, and 16 patients remained in persistent or paroxysmal AF. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined that predictors of sinus conversion were preoperative left atrial diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.127 per 1-mm increment in left atrial diameter, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.045 to 1.215, p<0.002) and the duration of AF (OR 1.022 per 1-month increment in duration of AF, 95% CI 1.009 to 1.035, p<0.001). Discriminant analysis showed that the sinus conversion rate was significantly lower in patients with preoperative left atrial diameters>56.8 mm (p<0.001) or AF duration>66 months (p<0.001) than in patients with preoperative left atrial diameters<56.8 mm or AF duration<66 months. In conclusion, the preoperative left atrial size and duration of AF are primary predictors of sinus conversion by the radiofrequency Maze procedure for patients with persistent AF and mitral valve disease.

Surgical outcome of the maze procedure for atrial fibrillation in mitral valve disease: rheumatic versus degenerative

BackgroundThe results of the maze procedure are known to be less satisfactory in rheumatic mitral disease than in nonrheumatic mitral valve disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether the etiology of mitral valve disease affected surgical outcome. MethodsFrom July 1997 to January 2001, 129 consecutive patients with chronic atrial fibrillation associated with mitral valve disease had mitral valve operations with the maze procedure. The underlying mitral pathology was rheumatic in 86 patients (group R) and degenerative in 43 (group D). Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms were performed immediately and then repeated 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. ResultsThe mean age, duration of atrial fibrillation, and preoperative left atrial size were similar between the groups. There was no operative mortality and no significant difference in cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times. The sinus conversion rate at 7 days postoperatively was 86% in both groups, and at 6 months it was 95.3% in group R and 97.7% in group D (p > 0.05). The transmitral A wave detection rates in groups R and D at 7 days and 6 months postoperatively were, respectively, 63.1% versus 67.4% and 90.4% versus 91.9% (p > 0.05). The transmitral A wave velocity (cm/second) at the same times (7 days and 6 months postoperatively) was 41.9 ± 41.6 versus 45.5 ± 37.7 and 67.8 ± 38.2 versus 69.8 ± 35.8 in groups R and D, respectively (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe maze procedure is equally effective in treating chronic atrial fibrillation in patients with either rheumatic or nonrheumatic mitral valve disease in terms of sinus conversion rate and left atrial transport function.

Outcome of mitral valve repair in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation

To examine late outcome of mitral valve repair in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation, we reviewed the cases of 323 consecutive patients who underwent mitral valvuloplasty for mitral regurgitation from 1980 to 1991; average age of 215 men and 108 women was 64 years (range 14 to 88 years), and 224 patients (70%) were in New York Heart Association class III or IV before operation. The main indications for operation were severe mitral regurgitation (76%), coronary artery disease with associated mitral regurgitation (15%), and aortic valve disease (6%). At the time of mitral valve repair, coronary artery bypass grafting was done in 35% of patients, aortic valve replacement was done in 7%, and multiple other procedures were done in 10%. For all patients, the 30-day mortality rate was 2.5% (70% confidence limits 1.6% to 3.4%) and survivorships at 3 and 5 years were 81% and 76%, respectively. Before operation, 216 patients were in sinus rhythm and 97 patients had atrial fibrillation; in the latter group, 11 had recent onset of atrial fibrillation within 3 months preceding mitral valve repair. Comparing patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation to those with sinus rhythm, we found no significant difference in operative mortality (3% versus 1.9%) or 5-year survivorship (74.3% +/- 6.3% versus 76.9% +/- 4.0%). At late follow-up, atrial fibrillation was present in 5% of patients with preoperative sinus rhythm, 80% of patients with preoperative chronic atrial fibrillation, and 0% of patients with preoperative recent onset atrial fibrillation (p < 0.01). The left atrial size by echocardiography was larger in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation compared with that in those with sinus rhythm (59 +/- 1.4 mm versus 50.9 +/- 0.7 mm; p < 0.05). There was, however, only a weak correlation between preoperative left atrial size and late atrial fibrillation. Further, age, gender, and associated coronary artery disease did not correlate with presence of atrial fibrillation at late follow-up. Prevalence of late thromboembolic events was similar in patients with preoperative sinus rhythm compared with that in those with atrial fibrillation. These data suggest that mitral valve repair should be done before or soon after the onset of atrial fibrillation to maximize the chance of postoperative sinus rhythm and avoid long-term anticoagulation with warfarin. However, the early and late results of mitral valve repair in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation are good, and concomitant operation for supraventricular arrhythmia must have negligible morbidity and no adverse effect on operative mortality.

ESTIMATION OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN ADULT PATIENTS OPERATED ON FOR ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECT

One hundred and eight adult patients over 30 years of age who underwent atrial septal defect (ASD) closure were studied for the time of surgical intervention through atrial fibrillation (Af), cardio-thoracic rate (CTR) and clinical symptoms. After leaving the hospital, Af changed to sinus rhythm in four patients, and new Af appeared in four, in whom preoperative left atrial size (mean : 44mm) and CTR (mean : 59%) were significantly larger than those of patients without Af. Subjective symptoms such as numbness of the extremities, arrhythmias and the necessity of medication were more frequent in Af patients than in sinus rhythm patients. Eighty-four % of sinus rhythm patients were in class I according to the NYHA functional classification, while 48% of Af patients remained in class II, post-operatively. Surgical intervention in adult ASD patients should be considered before the appearance of left atrial dilatation.