P1026Risk factors for the occurrence of stroke after atrial fibrillation ablation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H E Lim ◽  
J Ahn ◽  
S J Han ◽  
J Shim ◽  
Y H Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Creatinine Clearance ◽  
Clearance Rate ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Risk factors for the occurrence of embolic stroke (ES) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have not been fully elucidated. Our aim was to assess incidence of ES during long-term follow-up following AF ablation and to identify predicting factors associated with post-ablation ES. Methods We enrolled patients who experienced ES after AF ablation and body mass index-matched controls from AF ablation registries. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was assessed using multislice computed tomography prior to ablation. Results A total of 3,464 patients who underwent AF ablation were recruited. During a mean follow-up of 47.2 months, ES occurred in 47 patients (1.36%) with a mean CHA2DS2-VAS score of 2.15 and overall incidence of ES was 0.34 per 100 patients/year. Compared with control group (n=190), ES group had more higher prior thromboembolic event and AF recurrence rates, larger LA size, lower creatinine clearance rate (CCr), and greater total and periatrial EAT volumes although no differences in AF type, CHA2DS2-VASc score, ablation extent, and anti-thrombotics use were found. On multivariate regression analysis, a prior history of thromboembolism, CCr, and periatrial EAT volume were independently associated with ES occurrence after AF ablation. Cox regression analysis Risk factor Univariate Multivariate HR (95% CI) p value HR (95% CI) p value Age 1.017 (0.984–1.051) 0.31 Prior thromboembolism 2.488 (1.134–5.460) 0.023 2.916 (1.178–7.219) 0.021 CHA2DS2-VASc score 1.139 (0.899–1.445) 0.282 CCr 0.984 (0.970–0.999) 0.038 0.982 (0.996–0.998) 0.029 LA diameter (mm) 1.070 (1.012–1.130) 0.017 1.072 (0.999–1.150) 0.054 EAT_total (ml) 1.020 (1.010–1.029) <0.001 1.008 (0.993–1.023) 0.297 EAT_periatrial (ml) 1.085 (1.045–1.126) <0.001 1.065 (1.005–1.128) 0.032 PVI + additional ablation 0.846 (0.460–1.557) 0.592 No anticoagulant use 0.651 (0.346–1.226) 0.184 Recurrence 2.011 (1.007–4.013) 0.048 1.240 (0.551–2.793) 0.603 CCr, creatinine clearance rate; EAT, epicardial adipose tissue; LA, left atrium; PVI, pulmonary vein isolation. K-M curve for stroke-free survival Conclusions Incidence of ES after AF ablation was lower than expected rate based on CHA2DS2-VASc score even though anticoagulants use was limited. Periatrial EAT volume, a prior thromboembolism event, and CCr were independent factors in predicting ES irrespective of AF recurrence and CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients who underwent AF ablation.

scholarly journals Aortic plaques in patients with atrial fibrillation: an often-forgotten risk factor for thromboembolism

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A.F Esteves ◽  
L Parreira ◽  
M Fonseca ◽  
J.M Farinha ◽  
J Ferreira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
P Value ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Aortic Plaques ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background CHA2DS2-VASc risk score is the main determinant for maintaining anticoagulation after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, irrespective of the procedure outcome. The presence of aortic plaques is included in the score, but isn't regularly assessed previously to AF ablation. This way, risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) other than arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus may influence stroke risk in patients with AF, albeit not being included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Purpose We sought to evaluate the prevalence of aortic plaques diagnosed during transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) in patients submitted to AF ablation and to assess its determinants and clinical impact on the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Methods Retrospective study of patients submitted to AF ablation that performed TOE prior to the procedure, with assessment of aortic plaques. CHA2DS2-VASc risk score was evaluated in the pre-ablation patient evaluation and reassessed after TOE. Demographic, clinical and echocardiographic data, including cardiovascular risk factors, were analyzed. We assessed AF recurrence rate, cerebrovascular events and death during follow-up. Results 120 patients were submitted to TOE prior to AF ablation from November 2015 to December 2020, mean age 66.6 (±9.55) years, 48% male. In 30 (25%) patients aortic plaques were identified in TOE. Mean CHA2DS2-VASc was 2.2 (±1.47) in pre-ablation evaluation and 2.5 (±1.69) post-TOE, increasing in all patients with aortic plaques and prompting beginning of oral anticoagulation in 5 patients. AF was paroxysmal in 74% and persistent in 26% of patients, mean duration of 6.28 (±3.76) years. Arterial hypertension was present in 79 (66%) of patients, type 2 diabetes mellitus in 24 (20%) and dyslipidemia in 67 (56%). 17 (14%) patients had a prior stroke. During a mean follow-up of 30 (±18.3) months, 32 (27%) patients had AF recurrence and 10 (8%) were submitted to redo procedures. 107 (89%) patients remained under oral anticoagulation, stroke occurred in 1 patient and 2 patients died. In univariate analysis, age, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia predicted an increase in CHA2DS2-VASc score after TOE (respectively, OR 1.113, 95% CI 1.041–1.190, p-value 0.002; OR 2.907, 95% CI 1.145–7.379, p-value 0.025; and OR 2.442, 95% CI 1.016–5.868, p-value 0.046). In multivariate analysis, age is the only independent predictor of increased CHA2DS2-VASc score after TOE (OR 1.095, 95% CI 1.013–1.185, p-value 0.023). No risk factor for CAD was independently associated with the presence of aortic plaques (Table 1). Conclusion In this population, single CAD risk factors were not independent predictors of aortic plaques. If TOE had not been performed prior to AF ablation, 25% of patients would have had an underestimated CHA2DS2-VASc score and would be off anticoagulation after the procedure, unprotected from thromboembolic events. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Table 1

P985The long-term impact of maintaining sinus rhythm on the risk for death or heart failure after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a real world clinical practice

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Yoshizawa ◽  
H Shiomi ◽  
M Tanaka ◽  
T Aizawa ◽  
S Yamagami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
P Value ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Risk Of Death ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Catheter ablation has been rapidly spread as a first line therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). A recent randomized trial have shown that AF ablation reduces the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the impact of maintained sinus rhythm (SR) on long-term risk of death or HF hospitalization has not been adequately evaluated. Purpose To investigate the impact of maintaining SR by AF ablation on long-term risk of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Methods The long-term clinical outcomes were compared between patients with maintained SR and those with recurrent AF using a landmark analysis in which the landmark point was set at 1.5-year after the 1st ablation. Results Among consecutive 1467 patients who underwent AF ablation in our institution between February 2004 and December 2017, the study population consisted of 1311 patients after excluding 150 patients because of death or lost to follow-up. Mean age was 67.9±0.3 and paroxysmal AF was 67%. Among 460 patients who had AF recurrence within 1.5 years after the 1st ablation, 328 underwent 2nd ablation. Therefore, at 1.5-year after the 1st AF ablation, 1145 patients had maintained SR rhythm (SR-group), and 166 patients had recurrent AF episodes (AF-group). During 4.7±2.4 years of follow-up, the cumulative 5-year incidence of death or HF beyond 1.5 years after the 1st ablation was 5.1% in SR-group and 15.6% in AF-group (log rank P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline confounders, the lower risk of SR-group relative to AF-group for death or HF was still statistically significant (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11–3.58, P=0.02). Risks for a Composite of Death or HF Hazard Ratio (95% CI) Crude HR P value Adjusted HR P value AF recurrence 2.59 (1.43–4.43) 0.002 2.05 (1.11–3.58) 0.02 Age>75 years old 2.55 (1.56–4.10) <0.001 2.32 (1.39–3.81) 0.002 Female 0.85 (0.49–1.43) 0.56 0.73 (0.40–1.25) 0.26 PeAF 1.25 (0.68–2.16) 0.45 0.98 (0.52–1.75) 0.94 LSAF 1.10 (0.46–2.23) 0.82 0.70 (0.28–1.53) 0.39 LVEF>50% 0.27 (0.16–0.48) <0.001 0.57 (0.31–1.09) 0.09 Past history of HF 7.06 (4.18–11.6) <0.001 4.67 (2.51–8.41) <0.001 CKD 4.74 (2.08–9.39) <0.001 2.23 (0.94–4.69) 0.07 AF, Atrial fibrillation; PeAF, Persistent AF; LSAF; Long standing AF; HF, Heart failure; CKD, Chronic kidney disease. Figure 1 Conclusions Successfully maintained SR was associated with reduced long-term risk for death or HF hospitalization in real world patients undergoing AF ablation.

scholarly journals Is There an Association between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Outcomes after Paroxystic Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3037
Author(s):  
Néfissa Hammache ◽  
Hugo Pegorer-Sfes ◽  
Karim Benali ◽  
Isabelle Magnin Poull ◽  
Arnaud Olivier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
One Year ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: In patients undergoing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone fails in maintaining sinus rhythm in up to one third of patients after a first catheter ablation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), as an endocrine-active organ, could play a role in the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of clinical, echocardiographic, biological parameters and epicardial fat density measured by computed tomography scan (CT-scan) on AF recurrence in PAF patients who underwent a first pulmonary vein isolation procedure using radiofrequency (RF). Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included all patients undergoing first-time RF PAF ablation at the Nancy University Hospital between March 2015 and December 2018 with one-year follow-up. Results: 389 patients were included, of whom 128 (32.9%) had AF recurrence at one-year follow-up. Neither total-EAT volume (88.6 ± 37.2 cm3 vs. 91.4 ± 40.5 cm3, p = 0.519), nor total-EAT radiodensity (−98.8 ± 4.1 HU vs. −98.8 ± 3.8 HU, p = 0.892) and left atrium-EAT radiodensity (−93.7 ± 4.3 HU vs. −93.4 ± 6.0 HU, p = 0.556) were significantly associated with AF recurrence after PAF ablation. In multivariate analysis, previous cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation, ablation procedure duration, BNP and triglyceride levels remained independently associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation at 12-months follow-up. Conclusion: Contrary to persistent AF, EAT parameters are not associated with AF recurrence after paroxysmal AF ablation. Thus, the role of the metabolic atrial substrate in PAF pathophysiology appears less obvious than in persistent AF.

scholarly journals P1288 Male gender and left atrial volume index predict non valvular atrial fibrillation recurrence. The NeAfi echo registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Sorrentino ◽  
V Capone ◽  
L Esposito ◽  
F Lo Iudice ◽  
A M De Roberto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Male Gender ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Significant Information ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background In non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, risk stratification scores such as CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED allow the prediction of thromboembolic and bleeding risks, respectively. However, no risk score for the prediction of AF recurrence has been yet validated. Purpose To evaluate the mayor anthropometric and echocardiographic determinants of AF recurrence in non-valvular paroxysmal AF patients at 1 year follow-up. Methods Among 395 consecutive adult patients with non valvular AF enrolled in the Neapolitan Atrial Fibrillation (NeAfi) Echo registry, 177 (F/M = 87/90, age = 66.5± 11.9 years) had paroxismal AF and underwent 1-year follow-up. Fifteen patients had AF recurrence. Anthropometric parameters and blood pressure (BP) were recorded and CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores were calculated. At baseline, patients underwent a comprehensive echo-Doppler exam, including quantification of left atrial (LA) size measurements, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish a mathematical model of the relationship between the variables and AF recurrence. The covariates for regression analysis were chosen as potential confounding factors based on their significance in independent T test analyses for continuous variables of chi-square for dichotomous variables, or on their biological plausibility. Results AF recurrence was higher in male than in female patients (14.4 vs 2.3%, p = 0.008). Patients with AF recurrence had similar body mass index, systolic and diastolic BP and heart rate compared to those without. The two groups were similar for LV end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, ejection fraction, LV mass index, diastolic indexes, pulmonary artery systolic pressure and GLS. LA diameter (p = 0.235) and PALS (p = 0.375) were also similar between the two groups, whereas LA volume index (LAVi) was greater in patients experiencing AF recurrence (45.5 ± 15.7 vs. 36.7 ± 10.4 ml/m², p = 0.003). Binomial multiple regression analysis model explained 25% (Nagelkerke R²) of the variance in AF recurrence and correctly classified 95.0% of cases. Males were 8.9 times more likely to exhibit AF recurrence than females (p = 0.04). Greater LAVi was associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting AF recurrence (OR = 1.07, p = 0.03), whereas CHA2DS2VASc &gt;1 in men and &gt;2 in women, HASBLED &gt;3 and greater LA diameter or lower PALS did not add significant information to the model. Conclusions Male gender and, with a lower extent, LAVi appear to be major determinants of AF recurrence in non-valvular paroxysmal AF. The quantification of PALS does not seem to add valuable information in the prediction of recurrent AF.

scholarly journals Quantification of epicardial adipose tissue in patients undergoing hybrid ablation for atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-86
Author(s):  
Mindy Vroomen ◽  
Jules R Olsthoorn ◽  
Bart Maesen ◽  
Vladimir L’Espoir ◽  
Mark La Meir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Right Atrium ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Conduction Block ◽  
Myocardial Tissue ◽  
Tissue Volume ◽  
Af Ablation

Abstract OBJECTIVES Epicardial adipose tissue volume (EAT-V) has been linked to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences after catheter ablation. We retrospectively studied the association between atrial EAT-V and outcome after hybrid AF ablation (epicardial surgical and endocardial catheter ablation). METHODS On preoperative cardiac computed tomography angiography scans, the left atrium and right atrium were manually delineated using the open source ImageJ. With custom-made automated software, the number of pixels in the regions of interest on each slice was calculated. On the basis of the Hounsfield units, pixel size and slice thickness, EAT-V was computed and normalized in relation to the body surface area (BSA) and the myocardial tissue volume. RESULTS Eighty-five patients were included. Left atrial and right atrial EAT-V normalized to BSA were not significantly different between paroxysmal and persistent AF [0.84 (0.51–1.50) vs 0.81 (0.57–1.18), 1.74 (1.02–2.56) vs 1.55 (1.26–2.18), all P = 0.9], neither between the acute conduction block and no acute conduction block in the epicardial box lesion [0.92 (0.55–1.39) vs 0.72 (0.55–1.24), P = 0.5, right atrium not applicable], nor between the sinus rhythm and arrhythmia recurrence after 12 months [0.88 (0.55–1.48) vs 0.63 (0.47–1.10), 1.61 (1.11–2.50) vs 1.55 (1.20–2.20), all P > 0.1]. Left atrial EAT-V normalized to myocardial tissue volume was not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS This study could neither confirm that EAT-V was predictive of recurrence of supraventricular arrhythmias in patients undergoing a hybrid AF ablation, nor that EAT-V was different between patients with paroxysmal AF and persistent and long-standing persistent AF. This suggests that EAT-V might not affect the outcome in surgical ablation procedures and therefore should not influence preoperative or intraoperative decision-making.

scholarly journals Association between pre-ablation bariatric surgery and atrial fibrillation recurrence in morbidly obese patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation

EP Europace ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 1476-1483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eoin Donnellan ◽  
Oussama M Wazni ◽  
Mohamed Kanj ◽  
Bryan Baranowski ◽  
Paul Cremer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Bariatric Surgery ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Obese Patients ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Aims Obesity decreases arrhythmia-free survival after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation by mechanisms that are not fully understood. We investigated the impact of pre-ablation bariatric surgery (BS) on AF recurrence after ablation. Methods and results In this retrospective observational cohort study, 239 consecutive morbidly obese patients (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2 or ≥35 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications) were followed for a mean of 22 months prior to ablation. Of these patients, 51 had BS prior to ablation, and our primary outcome was whether BS was associated with a lower rate of AF recurrence during follow-up. Adjustment for confounding was performed with multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and propensity-score based analyses. During a mean follow-up of 36 months after ablation, 10/51 patients (20%) in the BS group had recurrent AF compared with 114/188 (61%) in the non-BS group (P < 0.0001). In the BS group, 6 patients (12%) underwent repeat ablation compared with 77 patients (41%) in the non-BS group, (P < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, the association between BS and lower AF recurrence remained significant. Similarly, after weighting and adjusting for the inverse probability of the propensity score, BS was still associated with a lower hazard of AF recurrence (hazard ratio 0.14, 95% confidence interval 0.05–0.39; P = 0.002). Conclusion Bariatric surgery is associated with a lower AF recurrence after ablation. Morbidly obese patients should be considered for BS prior to AF ablation, though prospective multicentre studies should be performed to confirm our novel finding.

scholarly journals Effects of catheter ablation on left atrial performance in different types of atrial fibrillation: a strain study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Katbeh ◽  
T De Potter ◽  
P Geelen ◽  
E Stefanidis ◽  
K Iliodromitis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Public Institution ◽  
P Value ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Atrial structural and functional changes may develop as a result of catheter ablation (CA) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relation between AF recurrence and atrial performance following CA is still under debate. Our aim is to describe the long-term effects of CA on LA remodeling and its correlates to the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR). Methods We prospectively enrolled 178 consecutive patients (age: 63±9 years, 35% females) with paroxysmal AF undergoing first-CA (67%) or redo-CA (22%), and 20 individuals (11%) with long-standing persistent AF (PAF) undergoing first CA. All patients underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and at 12-month follow-up, including the assessment of reservoir and contractile strain (LAS) using two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in all three apical views. The study population was divided in two sub-groups according to AF recurrence during follow-up. Results During one-year follow-up, 144 (81%) patients maintained SR whereas 34 (19%) patients had AF recurrence [first-CA group 16 (13%), redo-CA group 8 (20%) and PAF group 10 (50%)]. Improvement of LAS was observed only in patients with paroxysmal and long-standing persistent AF who underwent the first CA and who remained in SR (Figure 1A, 1C). In contrast, recurrent AF was associated with absence of LAS improvement (Figure 1A, 1C). Different time course of LA performance was observed in the redo-CA group, i.e. LAS remained unchanged from baseline regardless of long-term maintenance of SR (Figure 1B). Moreover, at follow-up, no significant differences in LAS between redo-CA patients with SR versus AF were observed. Of note, in patients with long-standing persistent AF and SR, follow-up LAS increased to values observed in the redo-CA group. Conclusion LA performance following CA is strongly affected by complex interplay between extent of atrial electro-structural remodeling and CA procedure. Repeated wide CA might affects negatively LA compliance and contractility despite SR restoration. Figure 1. Reservoir and contractile LAS at Baseline and 12-month follow-up in the First-CA (1A), the Redo-CA (1B) and the long-standing persistent AF (1C) groups in patients who maintained SR versus patients who had AF recurrence. *p value &lt;0.05 (baseline vs. follow-up). Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): International PhD programme in Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Therapeutics (CardioPaTh).

scholarly journals Association between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Ablation： A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yang ◽  
Wenrui Bao ◽  
Zhihan Xu ◽  
Le Qin ◽  
Ning Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cardiac Computed Tomography ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Purpose: To assess the association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) index derived from cardiac computed tomography and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation by comparing with a propensity score matched non-recurrence AF patients.Methods: A total of 506 patients with AF recurrence and 174 patients without AF recurrence were enrolled in this retrospective study. Density and volume of total EAT surrounding the heart (Total-EAT) and EAT surrounding the left atrium（LA-EAT）were measured, propensity score matching(PSM) analyses were used to compare the outcomes of the two groups while controlling for confounders. Results: Total-EAT density (HU) value（-81.27±4.67 vs -84.05±3.84, P=0.000) and LA-EAT density (HU) value（-72.47±23.87 vs -78.83±3.81, P=0.001）were significantly higher in the patients with AF recurrence than in those without recurrence. LA-EAT density (HU) value was significantly higher than Total-EAT（-75.65±17.36 vs -82.66±4.49, P=0.000). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, a higher Total-EAT density (odds ratio: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.00 –1.19, p = 0.047) and LA-EAT density (odds ratio: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03–1.23, p = 0.012) was significantly associated with the AF recurrence after adjusting for other risk factors. Conclusion: The LA-EAT density plays an important role in the AF recurrence after ablation. Assessment of LA-EAT density can improve ablation outcomes by refining patient selection.

scholarly journals Epicardial adipose tissue and atrial fibrillation: guilty as charged or guilty by association?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Sousa ◽  
D Matos ◽  
A Ferreira ◽  
J Abecasis ◽  
C Saraiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiac Ct ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Epicardial Fat ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been linked to the presence and burden of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is still unclear whether this relationship is causal or simply a surrogate marker of other risk factors commonly associated with AF. Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between these factors and EAT, and to compare their performance in predicting AF recurrence after an ablation procedure. Methods We assessed 575 consecutive patients (mean age 61±11 years, 62% male) undergoing AF ablation preceded by cardiac CT in a high-volume ablation center. EAT was measured on cardiac CT using a modified simplified method. Patients were divided into 2 groups (above vs. below the median EAT volume). Cox regression was used to assess the relationship between epicardial fat, risk factors, and AF relapse. Results Patients with above-median EAT volume were older (p&lt;0.001), more often male (OR 1.7, p=0.002), had higher body mass index, and higher prevalence of smoking, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia (p&lt;0.05). Non-paroxysmal AF was also more common in those with above-median EAT volume. During a median follow-up of 18 months, 232 patients (40.3%) suffered AF recurrence. After adjustment for BMI and other univariate predictors of relapse, three variables emerged independently associated with time to AF recurrence: non-paroxysmal AF (HR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5–2.7, p&lt;0.001), indexed left atrial (LA) volume (HR 1.006 per mL/m2, 95% CI: 1.002–1.011, p&lt;0.001), and indexed epicardial fat volume (HR 1.87 per mL/m2, 95% CI: 1.66–2.1, p&lt;0.001). None of the classic cardiovascular risk factors were an independent predictor of AF recurrence (all p&gt;0.10). Conclusion Classic cardiovascular risk factors are more prevalent in patients with higher amounts of epicardial fat. However, unlike these risk factors, EAT is a powerful predictor of AF recurrence after ablation. These findings suggest that EAT is not merely a surrogate marker, but an important participant in the pathophysiology of AF. EAT, cvrf and AF burden Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Catheter, surgical, or hybrid procedure: what future for atrial fibrillation ablation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Nasso ◽  
Roberto Lorusso ◽  
Marco Moscarelli ◽  
Giuseppe De Martino ◽  
Angelo M. Dell’Aquila ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Hybrid Procedure ◽  
Epicardial Ablation ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Linear Lesions ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background The debate on the best treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) has expanded following the introduction of the so-called “hybrid procedure” that combines minimally invasive epicardial ablation with endocardial catheter ablation. However, the advantage of the hybrid approach over conventional epicardial ablation remains to be established. Methods From June 2008 to December 2020, 609 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency (RF) device was used, whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar RF device was used. In addition, between September 2016 and April 2017, 60 patients underwent endocardial completion of epicardial linear ablation. In 30 of these latter patients, surgical isolation of the Bachmann’s bundle (BB) was also performed. Starting from 2021, surviving patients at follow-up were asked to undergo electrocardiographic evaluation and left ventricular function assessment and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. Results The ablation procedure was completed in all patients. Upon discharge, 30 (4.9%) patients showed recurrence of AF, whereas the remaining patients (95.1%) were in sinus rhythm. All patients in whom a hybrid approach was used either with or without BB ablation were discharged in sinus rhythm. After a mean follow-up of 74 months, 122 (20%) patients developed recurrent AF, including 19.9% in whom a unipolar RF device was used, 21% in whom a bipolar RF device was used, 23% who had undergone a hybrid procedure without BB ablation and 3.3% who had undergone a hybrid procedure with BB ablation. On multivariate analysis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, worsening of European Heart Rhythm Association symptom class, and cognitive impairment or depression during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. Conclusions Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe and may allow the creation of additional linear lesions, particularly in the BB. The placement of adjunctive linear lesions in the setting of a hybrid procedure can be more effective in reducing the risk for AF recurrence than isolated surgical ablation or hybrid ablation without the addition of further linear lesions, with no incremental risk to the patient.

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