P1006Cryo-balloon ablation in elderly; Outcome and prediction of recurrence

EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Berkowitsch ◽  
K Weipert ◽  
J Hutter ◽  
S Zaltsberg ◽  
P Kahle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Blood Test ◽  
Atrial Tachycardia ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Echocardiographic Examination ◽  
History Of ◽  
Exit Block ◽  
Balloon Ablation

Abstract Background It is well known that prevalence of atrial fibrillation correlates with age, however the data on ablation of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients is poor. Aim of this study was analysis of outcome and prediction of recurrence after cryo-balloon ablation (CBA) in elderly patients based on available data in our registry. Methods The history of AF was assessed at admission. Additionally, all patients received echocardiographic examination and blood test. After a single trans-septal access and PV angiography PVI was performed using a 28-mm CBA. Mapping of PV signals before, during, and after each cryo application was performed with a 3F lasso catheter. The procedural endpoint after PVI was defined as complete elimination of all fragmented signals at the PV antrum with verification of entrance and exit block. Primary endpoint was first documented recurrence of AF, atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter (>30 sec.). All patients received a follow-up every 3 month within 1st year, once yearly thereafter and in case of symptoms. Seven days Holter ECG was recorded by every follow up. Results A total of 44 (39%) of enrolled patients were male, 48 (43%) suffered non- paroxysmal AF(nPAF), 93 (82%) had hypertension, CAD was diagnosed by 27 (24%), 28 (25%) had DM (Hb1AC > 6), Stroke/TIA was observed in 11 (10%). Median Age in elderly was 76 (75-78) y, BMI 25.77 (23.51-28.69), time since 1st diagnosis 40 (6-50) month, LA area index 11.36 (9.77-13.20), TAPSE 23 (19-26), GFR 74 (66-83) mL/min, LVEF 60 (57-62). A total of 44 patients (39%) reached endpoint within follow up of 20 (12-38) months. Univariate association with outcome was found by follows parameter: Time from 1st diagnosis > 3 y (HR = 3.22 (1.66-6.27), p=.001); LA area index (HR = 1.17 (1.03-1.32), p=.013); DM (HR = 1.89 (1.02-3.55), p=.042); nPAF (HR = 1.90 (1.04-3.47), p=.036). After multivariate analysis only time from 1st diagnosis > 3 y, (HR= 3.17 (1.62-6.16), p=.001 and nPAF (HR = 1.84 (1.01-3.36)), p=.048 were revealed to be predictive. The area under probability score calculated for these predictors was .731 (.638-8.25), p=.001. Follows complications were observed: 2 (2%) - pericard tamponades, 4 (4%) phrenicus nerve injury. Conclusion. PVI with cryo-balloon is effective for elderly patients providing freedom of arrhythmic events in 61% of patients. Longer history of AF over 3 years since 1st diagnosis was main predictor for post ablation recurrence. In elderly patients with shorter history of AF efficiency and safety of CBA is comparable with general population.

scholarly journals Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on outcomes after left atrial appendage closure: lessons from the prospective LAARGE registry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinwan Kany ◽  
Johannes Brachmann ◽  
Thorsten Lewalter ◽  
Ibrahim Akin ◽  
Horst Sievert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year ◽  
The One

Abstract Background Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death. Methods Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with paroxysmal AF (PAF) against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC (LAARGE). Results A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), while HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was comparable. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77). In the three-month echo follow-up, LA thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak > 5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p = 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.02–2.72, p = 0.041). Conclusion Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality. Graphic abstract

Difference of myocardial injury, inflammation and early recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation among laser balloon ablation, radiofrequency catheter ablation and cryoballoon ablation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Yano ◽  
M Nishino ◽  
H Nakamura ◽  
Y Matsuhiro ◽  
K Yasumoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Early Recurrence ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cryoballoon Ablation ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Balloon Ablation ◽  
Laser Balloon Ablation

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has become well-established as the main therapy for patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and various isolation methods including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and laser balloon ablation (LBA) were available. Pathological findings in each ablation methods such as myocardial injury and inflammation are thought to be different. High sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI), subunit of cardiac troponin complex, is a sensitive and specific marker of myocardium injury. High-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation and is elevated following cardiomyocyte necrosis. Relationship between myocardial injury and inflammation after ablation using RFA, CBA and LBA and early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) remains unclear. Methods We enrolled consecutive PAF patients from Osaka Rosai Atrial Fibrillation (ORAF) registry who underwent PVI from January 2019 to October 2019. We compared the clinical characteristics including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of heart failure, CHADS2Vasc score, renal function, serum BNP level and echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular dimensions, left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between RFA, CBA and LBA groups. We investigated the difference of relationship between myocardial injury marker (hs-TnI), inflammation markers (white blood cell change (DWBC) from post to pre PVI, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio change (DNLR) from after to before PVI and hs-CRP) at 36–48 hours after PVI and ERAF (<3 months after PVI) between each group. Results We enrolled 187 consecutive PAF patients who underwent PVI. RFA, CBA and LBA groups comprised 108, 57 and 22 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences of age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, history of heart failure, CHADS2Vasc score, renal function, serum BNP level and echocardiographic parameters between each group. Serum hs-TnI in RFA group and LBA group were significantly lower than in CBA group (2.643 ng/ml vs 5.240ng/ml, 1.344 ng/ml vs 5.240 ng/ml, p<0.001, p=0.002, respectively, Figure). DWBC was significantly higher in LBA group than CBA group (1157.3/μl vs 418.4/μl, p=0.045). DNLR did not differ between each group. Hs-CRP in RFA group and LBA group were significantly higher than in CBA group (1.881 mg/dl vs 1.186 mg/dl, 2.173 mg/dl vs 1.186 mg/dl, p=0.010, p=0.003, respectively, Figure). Incidence of ERAF was significantly higher in LBA group than RFA group (36.4% vs 16.7%, p=0.035). Incidence of ERAF tended to be higher in LBA group than CBA group (36.4% vs 19.3%, p=0.112). Conclusion LBA may cause less myocardial injury than RFA and CBA, on the contrary LBA may cause more inflammation than CBA. Incidence of ERAF in LBA was highest between each procedure. Inflammation markers and ERAF Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in very young patients

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Yalin ◽  
B Ikitimur ◽  
T Aksu ◽  
AU Soysal ◽  
E Lyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Accessory Pathway ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Old Patients ◽  
Index Procedure ◽  
Holter Ecg ◽  
History Of

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Pulmonary vein automaticity is an established trigger of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) making pulmonary vein isolation (PVI)  the cornerstone for catheter ablation. However, data on triggers of AF and catheter ablation strategy in very young (<30 years old) patients are sparse. Methods and results: Sixteen young patients (mean age 25.2 ± 4.9 years; 75% men) with recurrent drug refractory PAF underwent EP study and ablation at 3 EP centers. None of the patients had structural heart disease or family history of AF. EP study revealed degeneration of induced supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) into AF in 5 patients (n = 5, 31.2%). Induced SVTs were left lateral concealed accessory pathway mediated orthodromic AVRT in two patients, typical AVNRT in two patients, and left superior PV tachycardia in one patient respectively. In patients with induced SVTs, SVT ablation without PVI was performed as an index procedure. Remaining patients underwent second generation cryoballoon (CB-2) based PVI (n = 11, 68.7%). There were no major complications related to ablation procedures. Follow-up was based on outpatient visits including 24-h Holter-ECG at 3, 6 and, 12 months post ablation, or additional Holter-ECG was ordered in case of symptoms suggesting recurrence. Recurrence was defined as any atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) episode >30s following a 3-month blanking period. After a median follow-up of 18.3 ± 6.2 months, 13 of 16 (81.2%) patients were free of ATA recurrence. None of the patients belonging to SVT ablation only group experienced ATA recurrence. Three patients with previous CB-2 PVI recurred, one had typical atrial flutter and underwent CTI ablation, remaining 2 patients had AF recurrence and medically followed. Conclusion In a considerable fraction of young adult patients with history of PAF SVTs may be responsible and SVT ablation without PVI may be sufficient as an index procedure. Catheter ablation AF seems to be safe and effective in this population.

scholarly journals Hypertension Burden and the Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation

Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 919-928
Author(s):  
So-Ryoung Lee ◽  
Chan Soon Park ◽  
Eue-Keun Choi ◽  
Hyo-Jeong Ahn ◽  
Kyung-Do Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Total Study Population ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Burden Scale ◽  
History Of ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Korean National Health Insurance ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
The Relationship

The association between the cumulative hypertension burden and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension burden and the development of incident AF. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 3 726 172 subjects who underwent 4 consecutive annual health checkups between 2009 and 2013, with no history of AF. During the median follow-up of 5.2 years, AF was newly diagnosed in 22 012 patients (0.59% of the total study population; 1.168 per 1000 person-years). Using the blood pressure (BP) values at each health checkup, we determined the burden of hypertension (systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg), stratified as 0 to 4 per the hypertension criteria. The subjects were grouped according to hypertension burden scale 1 to 4: 20% (n=742 806), 19% (n=704 623), 19% (n=713 258), 21% (n=766 204), and 21% (n=799 281). Compared with normal people, subjects with hypertension burdens of 1, 2, 3, and 4 were associated with an 8%, 18%, 26%, and 27% increased risk of incident AF, respectively. On semiquantitative analyses with further stratification of stage 1 (systolic BP of 130–139 mm Hg or diastolic BP of 80–89 mm Hg) and stage 2 (systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg) hypertension, the risk of AF increased with the hypertension burden by up to 71%. In this study, both a sustained exposure and the degree of increased BP were associated with an increased risk of incident AF. Tailored BP management should be emphasized to reduce the risk of AF.

scholarly journals Impact of atrial fibrillation pattern on left atrial appendage closure: insights from the prospective LAARGE registry

EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Kany ◽  
J Brachmann ◽  
T Lewalter ◽  
I Akin ◽  
H Sievert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Systemic Embolism ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage Closure ◽  
History Of ◽  
One Year

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Stiftung für Herzinfarkforschung Background  Non-paroxysmal (NPAF) forms of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been reported to be associated with an increased risk for systemic embolism or death compared with paroxysmal AF (PAF). This study investigates the procedural safety and long-term outcomes of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with different forms of AF. Methods  Comparison of procedural details and long-term outcomes in patients (pts) with PAF against controls with NPAF in the prospective, multicentre observational registry of patients undergoing LAAC in Germany (LAARGE).  Results  A total of 638 pts (PAF 274 pts, NPAF 364 pts) were enrolled. NPAF consisted of 31.6% patients with persistent AF and 68.4% with longstanding persistent AF or permanent AF. In both groups, a history of PVI was rare (4.0% vs 1.6%, p = 0.066). The PAF group had significantly less history of heart failure (19.0% vs 33.0%, p < 0.001) while the current median LVEF was similar (60% vs 60%, p = 0.26). The total CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in the PAF group (4.4 ± 1.5 vs 4.6 ± 1.5, p = 0.033), but no difference in the HAS-BLED score (3.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.40) was observed. The rate of successful implantation was equally high (97.4% vs 97.8%, p = 0.77) in both groups. In the three-month echo follow-up, device-related thrombi (2.1% vs 7.3%, p = 0.12) and peridevice leak >5 mm (0.0% vs 7.1%, p= 0.53) were numerically higher in the NPAF group. Overall, in-hospital complications occurred in 15.0% of the PAF cohort and 10.7% of the NPAF cohort (p = 0.12). In the one-year follow-up, unadjusted mortality (8.4% vs 14.0%, p = 0.039) and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism (8.8% vs 15.1%, p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the NPAF cohort. After adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASc and previous bleeding, NPAF was associated with increased death/stroke/systemic embolism (HR 1.67, 95%-CI: 1.02-2.72). Conclusion  Atrial fibrillation type did not impair periprocedural safety or in-hospital MACE of patients undergoing LAAC. However, after one year, NPAF was associated with higher mortality and combined outcome of death, stroke and systemic embolism.

Abstract 17296: Arrhythmia Recurrence and Subsequent Heart Failure Hospitalization in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Catheter Ablation: A Landmark Analysis From the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) Registry

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nobuaki Tanaka ◽  
KOICHI INOUE ◽  
Atsushi Kobori ◽  
Kazuaki Kaitani ◽  
Takeshi Morimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Multicenter Observational Study ◽  
History Of ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of AF is effective for maintaining sinus rhythm though its impact on heart failure still remains controversial. Purpose: We sought to elucidate whether AF recurrence following RFCA was associated with subsequent HF hospitalizations. Methods: We conducted a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, observational study. A total of 4931 consecutive patients who underwent an initial RFCA for AF with longer than 1-year of follow-up in 26 centers were enrolled (average age, 64±10 years; non-paroxysmal AF, 35.7%). The median follow-up duration was 2.9 years. The primary endpoint was an HF hospitalization more than 1-year after the index RFCA. We compared the patients without AF recurrences (group A) to those with AF recurrences within 1-year post RFCA (group B). Results: The 1-year cumulative incidence of AF recurrences after a single procedure was 30.7% (group A=3418, group B=1513 patients). Group B had a lower body mass index (group A vs. group B,24.1±3.6 vs. 23.8±3.4 kg/m 2 , p=0.014), longer history of AF (1.9 vs. 3.1 years, p<0.0001), higher prevalence of non-paroxysmal AF (32.1% vs. 33.9%, p<0.0001), and valvular heart disease (5.9% vs. 7.8%, p=0.013). They also had a lower ejection fraction (63.7±9.4% vs. 62.8±9.6%, p=0.0043) and larger left atrial dimeter (39.7±6.6 vs. 40.6±7.0 mm, p<0.0001) on echocardiography. Hospitalizations for HF were observed in 57 patients (1.14%) more than 1-year after the RFCA and were significantly higher in group B than group A (group A vs. group B, 0.91% vs 1.72%, log-rank p=0.019). Conclusions: Among AF patients receiving RFCA, those with AF recurrences were at a greater risk of subsequent heart failure hospitalizations than those without AF recurrences. Recognition that AF recurrence following RFCA is a risk factor for a subsequent HF-related hospitalization is appropriate in clinical practice.

Abstract 14134: The Impact of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation on Dementia Incidence in Patients With and Without Depression

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi T May ◽  
Tami L Bair ◽  
Stacey Knight ◽  
Jeffrey L Anderson ◽  
Joseph B Muhlestein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Brain Perfusion ◽  
Cardiovascular Comorbidities ◽  
Incident Dementia ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
History Of Depression

Introduction: Studies have previously shown that atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with dementia. The mechanisms are likely multifactorial, but may involve treatment strategies that include anticoagulation use and rhythm management, particularly when used early. Patients that have earlier-life depression are at risk of dementia. However, depression diagnosis in AF patients may indicate a patient at higher risk of developing dementia and whether treatments ameliorate that risk is unknown. Methods: A total of 132,703 AF patients without a history of dementia were studied. History of depression was determined at the time of AF diagnosis. Patients were deemed as having a follow-up ablation if it occurred prior to a dementia diagnosis. Patients were stratified into 4 groups based on depression history and follow-up ablation status: no depression, ablation (n=5,960); no depression, no ablation (n=106,986); depression, ablation (n=923); and depression, no ablation (n=18,834). Patients were followed for 5-year incidence of dementia. Results: A total of 14.9% (n=19,757) pts had a history of depression at the time of AF diagnosis. The mean time between depression and AF diagnoses was 4.9±4.8 years. Patients with depression were younger (68±15 vs. 71±14 years), more likely to be female (62% vs. 44%), and had more cardiovascular comorbidities. Mean time to ablation was 1.3±1.4 days (median: 7.7 months) from AF diagnosis. Frequencies of 5-year dementia were: no depression, ablation=1.6%; no depression, no ablation=5.2%; depression, ablation=4.7%; and depression, no ablation=9.7%, p<0.0001. Multivariable comparisons between the groups are shown in the Figure. Conclusion: In AF patients with and without depression, ablation was associated with a lower risk of incident dementia. Rhythm control approaches that improve long-term brain perfusion may represent a means to impact cognitive declines in patients at higher risk because of earlier-life depression.

Abstract 13274: Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill Covid-19 Patients - A Multicenter Prospective Analysis of 159 Patients

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy Ip ◽  
Zulfiqar Qutrio Baloch ◽  
manel boumegouas ◽  
Abdullah Al abcha ◽  
Steven Do ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Prior History ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Elevated Troponin ◽  
Ischemic Disease ◽  
Patient Status ◽  
History Of

Introduction: Certain patient demographics and biomarkers have been shown to predict survival in patients infected with COVID-19. However, predictors of outcome in patients who are critically ill and require advanced respiratory support are unclear. Methods: We performed a multicenter analysis of 159 consecutive patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between March 01, 2020 and April 30, 2020. Patients were then followed until May 23, 2020. Demographic data (age, sex, race, BMI) and past medical history (hypertension, diabetes, COPD, CKD, history of cardiac ischemic disease, atrial fibrillation and heart failure) were recorded. Laboratory values (troponin, CPK, pro-BNP, ferritin, LDH and d-dimer) were analyzed. Patient status was classified as either alive or deceased at hospital discharge or the end of follow up period. Results: Mean patient age was 66+/-15 and 53% were male. Mean BMI was 31+/- 9. Mean hospital ICU stay was 11+/-8 days. Mortality rate of this ICU cohort at the end of follow-up was 63%. Fifty-five (34%) patients were discharged from the hospital. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four factors (age, prior history of diabetes, prior history of atrial fibrillation and elevated troponin) that had significant and independent contributions to the likelihood of survival. Each increase in decade of age above 40 (p = 0.010) was predicted to reduce survival by 30%, the presence of diabetes (p = 0.041) by 57%, a prior history of atrial fibrillation (p= 0.011) by 75%, and each increase of 0.1 ng/mL of troponin above 0.05 ng/ml (p = 0.001) by 55%. Conclusion: Mortality of critically ill COVID-19 patients is high. Early aggressive treatment of high-risk patients identified in this study (advanced age, history of diabetes and atrial fibrillation and elevated troponin) could improve clinical outcome. The highly predictive value of elevated troponin levels on survival may indicate cardiac involvement of COVID-19 infection as a determinant of mortality. Additionally, of available published literature at this time, this is the first study that suggests a relationship between atrial fibrillation and increased mortality from COVID-19. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals Determinants of development of permanent atrial fibrillation and its treatment

EP Europace ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Gianfranchi ◽  
M. Brignole ◽  
C. Menozzi ◽  
G. Lolli ◽  
N. Bottoni
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Pacemaker Implantation ◽  
Structural Heart Disease ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Permanent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
History Of

Abstract We evaluated the rate of progression of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and identified clinical factors that predict this event in 63 consecutive patients who had undergone AV junctional ablation and DDDR pacemaker implantation for drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation/flutter. Immediately after ablation, anti-arrhythmic drugs were discontinued in all cases. Permanent AF was con-sidered to have developed if AF was present on two consecutive 6-monthly examinations with no interim documented sinus rhythm. During a mean follow-up of 23±16 months, 22 (35%) of the 63 patients developed permanent AF. The actuarial estimate of progression of permanent AF was 22%, 40% and 56%, respectively, 1, 2 and 3 years after ablation. Age and underlying heart disease were independent predictors of progression of permanent AF. Only one (6%) of 16 patients with idiopathic AF had permanent AF (low risk group). Among the 47 patients with structural heart disease, permanent AF developed in 18 (62%) of the 29 who were aged >75 years or had >12 arrhythmic episodes per year and a symptom duration >4 years (high risk group), but only in three (17%) of the remaining 18 patients who did not (intermediate risk group). In conclusion, during a 3-year follow-up period, about half of the patients with a history of drug-refractory paroxysmal AF did not develop permanent AF after AV junctional ablation and dual-chamber pacemaker implantation, even in the absence of anti-arrhythmic drug therapy. Moreover, subgroups of patients whose risk of permanent AF progression differed were identified on the basis of simple baseline clinical variables. The results of this study form the necessary background for the correct management of patients after AV junction ablation and for the planning of future trials in this field.

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