Temporal trends in safety and complication rates of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Recent studies have shown catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF) to have better outcomes over medical therapy. While AF ablation is predominantly an outpatient procedure, some patients may require longer hospitalization. Limited literature exists describing the trends of hospitalizations for HF patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods: Using ICD-9 (diagnosis and procedure codes) in nationwide inpatient sample database 2003 to 2014, we identified all HF adults who were admitted with a principal diagnosis code of AF (427.31) (n= 4,670,400) (AF-HF). Among these, we identified those with a principal procedure code of catheter ablation (37.34) and studied the temporal trends of clinical characteristics and outcomes (in-hospital mortality and complications) for this cohort (Table). Results: The overall number of AF-HF patients undergoing AF ablation was 62,653; with an increase from 1,928 in 2003 to 6,860 in 2014 (p trend<0.001). As shown in Table, over this 12-year period; mean age and proportion of females decreased, while there was an increase in blacks, clinical comorbidity burden, admissions to teaching hospitals and southern US region (all p trend<0.001). The overall procedure related complications (vascular, cardiac, respiratory, neurologic) increased, the in-hospital mortality rate decreased from 1.7% to 0.5% (all p trend<0.001). Conclusions: During 2003-2014, the annual incidence of AF ablation related hospitalizations in HF patients increased significantly. Despite increase in clinical comorbidities burden and procedural complication rates, the mortality rate declined.

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Factors impacting complication rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation from 2003 to 2015

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euw178 ◽

2016 ◽

pp. euw178 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Eunice Yang ◽

Esra Gucuk Ipek ◽

Muhammad Balouch ◽

Yuliya Mints ◽

Jonathan Chrispin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Complication Rates

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Clinical Outcomes of Computational Virtual Mapping-Guided Catheter Ablation in Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.772665 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Yong-Soo Baek ◽

Oh-Seok Kwon ◽

Byounghyun Lim ◽

Song-Yi Yang ◽

Je-Wook Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Clinical Trial ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Computational Modeling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Dominant Frequency ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Clinical Recurrence ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Clinical recurrence after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) still remains high in patients with persistent AF (PeAF). We investigated whether an extra-pulmonary vein (PV) ablation targeting the dominant frequency (DF) extracted from electroanatomical map–integrated AF computational modeling improves the AFCA rhythm outcome in patients with PeAF.Methods: In this open-label, randomized, multi-center, controlled trial, 170 patients with PeAF were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to the computational modeling-guided virtual DF (V-DF) ablation and empirical PV isolation (E-PVI) groups. We generated a virtual dominant frequency (DF) map based on the atrial substrate map obtained during the clinical AF ablation procedure using computational modeling. This simulation was possible within the time of the PVI procedure. V-DF group underwent extra-PV V-DF ablation in addition to PVI, but DF information was not notified to the operators from the core lab in the E-PVI group.Results: After a mean follow-up period of 16.3 ± 5.3 months, the clinical recurrence rate was significantly lower in the V-DF than with E-PVI group (P = 0.018, log-rank). Recurrences appearing as atrial tachycardias (P = 0.145) and the cardioversion rates (P = 0.362) did not significantly differ between the groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without any AADs in 74.7% in the V-DF group and 48.2% in the E-PVI group (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the major complication rates (P = 0.489) or total procedure time (P = 0.513) between the groups. The V-DF ablation was independently associated with a reduced AF recurrence after AFCA [hazard ratio: 0.51 (95% confidence interval: 0.30–0.88); P = 0.016].Conclusions: The computational modeling-guided V-DF ablation improved the rhythm outcome of AFCA in patients with PeAF.Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical Research Information Service, CRIS identifier: KCT0003613.

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Complication Rates of Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Aged ≥75 Years versus <75 Years-Results from the German Ablation Registry

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology ◽

10.1111/jce.13142 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 258-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

JULIA M. MOSER ◽

STEPHAN WILLEMS ◽

DIETRICH ANDRESEN ◽

JOHANNES BRACHMANN ◽

LARS ECKARDT ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Complication Rates

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Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Hypertension—An Analysis from the German Ablation Registry

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm9082402 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 2402

Author(s):

Maura M. Zylla ◽

Matthias Hochadel ◽

Dietrich Andresen ◽

Johannes Brachmann ◽

Lars Eckardt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Nyha Class ◽

Heart Association ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Bleeding Events ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome

Background: Hypertension (HTN) constitutes a risk factor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as for thromboembolic and bleeding events. We analysed the outcome after catheter ablation of AF in HTN in a cohort from the prospective multicenter German Ablation Registry. Methods: Between 03/2008 and 01/2010, 626 patients undergoing AF-ablation were analysed. Patients diagnosed with HTN (n = 386) were compared with patients without HTN (n = 240) with respect to baseline, procedural and long-term outcome parameters. Results: Patients with HTN were older and more often presented with persistent forms of AF and cardiac comorbidities. Major and moderate in-hospital complications were low. At long-term follow-up, major cardiovascular events were rare in both groups. Rates of AF-recurrence, freedom from antiarrhythmic medication and repeat ablation were not statistically different between groups. Most patients reported improvement of symptoms and satisfaction with the treatment. However, patients with HTN more frequently complained of dyspnea of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class ≥ II and angina. They were more often rehospitalized, particularly when persistent AF had been diagnosed. Conclusion: Catheter ablation of AF is associated with low complication rates and favorable arrhythmia-related results in patients with HTN. Residual clinical symptoms may be due to cardiac comorbidities and require additional attention in this important subgroup of AF-patients.

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Pulmonary vein isolation alone vs. more extensive ablation with defragmentation and linear ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: the EARNEST-PVI trial

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euaa293 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Koichi Inoue ◽

Shungo Hikoso ◽

Masaharu Masuda ◽

Yoshio Furukawa ◽

Akio Hirata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽

Primary Endpoint ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Inferior Margin ◽

Linear Ablation

Abstract Aims Previous studies could not demonstrate any benefit of more intensive ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) including complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) and linear ablation for recurrence in the initial catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to establish the non-inferiority of PVI alone to PVI plus these additional ablation strategies. Methods and results Patients with persistent AF who underwent an initial catheter ablation (n = 512, long-standing persistent AF; 128 cases) were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either PVI alone (PVI-alone group) or PVI plus CFAE and/or linear ablation (PVI-plus group). After excluding 15 cases who did not receive procedures, we analysed 249 and 248 patients, respectively. The primary endpoint was recurrence of AF, atrial flutter, and/or atrial tachycardia, and the non-inferior margin was set at a hazard ratio of 1.43. In the PVI-plus group, 85.1% of patients had linear ablation and 15.3% CFAE ablation. After 12 months, freedom from the primary endpoint occurred in 71.3% of patients in the PVI-alone group and in 78.3% in the PVI-plus group [hazard ratio = 1.56 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–2.24), non-inferior P = 0.3062]. The procedure-related complication rates were 2.0% in the PVI-alone group and 3.6% in the PVI-plus group (P = 0.199). Conclusion This randomized trial did not establish the non-inferiority of PVI alone to PVI plus linear ablation or CFAE ablation in patients with persistent AF, but implied that the PVI plus strategy was promising to improve the clinical efficacy (NCT03514693).

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Safety and acute clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in octogenarians: a multicentre evaluation with a matched younger cohort

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.235 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

N Karim ◽

N Kozhuharov ◽

J Jarman ◽

S Furniss ◽

R Veasey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

De Novo ◽

Lv Function ◽

P Value ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Success Rates ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Procedural Success

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. OnBehalf Sven Knecht and the International Octogenarian AF ablation group Background Octogenarians are a fast-growing demographic with a high burden of atrial fibrillation (AF). There are limited data on procedural safety and acute outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for AF in this group. Purpose Investigation of complications & outcomes in octogenarians undergoing CA for AF. Methods Data on all octogenarian patients who underwent AF ablation at nine European cardiology centres between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed and matched with control patients aged <80 years. The characteristics used for matching were type of AF, type of procedure (de novo or redo), & the year of procedure. Results 216 octogenarians (81.9 ± 1.9 years; 52.8% females) underwent an AF ablation procedure, and were matched with 216 patients aged <80 years (62.4 ± 9.5 years, 34.7% females), p <0.001 for both. The proportion of paroxysmal and persistent AF was 43.5% & 56.5% respectively in both groups, and 79.3% of the procedures were de novo. RF ablation made up 75.4% & 75.9% (p = 0.90) procedures in octogenarians and controls respectively. 17 complications occurred in 14 (7.9%) octogenarian patients and 11 in 11 (5.1%) patients in the younger matched cohort (p = 0.07). There were 4.2% & 1.9% major complications (p= 0.17) and 3.7% & 3.2% minor complications (p= 0.77) in the octogenarian & younger cohorts respectively. Complications in octogenarians consisted of groin complications (n = 6), pneumonia (n = 3), pericardial effusion (n = 2), phrenic nerve injury (n = 2), pulmonary oedema (n = 1), gastroparesis (n = 1), stroke (n = 1). Acute procedural success rates were 99.1% & 99.5% (p = 0.62) The complication rates were similar for RF; 6.0% vs 5.4% (p = 0.79) and Cryoballoon; 14.0% vs 4.1% (p = 0.09) in both octogenarians and younger cohort respectively. Conclusion In spite of significantly higher overall risk profile of octogenarians undergoing AF ablation, there is no difference in acute procedural success and complication rates as compared to younger patients Catheter ablation of AF in octogenerians Octogenarians n = 216 Matched Controls (aged < 80yrs) n = 216 P value Age (yrs), mean (SD)s 81.9 (1.9) 62.4(9.5) < 0.0001 Females, (%) 52.8 34.7 0.0002 CHA2DS2-VASc, mean (SD) 3.6 (1.2) 1.4 (1.3) < 0.0001 Mean LA size, mm 42.8 ± 8.3mm 45.8 ± 16.2 0.062 Impaired LV function, (%) 23.7 17.9 0.206 IHD, (%) 20.7 5.9 < 0.0001 Procedural time (mins), mean (sd) 150.6 (69.7) 148.9 (64.4) 0.914 All complications, n (%) 17 (7.9) 11 (5.1) 0.073

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Temporal trends and in‐hospital complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation among patients with moderate and advanced chronic kidney diseases: 2005‐2018

Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology ◽

10.1111/jce.15354 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Narut Prasitlumkum ◽

Ronpichai Chokesuwattanaskul ◽

Wisit Kaewput ◽

Charat Thongprayoon ◽

Nithi Tokavanich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Kidney Diseases ◽

Temporal Trends ◽

Chronic Kidney Diseases

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Electrical posterior box isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation changed to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a multi-center, prospective, randomized study

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0614 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

H.N Pak ◽

J.B Park ◽

H.T Yu ◽

T.H Kim ◽

J.S Uhm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Recurrence Rate ◽

Antiarrhythmic Drug ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Clinical Recurrence ◽

End Point ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) can change to paroxysmal AF (PAF) after antiarrhythmic drug medication and cardioversion. Purpose We investigated whether electrical posterior box isolation (POBI) may improve rhythm outcome of catheter ablation in those patient group. Methods We prospectively randomized 114 patients with PeAF to PAF (male 75%, 59.8±9.9 years old) to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone group (n=57) and additional POBI group (n=57). The primary end-point was AF recurrence after a single procedure, and the secondary end-point was a recurrence pattern, cardioversion rate, and the response to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs). Results After a mean follow-up of 22.5±9.4 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (29.8% vs. 28.1%, p=0.836; log rank p=0.815) The recurrence rate for atrial tachycardias (17.6% vs. 43.8%, p=0.141) was higher in POBI group, but the cardioversion rates (13.5% vs. 8.5%, p=0.434) were not significantly different between two groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drug in 52.6% in CPVI group and 59.7% of POBI group (p=0.452). No significant difference was found in the major complication rates between the two groups (5.3% vs. 1.8%, p=0.618), but the total ablation time was significantly longer in the POBI group (4397±842 sec vs. 5337±1517 sec, p<0.001). Conclusion In patients with persistent AF converted to paroxysmal AF by AAD, the addition of POBI to CPVI did not improve the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation nor influence overall safety. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Electrical Posterior Box Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Changed to Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology ◽

10.1161/circep.120.008531 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

Author(s):

Hui-Nam Pak ◽

Junbeom Park ◽

Je-Wook Park ◽

Song-Yi Yang ◽

Hee Tae Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Catheter Ablation ◽

Antiarrhythmic Drug ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Unique Identifier ◽

Clinical Recurrence ◽

Ablation Time ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) can change to paroxysmal AF after antiarrhythmic drug medication and cardioversion. We investigated whether electrical posterior box isolation (POBI) may improve rhythm outcome of catheter ablation in those patient groups. Methods: We prospectively randomized 114 patients with persistent AF to paroxysmal AF (men, 75%; 59.8±9.9 years old) to circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone group (n=57) and additional POBI group (n=57). Primary end point was AF recurrence after a single procedure, and secondary end points were recurrence pattern, cardioversion rate, and response to antiarrhythmic drugs. Results: After a mean follow-up of 23.8±10.2 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the CPVI alone and additional POBI group (31.6% versus 28.1%; P =0.682; log-rank P =0.729). The recurrences as atrial tachycardias (5.3% versus 12.3%; P =0.134) and cardioversion rates (5.3% versus 10.5%; P =0.250) were not significantly different between the CPVI and POBI groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drug in 52.6% of CPVI group and 59.6% of POBI group ( P =0.450). No significant difference was found in major complication rates between the two groups (5.3% versus 1.8%; P =0.618), but the total ablation time was significantly longer in the POBI group (4187±952 versus 5337±1517 s; P <0.001). Conclusions: In patients with persistent AF converted to paroxysmal AF by antiarrhythmic drug, the addition of POBI to CPVI did not improve the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation or influence overall safety, while leading to longer ablation time. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT02176616.

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