Differences in Healthcare Use Between Patients With Persistent and Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Catheter‐Based Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Population‐Based Cohort Study From Ontario, Canada

Background Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing catheter‐based AF ablation have lower success rates than those with paroxysmal AF. We compared healthcare use and clinical outcomes between patients according to their AF subtypes. Methods and Results Consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation were prospectively identified from a population‐based registry in Ontario, Canada. Via linkage with administrative databases, we performed a retrospective analysis comparing the following outcomes between patients with persistent and paroxysmal AF: healthcare use (defined as AF‐related hospitalizations/emergency room visits), periprocedural complications, and mortality. Multivariable Poisson modeling was performed to compare the rates of AF‐related and all‐cause hospitalizations/emergency room visits in the year before versus after ablation. Between April 2012 and March 2016, there were 3768 consecutive patients who underwent first‐time AF ablation, of whom 1040 (27.6%) had persistent AF. The mean follow‐up was 1329 days. Patients with persistent AF had higher risk of AF‐related hospitalization/emergency room visits (hazard ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09–1.34), mortality (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.15–2.63), and periprocedural complications (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02–1.75) than those with paroxysmal AF. In the overall cohort, there was a 48% reduction in the rate of AF‐related hospitalization/emergency room visits in the year after versus before ablation (rate ratio [RR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.48–0.56). This reduction was observed for patients with paroxysmal (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.41–0.50) and persistent (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63–0.87) AF. Conclusions Although patients with persistent AF had higher risk of adverse outcomes than those with paroxysmal AF, ablation was associated with a favorable reduction in downstream AF‐related healthcare use, irrespective of AF type.

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Abstract 18957: Modulation of Ganglionated Plexi as an Addition to Pv Isolation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.18957 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Sabine Ernst ◽

Richard Underwood ◽

Sonya Babu-Narayan ◽

Simona Ben-Haim

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

3D Imaging ◽

Imaging Study ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

High Frequency Stimulation ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Road Map ◽

Ganglionated Plexi ◽

Individual Variations ◽

Frequency Stimulation

Introduction: Catheter ablation of ganglionated plexi (GP) as an add on to pulmonary vein (PV) isolation has been reported to significantly improve outcome of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. In order to facilitate localization of these GPs, a novel imaging study is proposed that investigates the uptake of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (mIBG, an analogon for norepinephrine) on the atrial level. This information is combined with 3D surface reconstruction from contrast computed tomography (cCT) or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods: A total of 7 patients (5 male, mean age 64.3 yrs) with AF underwent mIBG nuclear studies using a dedicated solid state cardiac camera (D-SPECT, Spectrum Dynamics). Four patient had 4 persistent AF (3 prev. abl.) with less than 1 year of sustained AF, whereas 3 patient were in longstanding persistent AF (all prev. abl). The acquired data was merged with the 3D imaging and subsequently imported into the 3D electroanatomical mapping system (CARTO, Biosense Webster). During invasive AF ablations these sites were mapped to perform high frequency stimulation (HFS) to confirm GP locations. Results: In all pts, both the mIBG and CT scans were performed without any complications. Locations of high mIBG uptake corresponded to anatomical GP sites (LA & RA) in the majority of patients, but individual variations were observed. PV isolation was added in all but 1 pt (who had previous ablation) plus CFAE ablation if necessary. Follow-up of in median of 10.4 months demonstrated SR in all persistent AF patients (1 redo for atrial reentry). In patients with longstanding persistent AF: 2 pts are in SR (both AF at 1 week and 1 pt in AT at 6 weeks), while 1 pt remained in AF. Conclusion: The combination of mIBG and 3D imaging provides a novel type of “road map” for localizing GPs during AF ablation. As an add-on to PV (re-) isolation, this strategy was found to be beneficial for patients with persistent and longstanding persistent AF. Interestingly, pts with longstanding persistent AF (and multiple previous ablations) all recurred early in F/U but showed reversal to AT and finally SR at later stages. Further studies in larger patient cohorts need to confirm these initial observations.

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Effect of Air Quality on the Risk of Emergency Room Visits in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.672745 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Bin Liang ◽

Xiaonan He ◽

Xin Du ◽

Xiaoxia Liu ◽

Changsheng Ma

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Air Quality ◽

Emergency Room ◽

Time Lag ◽

Emergency Room Visits ◽

Monsoon Climate ◽

Climate Region ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Increase In Risk ◽

Pm2.5 Concentration

Background: We investigated the effect of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and meteorological conditions on the risk of emergency room visits in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Beijing, which is considered as a monsoon climate region.Methods: In this case-crossover design study, medical records from patients with AF who visited the Critical Care Center in the Emergency Department of Anzhen Hospital from January 2011 through December 2014 and air quality and meteorological data of Beijing during the same period were collected and analyzed using Cox regression and time-series autocorrelation analyses.Results: A total of 8,241 patients were included. When the average PM2.5 concentration was >430 μg/m3, the risk of emergency room visits for patients with uncomplicated AF, AF combined with cardiac insufficiency, and AF combined with rheumatic heart disease increased by 12, 12, and 40%, respectively. When the average PM2.5 concentration was >420 μg/m3, patients with AF combined with diabetes mellitus had a 75% increased risk of emergency room visits, which was the largest increase in risk among all types of patients with AF. When the average PM2.5 concentration was >390 μg/m3, patients with AF combined with acute coronary syndrome had an approximately 30% increased risk of emergency room visits, which was the highest and fastest increase in risk among all types of patients with AF. The risk of emergency room visits for patients with AF was positively correlated with air quality as the time lag proceeded, with an autocorrelation coefficient of 0.223 between the risk of emergency room visits and air quality in patients with AF on day 6 of the time lag.Conclusion: Exposure to certain concentrations of PM2.5 in a monsoon climate region significantly increased the risk of emergency room visits in patients with AF.

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Abstract 15901: Radiofrequency Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Earlier Catheter-based Interventions are associated With Better Outcomes and in Direct Association With Markers of Pathways of Atrial Remodeling

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.15901 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Amr F Barakat ◽

Ayman A Hussein ◽

Mohammed Bassiouny ◽

Ali Hakim ◽

Shadi Al Halabi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Atrial Remodeling ◽

Success Rates ◽

Left Atrial Size ◽

Ablation Time ◽

Atrial Size ◽

Direct Association ◽

First Diagnosis

Introduction: Persistent atrial fibrillation (PerAF) ablation has been associated with significant recurrence rates which could reflect progressive AF-related atrial remodeling. We hypothesized that the first-diagnosis to ablation time for PerAF is a major determinant of success rates and in direct association with pathways of atrial remodeling. Methods: Two-year outcomes were assessed in 1241 patients undergoing first time ablation of PerAF between January 2005 and December 2012 at our institution. The time intervals between the first diagnosis of PerF and the ablation procedures were determined. Patients had echocardiograms and measures of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) before the ablation procedures. During ablations, patients with atrial scarring by voltage were identified. Results: The median time-to-ablation since the first PerAF diagnosis was 3 years (interquartile range 1-6.5). With longer diagnosis-to-ablation time (based on quartiles), there was a significant increase in BNP levels (p=0.01), CRP levels (p<0.0001), left atrial size (p=0.03) and scarring (p=0.04). Atrial arrhythmia recurred after a single ablation in 555 patients (44.7%); and 364 (29.3%) underwent repeat ablations. At last follow-up, 1005 patients (81.0%, 390 on antiarrhythmic medications) were either arrhythmia free or had their arrhythmia controlled. In Cox Proportional Hazard analyzes, BNP levels, CRP levels, left atrial size and scarring were associated with arrhythmia recurrence. The diagnosis-to-ablation time had the strongest association with success rates which persisted in multivariate Cox analyzes (HR for recurrence per +1Log diagnosis-to-ablation time 1.25, 95%CI 1.11-1.42, p<0.0001; 4th vs. 1st quartile 2.27, 95%CI 1.52-3.47, p<0.0001). Conclusions: The success rates with PerAF ablation are highest with early intervention, that is ablation before the progression of atrial remodeling.

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Atrial fibrillation detected at screening is not a benign condition - a comparison of clinical outcomes in screen-detected vs. hospital-detected atrial fibrillation

EP Europace ◽

10.1093/europace/euab116.144 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

VW Zwartkruis ◽

B Geelhoed ◽

N Suthahar ◽

RT Gansevoort ◽

SJL Bakker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Population Based ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Albumin Concentration ◽

Benign Condition ◽

National Budget ◽

History Of ◽

Time Varying Covariates

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation Background Screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) improves detection of AF. However, it is unknown whether AF detected at screening carries risks similar to clinically detected AF, and if it should be treated similarly. Purpose We aimed to compare clinical outcomes in individuals with screen-detected vs. hospital-detected incident AF. Methods We studied 8265 individuals (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 50% women) without prevalent AF from the population-based PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease) cohort study. By design, 70% of PREVEND participants had urinary albumin concentration ≥10 mg/l. AF was considered screen-detected when first detected on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during one of the PREVEND study visits, and hospital-detected when first detected on a hospital ECG. Using Cox regression models with screen-detected and hospital-detected AF as time-varying covariates, we studied the association of screen-detected vs. hospital-detected AF with mortality, incident heart failure (HF), and incident cardiovascular (CV) events. Results During a mean follow-up of 9.7 years, 265 participants (3.2%) developed incident AF (mean age 62 ± 9 years, 30% women, 65% hypertension, 23% obesity, 9% diabetes, 15% history of myocardial infarction, 3% history of stroke, 2% prevalent HF). Of all incident AF cases, 60 (23%) were screen-detected and 205 (77%) hospital-detected. Baseline characteristics were generally comparable between participants with screen-detected and hospital-detected AF. A larger proportion of incident AF was screen-detected in men (26%) compared to women (15%). In univariabe analysis, both screen-detected and hospital-detected AF were strongly associated with death, incident HF, and incident CV events. After multivariable adjustment, hospital-detected AF was significantly associated with death (HR 2.95, 95% CI 2.18-4.00), incident HF (HR 3.98, 95% CI 2.49-6.34), and incident CV events (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.21-3.06). Screen-detected AF was significantly associated with death (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.09-4.47) and incident HF (HR 4.90, 95% CI 2.28-10.57), but not with incident CV events (HR 1.12, 95% CI 0.46-2.71). Conclusions In a population-based cohort enriched for microalbuminuria, almost a quarter of incident AF cases was first detected through ECG screening. Compared to hospital-detected AF, screen-detected AF was similarly associated with adverse outcomes. Although randomised trials are needed, this study highlights that AF screening may help decrease the general burden of CV disease.

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Abstract 16017: Mid-term Outcomes in Persistent and Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Rotor Ablation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.16017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Carola Gianni ◽

Tamara Metz ◽

Luigi Di Biase ◽

Sanghamitra Mohanty ◽

Chintan Trivedi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Success Rates ◽

Single Procedure ◽

Acute Success ◽

Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM)-guided ablation targets localized sources that are thought to sustain AF. We sought to evaluate if acute success of FIRM-guided ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal AF influenced the mid-term ablation outcomes. Methods: This was a multicenter prospective observational study of persistent and LSP AF patients undergoing FIRM ablation in 3 centers. Patients with at least 2 months follow-up were included in the analysis. FIRM was performed alone or in addition to conventional ablation and rotors were ablated as confirmed by their absence during remapping. Acute success was defined as AF termination, organization or slowing 10%. Mid-term success was defined as freedom from AT/AF off antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) and after a single procedure during the initial follow-up (excluding the 2-month blanking period). Results: A total of 43 patients were enrolled (mean age 62 ± 10; 91% persistent, 9% LSP). Rotors-only ablation was performed in 65% of patients, and in addition to conventional ablation in the remaining 35%. Overall, acute success was achieved in 33% of patients. During a mean follow-up of 5.5 ± 2.4 months, 35% of patients were free of AT/AF off AADs after a single procedure. When comparing patients who underwent rotors-only ablation with those who received additional conventional ablation, mid-term success rates were respectively 25% vs. 53% (P = NS). There was no statistical difference in SR maintenance between patients with and without acute success during FIRM ablation (29% vs. 38%, P = NS). Conclusion: FIRM-guided ablation in persistent and LSP AF was not effective in obtaining AF slowing/organization/termination during the procedure and in preventing mid-term AT/AF recurrences. Acute success did not impact the mid-term success rate.

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Abstract 15934: Comparison of Atrial Fibrillation Burden Reduction in Patients With Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cryoballoon Pulmonary Vein Isolation

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.15934 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Dan L Musat ◽

Nicolle S Milstein ◽

Jacqueline Pimienta ◽

Advay Bhatt ◽

Tina C Sichrovsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Pulmonary Vein ◽

Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Loop Recorder ◽

Similar Reduction ◽

Af Ablation ◽

Ablation Success ◽

One Year ◽

Af Recurrence

Background: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures to treat symptomatic AF. Ablation success is defined by absence of AF recurrence >30 seconds. However, reduction in AF burden (AFB) is also an important endpoint. Whether patients with paroxysmal (PAF) and persistent AF (PeAF) have similar reduction in AFB post-ablation is unknown. Objective: To compare the decrease in AFB following cryoballoon (CB) PVI in patients with PAF and PeAF. Methods: We enrolled consecutive pts with an implantable loop recorder (ILR) who subsequently underwent CB PVI. All patients were followed prospectively for at least one year, or until repeat ablation; we compared AFB pre and post-ablation. Results: The cohort included had 47 patients (66 ± 10 years; 32 [68%] male; PAF [n=23, 49%]; CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc 2.7 ± 1.7, 34 [72%] on AAD at the time of ablation). A median of 136 days [IQR 280, 73; minimum of 30 days] of ILR data pre-ablation were available. The median AFB for PAF was 4.7% [IQR 0.9, 14.8] and PeAF was 6.8% [IQR 1.1, 40.4]. After excluding a 3-month post-ablation blanking period, recurrent AF occurred in 12 (52%) PAF and 11 (46%) PeAF patients. The median AFB post-ablation for PAF and PeAF cohorts was 0.03%, [IQR 0, 0.3] and 0.04%, [IQR 0, 1.1], respectively. This represents a >99% reduction in AFB. Conclusion: Although 50% of patients undergoing CB PVI for PAF or PeAF had a recurrence of AF, there was >99% reduction in AFB in both groups. These data highlight the importance of using AFB burden as a marker of therapeutic efficacy post-AF ablation.

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Atrial fibrillation ablation with a spring sensor-irrigated contact force-sensing catheter compared with other ablation catheters: systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023775 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. e023775 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Laurent Macle ◽

Diana Frame ◽

Larry M Gache ◽

George Monir ◽

Scott J Pollak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Literature Review ◽

Contact Force ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Safety Data ◽

Percutaneous Ablation ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Success Rates ◽

Af Ablation

ObjectivesThe objective of our review was to systematically assess available evidence on the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of a spring sensor-irrigated contact force (CF) catheter (THERMOCOOL SMARTTOUCH Catheter (ST)) for percutaneous ablation of paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), compared with other ablation catheters, or with the ST with the operator blinded to CF data.DesignSystematic literature review and meta-analysis.BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests improved clinical outcomes of AF ablation using CF-sensing catheters; however, reviews to date have included data from multiple, distinct CF technologies.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies comparing the use of ST versus other ablation catheters for the treatment of AF. A comprehensive search of electronic and manual sources was conducted. The primary endpoint was freedom from recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia (AT) at 12 months. Procedural and safety data were also analysed.ResultsThirty-four studies enrolling 5004 patients were eligible. The use of ST was associated with increased odds of freedom from AT at 12 months (71.0%vs60.8%; OR 1.454, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.88, p=0.004) over the comparator group, and the effect size was most evident in paroxysmal AF patients (75.6%vs64.7%; OR 1.560, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.24, p=0.015). Procedure and fluoroscopy times were shorter with ST (p=0.05 and p<0.01, respectively, vs comparator groups). The reduction in procedure time is estimated at 15.5 min (9.0%), and fluoroscopy time 4.8 min (18.7%). Complication rates, including cardiac tamponade, did not differ between groups.ConclusionsCompared with the use of other catheters, AF ablation using the CF-sensing ST catheter for AF is associated with improved success rates, shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times and similar safety profile.

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T1299 Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations for Crohn's Disease in a Population-Based Cohort

Gastroenterology ◽

10.1016/s0016-5085(10)62453-5 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 138 (5) ◽

pp. S-532 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laurent Peyrin Biroulet ◽

Edward V. Loftus ◽

William S. Harmsen ◽

Alan R. Zinsmeister ◽

William J. Sandborn

Keyword(s):

Crohn’S Disease ◽

Crohn's Disease ◽

Emergency Room ◽

Population Based ◽

Emergency Room Visits

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Population-Based Assessment of Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations Among Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early Breast Cancer

Journal of Oncology Practice ◽

10.1200/jop.2014.001073 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 126-132 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Katherine Enright ◽

Eva Grunfeld ◽

Lingsong Yun ◽

Rahim Moineddin ◽

Mohammad Ghannam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽

Emergency Room ◽

Early Breast Cancer ◽

Population Based ◽

Emergency Room Visits

The authors conclude that emergency room visits and hospitalization are common among patients with early breast cancer receiving chemotherapy and significantly higher than among controls.

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