scholarly journals A new machine learning approach for predicting likelihood of recurrence following ablation for atrial fibrillation from CT

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Atta-Fosu ◽  
Michael LaBarbera ◽  
Soumya Ghose ◽  
Paul Schoenhagen ◽  
Walid Saliba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Shape Features ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Objective To investigate left atrial shape differences on CT scans of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with (AF+) versus without (AF−) post-ablation recurrence and whether these shape differences predict AF recurrence. Methods This retrospective study included 68 AF patients who had pre-catheter ablation cardiac CT scans with contrast. AF recurrence was defined at 1 year, excluding a 3-month post-ablation blanking period. After creating atlases of atrial models from segmented AF+ and AF− CT images, an atlas-based implicit shape differentiation method was used to identify surface of interest (SOI). After registering the SOI to each patient model, statistics of the deformation on the SOI were used to create shape descriptors. The performance in predicting AF recurrence using shape features at and outside the SOI and eight clinical factors (age, sex, left atrial volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass index, sinus rhythm, and AF type [persistent vs paroxysmal], catheter-ablation type [Cryoablation vs Irrigated RF]) were compared using 100 runs of fivefold cross validation. Results Differences in atrial shape were found surrounding the pulmonary vein ostia and the base of the left atrial appendage. In the prediction of AF recurrence, the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.67 for shape features from the SOI, 0.58 for shape features outside the SOI, 0.71 for the clinical parameters, and 0.78 combining shape and clinical features. Conclusion Differences in left atrial shape were identified between AF recurrent and non-recurrent patients using pre-procedure CT scans. New radiomic features corresponding to the differences in shape were found to predict post-ablation AF recurrence.

scholarly journals Incidence and predictors of left atrial thrombus development in patients scheduled for repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Is transesophageal echocardiography always mandatory?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Yanagisawa ◽  
Yasuya Inden ◽  
Shuro Riku ◽  
Kazumasa Suga ◽  
Koichi Furui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: The risk of developing left atrial (LA) thrombi after initial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and requirements for imaging evaluation for thrombi screening at repeat ablation is unclear. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of thrombus development and frequency of any imaging study evaluating thrombus formation during repeat ablation for AF. Methods: Of 2,066 patients undergoing initial catheter ablation for AF with uninterrupted oral anticoagulation, 615 patients underwent repeat ablation after 258.0 (105.0-882.0) days. We investigated which factors were associated with safety outcomes and requirements for thrombi screening. Results: All patients underwent at least one imaging examination to screen for thrombi in the first session, but the examination rate decreased to 476 patients (77%) before the repeat procedure. The frequency of imaging evaluations was 5.0%, 11%, 21%, 84%, and 91% for transesophageal echocardiography and 18%, 33%, 49%, 98%, and 99% for any imaging modality at repeat ablation performed ≤60 days, ≤90 days, ≤180 days, >180 days, and >1 year after the initial procedure, respectively. Three patients (0.5%) developed LA thrombi at repeat ablation due to identifiable causes, and no patients had thromboembolic events when no imaging evaluation was performed. Multivariate analysis revealed that repeat ablation >180 days, non-paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of the risk of thrombus development. Conclusions: The risk development of thrombus at repeat ablation for AF was low. There needs to be a risk stratification for the requirement of imaging screening for thrombi at repeat ablation for AF.

scholarly journals Left atrial appendage size is a marker of atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judit Simon ◽  
Mohammed El Mahdiui ◽  
Jeff Smit ◽  
Lili Száraz ◽  
Alexander van Rosendael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction ◽  
Cardiac Computed Tomography ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Orifice Area ◽  
Af Recurrence

Introduction Catheter ablation is an established therapy for rhythm control in patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF), however, recurrence is frequent particularly in persistent AF. There are no consistently confirmed predictors of AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Therefore, we aimed to study whether LAA volume (LAAV) and function influence the long-term recurrence of AF after catheter ablation, depending on AF type. Methods AF patients who underwent point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation after cardiac computed tomography (CT) were included in this analysis. LAAV and LAA orifice area were measured by CT. Uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were performed to determine the predictors of AF recurrence. Results In total, 561 AF patients (61.910.2 years, 34.9% females) were included in the study. Recurrence of AF was detected in 40.8% of the cases (34.6% in patients with paroxysmal and 53.5% in those with persistent AF) with a median recurrence-free time of 22.7 9.3-43.1 months. Patients with persistent AF had significantly higher iLAV, LAAV, LAA orifice area and lower LAA flow velocity, than those with paroxysmal AF. After adjustment left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (HR=2.17; 95%CI=1.38-3.43; p<0.001) and LAAV (HR=1.06; 95%CI=1.01-1.12; p=0.029) were independently associated with AF recurrence in persistent AF, while no independent predictors could be identified in paroxysmal AF. Conclusion The current study demonstrates that beyond left ventricular systolic dysfunction, LAA enlargement is associated with higher rate of AF recurrence after catheter ablation in persistent AF, but not in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Abstract 15065: Impact of Ablation Strategy on Left Ventricular Function Following Catheter Ablation in Patients With Long-standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Results From a Single-center Study

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghamitra Mohanty ◽  
CHINTAN G TRIVEDI ◽  
Faiz Baqai ◽  
Domenico G Della Rocca ◽  
Carola Gianni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background: Ablation strategy for long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (LSPAF) is highly variable with diverse outcomes. Objective: We evaluated the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with different ablation approaches in LSPAF patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: Consecutive LSPAF patients with HF (LVEF <40%) undergoing their first catheter ablation at our center were included in the analysis. Based on the ablation strategy determined by the operators, patients were classified into two groups; group 1: received standard ablation (PV isolation+ isolation of left atrial posterior wall and superior vena cava) and group 2: standard ablation plus isolation of coronary sinus (CS) and left atrial appendage (LAA). High-dose isoproterenol challenge (20-30 μg for 10-15 min) was utilized to reveal LAA and CS triggers; electrical isolation was the procedural endpoint for LAA and CS ablation. If PVs were electrically silent due to presence of severe scar, LAA and CS were empirically isolated even in the absence of detectable triggers. LVEF was measured by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) performed at baseline and 6 months post-ablation. Patients were monitored for arrhythmia-recurrence off-antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) as per our standard protocol. Results: Group 1 included 52 patients and group 2 had 106. Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups (age: 66.2 ± 7.3 and 64.4 ± 9.4; male: 41 (78.8%) and 87 (82.1%); BMI: 32.3 ± 6.8 and 30.4 ± 6.4 in group 1 and 2). Mean baseline LVEF (%) was 36.2±5.5 and 35.1±8.3 in group 1 and 2 respectively (p=NS). At the 6-month TEE, mean LVEF was significantly higher than the baseline value in group 2 (47.7±11 vs 35.1±8.3, p<0.001), whereas in group 1, although there was a positive trend, the change was statistically non-significant (39.4±10 vs. 36.2±5.5, p=0.36). A total of 7 (13.5%) patients from group 1 and 89 (84%) from group 2 were arrhythmia-free off-AAD at 1.5 year of follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusion: In our study population, ablation strategy including LAA and CS isolation along with the standard ablation resulted in significant improvement in the LVEF as well as higher rate of arrhythmia-free survival.

P2451Patterns of left atrial structural and functional remodeling after catheter ablation in paroxysmal and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Katbeh ◽  
T De Potter ◽  
P Geelen ◽  
Z Balogh ◽  
E Stefanidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Functional Remodeling

Abstract Background Both atrial fibrillation (AF) and catheter ablation (CA) may be associated with changes in left atrial (LA) structure and function. However, the data describing acute and short-term effects of CA on LA contractile function in different sub-types of AF are scarce. Purpose First, to describe patterns of LA structural and functional remodeling in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) or long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF) undergoing first or redo CA. Second, to assess clinical feasibility of LA strain and strain rate (SR) to monitor effect of AF and CA on LA contractile function. Methods We prospectively enrolled 138 consecutive patients (age: 63±21 years, 32% females) with PAF undergoing first (81%) or redo (19%) CA during sinus rhythm, and 20 individuals (age: 66±23 years, 20% females) with LSPAF undergoing first CA during AF. All patients were symptomatic and preserved (≥50%) left ventricular ejection fraction. Control group consisted of 23 healthy controls. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiography one day pre-CA and post-CA, and at 3 month follow-up. The LA reservoir, conduit and contractile longitudinal strain (LAS) and LASR were assessed using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography as average of segmental values in apical views. Results A total of 14 (9%) patients had insufficient image quality for LA assessment and were excluded (feasibility: 91%). Pre-CA, patients with LSPAF showed the largest left atrial volume index (LAVI) (45±14 ml/m2), followed by PAF (35±8 ml/m2) and controls (24±10 ml/m2) (p<0.001). The lowest reservoir and contractile LAS was observed in patients with LSPAF (12±5% and 0%), followed by PAF undergoing redo CA (22±7% and 9±4%), versus first CA (27±8% and 13±4%) and controls (37±7% and 16±4%) (p<0.001). LASR followed similar trend. Post-CA, we observed acute increase of LAVI in all groups (figure 1). Reservoir and contractile LAS and LASR decreased only in patients with PAF who underwent first CA. In contrast, it remained unchanged in individuals with PAF who had redo CA or even increased in subjects with LSPAF (figure 2). At 3 month follow-up, LAVI was significantly reduced compared with baseline in all groups of patients with AF (p<0.01). In contrast, LAS and LASR did not show uniform improvement in all AF groups and on average they remained significantly lower compared with controls (p<0.01). The lowest LAS and LASR values were observed in patients with PAF who underwent redo CA (no improvement from baseline) and in patients with LSPAF (significant improvement versus baseline) (figure 2). Patients with PAF who had the first CA showed higher LAS and LASR compared with other two AF groups (p<0.01) but still significantly lower than controls (p<0.01). Conclusion Different sub-types of AF show different patterns of LA structural and functional remodeling after CA. Both reservoir and contractile LAS appear highly feasible and reproducible to monitor LA contractile function in this clinical setting.

scholarly journals Early assessment of left atrial function after cardioversion predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Kupczynska ◽  
BW Michalski ◽  
E Trzos ◽  
D Miskowiec ◽  
L Szyda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background The restoration of sinus rhythm (SR) improves the mechanical function of the heart. Purpose To assess left atrial (LA) function before and within 24 hours after successful electrical cardioversion (EC) and its prognostic value for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence during 24 months follow-up. Methods Prospective study involved 71 patients with non-valvular AF (mean age 64 ± 13 years, 61% male). All patients underwent echocardiography before and after EC. We analysed standard parameters in two-dimensional echo, pulse-wave Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Using speckle-tracking method we assessed peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and peak atrial contraction strain (PACS). Results During follow-up we noticed AF recurrence in 48 (68%) patients. Median time to AF recurrence was 2.4 (IQR 1 to 6.9) months. Left ventricular ejection fraction as well as E/E’ and PALS assessed during AF were statistically insignificant as potential predictors in univariate regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that left atrial volume index &gt;37 ml/m² (AUC = 0.811, p &lt; 0.0001), E/A ratio &gt;2.1 (AUC = 0.828, p &lt; 0.0001), A wave ≤0.4 m/s (AUC = 0.662, p = 0.01), mean E/E’ ratio during sinus rhythm &gt;8.5 (AUC = 0.815, p &lt; 0.0001), mean A’ wave of ≤5.5 cm/s (AUC = 0.848, p &lt; 0.0001), PALS-SR ≤14.1% (AUC = 0.767, p &lt; 0.0001), PACS ≤4.3% (AUC = 0.883, p &lt; 0.0001) were the optimal cut-off values for predicting AF recurrence. Conclusions The assessment of LA and diastolic function conducted within 24 hours after successful cardioversion predicts long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm.

scholarly journals Prognostic implication of left atrial strain in patients undergoing totally thoracoscopic ablation of atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J K Kim
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Prognostic Implication ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Cox Regression Analysis ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common form of arrhythmia and associated with poor quality of life. Totally thoracoscopic ablation (TTA) is a novel minimally invasive strategy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) refractory to other therapy. However, some of patients undergoing TTA are still exposed to a risk of AF recurrence. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate prognostic factors related with AF recurrence after TTA, and to determine the prognostic implication of left atrial (LA) strain in this population. Methods This was a prospective observational study. Between February 2012 and March 2015, left atrial appendage (LAA) was harvested from patients who underwent TTA in our Medical Center. Degree of LAA fibrosis was expressed as the percentage of area of positive collagen staining in the total area of the image of specimen. All echocardiographic parameters were measured in preoperative echocardiography. The primary outcome was any recurrence of AF detected in 12- lead electrocardiogram or holter monitoring during 5 years of follow-up. Results Out of 150 patients who underwent TTA during the study period, 129 were eligible for analysis with appropriate surgery, LAA specimen, and echocardiographic images. A mean age was 54.4±8.8 years, and 123 patients (95.3%) were male. Twenty four patients (18.6%) had paroxysmal AF and a mean CHA2DS2 VASc score was 1.1±1.2. A median value of peak longitudinal LA strain (reservoir strain) was 15.2% (IQR 12.1–19.2), and the median value of LAA fibrosis was 38.5% (IQR 33.0–44.7). Among clinical and echocardiographic variables, peak longitudinal LA strain (p&lt;0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.044) were significantly associated with degree of LAA fibrosis (Figure). Of 129 patients, 47 (36.4%) experienced recurrent AF during the median 3.9 years of follow-up. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis using clinical, echocardiographic and operative parameters, peak longitudinal LA stain was the only predictor of recurrent AF (adjusted HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.98, p=0.024; Table). Conclusions Peak longitudinal LA strain was associated with LAA fibrosis, and was a significant predictor of recurrent AF after TTA FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Predictive value of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation on cognitive functions in patients with chronic heart failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-81
Author(s):  
T. V. Zolotarova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Chronic Heart Failure ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) directly leads to a cognitive function decline regardless of the cerebrovascular fatal events, but it is unclear whether the sinus rhythm restoration and reducing the AF burden can reduce the rate of this decreasement. Data on the effect of radiofrequency ablation on patients’ cognitive functions are conflicting and need to be studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation on cognitive functions in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The impact of AF radiofrequency catheter ablation on cognitive function in 136 patients (mean age 59.7 ± 8.6 years) with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and compared with 58 patients in the control group (58.2 ± 8.1 years), which did not perform ablation and continued the tactics of drug antiarrhythmic therapy was investigated. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Test (MoCA) at the enrollment stage and 2 years follow-up. Decreased cognitive function was defined as a MoCA test score < 26 points, cognitive impairment < 23 points. Two years after the intervention, there was a positive dynamics (baseline MoCA test — 25,1 ± 2,48, 2-year follow-up — 26,51 ± 2,33, p < 0,001) in the ablation group and negative in the control group (25,47 ± 2,85 and 24,57 ± 3,61, respectively, p < 0,001). Pre-ablation cognitive impairment was significantly associated with improved cognitive function 2 years after AF ablation according to polynomial regression analysis. The obtained data suggest a probable positive effect of AF radiofrequency ablation on cognitive functions in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

scholarly journals HOLTER MONITORING AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR PREDICTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PULMONARY VIEN ISOLATION IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL AND PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-23
Author(s):  
A. V. Tregubov ◽  
Yu. V. Shubik
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Holter Monitoring ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Atrial Size ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Atrial Size ◽  
The Impact

Aim. To evaluate the impact of the atrial ectopic activity and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on predicting the effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods. 54 patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF and the normal left ventricular ejection fraction were included in the study. Patients underwent Holter monitoring and echocardiography prior to the intervention to identify the predictors of successful PVI. The follow-up was 12 months after the indexed procedure. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed from the third month of the postoperative period. The criterion of the successful treatment was the absence of the AF paroxysms lasting more than 30 seconds, confirmed by Holter, diurnal and / or multi-day monitoring. The Student's t-test was used to assess the reliability of the differences between the variables characterizing the treatment results in the study groups. The discriminant analysis was performed to develop an algorithm that allows predicting the PVI result. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. Premature atrial contraction over 70 per hour can be considered as the predictor of the successful PVI in patients with normal left atrial size. The severe LA enlargement should be considered as a predictor of poor ablation efficacy. The obtained discriminant function allows predicting the effectiveness of PVI in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF depending on Holter monitoring and echocardiography. Its sensitivity is high for both predicting success and failure of the intervention.Conclusion. Holter monitoring and echocardiography allow predicting the effectiveness of PVI. The intervention's efficacy in the groups of patients with severe LA enlargement and the combination of normal left atrial size with over 70 PAC per hour should be addressed in the further studies.

Development of atrial fibrillation catheter ablation and ablation strategies

ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 2168-2173
Author(s):  
Gerhard Hindricks ◽  
Nikolaos Dagres ◽  
Philipp Sommer ◽  
Andreas Bollmann
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Drug ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
First Line ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
First Line Therapy

Catheter ablation has evolved to an established therapy for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Complete pulmonary vein isolation currently is the best endpoint for catheter ablation. This can be achieved with balloon-based cryoablation as well as by point-by-point radiofrequency ablation supported by non-fluoroscopic mapping technologies—both technologies seem equally effective. AF catheter ablation is indicated in patients with symptomatic AF usually after failure of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. Selected patients with AF and tachycardia-induced heart failure may benefit from ablation by a significant improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction. The success rate (i.e. freedom from AF and atrial tachycardia) after a single procedure is approximately 50–60% for patients with paroxysmal AF and 40% for patients with persistent AF. With multiple procedures, freedom from AF can be achieved in up to 80% of patients with paroxysmal AF and 60% of patients with persistent AF. When performed after failed rhythm control attempts with antiarrhythmic drugs, catheter ablation is superior to a further attempt with antiarrhythmic drug medication. When applied as first-line therapy, catheter ablation tends to be slightly superior to first-line antiarrhythmic drug treatment. The complication rate of AF catheter ablation is 5–7%; severe complications occur in 2–3% (cardiac tamponade, periprocedural stroke, atrio-oesophageal fistula). Catheter ablation significantly improves quality of life but has no proven effect on mortality and/or stroke. Thus, in general, oral anticoagulation should be continued long term even if ablation is considered successful.

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