scholarly journals The fate of patients after failed epicardial ablation of atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Nasso ◽  
Roberto Lorusso ◽  
Arash Motekallemi ◽  
Angelo M. Dell’Aquila ◽  
Nicola Di Bari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Much debate is still going on about the best ablation strategy—via endocardial or epicardial approach—in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and evidence gaps exist in current guidelines in this area. More specifically, there are no clear long-term outcome data after failed surgical AF ablation. Methods Since June 2008, 549 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency device was used (151 patients), whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar radiofrequency device was used (398 patients). Patients were scheduled for surgery on the basis of the following criteria: recurrent episodes of paroxysmal or persistent lone AF refractory to maximally tolerated antiarrhythmic drug dosing and at least one failed cardioversion attempt. Besides the recommended follow-up by the local cardiologist, starting from 2021, surviving patients were asked to undergo assessment of left ventricular function and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. Results At a mean follow-up of 77 months, the rate of AF recurrence was 20.7% (n = 114). On multivariate analysis, impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (58 patients, 51%, p = 0.002), worsening of European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) symptom class (37 patients, 32%, p = 0.003) and cognitive decline or depression (23 patients, 20%, p = 0.023) during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. Conclusions Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe, but a better outcome could be achieved using a hybrid approach. Patients after initial failed surgical AF ablation show worsening of cardiac function, clinical status and quality of life at follow-up compared to patients with successful AF ablation.

scholarly journals Mid-term outcomes with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiopulmonary failure secondary to massive pulmonary embolism

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 923-931
Author(s):  
Federico Sertic ◽  
Dieynaba Diagne ◽  
Lexy Chavez ◽  
Thomas Richards ◽  
Ashley Berg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Acute Pe

Abstract OBJECTIVES There has been increasing interest in using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to rescue patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) in the advanced stages of respiratory or haemodynamic decompensation. We examined mid-term outcomes and risk factors for in-hospital mortality. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 36 patients who required ECMO placement (32 veno-arterial ECMO, 4 veno-venous) following acute PE. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis. Functional status and quality of life were assessed by phone questionnaire. RESULTS Overall survival to hospital discharge was 44.4% (16/36). Two-year survival conditional to discharge was 94% (15/16). Two-year survival after veno-arterial ECMO was 39% (13/32). In patients supported with veno-venous ECMO, survival to discharge was 50%, and both patients were alive at follow-up. In univariable analysis, a history of recent surgery (P = 0.064), low left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.029), right ventricular dysfunction ≥ moderate at weaning (P = 0.083), on-going cardiopulmonary resuscitation at ECMO placement (P = 0.053) and elevated lactate at weaning (P = 0.002) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. In multivariable analysis, recent surgery (P = 0.018) and low left ventricular ejection fraction at weaning (P = 0.013) were independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 10 patients responded to our phone survey; all had acceptable functional status and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Massive acute PE requiring ECMO support is associated with high early mortality, but patients surviving to hospital discharge have excellent mid-term outcomes with acceptable functional status and quality of life. ECMO can provide a stable platform to administer other intervention with the potential to improve outcomes. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality after PE and veno-arterial ECMO support were identified.

scholarly journals Ablation Versus Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Results from the CABANA Trial

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas L. Packer ◽  
Jonathan P Piccini ◽  
Kristi H Monahan ◽  
Hussein R Al-Khalidi ◽  
Adam P Silverstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Drug Therapy ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Relative Reduction ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: In patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF), several clinical trials have reported improved outcomes, including freedom from AF recurrence, quality of life (QOL), and survival, with catheter ablation. This report describes the treatment-related outcomes of the AF patients with HF enrolled in the Catheter Ablation vs Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation (CABANA) trial. Methods: CABANA randomized 2204 patients with AF who were ≥65 years old or <65 with ≥1 risk factor for stroke at 126 sites to ablation with pulmonary vein isolation or drug therapy including rate/rhythm control drugs. Of these, 778 (35%) had NYHA class ≥ II at baseline and form the subject of this report. The CABANA primary endpoint was a composite of death, disabling stroke, serious bleeding, or cardiac arrest. Results: Of the 778 HF patients enrolled in CABANA, 378 were assigned to ablation and 400 to drug therapy. Ejection fraction (EF) at baseline was available for 571 patients (73%) and 9.3% of these had an EF <40%, while 11.7% had EFs between 40-50%. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the ablation arm had a 36% relative reduction in the primary composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 0.99) and a 43% relative reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.96) compared to drug therapy alone over a median follow-up of 48.5 months. AF recurrence was decreased with ablation (HR 0.56; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.74). The adjusted mean difference for the AF Effect on QOL (AFEQT) summary score averaged over the entire 60-month follow-up was 5.0 points favoring the ablation arm (95% CI, 2.5 to 7.4 points), and the Mayo AF-specific Symptom Inventory (MAFSI) frequency score difference was -2.0 points favoring ablation (95% CI, -2.9 to -1.2). Conclusions: In patients with atrial fibrillation enrolled in CABANA who had clinically diagnosed stable heart failure at trial entry, catheter ablation produced clinically important improvements in survival, freedom from AF recurrence, and quality of life relative to drug therapy. These results, obtained in a cohort most of whom had preserved left ventricular function, require independent trial verification. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov Unique Identifier: NCT00911508

scholarly journals The North American experience with the Ablate and Pace Trial (APT) for medically refractory atrial fibrillation

EP Europace ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Wood ◽  
G. N. Kay ◽  
K. A. Ellenbogen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
One Year

Abstract The Ablate and Pace Trial (APT) was a prospective registry study of clinical outcomes and survival following ablation and pacing therapy for medically refractory atrial fibril-lation. One hundred and fifty-six patients were enrolled at 16 centres in North America. The mean patient age was 66±11 years, with mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 48%±18%. Seventy-eight percent of the patients had structural heart disease. During one year of follow up, multiple measures of quality-of-life showed significant and sustained improvement following ablation and pacing therapy. Also, left ventricular ejection increased significantly for patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction <45%. Metabolic exercise testing showed trends toward improved exercise tolerance; however, these did not achieve statistical significance. The one year overall survival was 85%, with 3% of patients experiencing sudden death. In summary, this large, non-randomized, trial showed significant improvement in quality of life and left ventricular function following ablation and pacing therapy. Ablation and pacing therapy is a viable strategy for palliative management of patients with medically refractory, highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation.

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 Long-Term Follow-Up of Cardiac Function and Quality of Life for Patients in NSABP Protocol B-31/NRG Oncology: A Randomized Trial Comparing the Safety and Efficacy of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (AC) Followed by Paclitaxel With AC Followed by Paclitaxel and Trastuzumab in Patients With Node-Positive Breast Cancer With Tumors Overexpressing Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (35) ◽  
pp. 3942-3948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A. Ganz ◽  
Edward H. Romond ◽  
Reena S. Cecchini ◽  
Priya Rastogi ◽  
Charles E. Geyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cardiac Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Purpose Early cardiac toxicity is a risk associated with adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab. However, objective measures of cardiac function and health-related quality of life are lacking in long-term follow-up of patients who remain cancer free after completion of adjuvant treatment. Patients and Methods Patients in NSABP Protocol B-31 received anthracycline and taxane chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab for adjuvant treatment of node-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive early-stage breast cancer. A long-term follow-up assessment was undertaken for patients who were alive and disease free, which included measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction by multigated acquisition scan along with patient-reported outcomes using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), the Medical Outcomes Study questionnaire, and a review of current medications and comorbid conditions. Results At a median follow-up of 8.8 years among eligible participants, five (4.5%) of 110 in the control group and 10 (3.4%) of 297 in the trastuzumab group had a > 10% decline in left ventricular ejection fraction from baseline to a value < 50%. Lower DASI scores correlated with age and use of medications for hypertension, cardiac conditions, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, but not with whether patients had received trastuzumab. Conclusion In patients without underlying cardiac disease at baseline, the addition of trastuzumab to adjuvant anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy does not result in long-term worsening of cardiac function, cardiac symptoms, or health-related quality of life. The DASI questionnaire may provide a simple and useful tool for monitoring patient-reported changes that reflect cardiac function.

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.

Long-term results of thoracoscopic ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: is the glass half full or half empty?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Belluschi ◽  
Elisabetta Lapenna ◽  
Davide Carino ◽  
Cinzia Trumello ◽  
Manuela Cireddu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Class I ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract OBJECTIVES Previous series showed the outcomes of thoracoscopic ablation of stand-alone symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) for up to 7 years of follow-up. The goal of this study was to assess the long-term durability of surgical pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) beyond 7 years. METHODS Fifty consecutive patients {mean age 55 [standard deviation (SD): 11.2] years, previous catheter ablation in 56%, left ventricular ejection fraction 60% (SD: 4.6), left atrium volume 65 ml (SD: 17)} with stand-alone symptomatic paroxysmal AF underwent PVI through bilateral thoracoscopy ablation between 2005 and 2014. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥2 in 12 patients (24%). RESULTS No hospital deaths occurred. At hospital discharge all patients but 1 (2%) were in sinus rhythm (SR). Follow-up was 100% complete [mean 8.4 years (SD: 2.3), max 15]. The 8-year cumulative incidence function of AF recurrence, with death as a competing risk, on or off class I/III antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs)/electrocardioversion/re-transcatheter ablation (TCA) was 20% (SD: 5; 95% confidence interval: 10, 32); and off class I/III AADs/electrocardioversion/re-TCA was 52% (SD: 7; 95% confidence interval: 0.83, 8.02). At 8 years, the predicted prevalence of patients in SR was 87% and 53% were off class I/III AADs/electrocardioversion/re-TCA. The recurrent arrhythmia was AF in all patients except 2, who had atypical atrial flutter (4%). No predictors of AF recurrence were identified. At the last follow-up, 76% of the patients showed European Heart Rhythm Association class I. No strokes or thromboembolic events were documented and 76% of the subjects were off anticoagulation therapy. CONCLUSIONS Despite a considerable AF recurrence rate, our single-centre, long-term outcome of surgical PVI showed encouraging data, with the majority of patients remaining in SR, although many of them were on antiarrhythmic therapy.

scholarly journals The relationship between diastolic blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: the Fushimi AF registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ikeda ◽  
M Iguchi ◽  
H Ogawa ◽  
Y Aono ◽  
K Doi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Cox Proportional Hazards ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cardiovascular events in AF patients remains unclear. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in Japan. Follow-up data were available in 4,466 patients, and 4,429 patients with available data of DBP were examined. We divided the patients into three groups; G1 (DBP&lt;70 mmHg, n=1,946), G2 (70≤DBP&lt;80, n=1,321) and G3 (80≤DBP, n=1,162), and compared the clinical background and outcomes between groups. Results The proportion of female was grater in G1 group, and the patients in G1 group were older and had higher prevalence of heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prescription of beta blockers was higher in G1 group, but that of renin-angiotensin system-inhibitors and calcium channel blocker was comparable. During the median follow-up of 1,589 days, in Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence rates of cardiovascular events (composite of cardiac death, ischemic stroke and systemic embolism, major bleeding and HF hospitalization during follow up) were higher in G1 group and G3 group than G2 group (Figure 1). When we divided the patients based on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline (≥130 mmHg or &lt;130 mmHg), the incidence of rates of cardiovascular events were comparable among groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including female gender, age (≥75 years), higher SBP (≥130 mmHg), DM, pre-existing HF, CKD, low left ventricular ejection fraction (&lt;40%) and DBP (G1, G2, G3) revealed that DBP was an independent determinant of cardiovascular events (G1 group vs. G2 group; hazard ratio (HR): 1.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.19–1.64, G3 group vs. G2 group; HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.49). When we examined the impact of DBP according to 10 mmHg increment, patients with very low DBP (&lt;60 mmHg) (HR: 1.50,95% CI:1.24–1.80) and very high DBP (≥90 mmHg) (HR: 1.51,95% CI:1.15–1.98) had higher incidence of cardiovascular events than patients with DBP of 70–79 mmHg (Figure 2). However, when we examined the impact of SBP according to 20 mmHg increment, SBP at baseline was not associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events (Figure 3). Conclusion In Japanese patients with AF, DBP exhibited J curve association with higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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