scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of low-voltage area-guided left atrial linear ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0260834
Author(s):  
Hao-Tien Liu ◽  
Chia-Hung Yang ◽  
Hui-Ling Lee ◽  
Po-Cheng Chang ◽  
Hung-Ta Wo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Reverse Remodeling ◽  
Voltage Mapping ◽  
Linear Ablation

Background The therapeutic effect of low-voltage area (LVA)-guided left atrial (LA) linear ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non-PAF) is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of LA linear ablation based on the preexisting LVA and its effects on LA reverse remodeling in non-PAF patients. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 145 consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for drug-refractory non-PAF. CARTO-guided bipolar voltage mapping was performed in atrial fibrillation (AF). LVA was defined as sites with voltage ≤ 0.5 mV. If circumferential pulmonary vein isolation couldn’t convert AF into sinus rhythm, additional LA linear ablation was performed preferentially at sites within LVA. Results After a mean follow-up duration of 48 ± 33 months, 29 of 145 patients had drugs-refractory AF/LA tachycardia recurrence. Low LA emptying fraction, large LA size and high extent of LVA were associated with AF recurrence. There were 136 patients undergoing LA linear ablation. The rate of linear block at the mitral isthmus was significantly higher via LVA-guided than non-LVA-guided linear ablation. Patients undergoing LVA-guided linear ablation had larger LA size and higher extent of LVA, but the long-term AF/LA tachycardia-free survival rate was higher than the non-LVA-guided group. The LA reverse remodeling effects by resuming sinus rhythm were noted even in patients with a diseased left atrium undergoing extensive LA linear ablation. Conclusions LVA-guided linear ablation through targeting the arrhythmogenic LVA and reducing LA mass provides a better clinical outcome than non-LVA guided linear ablation, and outweighs the harmful effects of iatrogenic scaring in non-PAF patients.

scholarly journals Left atrial dysfunction still exists in patients who obtain normal left atrial volume after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Kawakami ◽  
K Inoue ◽  
T Nagai ◽  
A Fujii ◽  
Y Sasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
Reverse Remodeling ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) promotes left atrial (LA) remodeling and vice versa. LA volume index (LAVI) ≥34 mL/m2 is an established cut-off value for identifying an enlarged left atrium. Catheter ablation has become an established therapy for AF and provides a reduction of LA volume by maintaining sinus rhythm (reverse remodeling). However, the definition of LA reverse remodeling after AF ablation is undetermined. Purpose We hypothesized that patients with LA dilatation who obtain normal LA volume (LAVI <34 mL/m2) after AF ablation would have better long-term outcomes than those who do not. Furthermore, we investigated whether patients with a normal LA volume could also obtain normal LA function with AF ablation. Methods We enrolled 140 AF patients with baseline LAVI ≥34 mL/m2, without AF recurrence for 1 year after the initial AF ablation. We acquired conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiographic parameters within 24 h and at 1 year after the procedure. Late recurrence was defined as AF recurrence >1 year after the initial ablation. To define the normal range of LA function, age-and sex-matched 140 controls without a history of AF were also enrolled. Results After restoration of sinus rhythm, overall LA structural and functional parameters were significantly improved, and 75 patients (54%) had normal LA volume at the time of follow-up (Table). During a median follow-up of 44 (31–61) months, 32 patients (23%) experienced a late recurrence of AF. Patients who obtained normal LA volume after AF ablation had fewer late recurrences than those who did not (P<0.01) (Figure). However, LA functional abnormalities still existed in AF patients, even if LA volume was normalized as in controls (Table). Conclusion Patients who obtain normal LA volume have better long-term outcomes of AF ablation than those who do not. Although AF ablation promotes beneficial effects on LA structure and function, LA function cannot be normalized even in patients who obtain normal LA volume after successful ablation. Thus, physicians should carefully consider long-term follow-up and residual AF risks, regardless of sinus rhythm restoration by catheter ablation. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Low-voltage-area ablation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Extended follow-up results of the VOLCANO trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaharu Masuda ◽  
Mitsutoshi Asai ◽  
Osamu Iida ◽  
Shin Okamoto ◽  
Takayuki Ishihara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Group A ◽  
C 32 ◽  
Group B ◽  
Group D

Introduction: The randomized controlled VOLCANO trial demonstrated comparable 1-year rhythm outcomes between patients with and without ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with LVAs. To compare long-term AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rates and types of recurrent-atrial-tachyarrhythmia between treatment cohorts during a > 2-year follow-up period. Methods: An extended-follow-up study of 402 patients enrolled in the VOLCANO trial with paroxysmal AF, divided into 4 groups based on the results of voltage mapping: Group A, no LVA (n=336); group B, LVA ablation (n=30); group C, LVA presence without ablation (n=32); and group D, incomplete voltage map (n=4). Results: At 25 (23, 31) months after the initial ablation, AF/AT recurrence rates were 19% in group A, 57% in group B, 59% in group C, and 100% in group D. Recurrence rates were higher in patients with LVAs than those without (group A vs. B+C, p<0.0001), and were comparable between those with and without LVA ablation (group B vs. C, p=0.83). Among patients who underwent repeat ablation, ATs were more frequently observed in patients with LVAs (Group B+C, 50% vs. A, 14%, p<0.0001). In addition, LVA ablation increased the incidence of AT development (group B, 71% vs. C, 32%, p<0.0001), especially biatrial tachycardia (20% vs. 0%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with LVAs demonstrated poor long-term rhythm outcomes irrespective of LVA ablation. ATs were frequently observed in patients with LVAs, and LVA ablation might exacerbate iatrogenic ATs.

Different Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, and Left Atrial Reverse Remodeling in Patients with Mitral Stenosis Maintaining Sinus Rhythm for at Least 10 Years after Successful Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty

Cardiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
In-Jeong Cho ◽  
Soo-Jin  Kim ◽  
Donghee  Han ◽  
Darae Kim ◽  
Chi Young Shim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Mitral Stenosis ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Mitral Valve Surgery ◽  
Reverse Remodeling ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Different Characteristics

Background: We aimed to investigate the characteristics and echocardiographic changes in patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) who maintained sinus rhythm (SR) for at least 10 years after successful percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 107 patients who had successful PMV and follow-up echocardiography for at least 10 years without mitral valve surgery. Preprocedural, immediate postprocedural (PMV), and long-term follow-up echocardiography (at least 10 years after PMV) data were reviewed. Results: The mean follow-up time after PMV was 15 ± 4 years for SR patients (n = 50) and 16 ± 4 years (p = 0.172) for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients (n = 57). The left atrial diameter was significantly decreased in SR patients in the follow-up echocardiography images compared to its pre-PMV value (46.7 ± 6.3 vs. 43.3 ± 6.2 mm, respectively), whereas it was significantly increased in patients with AF (53.9 ± 7.1 vs. 58.1 ± 8.7 mm). In multivariate analysis, preprocedural AF (odds ratio [OR] 14.50, p = 0.001) and LA diameter ≥50 mm (OR 8.81, p < 0.001) were independently associated with increased risk for the presence of AF after successful PMV. Conclusion: Very long-term maintenance of SR after successful PMV was associated with preprocedural SR and LA diameter < 50 mm.

Abstract 15733: Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation and Severe Left Atrial Scarring: Comparison Between Pulmonary Vein Antrum Isolation Only or PVAI Combined With Either Scar Homogenization or Trigger Ablation

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghamitra Mohanty ◽  
Prasant Mohanty ◽  
Luigi Di Biase ◽  
Chintan Trivedi ◽  
Rong Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Pulmonary Veins ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2

Background: Left atrial (LA) scarring, a consequence of cardiac fibrosis is a powerful predictor of procedure-outcome in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing catheter ablation. We sought to compare the long-term outcome in patients with paroxysmal AF and severe LA scarring/fibrosis identified by 3D mapping undergoing ablation of the pulmonary veins (PVAI) only or PVAI and the entire scar areas (scar homogenization) or PVAI plus ablation of the non-PV triggers. Methods: One-hundred seventy seven consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and severe left atrial scarring were included in this study. LA scarring was diagnosed by 3D voltage mapping. The degree of scar was described as severe when >60% of the LA area was involved. Non-PV triggers were defined as ectopic triggers originating from sites other than pulmonary veins such as interatrial septum, superior vena cava, left atrial appendage, ligament of Marshall, crista terminalis and coronary sinus. Patients underwent ablation of the pulmonary vein antrum (PVAI) only (n=45, group 1), PVAI extended to the entire scar areas (scar homogenization [n=66, group 2]) or PVAI plus ablation of non-PV triggers (n=66, group 3). Choice of ablation strategy was determined by the operator. Patients were followed up for arrhythmia recurrence with event recorders, ECG and Holter monitoring. Results: Baseline characteristics were not different between the groups (age 63±9 vs 58±10 vs. 60±11 years, p=0.23; male 71%, vs. 72% vs. 73% p= 0.91). After a single procedure, all patients were followed-up for a minimum of two years. The long-term success rate at the end of the follow up was 19% (12 pts) in group 1, 21% (14 pts) in group 2, and 61% (40 pts) in group 3. Kaplan-Meier log-rank test indicated that the cumulative probability of AF-free survival was significantly higher in group 3 (overall log-rank p <0.001, pairwise comparison 1 vs. 3 and 2 vs. 3 was significant at p<0.01). Conclusions: In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and severe left atrial scarring, PVAI plus ablation of non-PV triggers is associated with significantly better long-term outcome than PVAI alone or when PVAI is combined with scar homogenization.

High incidence of left atrial dysfunction and low voltage zone in patients requiring multiple atrial fibrillation ablation

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
T Oka ◽  
I Yoshimoto ◽  
Y Koyama ◽  
K Tanaka ◽  
Y Hirao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Recurrence Rate ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Peak Voltage ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Linear Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial Dysfunction

Abstract Background While multiple catheter ablation for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) is effective for the maintenance of sinus rhythm, some of patients have ablation-refractory AF. Left atrial (LA) dysfunction and the presence of low voltage zone (LVZ) are associated with recurrence after AF ablation. The association between recurrence and LA dysfunction/ LVZ among patients undergoing multiple AF ablation remains unclear. Purpose We aimed to compare (i)LA function, (ii)the prevalence of LVZ among patients undergoing first, second and third or more AF ablation procedures. Further, we investigated whether LA dysfunction and LVZ are associated with recurrence after multiple procedures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 460 patients undergoing AF ablation procedures including first, second and third or more sessions from January 2017 to October 2019 in our institute. Before each session, 256-slice MDCT was performed under sinus rhythm to measure pre-ablation LA emptying fraction (LAEF) as the representative of LA function. At the end of each session, we checked the presence of LVZ, which was defined as regions where bipolar peak-to-peak voltage was &lt;0.5mV. All patients underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). If necessary, additional ablation (e.g. linear ablation, non-PV foci ablation and LVZ ablation) was performed. Results Out of 460 sessions, 295 were first (follow-up years: 1.5 [0.8, 2.0]), 134 were second (1.0 [0.5, 1.8]), and 31 were third or more sessions (1.2 [0.7, 2.0]). As the number of sessions increased, the recurrence rate was increased (19% vs. 31% vs. 61%, first vs. second vs. ≥third, P&lt;0.0001), LAEF decreased (39.7±10.5% vs. 32.6±10.1% vs. 25.3±11.8%, P&lt;0.0001) and the incidence of LVZ increased (18% vs. 34% vs. 68%, P&lt;0.0001) (Figure 1). In patients with recurrence (N=104) after multiple ablation (second or more sessions), LAEF was lower and the prevalence of LVZ was higher than those without recurrence (N=61) (LAEF: 27.3±10.3% vs. 33.5±10.5%, with vs. without, P=0.0003; LVZ: 57% vs. 31%, P=0.0014). Conclusions As the number of sessions increased, the recurrence rate was increased. The prevalence of LA dysfunction and LVZ was high in patients requiring multiple ablation procedure. LA dysfunction and LVZ possibly reflect arrhytmogenic substrate causing recurrence of ablation-refractory AF. We should carefully consider repeated AF ablation in patients with severe LA dysfunction and extensive LVZ. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Altered left atrial 4D flow characteristics in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the absence of apparent remodeling

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Demirkiran ◽  
Raquel P. Amier ◽  
Mark B. M. Hofman ◽  
Rob J. van der Geest ◽  
Lourens F. H. J. Robbers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sinus Rhythm ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Peak Flow ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
4D Flow ◽  
Ssfp Cine

AbstractThe pathophysiology behind thrombus formation in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients is very complex. This can be due to left atrial (LA) flow changes, remodeling, or both. We investigated differences for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived LA 4D flow and remodeling characteristics between paroxysmal AF patients and patients without cardiac disease. In this proof-of-concept study, the 4D flow data were acquired in 10 patients with paroxysmal AF (age = 61 ± 8 years) and 5 age/gender matched controls (age = 56 ± 1 years) during sinus rhythm. The following LA and LA appendage flow parameters were obtained: flow velocity (mean, peak), stasis defined as the relative volume with velocities < 10 cm/s, and kinetic energy (KE). Furthermore, LA global strain values were derived from b-SSFP cine images using dedicated CMR feature-tracking software. Even in sinus rhythm, LA mean and peak flow velocities over the entire cardiac cycle were significantly lower in paroxysmal AF patients compared to controls [(13.1 ± 2.4 cm/s vs. 16.7 ± 2.1 cm/s, p = 0.01) and (19.3 ± 4.7 cm/s vs. 26.8 ± 5.5 cm/s, p = 0.02), respectively]. Moreover, paroxysmal AF patients expressed more stasis of blood than controls both in the LA (43.2 ± 10.8% vs. 27.8 ± 7.9%, p = 0.01) and in the LA appendage (73.3 ± 5.7% vs. 52.8 ± 16.2%, p = 0.04). With respect to energetics, paroxysmal AF patients demonstrated lower mean and peak KE values (indexed to maximum LA volume) than controls. No significant differences were observed for LA volume, function, and strain parameters between the groups. Global LA flow dynamics in paroxysmal AF patients appear to be impaired including mean/peak flow velocity, stasis fraction, and KE, partly independent of LA remodeling. This pathophysiological flow pattern may be of clinical value to explain the increased incidence of thromboembolic events in paroxysmal AF patients, in the absence of actual AF or LA remodeling.

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.

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