scholarly journals Influence of characteristics of epicardial adipose tissue and myocardial sympathetic innervation on the development of late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 4788
Author(s):  
Yu. V. Varlamova ◽  
S. I. Sazonova ◽  
E. V. Popov ◽  
R. E. Batalov ◽  
T. V. Moskovskikh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sympathetic Activity ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
Washout Rate ◽  
Myocardial Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Recurrence Group ◽  
Af Recurrence

Aim. To investigate the relationship between radiological characteristics of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and myocardial sympathetic activity, as well as to study their association with late recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA).Material and methods. This prospective study included 26 people with persistent and long-standing persistent AF scheduled for interventional AF treatment. Before the RFA procedure, all patients underwent cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) scintigraphy to assess the myocardial sympathetic innervation and contrast-enhanced cardiac multislice computed tomography to assess pulmonary vein anatomy, left atrial volume, and EAT volume. Clinical follow-up, including 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and 24-hour ECG monitoring, was carried out 3, 6 and 12 months after RFA.Results. After the end of follow-up, the patients were divided into two groups: with AF recurrence (group 1, n=8) and without AF recurrence (group 2, n=18). Multivariate logistic analysis found that only the 123I-MIBG washout rate (odds ratio, 1,0943; 95% confidence interval, 1,0138-1,1812) proved to be an independent predictor of late AF recurrence after RFA. ROC analysis revealed that a 123I-MIBG washout rate >21% with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 83,3% (AUC=0,844; p<0,001) predicts late AF recurrence after RFA.Conclusion. Parameters of myocardial sympathetic activity, assessed by 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, are associated with late AF recurrence after RFA in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. There were no reliable data confirming associations between myocardial sympathetic innervation and radiological EAT indicators, as well as the effect of the latter on the risk of AF recurrence after RFA.

P1026Risk factors for the occurrence of stroke after atrial fibrillation ablation

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H E Lim ◽  
J Ahn ◽  
S J Han ◽  
J Shim ◽  
Y H Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Creatinine Clearance ◽  
Clearance Rate ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Af Ablation ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Risk factors for the occurrence of embolic stroke (ES) after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have not been fully elucidated. Our aim was to assess incidence of ES during long-term follow-up following AF ablation and to identify predicting factors associated with post-ablation ES. Methods We enrolled patients who experienced ES after AF ablation and body mass index-matched controls from AF ablation registries. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was assessed using multislice computed tomography prior to ablation. Results A total of 3,464 patients who underwent AF ablation were recruited. During a mean follow-up of 47.2 months, ES occurred in 47 patients (1.36%) with a mean CHA2DS2-VAS score of 2.15 and overall incidence of ES was 0.34 per 100 patients/year. Compared with control group (n=190), ES group had more higher prior thromboembolic event and AF recurrence rates, larger LA size, lower creatinine clearance rate (CCr), and greater total and periatrial EAT volumes although no differences in AF type, CHA2DS2-VASc score, ablation extent, and anti-thrombotics use were found. On multivariate regression analysis, a prior history of thromboembolism, CCr, and periatrial EAT volume were independently associated with ES occurrence after AF ablation. Cox regression analysis Risk factor Univariate Multivariate HR (95% CI) p value HR (95% CI) p value Age 1.017 (0.984–1.051) 0.31 Prior thromboembolism 2.488 (1.134–5.460) 0.023 2.916 (1.178–7.219) 0.021 CHA2DS2-VASc score 1.139 (0.899–1.445) 0.282 CCr 0.984 (0.970–0.999) 0.038 0.982 (0.996–0.998) 0.029 LA diameter (mm) 1.070 (1.012–1.130) 0.017 1.072 (0.999–1.150) 0.054 EAT_total (ml) 1.020 (1.010–1.029) <0.001 1.008 (0.993–1.023) 0.297 EAT_periatrial (ml) 1.085 (1.045–1.126) <0.001 1.065 (1.005–1.128) 0.032 PVI + additional ablation 0.846 (0.460–1.557) 0.592 No anticoagulant use 0.651 (0.346–1.226) 0.184 Recurrence 2.011 (1.007–4.013) 0.048 1.240 (0.551–2.793) 0.603 CCr, creatinine clearance rate; EAT, epicardial adipose tissue; LA, left atrium; PVI, pulmonary vein isolation. K-M curve for stroke-free survival Conclusions Incidence of ES after AF ablation was lower than expected rate based on CHA2DS2-VASc score even though anticoagulants use was limited. Periatrial EAT volume, a prior thromboembolism event, and CCr were independent factors in predicting ES irrespective of AF recurrence and CHA2DS2-VASc score in patients who underwent AF ablation.

scholarly journals The preablation monocyte/ high density lipoprotein ratio predicts the late recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
She-an Chen ◽  
Man-man Zhang ◽  
Meifang Zheng ◽  
Fei Liu ◽  
Lei Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Radiofrequency Ablation ◽  
High Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
High Density ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has emerged as a promising alternative biomarker in the fields of cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation (AF). This retrospective study was aimed to explore the predictive value of the MHR for the late recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation. Methods From April 2015 to October 2018, patients with paroxysmal AF who had undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation at Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu Province were enrolled in our study. All the participants were observed until November 2019 after the procedure. During the postoperative follow up, the patients were categorized into the recurrence group and maintenance of sinus rhythm group based on who had experienced AF recurrence. Results One hundred twenty-five patients were diagnosed with paroxysmal AF, with an average age of 61.2 ± 9.3 years. Forty-seven patients had developed late recurrence during a mean follow up of 25.1 ± 12.0 months. The AF recurrence event rates were significantly increased in the highest MHR tertile compared with those in the lowest MHR tertile (22.0% vs. 57.1%; P < 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the preablation MHR (OR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.12 ~ 1.60; P = 0.001) and left atrial diameter (LAD) (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.08 ~ 1.35; P = 0.001) were independent risk factors predicting the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the MHR was 0.712 (95% CI = 0.618 ~ 0.806; P = 0.000) and that of LAD was 0.739 (95% CI = 0.653 ~ 0.814; P = 0.000). Z-test found no significant difference between the MHR and LAD regarding the AUC (Z = 0.451; P = 0.652). Conclusion An elevated preablation MHR was associated with an increased risk of the postoperative recurrence of AF. Additionally, the MHR independently predicted the late recurrence of paroxysmal AF after radiofrequency ablation, with the same predictive value as LAD.

scholarly journals Left Atrial Appendage Circular RNAs Are New Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Surgical Ablation in Valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. E968-E976
Author(s):  
Xiyu Zhu ◽  
Yali Wang ◽  
Ran Mo ◽  
Hoshun Chong ◽  
Cailong Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
Circular Rnas ◽  
Surgical Ablation ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after ablation will increase mortality and morbidity during follow up. We attempted to evaluate the relationship between circular RNAs (circRNA) and AF recurrence to establish a predictive model for early intervention. Methods: Patients who received surgical ablation retrospectively were analyzed. The expression of circRNAs were detected in the left atrial appendage. The independent risk factors of late recurrence were analyzed by multivariate analysis. The predictive model was visualized by Nomogram and tested by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration plot. Kaplan-Meier plot was used to compare the rate of freedom from AF recurrence after surgery. The relationships between circRNAs and clinical characteristics were detected by Spearman’s correlation analysis. Results: A total of 136 patients were enrolled from September 2018 to June 2019, 55 patients experienced late recurrence during one-year follow up. Increased age, longer AF duration and increased circ 81906-RYR2, circ 44782-LAMA2, circ 418-KCNN2 and circ 35880-ANO5 were detected in recurrent patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age (odds ratio (OR)=1.072, P = 0.006), longer AF duration (OR=1.007, P = 0.036) and increased circ 81906-RYR2 (OR=2.210, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for late recurrence. Area under the curve was 0.77, and the cut-off value was 70 points of the predictive model. Kaplan-Meier plots showed that patients over 70 points tended to experience AF recurrence. Conclusion: Circ 81906-RYR2 could be a new predictor of late recurrence after surgical ablation. A predictive model consists of age, atrial fibrillation duration, and circ 81906-RYR2 was alternative for early intervention of AF recurrence.

scholarly journals SCINTIGRAPHY WITH 123I-METAIODBENZILGUANIDINE IN EVALUATION OF SYMPATHETIC INNERVATION OF THE LEFT VENTRICULAR IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu. B. Lishmanov ◽  
S. M. Minin ◽  
I. Yu. Yefimova ◽  
Yu. V. Saushkina ◽  
I. V. Kisteneva
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Sympathetic Activity ◽  
Sympathetic Innervation ◽  
Suspected Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Washout Rate ◽  
Planar Imaging ◽  
Delayed Imaging ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Initial Imaging

The aim of this study was assessment of cardiac sympathetic activity in patients with atrial fibrillation by planar scintigraphy with 123I-metaIodbenzilguanidine (123I-MIBG).Material and Methods. The study included 28 (average age (57.4 ± 11.6) years) patients with suspected coronary artery disease. All patients to divide 3 groups: 13 patients (group 1) with paroxysmal AF (PAF),6 patients (group 2) with long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF) and 10 patients with no signs of AF (group 3).Planar imaging was performed to study initial (imaging started 20 minutes after MIBG injection 148 MBq 123I-MIBG) and delayed (imaging started 4 hours after 123I-MIBG injection). For the anterior planar 123I-MIBG images, regions of interest were constructed for the heart and upper mediastinum, and the heart-mediastinal ratio (HMR).Results. The delayed HMR in patients with PAF and LSPAF was significantly lower compared that in patients third group (1.59 ± 0.16, 1.54 ± 0.17 and 1.82 ± 0.11 respectively, p < 0.05). The washout rate of 123I-MIBG in patients with PAF and LSPAF was significantly highest compared that in patients with no signs of AF (33.4 ± 17.5, 29 ± 11.7 and 17.2 ± 9.6 respectively, p < 0.05). In assessment of regional sympathetic activity in patients with LSPAF defect accumulation 123I-MIBG in both the early and delayed scintigrams was significantly higher compared with groups of patients with PAF and without AF.Results of this study indicated, that the patients with atrial fibrillation has of regional LV myocardial changes, according with 123I-MIBG imaging. More sympathetic innervation abnormality was observed in patients with long-standing persistent AF.

scholarly journals Recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events: insights from AF frontier ablation registry

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Usuda ◽  
T Kato ◽  
H Tada ◽  
T Tsuda ◽  
K Takeuchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Multicenter Cohort ◽  
Cerebrovascular Events ◽  
Recurrence Group

Abstract Background Recent observational studies have suggested that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly associated with reduced risk for stroke, cardiovascular events and all-cause death. However, little is known whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Purpose We aimed to clarify whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Methods We retrospectively investigated 2,737 participants (74.4% men, mean age 63.4±10.3 years, 62.7% paroxysmal AF) who received first catheter ablation for AF and completed follow-up more than 3 months after the procedure from AF Frontier Ablation Registry, a multicenter cohort study in Japan. We evaluated an association between late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation and first MACCE in cox-regression hazard models adjusted for known risk factors. MACCE were defined as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cardiovascular events or all-cause death. Late recurrence was defined as AF relapse more than 3 months after the procedure. Results During a mean follow-up period of 25.2 months, 2,070 patients (75.6%) were free from AF after catheter ablation and 122 patients (4.5%) had MACCE (ischemic stroke 18 [14.8%], hemorrhagic stroke 16 [13.1%], TIA 7 [5.7%], hospitalization for heart failure 19 [15.6%], acute coronary syndrome 19 [15.6%], hospitalization for other cardiovascular events 24 [20%] and all-cause death 19 [15.6%]). The MACCE occurred significantly more frequently in the recurrence group than in non-recurrence group (7.5% vs. 3.5%; hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.65; P=0.001) (Figure). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08; P&lt;0.001), heart failure (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.17–2.66; P=0.007), old myocardial infarction (HR 4.49; 95% CI 2.59–7.81; P&lt;0.001), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46; P=0.001), left atrial diameter (HR 1.22 per 5-mm increase; 95% CI, 1.06–1.41; P=0.006) and recurrence of AF (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.17–2.44; P=0.005) were independently associated with the incidence of MACCE after catheter ablation. Conclusion In the Japanese multicenter cohort of AF ablation, late recurrence of AF was independently associated with increased MACCE, suggesting the significance of sinus rhythm maintenance by catheter ablation. Kaplan-Meier curves for MACCE Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals Prognosis of atrial fibrillation radiofrequency ablation: Iodine-123-MIBG cardiac innervation imaging

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Varlamova ◽  
K Zavadovsky ◽  
I Kisteneva ◽  
S Sazonova ◽  
R Batalov
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Washout Rate ◽  
Mibg Scintigraphy ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous ◽  
99Mtc Mibi ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Russian Science Foundation BACKGROUND To date, radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a valuable treatment option. So far there are no clear predictors of the effectiveness of AF ablation. Nowadays, the association of cardiac sympathetic nervous system and the development and maintenance of AF has been showed. The association between сardiac sympathetic system impairment, assessed by 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and RFCA effectiveness was shown previously. However, the is lack of data concerning to prognostic value of MIBG scintigraphy in patients with different forms of AF – persistent (PAF) and long-standing persistent (LSPAF). PURPOSE To study the prognostic significance of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in RFCA efficacy in patients with persistent and long-standing persistent AF. METHODS The study enrolled 36 patients with drug-resistant AF (both persistent (n = 20) and long-standing persistent (n = 16) forms).  All patients had comorbidity as chronic coronary syndrome and hypertension. A comparison group (n = 10) was also enrolled in the study. It includes patients with chronic coronary syndrome and arterial hypertension (without arrhythmia). All patients underwent 123I-MIBG and 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy to evaluate the cardiac sympathetic activity and myocardial perfusion, respectively. Patients with AF performed RFCA. After of 1 year follow-up patients were examined for AF recurrence. The AF recurrence was considered to be an AF of at least 30 sec duration on a 12-lead ECG or on the Holter monitoring. RESULTS During the follow-up period, AF recurrences were reported in 7 (35%) PAF patients and in 8 (50%) LSPAF patients. According to multivariate analysis only a high pre-ablation washout rate of 123I-MIBG (WR) in PAF patients (OR: 1.668; 95% CI: 1.093–2.548) and large pre-ablation 123I-MIBG/99mTc-MIBI mismatch score in LSPAF patients (OR: 2.155; 95% CI: 1.192–3.897) were independent predictors of AF recurrence after RFCA. ROC analysis indicated that in PAF patients with higher WR ≥ 20.8% (AUC: 0.968; Sensitivity: 100 %; Specificity: 45%; p &lt; 0.05) and LSPAF patients with larger 123I-MIBG/99mTc-MIBI mismatch score ≥ 12.5 % (AUC: 0.942; Sensitivity: 81 %; Specificity: 28 %; p &lt; 0.05) had a higher risk of AF recurrence after RFCA. CONCLUSION In AF patients the incidence of arrhythmia recurrence after RFCA is associated with impaired cardiac sympathetic nervous activity. In PAF patients the values of 123I-MIBG washout rate can predict AF recurrence. In LSPAF patients innervation/perfusion mismatch has prognostic value in terms of AF recurrence.

scholarly journals Significance of mitral L wave to predict late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Wada ◽  
M Shinohara ◽  
S Yao ◽  
K Yano ◽  
K Akitsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation ◽  
Late Recurrence ◽  
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Diastolic Filling ◽  
Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background Mitral L wave, prominent mid-diastolic filling wave in echocardiographic examinations, is associated with severe left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and that has been reported to predict recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardioversion. However, association between mitral L wave and the outcome of AF after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has not been established. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive value of mitral L wave on AF recurrence after RFCA. Methods 250 patients including 164 paroxysmal AF (65.6%) and 86 non-paroxysmal AF (34.4%) who received RFCA in single center from January 2015 to December 2016 were enrolled consecutively. Echocardiographic examinations before RFCA were recorded, and the mitral L wave was defined as a distinct mid-diastolic flow velocity with a peak velocity ≥20 cm/s following the E wave. Systematic follow-up was conducted after RFCA. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to determine the factors predicting late recurrence of AF (LRAF) which means AF recurrence after 3 months. Enrolled patients were divided into groups with the L wave (L-group; n=57) or without the L wave (NL-group; n=193) based on the findings of echocardiographic examinations. Results During a follow-up of 35.0±17.6 months, the ratio of LRAF in the L-group was significantly higher than that in the NL-group (32 (56.1%) vs. 41 (21.2%), Hazard ratio [HR]: 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.33 - 5.42, p&lt;0.001). Among the clinical factors, presence of mitral L wave, BNP value, non-paroxysmal AF and moderate-severe mitral regurgitation were related to LRAF. A multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazard model found that presence of mitral L wave (HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.30 - 5.48, p=0.007) was significantly associated with LRAF. Conclusion This study revealed that mitral L wave predicts late recurrence of AF after RFCA. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

scholarly journals Is There an Association between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Outcomes after Paroxystic Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (14) ◽  
pp. 3037
Author(s):  
Néfissa Hammache ◽  
Hugo Pegorer-Sfes ◽  
Karim Benali ◽  
Isabelle Magnin Poull ◽  
Arnaud Olivier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Pulmonary Vein ◽  
Pulmonary Vein Isolation ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
One Year ◽  
Af Recurrence

Background: In patients undergoing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone fails in maintaining sinus rhythm in up to one third of patients after a first catheter ablation. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), as an endocrine-active organ, could play a role in the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation. Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of clinical, echocardiographic, biological parameters and epicardial fat density measured by computed tomography scan (CT-scan) on AF recurrence in PAF patients who underwent a first pulmonary vein isolation procedure using radiofrequency (RF). Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included all patients undergoing first-time RF PAF ablation at the Nancy University Hospital between March 2015 and December 2018 with one-year follow-up. Results: 389 patients were included, of whom 128 (32.9%) had AF recurrence at one-year follow-up. Neither total-EAT volume (88.6 ± 37.2 cm3 vs. 91.4 ± 40.5 cm3, p = 0.519), nor total-EAT radiodensity (−98.8 ± 4.1 HU vs. −98.8 ± 3.8 HU, p = 0.892) and left atrium-EAT radiodensity (−93.7 ± 4.3 HU vs. −93.4 ± 6.0 HU, p = 0.556) were significantly associated with AF recurrence after PAF ablation. In multivariate analysis, previous cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation, ablation procedure duration, BNP and triglyceride levels remained independently associated with AF recurrence after catheter ablation at 12-months follow-up. Conclusion: Contrary to persistent AF, EAT parameters are not associated with AF recurrence after paroxysmal AF ablation. Thus, the role of the metabolic atrial substrate in PAF pathophysiology appears less obvious than in persistent AF.

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 &lt;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 &gt;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&lt;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.

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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