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.

P1032Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing hemodaialysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Hachisuka ◽  
H Hayashi ◽  
R Mimuro ◽  
Y Maru ◽  
Y Fujimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Diastolic Function ◽  
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Ventricular Diastolic Function ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Systolic And Diastolic Function ◽  
Free Rate

Abstract Introduction Although radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) has become a standard therapy, the ablation outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) has not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of RFCA for AF in patients undergoing HD. Methods Twenty-three patients undergoing HD (17 men, age 65±8 years, 19 paroxysmal AF) who underwent RFCA for drug-refractory AF in two institutes were enrolled in the study and defined as HD group. The clinical parameters, recurrence free rate and frequency of periprocedural complications were compared to 46 randomly selected age, gender and left atrial diameter matched controls not requiring HD defined as non-HD group (34men, age 67±7 years, 38 paroxysmal AF). Results The patients in HD group had a significantly lower body mass index (21±3 vs. 25±3 P<0.01), higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (30% vs. 10% P=0.04), and higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (52% vs. 10% P<0.01) compared to patients in non-HD group. Echocardiography indicated lower left ventricular ejection fraction (57±17% vs. 65±9% P=0.02), higher E/e' (20±8 vs. 12±4 P<0.01), higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient (30mmHg vs. 24mmHg P<0.01) and more impaired left ventricular diastolic function in HD group. All the subjects underwent bilateral pulmonary vein isolation plus additional linear lesion. The number of ablation procedure was similar between the two groups (1.43±0.5 vs. 1.46±0.6 P=0.88). During the follow-up period of 37±25 months after the last procedure, the arrhythmia free rate was similar between the two groups (86% vs. 84% log-rank P=0.82). Vascular access complication occurred in two patients in HD group, and pericardial effusion occurred in one patient in non-HD group, while no life-threatening complications were observed in either group. Cardiogenic cerebral infarction occurred in one patient in non-HD group. Discontinuation of oral anticoagulation after the ablation was more often seen in the HD group compared to non-HD group (91% vs. 60% P<0.01). Conclusions Although patients undergoing HD had more impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, RFCA for AF in patients with HD was shown to be as effective and safe as in non-HD patients. RFCA may be an efficient approach to manage AF in patients undergoing HD.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Simon ◽  
M E Mahdiui ◽  
J M Smit ◽  
L Szaraz ◽  
S Z Herczeg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation ◽  
Left Atrial Appendage ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Orifice Area ◽  
Af Recurrence

Abstract Background 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. The left atrial appendage (LAA) potentially plays an important role in AF recurrence, although the exact mechanism and pathophysiology are still unclear. Purpose We aimed to study whether LAA volume (LAAV) and function influence the long-term recurrence of AF after point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation, depending on AF type. Methods AF patients who underwent point-by-point radiofrequency catheter ablation after preprocedural cardiac computed tomography (CT) and transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were included in this retrospective analysis. LAAV and LAA orifice area were measured by CT and LAA flow velocity assessed by TEE and was used as a surrogate marker of LAA function. 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 AF recurrence had significantly higher body surface area-indexed left atrial volume (iLAV), LAAV and LAA orifice area, as compared to those without recurrence. Moreover, patients with persistent AF had significantly higher iLAV, LAAV, LAA orifice area and lower LAA flow velocity, than those with paroxysmal AF. After adjustment for the main cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt;50% (HR=2.17; 95% CI=1.38–3.43; p&lt;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. Conclusions 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. Our results suggest that preprocedural assessment of LVEF and LAAV might contribute to optimal patient selection and aid to improve long-term results of ablation procedures in patients with persistent AF. 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 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.

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.

The prognostic impact of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation after heart failure hospitalization on long-term mortality – Propensity-score matching analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Y Iwanami ◽  
K Jujo ◽  
S Higuchi ◽  
T Abe ◽  
M Shoda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lower Mortality ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background In the last two decades, catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) including pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been developed as a standard and effective treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). In patients with chronic heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF), PVI CA for AF dramatically improves LVEF, resulting in better clinical prognoses. On the contrary, there still has been no data that PVI CA for AF improves the prognosis in heart failure patients with preserved LVEF (HFpEF). Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of PVI CA for AF after the hospitalization due to decompensation of heart failureHF, focusing on LVEF. Methods From the database including 1,793 consecutive patients who were hospitalized due to congestive HF, we ultimately analyzed 624 AF patients who were discharged alive. They were assigned into two groups due that PVI CA for AF procedure done after the index hospitalization for HF; the PVI CA group (n=62) and Non-PVI CA group (n=562). For the two groups, we performed propensity-score (PS) matching using variables as follows: age, sex, LVEF, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at discharge. Further analysis was performed separately in HFrEF (LVEF &lt;50%) and HFpEF (LVEF &gt;50%). The primary endpoint of this study was death from any cause. Results In unmatched patients, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients in the PVI CA group had a significantly lower all-cause mortality than those in the Non-PVI CA group during 678 median follow-up period (Log-rank test: P=0.003, Figure A). In 96 PS-matched patients, patients in the PVI CA group still had lower mortality rate than those in the Non-PVI CA group (hazard ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.09–0.86, p=0.018, Figure B). When the whole study population was classified into HFrEF and HFpEF, HFrEF patients who received PVI showed a significantly lower mortality than those who did not (p=0.007); whereas, in HFpEF patients, PVI CA for AF did not make statistical difference in all-cause mortality (p=0.061). Conclusions In this observational study, PVI CA for AF may improve the mortality in HF patients with reduced LVEF. However, the prognostic impact of PVI CA for AF was not observed in HF patients with preserved LVEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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