Early recurrence of atrial arrhythmias following pulmonary vein antral isolation: Timing and frequency of early recurrences predicts long-term ablation success

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asia Pacific HRS, and the Latin American HRS.

Influence of ABC stroke score on late recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation following radiofrequency catheter ablation

BACKGROUND

In this study we investigated the impact of ABC stroke score on the recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).

METHODS

A total of 132 patients with PAF who underwent RFCA from October 2018 to September 2019 were included in this study. During the first phase of this study the patients were categorized into two groups based on late recurrence of atrial fibrillation after RFCA. In the second phase, the patients were further divided into two groups based on whether their ABC stroke score was ≥ 6.5.

RESULT

The univariate analysis indicated that the risk factors for late recurrence of PAF included early recurrence, ABC stroke score, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and NT-proBNP (P < 0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis revealed that ABC stroke score (P = 0.006) and early recurrence (P = 0.000) were independent predictors of late recurrence, and ABC stroke score ≥ 6.5 was a risk for predicting recurrence of PAF after RFCA with a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 65.7%. After the completion of the 1:1 matching, the univariate Cox analysis indicated that an elevated score of ABC stroke (≥ 6.5) was an independent predictor of late recurrence of PAF (HR = 2.687, 95% CI: 1.036-6.971, P = 0.042). However, using an ABC stroke score cut off at 6.4 predicted the recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia with 85% sensitivity and 58.5% specificity.

CONCLUSION

An ABC stroke score ≥ 6.4 is a predictor for late recurrence of PAF after RFCA.

Comparison of Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation and Quantitative Radiofrequency Ablation Guided by Ablation Index for Atrial Fibrillation

We compared the efficacy and complication rates of quantitative radiofrequency ablation guided by ablation index (RFCA-AI) with those of second-generation cryoballoon ablation (CBA-2). Consecutive patients (n = 230) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing a first ablation CBA-2 (92 patients) or RFCA-AI (138 patients) procedure were enrolled in this study. The late recurrence rate in the CBA-2 group was higher than that in the RFCA-AI group (P = .012). Subgroup analysis showed the same result in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF) (P = .039), but no difference was found in patients with persistent AF (P = .21). The average operation duration in the CBA-2 group (85 [75-99.5] minutes) was shorter than that in the RFCA-AI group (100 [84.5-120] minutes) (P < .0001), but the average exposure time (17.36(13.87-22.49) vs 5.49(4.00-8.24) minutes) in the CBA-2 group and X-ray dose (223.25(149.15-336.95) vs 109.15(80.75-168.7) mGym) were significantly longer than those in RFCA-AI group (P < .0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter (LAD), early recurrence, and methods of ablation (cryoballoon ablation) were independent risk factors for late recurrence after AF ablation. Early recurrence of AF and LAD were independent risk factors for predicting late recurrence after AF ablation.

Prognostic value of cardiac deceleration capacity in patients with atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cather ablation (CA) is a well-recognized treatment alternative for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients despite more than 20% ablation-treated patients suffering from AF recurrence. The underlying mechanism of AF recurrence postablation is probably associated with high cardiac parasympathetic activity, which can be assessed with deceleration capacity (DC) of heart rate. Given that the relationship between DC and AF recurrence is still controversial, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the characteristics of DC in patients with and without AF recurrence, evaluating the prognostic value of DC in AF patients after CA.

METHODS

A literature search was systematically performed in the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases until October 01, 2023. The observational studies reporting either the pre- and postablation DC in both recurrence and non-recurrence groups or the ratios based on DC for predicting AF recurrence were mainly included. Weighted mean differences (WMD) or odds ratios (OR) based on DC would be calculated with a random-effect model, if heterogeneity estimated with the I2 index and Q statistic was significant (I2 > 50% or p < .05); otherwise, a fixed-effect model would be utilized.

RESULTS

A total of eight observational studies involving 914 AF patients treated with radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation were included in this study. Ablation-treated patients with AF recurrence had the higher DC postablation in relation to those without recurrence (WMD, 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-1.67; p < .01), which was present up to 3 months of follow-up (WMD, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-1.96; p < .01), whereas there was no statistical significance in DC before ablation between recurrence and non-recurrence groups (WMD, 0.34; 95% CI, -0.12 to 0.79; p = .15). The high DC postablation was a risk factor for AF recurrence in ablation-treated patients (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.44-3.25; p < .01).

CONCLUSION

The high DC postablation was associated with the risk of AF recurrence, suggesting that DC may act as a prognostic indicator in AF patients treated with CA.

2024 European Heart Rhythm Association/Heart Rhythm Society/Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society/Latin American Heart Rhythm Society expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

In the last three decades, ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an evidence-based safe and efficacious treatment for managing the most common cardiac arrhythmia. In 2007, the first joint expert consensus document was issued, guiding healthcare professionals involved in catheter or surgical AF ablation. Mounting research evidence and technological advances have resulted in a rapidly changing landscape in the field of catheter and surgical AF ablation, thus stressing the need for regularly updated versions of this partnership which were issued in 2012 and 2017. Seven years after the last consensus, an updated document was considered necessary to define a contemporary framework for selection and management of patients considered for or undergoing catheter or surgical AF ablation. This consensus is a joint effort from collaborating cardiac electrophysiology societies, namely the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Rhythm Society, the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society, and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society .

Association of Preablation Plasma Corin Levels With Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Catheter Ablation: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

We assessed the impact of pre- and postprocedural plasma corin levels on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation (CA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective, single-center, observational study included patients undergoing their first CA of AF. Corin was measured before and 1 day after CA. The primary end point was recurrent AF between 3 and 12 months after ablation. From April 2019 through May 2021, we analyzed 616 patients with AF (59.09% men) with a mean age of 62.86±9.42 years. Overall, 153 patients (24.84%) experienced recurrent AF. In the recurrence group, the pre- and postprocedure corin concentrations were 539.14 (329.24-702.08) and 607.37 (364.50-753.80) pg/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than the nonrecurrence group's respective concentrations of 369.05 (186.36-489.28) and 489.12 (315.66-629.05) pg/mL (both P<0.0001). A multivariate Cox regression analysis with confounders found that elevated preablation corin levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence after CA. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified that a preablation corin threshold of >494.85 pg/mL predicted AF recurrence at 1 year. An increase of 1 SD in corin concentrations before CA (264.94 pg/mL) increased the risk of recurrent AF by 54.3% after adjusting for confounding variables (hazard ratio, 1.465 [95% CI, 1.282-1.655]; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma corin levels at baseline is a valuable predictor of AF recurrence after CA, independent of established conventional risk factors. Risk stratification before ablation for AF may be useful in selecting treatment regimens for patients.

Early Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Recurrence Predicts Late Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Recurrence After the Cryo-Maze Procedure - An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

It is unknown whether early atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence occurring within 3 months after the Maze procedure predicts late ATA recurrence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study involved 610 patients who underwent the modified Cryo-Maze procedure in conjunction with other cardiac surgery. The primary outcomes were late ATA recurrence, defined as occurring ≥3 months after surgery. The effects of early ATA recurrence on late ATA recurrence were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. The following 11 covariates were considered explanatory variables: early ATA recurrence, age, sex, body surface area, preoperative duration of atrial fibrillation, preoperative left atrial diameter, and concomitant surgery (mitral valve replacement, mitral valve repair, aortic valve replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and left atrial appendage closure). Statistical analyses were performed with a 2-sided 5% significance level. Early ATA recurrence occurred in 174 patients (28.5%). Late ATA recurrence occurred in 167 patients (27.5%), with 595 events identified in these patients. The Cox proportional hazards model showed that early ATA recurrence was an independent predictor of late ATA recurrence (hazard ratio, 4.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.00-5.70; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early ATA recurrence was an independent predictor of late ATA recurrence among patients undergoing the modified Cryo-Maze procedure. The blanking period might not be applied to patients undergoing the modified Cryo-Maze procedure.

Cryoballoon ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation for de novo pulmonary vein isolation: a single-center follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone for persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) remains controversial. The characteristics of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) to treat PersAF and the blanking period recurrence are underreported.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed patients with PersAF undergoing second-generation CBA for de novo PVI. The post-procedural efficacy and survival analysis were compared between patients with different PersAF durations. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to detect the risk factors for recurrence. Early and long-term recurrence were analyzed relative to each other.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients were enrolled, with a median PersAF duration of 4.0 months (interquartile range: 2.0-12.0 months); 257 patients (78.1%) were male. Kaplan-Meier analysis of freedom from atrial fibrillation recurrence at 12, 24, and 30 months showed 71.0%, 58.5%, and 54.9%, respectively. Early PersAF had a relatively favorable survival rate and a narrow P-wave duration of restoring sinus rhythm compared with that of PersAF lasting more than three months (P < 0.05). The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PersAF duration and left atrial anteroposterior diameter ≥ 42 mm were the risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence after CBA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.01-1.4, P = 0.042; HR = 3.6, 95% CI: 2.4-5.4, P < 0.001, respectively]. The blanking period recurrence predicted the long-term recurrence (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

CBA of PersAF had safety and efficacy to reach de novo PVI. The PersAF duration and left atrial size were risk factors for atrial fibrillation recurrence after CBA. Blanking period recurrence was associated with long-term recurrence.

Impact of atrial fibrillation recurrences during the blanking period following catheter ablation on long-term arrhythmia-free survival: a prospective study with continuous monitoring

BACKGROUND

The significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences during the 90-day blanking period following catheter ablation is controversial. Studies to date examining the impact of AF recurrences during the blanking period have been limited by intermittent monitoring. We sought to test whether AF recurrences during the blanking period are associated with long-term recurrences using continuous monitoring.

METHODS

Patients undergoing AF ablation by a single operator at an academic medical center between 2015 and 2019, who either already had a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) with an atrial lead or received an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), were followed for long-term AF recurrence. Recurrence was defined as > 30 s by CIED and > 2 min by ICM. All device-reported AF episodes were adjudicated by a physician.

RESULTS

Of 196 consecutive patients, 51 (26%) had AF recurrence in the blanking period and 145 (74%) did not. Over the year following ablation, those who had an AF recurrence in the blanking period were significantly more likely to have long-term AF recurrences than those without AF in the blanking period (log rank p < 0.001). The higher the burden of AF recurrences during the blanking period, the more likely AF was to recur long-term (hazard ratio 1.04 [CI 1.01-1.06] per 1% increase in burden, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Using continuous monitoring of a sizable population, we confirmed that AF recurrences in the blanking period following ablation are in fact associated with long-term AF recurrences. The higher the burden of recurrence, the more likely AF is to recur long-term.

Treatment success and its predictors as well as the complications of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a high-volume centre

PURPOSE

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is a standard procedure for maintaining sinus rhythm. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment success and its predictors and to provide quality control data on complications and redo operations in a centre with an initially a low but currently high annual volume.

METHODS

Data on patients (n = 1,253) treated with catheter ablation for AF in Tays Heart Hospital between January 2010 and May 2018 was evaluated (n = 1178 ablation-naïve patients and n = 1514 AF ablations). Comprehensive data on patient characteristics, treatment results, redo operations and complications were collected. Treatment success (maintenance of sinus rhythm at 1 year) was evaluated among patients residing within the hospital district (45% of the entire study population).

RESULTS

Treatment success was observed in approximately 62.9% of the ablation-naïve patients. Preoperative predictors of treatment success were paroxysmal AF type, previous use of antiarrhythmic drugs, left atrium diameter and age. The experience at the centre did not associate with the 1-year outcome. A relapse during the first 3-month blanking period was associated with a nine-fold risk of failure at 1 year (unadjusted OR 9.1, 95% CI 5.5-15.1, p < 0.001). The major complication rate was 4.5% (68/1514) with no deaths. Ten percent of the patients needed a redo procedure within the first year.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-related factors are the most significant predictors of treatment success. A relapse during a 3-month blanking period is associated with a very high risk of failure at 1 year.

Early arrhythmia recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Early arrhythmia recurrence within the three-month blanking period is a common event that historically has been attributed to reversible phenomena. While its' mechanistic links remain obscure, accumulating evidence support the argument of shortening the blanking period. We aimed to elucidate the association between early and late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation cryoablation.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating early and late arrhythmia recurrence rates in patients undergoing cryoablation for AF. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was late arrhythmia recurrence.

RESULTS

Early arrhythmia recurrence was found predictive of decreased arrhythmia-free survival after evaluating 3975 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent cryoablation (OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 3.75-7.51). This pattern remained unchanged after sub-analyzing atrial fibrillation type (paroxysmal; OR: 7.16; 95% CI: 4.40-11.65 and persistent; OR: 7.63; 95% CI: 3.62-16.07) as well as cryoablation catheter generation (first generation; OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 2.39-11.11 and advanced generation; OR: 5.83, 95% CI: 3.68-9.23). Studies permitting anti-arrhythmic drug utilization during blanking period or examining early recurrence as a secondary outcome were found to be a significant source of statistical heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that early arrhythmia recurrence is predictive of late outcomes after cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Identifying which patients deserve earlier re-intervention is an open research avenue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Ablation index-guided pulmonary vein isolation can reduce early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias: a propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (ERAT) cause various symptoms and predict worse outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). This study aimed to clarify whether ablation index (AI)-guided PVI, which is a novel technology of radiofrequency ablation, could reduce ERAT as compared to conventional contact force (CF)-guided PVI.

METHODS

Consecutive atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who underwent initial PVI from September 2014 to August 2019 were enrolled. We divided the patients into two groups: patients who underwent AI-guided PVI (AI group) and those who underwent CF-guided PVI (CF group). Using propensity score matching (PSM), we adjusted for the patient backgrounds. We compared the incidence of ERAT and late reconnection rate of isolated pulmonary veins (PVs) during second session between the two groups. ERAT was defined as any atrial tachyarrhythmias ≥ 30 s during a 90-day blanking period.

RESULTS

A total of 697 AF patients (paroxysmal 51%) were enrolled. After the PSM, both groups included 229 patients. The incidence of ERAT was significantly lower in the AI group than that in the CF group (21.5% vs. 36.1%, P < 0.001). Total 118 patients (25.7%) experienced late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (LRAT) after blanking period. LRAT free survival rate was significantly higher in patients without ERAT than those with ERAT (88.1% vs. 42.0%, P < 0.001). The rate of PV reconnection was lower in the AI group than that in the CF group (45.8% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.028). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that AI-guided PVI was independently correlated with ERAT (OR = 0.415, 95%CI = 0.269-0.639, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

AI-guided PVI can reduce ERAT as compared to conventional CF-guided PVI.

The Long-Term Results of Three Catheter Ablation Methods in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

Aims: Catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) has been shown to be effective and safe. However, recurrence of PAF varies between 10 and 30% for radiofrequency ablation. There have been no reports comparing long-term recurrence rates following radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation, and three-dimensional guided cryoablation plus radiofrequency ablation. The aim of this study was to observe the long-term recurrence rate of PAF when treated by these three catheter ablation methods, and to explore clinical factors that can potentially predict PAF recurrence following catheter ablation. Methods: There were 238 patients involved in this study, including 106 radiofrequency (RF) ablation cases (RF group), 66 cryoablation cases (Freeze group), and 66 cases treated by three-dimensional guided cryoablation combined with radiofrequency ablation (Freeze-plus-RF group). All patients underwent standardized follow-up. The recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the three groups was calculated. Predictive factors for the recurrence of AF were also investigated. Results: At 48 months (the median follow-up period), the sinus rhythm maintenance rate was 77.4% in the RF group, 72.7% in the Freeze group, and 81.8% in the Freeze-plus-RF group. The maintenance rate of sinus rhythm was highest in the Freeze-plus-RF group, but differences among the three groups were not statistically significant. Further analysis found that the preoperative left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAEV) (recurrence vs. no recurrence, 56.58 ± 18.37 vs. 65.59 ± 18.83, respectively, p = 0.003), left atrial (LA) anteroposterior dimension (recurrence vs. no recurrence, 36.56 ± 4.65 vs. 35.00 ± 4.37, respectively; p = 0.028), and LA vertical dimension (recurrence vs. no recurrence, 56.31 ± 6.96 vs. 53.72 ± 6.52, respectively; p = 0.035) were related to postoperative recurrence. Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that only LAAEV was predictive of postoperative recurrence of PAF (hazard ratio: 0.979; 95% confidence interval: 0.961-0.997). Conclusion: Our study found that there was no statistically significant difference in long-term recurrence rates among the RF, Freeze, and Freeze-plus-RF groups. Preoperative LAAEV is an independent predictor of postoperative recurrence of PAF.

The association between late-phase early recurrence within the blanking period after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation and long-term recurrence: Insights from a large-scale multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the timing of the first early recurrence and late recurrence after a single catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation is controversial.

METHODS

The Efficacy of Short-Term Use of Antiarrhythmic Drugs After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation trial followed 2038 patients who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 907 (45%) had early recurrences within 90 days after the initial ablation. We divided these patients into two groups according to the timing of the first early recurrence episode, namely the ER₁ group (early recurrence during the early phase; 0-30 days, n = 814) and ER₂ group (early recurrence during the late phase; 31-90 days, n = 93). Three years after ablation, patients with early recurrences had a significantly lower event-free rate from late recurrences after a 90-day blanking period than patients without early recurrences (36.2% and 74.2%, respectively; log-rank, P < 0.0001). Three years after ablation, the event-free rate was significantly higher in the ER₁ than the ER₂ group (38.3% and 17.1%, respectively; log-rank, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the event-free rate at 3 years in the ER₂ group was extremely low (5.6%) in patient with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION

Early recurrences were strongly associated with late recurrences, especially in patients with the first recurrence episode at >1 month within the blanking period after a single ablation procedure. Therefore, these patients should undergo close observation during follow-up, when they had especially with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Prevalence and outcome of early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias in the Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation (CIRCA-DOSE) study

BACKGROUND

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) is common after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and has been associated with an increased risk of late atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and outcomes of patients experiencing ERAT after PVI using advanced-generation ablation technologies.

METHODS

This is a prespecified substudy of the CIRCA-DOSE (Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double-Short vs Standard Exposure Duration) trial, a prospective, randomized, multicenter study comparing PVI with contact force-guided radiofrequency ablation to secondary-generation cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal AF. All study patients received an implantable cardiac monitor to allow continuous rhythm monitoring. ERAT was defined as any recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia within the first 90 days after AF ablation.

RESULTS

ERAT occurred in 61% of the 346 patients at a median of 12 days (range 1-90 days) after ablation. ERAF was a significant predictor of late recurrence (60.1% with ER vs 25.9% without ER; P <.001) and symptomatic atrial tachyarrhythmia (31.6% with ERAF vs 6.7% without ERAF; P <.001). Receiver operating curve analyses revealed a strong correlation between ERAT timing and burden and late recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified ER timing (hazard ratio [HR] 2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-5.95; P = .004) and burden (HR 1.05 per 1% ER burden; 95% CI 1.04-1.07; P <.001) as strong independent predictors of late recurrence. Incidence rate, timing, burden, and prognostic significance of ER did not differ between the study groups.

CONCLUSION

ERAT remains common after PVI despite use of advanced-generation ablation technologies. Early AF recurrence beyond 3 weeks after ablation is associated with increased risk of late recurrence.

Radiofrequency Versus Cryoballoon Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation and Effect on Atrial Fibrillation Burden: The RACE-AF Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Recurrent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation is presumably caused by failure to achieve durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The primary methods of PVI are radiofrequency catheter ablation (RF) and cryoballoon catheter ablation (CRYO), but these methods have not been directly compared with respect to PVI durability and the effect thereof on AF burden (% of time in AF).

Methods:

Accordingly, we performed a randomized trial including 98 patients (68% male, 61 [55–67] years) with paroxysmal AF assigned 1:1 to PVI by contact-force sensing, irrigated radiofrequency catheter, or second-generation cryoballoon catheter. Implantable cardiac monitors were inserted ≥1 month before PVI for assessment of AF burden and recurrence, and all patients, irrespective of AF recurrence, underwent a second procedure 4 to 6 months after PVI to determine PVI durability.

Results:

In the second procedure, 152 out of 199 (76%) pulmonary veins (PVs) were found durably isolated after RF and 161 out of 200 (81%) after CRYO (P=0.32), corresponding to durable isolation of all veins in 47% of patients in both groups (P=1.0). Median AF burden before PVI was 5.4% (interquartile range, 0.5%–13.0%) versus 4.0% (0.6%–18.1%), RF versus CRYO (P=0.71), and reduced to 0.0% (0.0%–0.1%) and 0.0% (0.0%–0.5%), respectively (P=0.58)—a reduction of 99.9% (92.9%–100.0%) and 99.3% (85.9%–100.0%; P=0.36). AF burden after PVI significantly correlated to the number of durably isolated PVs (P<0.01), but 9 out of 45 (20%) patients with durable isolation of all veins had recurrence of AF within 4 to 6 months after PVI (excluding a 3-month blanking period).

Conclusions:

PVI by RF and CRYO produce similar moderate to high PVI durability. Both treatments lead to marked reductions in AF burden, which is related to the number of durably isolated PVs. However, for one-fifth of paroxysmal AF patients, complete and durable PVI was not sufficient to prevent even short-term AF recurrence.

Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03805555.

Association between early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias and long-term outcomes in patients after repeat atrial fibrillation ablation

Purpose

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ER) is predictive of late recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (LR) after first-time atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, but the association in patients undergoing repeat AF ablation is unknown. We aim to determine the incidence and prognostic significance of ER after repeat ablation.

Methods

A total of 259 consecutive patients (mean age 64 years, 75.3% male) undergoing repeat AF ablation with complete follow-up data were included at a single institution from 2010 to 2015. ER and LR were defined as atrial tachyarrhythmia (AF, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia) > 30 s within the 3-month blanking period (BP) and after the 3-month BP, respectively.

Results

ER occurred in 79/259 (30.5%), and LR occurred in 138/259 (53%) at a median follow-up of 1221 (IQR: 523–1712) days. Four-year freedom from LR was 22% and 56% in patients with and without ER, respectively (p < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, ER was strongly associated with LR, cardioversion post BP, and repeat ablation, but not associated with hospitalization. Compared to those with no ER, there was a higher risk of LR when ER occurred within the first month of the BP [month 1: hazard ratio (HR) 2.32, confidence interval (CI) 1.57–3.74, p < 0.001; month 2: HR 2.01, CI 1.13–3.83, p = 0.02; month 3: HR 1.46, CI 0.5–3.36, p = 0.37], however the prediction of LR based on timing within the BP was poor (area under curve 0.64).

Conclusion

Following repeat AF ablation, ER is strongly associated with LR, cardioversion post BP, and repeat ablation.

Approach to recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly observed sustained rhythm disorder during adult ages. Since it has been shown that the ectopic beat initiating AF is usually caused by pulmonary veins, AF ablation has become the mainstay of therapy worldwide. Cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablation are the most commonly used methods in today's technologies. However, despite technological advances, the success of a single procedure in AF ablation is still limited and multiple procedures may be required for the majority of patients. In cases in which a redo ablation is required, pulmonary vein isolation is still the main target, but non-pulmonary vein targets should also be considered in AF episodes that continue despite multiple ablations. Many issues are still unclear as to which energy to choose in the first procedure, and what ablation strategy will be utilized when a redo ablation is required. The studies on this subject are very limited but, it still seems feasible and a rational approach to utilize a customized treatment strategy in each specific patient subgroup.

Predictive role of early recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cryoballoon ablation

Aims

The aims of this study were to determine the rate and the predictors of early recurrences of atrial fibrillation (ERAF) after cryoballoon (CB) ablation and to evaluate whether ERAF correlate with the long-term outcome.

Methods and results

Three thousand, six hundred, and eighty-one consecutive patients (59.9 ± 10.5 years, female 26.5%, and 74.3% paroxysmal AF) were included in the analysis. Atrial fibrillation recurrence, lasting at least 30 s, was collected during and after the 3-month blanking period. Three-hundred and sixteen patients (8.6%) (Group A) had ERAF during the blanking period, and 3365 patients (Group B) had no ERAF. Persistent AF and number of tested anti-arrhythmic drugs ≥2 resulted as significant predictors of ERAF. After a mean follow-up of 16.8 ± 16.4 months, 923/3681 (25%) patients had at least one AF recurrence. The observed freedom from AF recurrence, at 24-month follow-up from procedure, was 25.7% and 64.8% in Groups A and B, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). ERAF, persistent AF, and number of tested anti-arrhythmic drugs ≥2 resulted as significant predictors of AF. In a propensity score matching, the logistic model showed that ERAF 1 month after ablation are the best predictor of long-term AF recurrence (P = 0.042).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing CB ablation for AF, ERAF are rare and are a strong predictor of AF recurrence in the follow-up, above all when occur &gt;30 days after the ablation.

Redefining the Blanking Period by a Long-Term Follow-Up after Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Using Second-Generation Cryoballoon

On the basis of radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), some studies suggested that early recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERATs) were associated with late AF recurrence (LAFR), and some also suspected and challenged the current recommended 90 day blanking period. We aim to evaluate the impact of ERAT on long-term success and to determine the optimum blanking period after AF ablation using second-generation cryoballoon (sg-CB). From August 2016 to October 2018, 369 consecutive patients who successfully underwent initial AF ablation using sg-CB at the Fuwai Hospital were finally enrolled. All patients were followed up no less than 12 months. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimum blanking period after AF ablation. There were 62 (16.8%) who experienced ERAT. After a median follow-up of 615 days, 74.5% were free of LAFR after the 90 day blanking period. Incidence of freedom from LAFR during the long-term follow-up was markedly lower in patients with ERAT than in those without ERAT (27.4% versus 84.0%; log-rank P < 0.001). Furthermore, only ERAT (HR 8.579; 95% CI 5.604-13.133; P < 0.001) was significantly associated with an increased risk of LAFR after adjusting for other factors. The optimum cut-off time point for the blanking period was 21.5 days (sensitivity: 71.1%, specificity: 94.1%). In conclusion, ERAT was an independent predictor of LAFR after AF ablation using sg-CB. Based on our findings, blanking period was advised to be shorten to 21.5 days or about 3 weeks instead of 90 days after CB ablation.

Preoperative monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio predicts early recurrence after radiofrequency maze procedure of valvular atrial fibrillation

Background

Monocyte‐to‐high‐density lipoprotein (M/H) ratio has emerged as a novel cardiovascular prognostic biomarker. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of M/H with early recurrence in persistent valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients after radiofrequency (RF) maze procedure.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 131 consecutive persistent AF patients with valvular heart diseases who were followed up 3 months after RF maze procedure. Their clinical data were recorded. Logistic regression analyses were performed for significant predictors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used for validation with corresponding area under the curve.

Results

70 (53.4%) patients experienced early recurrence after procedure. Patients with early recurrence were older, have longer AF duration history, larger left atria diameter (LAD), higher plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), lower triglycerides (TG), lower cholesterol (TC), increased monocyte counts, lower HDL cholesterol, and increased M/H ratio. In multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.1 95% CI 1.0‐1.1 P = .003), LAD (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.2‐3.5, P = .006), TG (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15‐0.84, P = .019), M/H (OR 6.1, 95% CI 2.9‐13.0, P < .001) were significantly independent predictors of AF early recurrence. M/H ratio demonstrated a significant predictive value (AUC = 0.77, sensitivity 89.0%, specificity 54%). Further, there was a positive correlation of M/H ratio with CRP and white blood cell.

Conclusion

Preoperative M/H ratio was an independent risk factor of AF early recurrence following RF maze operation. M/H ratio should be considered in prediction of early recurrence for valvular AF patients.

Association of pericardial effusion after pulmonary vein isolation and outcomes in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

The clinical implications of pericardial effusion (PE) after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are not well understood. We evaluated the association between newly developed PE after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal AF and arrhythmic recurrence.

METHODS

From a prospective AF ablation registry, 184 patients (mean age 59 ± 10 years, 65% male) who underwent first-time PV isolation using a smart touch surround flow catheter (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA) were analyzed. Postablation transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed within 1-3 days after ablation, and the occurrence of PE was assessed.

RESULTS

PE developed in 91 patients (49.5%), and most were of minimal severity (minimal, 93.4%; mild, 6.6%). Patients with PE had significantly lower body mass index and underwent cavotricuspid isthmus ablation more frequently. Early arrhythmic recurrence (EAR) (within 3 months) was observed in 28.8% of patients and was not different according to the PE development (PE [+]: 29.7% vs PE [-]: 28.0%; P = .80). During a median follow-up of 696 days, the cumulative rate of the late arrhythmic recurrence (LAR) (after 3 months) was 36.4%, and there was no difference between groups (PE [+]: 36.7% vs PE [-]: 35.1%; P = .988). The only predictor of LAR was EAR, and no echocardiographic parameters showed a significant correlation with LAR.

CONCLUSIONS

Minimal or mild PE after PVI for paroxysmal AF is a frequent echocardiographic finding, and it had no significant association with AF recurrence. Routine TTE after AF ablation has no clinical implication.

Early recurrence during the blanking period and left atrial reverse remodeling after catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Background

Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ERAT) during a 90-day blanking period (BP) often occurs after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Left atrial reverse remodeling (LARR), which is the reduction in LA volume (LAV), also occurs during the BP. Both ERAT and LARR are associated with late recurrence (LR, greater than 90 days after ablation). We investigated the association between ERAT and LARR following non-paroxysmal AF (NPAF) ablation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 330 consecutive patients undergoing initial NPAF ablation (median follow-up: 4.0 years). Based on the timing of the final ERAT, we divided the patients into No-ERAT (N = 154, without ERAT), Early (N = 39, 0–7 days after ablation), Intermediate (N = 67, 8–30), and Late-ERAT (N = 70, 31–90) groups. We assessed the extent of LARR, defined as the percentage of decrease in LAV (%ΔLAV). The %ΔLAV cutoff value was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and incorporated into a multivariate analysis to assess the association between ERAT and LARR.

Results

Late-ERAT was associated with LR (hazard ratio: 6.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.21–9.47, p = 0.0001). The %ΔLAV in the Late-ERAT group was significantly smaller than the other groups (p < 0.0001). The predictive power of %ΔLAV for LR was slight (AUC, 0.604; best cutoff, 18.8% decrease; p = 0.0011). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, Late-ERAT was associated with poor LARR (%ΔLAV < 18.8% decrease) (odds ratio, 0.13; 95%CI, 0.06–0.27; p < 0.001), whereas Early- and Intermediate-ERAT did not show any correlation.

Conclusions

Late-ERAT was strongly associated with poor LARR after NPAF ablation. Both Late-ERAT and poor LARR might reflect a residual arrhythmogenic substrate causing LR.

Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation After Radiofrequency Ablation: What to Expect

Recurrent atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency ablation is observed in up to 50% of patients within 3 months. Early and multiple recurrences predict late recurrences within 1 year, which occurs in 20% to 50% of patients. Although no consensus exists regarding patient selection and timing of redo ablation, we refer symptomatic patients with multiple recurrences and persistent atrial fibrillation for ablation. Reisolation of reconnected pulmonary veins and ablation of nonpulmonary vein triggers is the primary ablation strategy. In addition to repeat ablation, we recommend weight loss, treatment of sleep-disordered breathing, and management of comorbid conditions for durable maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Smartphone ECG Monitoring System Helps Lower Emergency Room and Clinic Visits in Post-Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Patients

Aim:

To evaluate the effectiveness of using a smartphone-based electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device (ECG Check) on the frequency of clinic or emergency room visits in patients who underwent ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

Two groups of patients were identified and compared: The conventional monitoring group (CM group) included patients who were prescribed conventional event monitoring or Holter monitoring systems. The ECG Check group (EC group) included patients who were prescribed the ECG Check device for continuous monitoring in addition to conventional event monitoring. The primary outcome was the number of patient visits to clinic or emergency room. The feasibility, accuracy, and detection rate of mobile ECG Check were also evaluated.

Results:

Ninety patients were studied (mean age: 66.2 ± 11 years, 64 males, mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score: 2.6 ± 2). In the EC group, forty-five patients sent an average of 52.8 ± 6 ECG records for either routine monitoring or symptoms of potential AF during the follow-up period. The rhythm strips identified sinus rhythm (84.7%), sinus tachycardia (8.4%), AF (4.2%), and atrial flutter (0.9%). Forty-two EC transmissions (1.8%) were uninterpretable. Six patients (13%) in the EC group were seen in the clinic or emergency room over a 100-day study period versus 16 (33%) in the standard care arm (P value < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Use of smartphone-based ECG monitoring led to a significant reduction in AF-related visits to clinic or emergency department in the postablation period.

Comparing between second-generation cryoballoon vs open-irrigated radiofrequency ablation in elderly patients: Acute and long-term outcomes

Background

Limited comparative data are available regarding catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) using second‐generation cryoballoon (CB‐2) vs radiofrequency (RF) ablation in elderly patients (>75‐year‐old).

Hypothesis

CB‐2 ablation may demonstrate different outcomes compared with that using RF ablation for elderly patients with AF.

Method

Elderly patients with symptomatic drug‐refractory AF were included in the study. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in all patients.

Results

A total of 324 elderly patients were included (RF: 176, CB‐2:148) from September 2016 to April 2019. The CB‐2 was associated with shorter procedure time and left atrial dwell time (112.9 ± 11.1 vs 135.1 ± 9.9 minutes, P < .001; 53.7 ± 8.9 vs 65.1.9 ± 9.0 minutes, P < .001), but marked fluoroscopy utilization (22.1 ± 3.3 vs 18.5 ± 3.6 minutes, P < .001). Complications occurred in 3.3% (CB‐2) and 6.2% (RF) of patients with no significant different (P = .307). The length of stay after ablation was shorter, but the costs were higher in the CB‐2 group (1.94 vs 2.53 days, P < .001 and 91 132.6 ± 3723.5 vs 81 149.4 ± 6824.1 CNY, P < .001) compared to the RF group. Additionally, the rate of early recurrence of atrial arrhythmia was lower in the CB‐2 group (14.2 vs 23.3%, P = .047), but the long‐term success rate was similar between two groups.

Conclusions

CB‐2 is associated with shorter procedure time, left atrial dwell time, and length of stay after ablation, but its costs and fluoroscopy time are greater than the RF group. Moreover, the rate of complications and long‐term success are similar between the two groups.

Costs and long-term outcomes following pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients using second-generation cryoballoon vs. open-irrigated radiofrequency in China

Purpose

Limited comparative data are available regarding catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) using second-generation cryoballoon (CB-2) vs. radiofrequency (RF) ablation in elderly patients (> 75 years old). The present study aimed to compare the costs and clinical outcomes in elderly patients using these two strategies.

Methods

Elderly patients with symptomatic drug-refractory paroxysmal/short-lasting persistent AF were included in the study. Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed in all patients.

Results

A total of 324 elderly patients were included (RF,176; CB-2,148) from September 2016 to April 2019. The CB-2 was associated with shorter procedure time and left atrial dwell time (112.9 ± 11.1 vs. 135.1 ± 9.9 min, P < 0.001; 53.7 ± 8.9 vs. 65.1.9 ± 9.0 min, P < 0.001) but marked fluoroscopy utilization (22.1 ± 3.3 vs. 18.5 ± 3.6 min, P < 0.001). Complications occurred in 3.3% (CB-2) and 6.2% (RF) of patients with no significant different (p = 0.307). The length of stay after ablation was shorter, but the costs were higher in the CB-2 group (1.94 vs. 2.53 days, P < 0.001 and 91,132.6 ± 3723.5 vs. 81,149.4 ± 6824.1 CNY, P < 0.001) compared to the RF group. Additionally, the rate of early recurrence of atrial arrhythmia (ERAA) was lower in the CB-2 group (14.2 vs. 23.3%, P = 0.047), but the long-term success rate was similar between two groups.

Conclusions

CB-2 is associated with shorter procedure time, left atrial dwell time, and length of stay after ablation, as well as lower ERAA, but its costs and fluoroscopy time are greater than the RF group. Moreover, the rate of complications and long-term success is similar between the two groups.

Pulmonary Vein Isolation With a Novel Multielectrode Radiofrequency Balloon Catheter That Allows Directionally Tailored Energy Delivery: Short-Term Outcomes From a Multicenter First-in-Human Study (RADIANCE)

BACKGROUND

Balloon catheters facilitate pulmonary vein (PV) isolation, but current technology is limited by either a single ablative element, potentially leading to over-ablation of thin and under-ablation of thick tissue, or prolonged procedure times. Visualized by electroanatomical mapping, a novel compliant radiofrequency balloon catheter with 10 irrigated, flexible electrodes can simultaneously and independently deliver energy. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of this radiofrequency balloon in a multicenter, single-arm, first-in-human study.

METHODS

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients underwent PV isolation with the radiofrequency balloon delivered over-the-wire with a deflectable 13.5F sheath. Radiofrequency energy is delivered simultaneously from all electrodes-up to 30 s posteriorly and 60 s anteriorly. Esophageal temperature was monitored in all patients; the esophagus was also mechanically deviated in 10 patients.

RESULTS

At 4 sites, 39 patients were treated by 9 operators. The radiofrequency balloon isolated all targeted PVs (152/152), 79.6% with a single application. Electrical reconnection occurred in only 7/150 PVs (4.7%) on adenosine/isoproterenol challenge. Mean procedure, balloon dwell, and fluoroscopy times were 101.6, 40.5, and 17.4 min, respectively. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed asymptomatic esophageal erythema in 5 patients. Phrenic nerve palsy occurred in a patient in whom phrenic pacing was inadvertently omitted. At 3 months, imaging revealed no PV stenosis, and early atrial arrhythmia recurrence occurred in only 10/39 (25.6%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The compliant radiofrequency balloon can directionally tailor energy delivery for efficient, effective, and reasonably safe acute PV isolation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: ISRCTN 11764506.

Characteristics of early recurrences detected by continuous cardiac monitoring influencing the long-term outcome after atrial fibrillation ablation

AIMS

Early recurrences (ER) of atrial arrhythmias are common after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). The significance of these ER is controversial. Based on data of continuous cardiac monitoring, we sought to investigate the characteristics of ER and their impact on late recurrences (LR) during follow-up.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-six patients with paroxysmal (49%) or persistent (51%) AF underwent an AF ablation with subsequent implantation of implantable loop recorder. Follow up was 12 months using remote monitoring. All atrial arrhythmia (AF or atrial tachycardia-AT-) episodes >30 seconds. within the 3-month blanking period were considered and the AF burden evaluated every 3 months.

RESULTS

Within the 3-months blanking period, 72 patients (57%) experienced an AF/AT recurrence. Survival free from any arrhythmia recurrence during follow-up was 40% in patients with ER vs 69% in those without ER. AF burden during the blanking period and timing of ER correlated significantly with LR at 12 months (area under curve = 0.74, P < .0001 and .831, P < .0001). An AF burden ≥0.5% and ER after 74 days predicted LR (sensitivity 60%, specificity 84.4%; sensitivity 75.6%, specificity 90.3%). In cox regression analysis, AF burden ≥0.5% and ER after 74 days were independently associated with LR.

CONCLUSION

Continuous cardiac monitoring after AF ablation provides important information regarding early recurrence episodes and their prognostic impact. A cut-off of 74 days for the blanking period seems to better differentiate patients with a good or a poor long-term outcome. An AF burden ≥0.5% during the 3 months postablation is predictive for late arrhythmia recurrences.

Safety, long-term outcomes and predictors of recurrence following a single catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation

Background: Data regarding long-term outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation are limited. This study evaluated the safety, long-term efficacy and predictors of recurrence after a single left atrial ablation procedure in patients with paroxysmal (PAF) and non-paroxysmal AF (NPAF). Methods: Data from 520 patients (354 males, mean age 57.08 ± 11.33 years) with PAF (n = 356, 68.5%) or NPAF (n = 164, 31.5%) who underwent a single radiofrequency ablation procedure were analysed. Across the NPAF group, there were 143 (27.5%) patients with persistent AF and 21 (4%) with long-standing persistent AF. The mean follow-up period was 39.05 ± 20.83 months (range 19-60 months). Results: Arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 102/356 (28.7%) of PAF patients and in 63/164 (38.4%) of NPAF patients. In patient with PAF, sinus rhythm maintenance was observed in 76.9%, 73% and 71.3% of patients at 1, 2 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively. In patients with NPAF, sinus rhythm was maintained in 68.7%, 63.4% and 61.6% of patients at 1, 2 and 5 years of follow-up, respectively. Independent predictors of AF recurrence were left atrial diameter (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.21, p < 0.01) as well as early arrhythmia recurrence during the blanking period of 3 months after the procedure (OR 8.13, 95% CI 5.10-12.82, p < 0.01). Major complications were observed in 11 patients (2.1%). Conclusions: Long-term arrhythmia-free survival rates remain high among PAF and NPAF patients after a single catheter ablation procedure. Left atrial diameter and early arrhythmia recurrence were independent predictors of late arrhythmia recurrence in both PAF and NPAF patients.

Effect of acupuncture at Neiguan point combined with amiodarone therapy on early recurrence after pulmonary vein electrical isolation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Early atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences are common and have been shown to predict AF recurrences late after AF ablation during follow-up. Neiguan point acupuncture has been recognized to be therapeutic in treating AF in clinical practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-five patients were enrolled in succession due to persistent AF. All patients were randomized divided into control group and acupuncture group. In the control group (n = 45), amiodarone was orally taken from the first day after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). In the acupuncture group (n = 40), patients were treated with Neiguan point acupuncture for 7 days and amiodarone was prescribed as same as the control group after PVI. The levels of inflammatory factors were analyzed before operation, 1 week after the operation and 3 months later. After 3 months, the acupuncture group had a lower rate of early recurrences than the control group (5/40 [12.5%] vs 15/45 [33.3%], P = 0.039). The inflammatory factors level in the two groups were significantly increased after ablation. However, compared with the control group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, TGF-β1, MMP2 in the acupuncture group significantly lower (P < 0.05). In a multivariate analysis, acupuncture was an independent factor associated with a lower rate of early recurrences during the blanking period (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.63; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Neiguan point acupuncture combined with amiodarone is superior to amiodarone alone in reducing early recurrences of patients with persistent AF after PVI. The efficacy of Neiguan acupuncture therapy on the early recurrence is associated with the decreased inflammation factors.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: outcomes during a 3-year follow-up period

Objective

This study was performed to observe the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and to explore the risk factors for late recurrence of atrial fibrillation (LRAF) after a single RFCA session.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 243 patients with PAF underwent RFCA and were followed up regularly.

Results

At a median follow-up of 37 months after a single procedure, 60.5% of patients maintained sinus rhythm (SR), and at a median follow-up of 42 months after multiple procedures, 74.9% of patients maintained SR. The statistically significant risk factors for LRAF after a single RFCA session were the left atrial diameter (LAD), left inferior pulmonary vein superior–inferior diameter (LIPV SID), PV number variation, circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) combined with additional ablation, and early recurrence of atrial fibrillation (ERAF). The best cut-off value for LAD was 35.5 mm.

Conclusions

During a 3-year follow-up, about 70% of the patients with PAF maintained SR. LRAF after a single procedure was associated with the LAD, LIPV SID, PV number variation, CPVI combined with additional ablation, and ERAF.

Patient-Specific Identification of Atrial Flutter Vulnerability-A Computational Approach to Reveal Latent Reentry Pathways

Atypical atrial flutter (AFlut) is a reentrant arrhythmia which patients frequently develop after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Indeed, substrate modifications during AF ablation can increase the likelihood to develop AFlut and it is clinically not feasible to reliably and sensitively test if a patient is vulnerable to AFlut. Here, we present a novel method based on personalized computational models to identify pathways along which AFlut can be sustained in an individual patient. We build a personalized model of atrial excitation propagation considering the anatomy as well as the spatial distribution of anisotropic conduction velocity and repolarization characteristics based on a combination of a priori knowledge on the population level and information derived from measurements performed in the individual patient. The fast marching scheme is employed to compute activation times for stimuli from all parts of the atria. Potential flutter pathways are then identified by tracing loops from wave front collision sites and constricting them using a geometric snake approach under consideration of the heterogeneous wavelength condition. In this way, all pathways along which AFlut can be sustained are identified. Flutter pathways can be instantiated by using an eikonal-diffusion phase extrapolation approach and a dynamic multifront fast marching simulation. In these dynamic simulations, the initial pattern eventually turns into the one driven by the dominant pathway, which is the only pathway that can be observed clinically. We assessed the sensitivity of the flutter pathway maps with respect to conduction velocity and its anisotropy. Moreover, we demonstrate the application of tailored models considering disease-specific repolarization properties (healthy, AF-remodeled, potassium channel mutations) as well as applicabiltiy on a clinical dataset. Finally, we tested how AFlut vulnerability of these substrates is modulated by exemplary antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone, dronedarone). Our novel method allows to assess the vulnerability of an individual patient to develop AFlut based on the personal anatomical, electrophysiological, and pharmacological characteristics. In contrast to clinical electrophysiological studies, our computational approach provides the means to identify all possible AFlut pathways and not just the currently dominant one. This allows to consider all relevant AFlut pathways when tailoring clinical ablation therapy in order to reduce the development and recurrence of AFlut.

Long-term outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation

Catheter ablation has been wildly used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) and has achieved a better efficacy for paroxysmal AF (PAF) but not for persistent AF (PerAF). Furthermore, a few data on the efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for PerAF were reported. This study aimed to investigate long-term efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for PerAF and explore predictors of late recurrence of atrial fibrillation (LRAF).A total of 92 consecutive patients with PerAF (64 males, aged 56.42 ± 11.24 years) were enrolled in this study and accepted circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) alone or CPVI combined additional ablation.Maintenance rate of sinus rhythm (SR) was 40.2% after a single procedure with median follow-up of 15 months and 52.2% after mean 1.3 ± 0.6 procedures with median follow-up of 26 months. Long-term SR maintenance rate was no statistical difference between patients with CPVI alone and with CPVI combined additional ablation (48.6% vs 35.1%, log rank test, P = .152). Patients with AF duration < 24 months had a higher long-term SR maintenance rate than those with AF duration ≥ 24 months (55.6% vs 30.4%, log rank test, P = .022). AF duration (OR = 1.015, 95%CI 1.001-1.030, P = .015), and early recurrence of AF (ERAF) (OR = 10.654, 95%CI 3.853-29.460, P < .001) were predictors of LRAF after a single procedure.In conclusion, long-term maintenance SR rate was 52.2% in patients with PerAF after multiple procedures with a median over 2-year follow-up. Patients with AF duration < 24 months had better outcome. AF duration and ERAF were predictors of LRAF after a single procedure.

Coronary Sinus Activation and ECG Characteristics of Roof-Dependent Left Atrial Flutter After Pulmonary Vein Isolation

BACKGROUND

The electrocardiographic and intracardiac activation features of left atrial roof-dependent macroreentrant flutter have been incompletely characterized.

METHODS

Patients post-pulmonary vein (PV) isolation with roof-dependent atrial flutter based on activation and entrainment mapping were included. ECG and coronary sinus activation were compared with mitral annular (MA) flutter.

RESULTS

The roof-dependent left atrial flutter circled the right PVs in 32 of 33 cases. Two forms of roof flutters were identified, posteroanterior, ascendant on posterior wall and descendant on anterior wall (n=24); and anteroposterior, ascendant on the anterior wall and descendent on the posterior wall (n=9). Both forms had positive large amplitude P waves in V₁ through V₂ with decreasing amplitude in V₃ through V₆. Posteroanterior roof flutters had positive P wave in the inferior and negative P wave in leads I and aVL similar to counterclockwise MA flutter, but coronary sinus activation was simultaneous for roof and proximal to distal for counterclockwise. Anteroposterior roof flutters were similar to clockwise MA flutter with negative P in inferior leads and transition to flat or negative P in V₃ through V₆. Coronary sinus activation time ≤39 ms identified roof versus MA flutter (sensitivity: 100% and specificity: 97%).

CONCLUSIONS

Roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is more common than around left PVs. The ECG pattern for roof-dependent flutter around right PVs is similar to MA flutter with frontal plane axis dictated by septal activation. Roof-dependent flutter can be distinguished from MA flutter by more simultaneous rather than sequential coronary sinus activation.

Anticoagulation use and clinical outcomes after catheter ablation in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Whether successful catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces risk of cerebrovascular events (CVEs) remains controversial and whether oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) can be safely discontinued in patients rendered free of AF recurrences remains unknown. We evaluated OAT use patterns and examined long-term rates of CVEs (stroke/TIA) and major bleeding episodes (MBEs) in patients with nonparoxysmal AF treated with catheter ablation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four hundred patients with nonparoxysmal AF (200 persistent, 200 longstanding persistent; mean age 60.3 ± 9.7 years, 82% male) undergoing first AF ablation were followed for 3.6 ± 2.4 years. OAT discontinuation during follow-up was permitted in selected patients per physician discretion. At last follow-up, allowing for multiple ablations, 172 (43.0%) patients were free of AF recurrence. Two hundred and seven (51.8%) discontinued OAT at some point; 174 (43.5%) were off OAT at last follow-up. Patients without AF recurrence were more likely to remain off OAT (HR 0.23 [95% CI 0.17-0.33]). Patients with persistent (versus longstanding persistent) AF type prior to ablation (HR 0.6 [CI 0.44-0.83]) and those with CHA₂ DS₂ -VASc score <2 (HR 0.56 [0.39-0.80]) were less likely to continue OAT. Seven patients had CVEs (incidence: 0.49/100 patient years) and 14 experienced MBE during follow-up (incidence: 0.98/100 patient years). Older age (P  =  0.001) and coronary artery disease (P  =  0.028) were associated with CVE.

CONCLUSION

Anticoagulation discontinuation in well selected, closely monitored patients following successful ablation of nonparoxysmal AF was associated with a low rate of clinical embolic CVEs. Prospective studies are required to confirm safety of OAT discontinuation after successful AF ablation.

Early Recurrences During the Blanking Period after Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA) after ablation are common and predict late recurrences and ablation failure.However,becausea proportion of patients with ERAA will have no subsequent arrhythmias after the blanking period, consensus guidelines recommend against immediate repeat ablation for ERAA episodes occurring during the first 3 months post-ablation. In this review, we summarize the predictors, significance, and treatment of ERAA after AF ablation.

Predictors of arrhythmia recurrence in patients with heart failure undergoing left atrial ablation for atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is increasingly used in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term results of a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure in heart failure (HF) patients with AF.

HYPOTHESIS

We tested the hypothesis that left atrial ablation is an effective therapeutic modality in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

Our study included HF patients with LVEF <50% who underwent catheter ablation for AF at our department between January 2010 and March 2017. All patients underwent our institution's protocol for follow-up post-ablation.

RESULTS

The study enrolled a total of 38 patients (mean age, 54.1 ± 12.2 years; 28 [73.7%] males; mean LVEF, 38.2% ± 6.3%). After a mean follow-up period of 38.2 months (range, 5-92 months), 28 patients (73.7%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence. In multivariate analysis, early arrhythmia recurrence (P = 0.03) and amiodarone antiarrhythmic drug administration (P = 0.003) remained independent predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The main findings of this study are that (1) a single radiofrequency catheter ablation procedure is an effective and safe modality for AF in patients with concomitant HF; (2) after a mean 3.3 years of follow-up, 73.7% of HF patients remained in sinus rhythm; and (3) early arrhythmia recurrence was a significant predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after the blanking period.

Homocysteine in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Role and clinical implications

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is associated with a series of adverse complications that cause so-called AF socioeconomic burden. Apart from the classical risk factors, it seems to be novel factors that increase the risk of AF and AF-related stroke. Recently, more and more evidence has well documented the close relationships between homocysteine (Hcy) and AF. As a well-known marker for pro-oxidation and pro-inflammation, Hcy plays an important role in a number of vascular diseases having strong association with AF. This review will discuss the expression of Hcy and its association with ischemic stroke in AF patients especially for elderly patients, and the role and clinical implications of Hcy in the thromboembolic events and rhythm outcome in AF patients. The possible mechanisms linking elevated Hcy and cardiovascular events in AF patients will also be addressed, including oxidative stress, inflammatory response, atrial remodeling, etc.