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Kadam A, Kotak PS, Khurana K, Toshniwal SS, Daiya V, Raut SS, Kumar S, Acharya S. Recent Advances in the Management of Non-rheumatic Atrial Fibrillation: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e65835. [PMID: 39219967 PMCID: PMC11363501 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia characterized by irregular atrial electrical activity, posing significant challenges to patient management and healthcare systems worldwide. Non-rheumatic AF, distinct from AF due to rheumatic heart disease, encompasses a spectrum of etiologies, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, and structural heart abnormalities. This review examines the latest advancements in managing non-rheumatic AF, encompassing diagnostic approaches, pharmacological therapies, and innovative non-pharmacological interventions. Diagnostic strategies ranging from traditional electrocardiography to advanced imaging modalities are explored alongside emerging biomarkers and wearable technologies facilitating early detection and management. Pharmacological management options, including novel anticoagulants and rhythm control agents, are evaluated in light of current guidelines and recent clinical trials. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as catheter ablation and device-based therapies, are discussed regarding their evolving techniques and outcomes. Special considerations for diverse patient populations, including elderly individuals and athletes, are addressed, emphasizing personalized approaches to optimize therapeutic outcomes. The review concludes with insights into future directions for AF management, highlighting promising avenues in gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and precision medicine approaches. By synthesizing recent research findings and clinical innovations, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamic landscape of non-rheumatic AF management, offering insights for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Kadam
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Palash S Kotak
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Kashish Khurana
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Saket S Toshniwal
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Varun Daiya
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sarang S Raut
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Internal Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Nguyen L, Arbogast A, Ivey H, Frugoli A, Dukes J. Feeling a Little Blue After Ablation: Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect With Right-to-Left Shunt Following Atrial Fibrillation Ablation. Cureus 2024; 16:e62629. [PMID: 39027752 PMCID: PMC11257765 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiac ablation is indicated for patients refractory to medical management. During the ablation process, a transseptal puncture is utilized to access and isolate the pulmonary veins, which results in a temporary iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD). Generation of an iASD is considered unavoidable and is a generally accepted risk due to high rates of spontaneous closure. Studies have shown that persisting iASD may occur in 5%-20% of patients for up to nine to 12 months after undergoing radiofrequency ablation and that spontaneous rates of closure are high in patients with normal intracardiac pressures. Patients with preexisting elevated right intracardiac pressures from pulmonary hypertension or other right-sided cardiac pathology are at an increased risk of complications from iASD. These increased pressures can lead to clinically significant hypoxemia from right-to-left shunting following a transseptal puncture. Intervention with closure is considered in high-risk settings such as right atrial or ventricular enlargement, right-to-left shunting with hypoxemia, and intraseptal defect greater than 8 mm. This case vignette describes a 67-year-old female who developed clinically significant right-to-left shunting intraoperatively from iASD with ongoing hypoxemia for several months but with spontaneous closure. We highlight this case as it demonstrates spontaneous closure in a high-risk iASD. We also provide a review of the literature on iASD after cardiac ablations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hayden Ivey
- Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
| | - Amanda Frugoli
- Internal Medicine, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
| | - Jonathan Dukes
- Electrophysiology, Community Memorial Hospital, Ventura, USA
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Limpitikul WB, Das S. Obesity-Related Atrial Fibrillation: Cardiac Manifestation of a Systemic Disease. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:323. [PMID: 37623336 PMCID: PMC10455513 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10080323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying AF are complex and multifactorial. Although it is well known that obesity is a strong risk factor for AF, the mechanisms underlying obesity-related AF are not completely understood. Current evidence proposes that in addition to overall hemodynamic changes due to increased body weight, excess adiposity raises systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which lead to adverse atrial remodeling. This remodeling includes atrial fibrosis, atrial dilation, decreased electrical conduction between atrial myocytes, and altered ionic currents, making atrial tissue more vulnerable to both the initiation and maintenance of AF. However, much remains to be learned about the mechanistic links between obesity and AF. This knowledge will power the development of novel diagnostic tools and treatment options that will help combat the rise of the global AF burden among the obesity epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Worawan B. Limpitikul
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Demoulas Family Foundation Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Palamà Z, Robles AG, Paoletti M, Nesti M, De Ruvo E, Scarà A, Borrelli A, De Masi De Luca G, Rillo M, Calò L, Cavarretta E, Romano S, Sciarra L. Long-Term Follow-Up In Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Documented Isolated Trigger. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1115328. [PMID: 37529713 PMCID: PMC10390222 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1115328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Supraventricular tachycardias may trigger atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) inducibility in patients referred for AF ablation and to evaluate the effects of SVT ablation on AF recurrences. Methods and results 249 patients (mean age: 54 ± 14 years) referred for paroxysmal AF ablation were studied. In all patients, only AF relapses had been documented in the clinical history. 47 patients (19%; mean age: 42 ± 11 years) had inducible SVT during the electrophysiological study and underwent an ablation targeted only at SVT suppression. Ablation was successful in all 47 patients. The ablative procedures were: 11 slow-pathway ablations for atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia; 6 concealed accessory pathway ablations for atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia; 17 focal ectopic atrial tachycardia ablations; 13 with only one arrhythmogenic pulmonary vein. No recurrences of SVT were observed during the follow-up (32 ± 18 months). 4 patients (8.5%) showed recurrence of at least one episode of AF. Patients with inducible SVT had less structural heart disease and were younger than those without inducible SVT. Conclusion A significant proportion of candidates for AF ablation are inducible for an SVT. SVT ablation showed a preventive effect on AF recurrences. Those patients should be selected for simpler ablation procedures tailored only to the triggering arrhythmia suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefferino Palamà
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Electrophysiology Unit, Casa di Cura “Villa Verde”, Taranto, Italy
| | - Antonio Gianluca Robles
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Cardiology Department, Cardiology Unit Ospedale “L. Bonomo”, Andria, Italy
| | - Matteo Paoletti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Martina Nesti
- Cardiology Unit, CNR Fondazione Toscana “Gabriele Monasterio”, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Scarà
- GVM Care and Research, Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele De Masi De Luca
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Panico, Tricase, Italy
| | - Mariano Rillo
- Electrophysiology Unit, Casa di Cura “Villa Verde”, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
- Cardiovascular Department, Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvio Romano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luigi Sciarra
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Pongratz J, Riess L, Hartl S, Brueck B, Tesche C, Ebersberger U, Helmberger T, Crispin A, Wankerl M, Dorwarth U, Hoffmann E, Straube F. Left atrial appendage volume is an independent predictor of atrial arrhythmia recurrence following cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation in persistent atrial fibrillation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1190860. [PMID: 37404733 PMCID: PMC10315839 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1190860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in persistent AF (persAF), and cryoballoon PVI emerged as an initial ablation strategy. Symptomatic atrial arrhythmia recurrence following successful PVI in persAF is observed more frequently than in paroxysmal AF. Predictors for arrhythmia recurrence following cryoballoon PVI for persAF are not well described, and the role of left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomy is uncertain. Methods Patients with symptomatic persAF and pre-procedural cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images undergoing initial second-generation cryoballoon (CBG2) were enrolled. Left atrial (LA), pulmonary vein (PV) and LAA anatomical data were assessed. Clinical outcome and predictors for atrial arrhythmia recurrence were evaluated by univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Results From May 2012 to September 2016, 488 consecutive persAF patients underwent CBG2-PVI. CCTA with sufficient quality for measurements was available in 196 (60.4%) patients. Mean age was 65.7 ± 9.5 years. Freedom from arrhythmia was 58.2% after a median follow-up of 19 (13; 29) months. No major complications occurred. Independent predictors for arrhythmia recurrence were LAA volume (HR 1.082; 95% CI, 1.032 to 1.134; p = 0.001) and mitral regurgitation ≥ grade 2 (HR, 2.49; 95% CI 1.207 to 5.126; p = 0.013). LA volumes ≥110.35 ml [sensitivity: 0.81, specificity: 0.40, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.62] and LAA volumes ≥9.75 ml (sensitivity: 0.56, specificity 0.70, AUC = 0.64) were associated with recurrence. LAA-morphology, classified as chicken-wing (21.9%), windsock (52.6%), cactus (10.2%) and cauliflower (15.3%), did not predict outcome (log-rank, p = 0.832). Conclusion LAA volume and mitral regurgitation were independent predictors for arrhythmia recurrence following cryoballoon ablation in persAF. LA volume was less predictive and correlated with LAA volume. LAA morphology did not predict the clinical outcome. To improve outcomes in persAF ablation, further studies should focus on treatment strategies for persAF patients with large LAA and mitral regurgitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Pongratz
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - L. Riess
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - S. Hartl
- Department of Electrophysiology, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
- Department of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - B. Brueck
- Kardiologie Praxis Erkelenz, Erkelenz, Germany
| | - C. Tesche
- Department of Cardiology, Clinic Augustinum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - T. Helmberger
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology and Nuclear Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - A. Crispin
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Campus Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - M. Wankerl
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - U. Dorwarth
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - E. Hoffmann
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - F. Straube
- Heart Center Munich-Bogenhausen, Department of Cardiology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Munich Hospital Bogenhausen, Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
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Demirel O, Berezin AE, Mirna M, Boxhammer E, Gharibeh SX, Hoppe UC, Lichtenauer M. Biomarkers of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence in Patients with Paroxysmal or Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Following External Direct Current Electrical Cardioversion. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1452. [PMID: 37239123 PMCID: PMC10216298 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with atrial remodeling, cardiac dysfunction, and poor clinical outcomes. External direct current electrical cardioversion is a well-developed urgent treatment strategy for patients presenting with recent-onset AF. However, there is a lack of accurate predictive serum biomarkers to identify the risks of AF relapse after electrical cardioversion. We reviewed the currently available data and interpreted the findings of several studies revealing biomarkers for crucial elements in the pathogenesis of AF and affecting cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, adipose tissue dysfunction, myopathy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although there is ample strong evidence that elevated levels of numerous biomarkers (such as natriuretic peptides, C-reactive protein, galectin-3, soluble suppressor tumorigenicity-2, fibroblast growth factor-23, turn-over collagen biomarkers, growth differential factor-15) are associated with AF occurrence, the data obtained in clinical studies seem to be controversial in terms of their predictive ability for post-cardioversion outcomes. Novel circulating biomarkers are needed to elucidate the modality of this approach compared with conventional predictive tools. Conclusions: Biomarker-based strategies for predicting events after AF treatment require extensive investigation in the future, especially in the presence of different gender and variable comorbidity profiles. Perhaps, a multiple biomarker approach exerts more utilization for patients with different forms of AF than single biomarker use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan Demirel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Alexander E. Berezin
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Zaporozhye State Medical University, 69035 Zaporozhye, Ukraine
| | - Moritz Mirna
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Elke Boxhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Sarah X. Gharibeh
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Uta C. Hoppe
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (O.D.); (M.M.); (E.B.); (S.X.G.); (U.C.H.); (M.L.)
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Cronin B, Dalia A, Goh R, Essandoh M, Orestes O'Brien E. Temporary Epicardial Pacing After Cardiac Surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2022; 36:4427-4439. [PMID: 36180288 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Temporary epicardial pacing frequently is employed after cardiac surgery, and can have a significant impact on a patient's hemodynamics, arrhythmias, and valvulopathies. Given that anesthesiologists often are involved intimately in the initial programming and subsequent management of epicardial pacing in the operating room and intensive care unit, it is important for practitioners to have a detailed understanding of the modes, modifiable intervals, and potential complications that can occur after cardiac surgery. Because this topic has not been reviewed recently in anesthesia literature, the authors attempted to review relevant epicardial pacemaker specifics, discuss modes and parameters that apply to the perioperative period, present an algorithm for mode selection, describe the potential effects of epicardial pacing on valvulopathies and hemodynamics, and, finally, discuss some postoperative considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Cronin
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California-San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA.
| | - Adam Dalia
- Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital (of Harvard Medical School), Boston, MA
| | - Regine Goh
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California-San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
| | - Michael Essandoh
- Cardiovascular Anesthesiology, Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - E Orestes O'Brien
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California-San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, CA
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Zhang F, Liu J, Fang P, Wang X, Wang J, Wei Y, Yang H. Assessing the impact of blocking distal coronary sinus-left atrial muscular connection on inducible rate of atrial fibrillation and follow-up recurrence in persistent atrial fibrillation patients with different fibrotic degrees of left atrial: A retrospective study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:987590. [PMID: 36312226 PMCID: PMC9606224 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.987590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The musculature of the coronary sinus (CS), especially its distal connection with the post wall of the left atrial (LA), has been associated with the genesis and maintenance of atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relative contributions of the distal coronary sinus (CSD)-LA connection to PersAF with various degrees of atrial fibrosis remain unknown. Objective This study aimed to explore the different roles of blocking the CSD-LA connection in the induction of acute AF and middle-term follow-up of recurrence among PersAF patients with various degrees of LA fibrosis. Methods and results A retrospective cohort of 71 patients with drug-refractory and symptomatic PersAF underwent ablation for the first time were studied. The population was divided into two groups according to disconnection of the CSD-LA or not. All patients enrolled accepted the unified ablation procedure (circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, non-pulmonary vein trigger ablation and ablation of the CSD-LA connection). Group A (n = 47) successfully blocked the CSD-LA electrical connection and Group B (n = 24) failed. Twenty-five patients could be induced into sustained AF in the Group A compared to 20 in the Group B (53.2 vs. 83.3%, p = 0.013). After a mean follow-up of 185 ± 8 days, 24 (33.8%) patients experienced atrial arrhythmia recurrences. The Group A had significantly fewer recurrences (25.5%) compared to Group B (50%). Meanwhile, in Group A, the ROC curve analysis suggested that in the case of blocking CSD-LA, low voltage area (LVA) of LA can act as a predictive factor for acute AF induction (AUC = 0.943, Cut-off = 0.190, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 92.3 and 90.5%, and middle-term recurrence (AUC = 0.889, Cut-off = 0.196, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 65.7%. Conclusion Disconnection of CSD-LA could reduce the inducible rate of acute AF and the recurrences of atrial arrhythmia during middle-term follow-up. The PersAF patients with CSD-LA muscular connection blocked, experienced a higher acute AF inducible rate with larger proportion of LVA of LA (≥19%) and a higher recurrent rate of atrial arrhythmias with a larger proportion of LA fibrosis (≥19.6%).
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9
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Clinical Management of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in COVID-19 Patients Referred to a Tertiary Cardiac Arrhythmia Center after Hospital Discharge. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195661. [PMID: 36233529 PMCID: PMC9571676 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Available reports on the post-discharge management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in COVID-19 patients are scarce. The aim of this case series was to describe the clinical outcomes of new-onset AF in COVID-19 patients referred to a tertiary cardiac arrhythmia center after hospital discharge. Methods: All consecutive patients referred to our center for an ambulatory evaluation from 18 May 2020 to 15 March 2022 were retrospectively screened. Patients were included in the current analysis if new-onset AF was diagnosed during hospitalization for COVID-19 and then referred to our clinic. Results: Among 946 patients, 23 (2.4%) were evaluated for new-onset AF during COVID-19. The mean age of the study cohort was 71.5 ± 8.1 years; 87.0% were male. Median time from COVID-19 discharge and the first ambulatory evaluation was 53 (41.5–127) days; median follow-up time was 175 (83–336) days. At the in-office evaluation, 14 (60.9%) patients were in sinus rhythm, and nine patients were in AF. In 13.0% of cases, oral anticoagulation was stopped according to CHADS-VASc. Eight patients in AF were scheduled for electrical cardioversion; one patient was rate-controlled. Four patients were treated with catheter ablation (CA) during follow-up. Two post-cardioversion AF recurrences were detected during follow-up, while no recurrences were diagnosed among patients who underwent CA. Conclusion: Our data suggest that AF may not be considered as a simple bystander of the in-hospital COVID-19 course. Management of new-onset AF in post-COVID-19 patients referred to our clinic did not significantly differ from our usual practice, both in terms of long-term oral anticoagulation and in terms of rhythm control strategy.
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10
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Depes D, Mennander A, Vehniäinen R, Paavonen T, Kholová I. Human Pulmonary Vein Myocardial Sleeve Autonomic Neural Density and Cardiovascular Mortality. J Histochem Cytochem 2022; 70:627-642. [PMID: 36154512 PMCID: PMC9527475 DOI: 10.1369/00221554221129899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocardial sleeves around pulmonary veins (PVs) are highly innervated structures with heterogeneous morphological and electrophysiological characteristics. Autonomic nerve dysfunction in the myocardium may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This article studied autonomic neural remodeling in myocardial sleeves around PVs and atrial-PV ostia with immunohistochemical and morphometric methods with clinicopathological correlations. PVs were collected from 37 and atrial-PV ostia from 17 human autopsy hearts. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), choline acetyltransferase (CHAT), and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43). In the PV cohort, subjects with immediate cardiovascular cause of death had significantly decreased sympathetic nerve density in fibro-fatty tissue vs those with non-cardiovascular cause of death (1624.53 vs 2522.05 µm2/mm2, p=0.038). In the atrial-PV ostia cohort, parasympathetic nerve density in myocardial sleeves was significantly increased in subjects with underlying cardiovascular cause of death (19.48 µm2/mm2) than subjects with underlying non-cardiovascular cause of death with no parasympathetic nerves detected (p=0.034). Neural growth regionally varied in sympathetic nerves and was present in most of the parasympathetic nerves. Heterogeneous autonomic nerve distribution and growth around PVs and atrial-PV ostia might play a role in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. No association in nerve density was found with atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Depes
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories,
Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology,
Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ari Mennander
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology,
Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Tampere
University Heart Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Rauha Vehniäinen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology,
Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Timo Paavonen
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories,
Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology,
Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ivana Kholová
- Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories,
Tampere, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology,
Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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11
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Osorio D, Vraka A, Quesada A, Hornero F, Alcaraz R, Rieta JJ. An Efficient Hybrid Methodology for Local Activation Waves Detection under Complex Fractionated Atrial Electrograms of Atrial Fibrillation. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:s22145345. [PMID: 35891025 PMCID: PMC9316244 DOI: 10.3390/s22145345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Local activation waves (LAWs) detection in complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) during catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF), the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, is a complicated task due to their extreme variability and heterogeneity in amplitude and morphology. There are few published works on reliable LAWs detectors, which are efficient for regular or low fractionated bipolar electrograms (EGMs) but lack satisfactory results when CFAEs are analyzed. The aim of the present work is the development of a novel optimized method for LAWs detection in CFAEs in order to assist cardiac mapping and catheter ablation (CA) guidance. The database consists of 119 bipolar EGMs classified by AF types according to Wells' classification. The proposed method introduces an alternative Botteron's preprocessing technique targeting the slow and small-ampitude activations. The lower band-pass filter cut-off frequency is modified to 20 Hz, and a hyperbolic tangent function is applied over CFAEs. Detection is firstly performed through an amplitude-based threshold and an escalating cycle-length (CL) analysis. Activation time is calculated at each LAW's barycenter. Analysis is applied in five-second overlapping segments. LAWs were manually annotated by two experts and compared with algorithm-annotated LAWs. AF types I and II showed 100% accuracy and sensitivity. AF type III showed 92.77% accuracy and 95.30% sensitivity. The results of this study highlight the efficiency of the developed method in precisely detecting LAWs in CFAEs. Hence, it could be implemented on real-time mapping devices and used during CA, providing robust detection results regardless of the fractionation degree of the analyzed recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Osorio
- BioMIT.org, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.O.); (A.V.)
| | - Aikaterini Vraka
- BioMIT.org, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.O.); (A.V.)
| | - Aurelio Quesada
- Arrhythmia Unit, Cardiology Department, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Fernando Hornero
- Cardiovascular Surgery Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Raúl Alcaraz
- Research Group in Electronic, Biomedical and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain;
| | - José J. Rieta
- BioMIT.org, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (D.O.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Xia R, Tomsits P, Loy S, Zhang Z, Pauly V, Schüttler D, Clauss S. Cardiac Macrophages and Their Effects on Arrhythmogenesis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:900094. [PMID: 35812333 PMCID: PMC9257039 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.900094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac electrophysiology is a complex system established by a plethora of inward and outward ion currents in cardiomyocytes generating and conducting electrical signals in the heart. However, not only cardiomyocytes but also other cell types can modulate the heart rhythm. Recently, cardiac macrophages were demonstrated as important players in both electrophysiology and arrhythmogenesis. Cardiac macrophages are a heterogeneous group of immune cells including resident macrophages derived from embryonic and fetal precursors and recruited macrophages derived from circulating monocytes from the bone marrow. Recent studies suggest antiarrhythmic as well as proarrhythmic effects of cardiac macrophages. The proposed mechanisms of how cardiac macrophages affect electrophysiology vary and include both direct and indirect interactions with other cardiac cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the different subsets of macrophages in the heart and their possible interactions with cardiomyocytes under both physiologic conditions and heart disease. Furthermore, we elucidate similarities and differences between human, murine and porcine cardiac macrophages, thus providing detailed information for researchers investigating cardiac macrophages in important animal species for electrophysiologic research. Finally, we discuss the pros and cons of mice and pigs to investigate the role of cardiac macrophages in arrhythmogenesis from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibing Xia
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Tomsits
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Loy
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Valerie Pauly
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Schüttler
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Surgical Research at the Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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13
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Vraka A, Bertomeu-González V, Fácila L, Moreno-Arribas J, Alcaraz R, Rieta JJ. The Dissimilar Impact in Atrial Substrate Modificationof Left and Right Pulmonary Veins Isolation after Catheter Ablation of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. J Pers Med 2022; 12:462. [PMID: 35330463 PMCID: PMC8955667 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of pulmonary veins (PVs) as foci of atrial fibrillation (AF), the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, investigation revolves around PVs catheter ablation (CA) results. Notwithstanding, CA process itself is rather neglected. We aim to decompose crucial CA steps: coronary sinus (CS) catheterization and the impact of left and right PVs isolation (LPVI, RPVI), separately. We recruited 40 paroxysmal AF patients undergoing first-time CA and obtained five-minute lead II and bipolar CS recordings during sinus rhythm (SR) before CA (B), after LPVI (L) and after RPVI (R). Among others, duration, amplitude and atrial-rate variability (ARV) were calculated for P-waves and CS local activation waves (LAWs). LAWs features were compared among CS channels for reliability analysis. P-waves and LAWs features were compared after each ablation step (B, L, R). CS channels: amplitude and area were different between distal/medial (p≤0.0014) and distal/mid-proximal channels (p≤0.0025). Medial and distal showed the most and least coherent values, respectively. Correlation was higher in proximal (≥93%) than distal (≤91%) areas. P-waves: duration was significantly shortened after LPVI (after L: p=0.0012, −13.30%). LAWs: insignificant variations. ARV modification was more prominent in LAWs (L: >+73.12%, p≤0.0480, R: <−33.94%, p≤0.0642). Medial/mid-proximal channels are recommended during SR. CS LAWs are not significantly affected by CA but they describe more precisely CA-induced ARV modifications. LPVI provokes the highest impact in paroxysmal AF CA, significantly modifying P-wave duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Vraka
- BioMIT.org, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Vicente Bertomeu-González
- Cardiology Department, Saint John’s University Hospital, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (V.B.-G.); (J.M.-A.)
| | - Lorenzo Fácila
- Cardiology Department, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain;
| | - José Moreno-Arribas
- Cardiology Department, Saint John’s University Hospital, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (V.B.-G.); (J.M.-A.)
| | - Raúl Alcaraz
- Research Group in Electronic, Biomedical and Telecommunication Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain;
| | - José J. Rieta
- BioMIT.org, Electronic Engineering Department, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain;
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14
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Automatic Activity Arising in Cardiac Muscle Sleeves of the Pulmonary Vein. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010023. [PMID: 35053171 PMCID: PMC8773798 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectopic activity in the pulmonary vein cardiac muscle sleeves can both induce and maintain human atrial fibrillation. A central issue in any study of the pulmonary veins is their difference from the left atrial cardiac muscle. Here, we attempt to summarize the physiological phenomena underlying the occurrence of ectopic electrical activity in animal pulmonary veins. We emphasize that the activation of multiple signaling pathways influencing not only myocyte electrophysiology but also the means of excitation–contraction coupling may be required for the initiation of triggered or automatic activity. We also gather information regarding not only the large-scale structure of cardiac muscle sleeves but also recent studies suggesting that cellular heterogeneity may contribute to the generation of arrythmogenic phenomena and to the distinction between pulmonary vein and left atrial heart muscle.
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15
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Victorino J, Alvarez-Franco A, Manzanares M. Functional genomics and epigenomics of atrial fibrillation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2021; 157:45-55. [PMID: 33887329 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation is a progressive cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of hospitalization and adverse cardiovascular events. Despite years of study, we still do not have a full comprehension of the molecular mechanism responsible for the disease. The recent implementation of large-scale approaches in both patient samples, population studies and animal models has helped us to broaden our knowledge on the molecular drivers responsible for AF and on the mechanisms behind disease progression. Understanding genomic and epigenomic changes that take place during chronification of AF will prove essential to design novel treatments leading to improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesus Victorino
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Spain
| | - Alba Alvarez-Franco
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Manzanares
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, largely associated to morbidity and mortality. Over the past decades, research in appearance and progression of this arrhythmia have turned into significant advances in its management. However, the incidence of AF continues to increase with the aging of the population and many important fundamental and translational underlaying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we review recent advances in molecular and cellular basis for AF initiation, maintenance and progression. We first provide an overview of the basic molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms that lead and characterize AF. Next, we discuss the upstream regulatory factors conducting the underlying mechanisms which drive electrical and structural AF-associated remodeling, including genetic factors (risk variants associated to AF as transcriptional regulators and genetic changes associated to AF), neurohormonal regulation (i.e., cAMP) and oxidative stress imbalance (cGMP and mitochondrial dysfunction). Finally, we discuss the potential therapeutic implications of those findings, the knowledge gaps and consider future approaches to improve clinical management.
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17
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La Rosa G, Quintanilla JG, Salgado R, González-Ferrer JJ, Cañadas-Godoy V, Pérez-Villacastín J, Jalife J, Pérez-Castellano N, Filgueiras-Rama D. Anatomical targets and expected outcomes of catheter-based ablation of atrial fibrillation in 2020. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2021; 44:341-359. [PMID: 33283883 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anatomical-based approaches, targeting either pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) or additional extra PV regions, represent the most commonly used ablation treatments in symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrences despite antiarrhythmic drug therapy. PVI remains the main anatomical target during catheter-based AF ablation, with the aid of new technological advances as contact force monitoring to increase safety and effective radiofrequency (RF) lesions. Nowadays, cryoballoon ablation has also achieved the same level of scientific evidence in patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI. In parallel, electrical isolation of extra PV targets has progressively increased, which is associated with a steady increase in complex cases undergoing ablation. Several atrial regions as the left atrial posterior wall, the vein of Marshall, the left atrial appendage, or the coronary sinus have been described in different series as locations potentially involved in AF initiation and maintenance. Targeting these regions may be challenging using conventional point-by-point RF delivery, which has opened new opportunities for coadjuvant alternatives as balloon ablation or selective ethanol injection. Although more extensive ablation may increase intraprocedural AF termination and freedom from arrhythmias during the follow-up, some of the targets to achieve such outcomes are not exempt of potential severe complications. Here, we review and discuss current anatomical approaches and the main ablation technologies to target atrial regions associated with AF initiation and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio La Rosa
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge G Quintanilla
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Salgado
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José González-Ferrer
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Cañadas-Godoy
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Pérez-Villacastín
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Fundación Interhospitalaria para la Investigación Cardiovascular (FIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Jalife
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicasio Pérez-Castellano
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain.,Fundación Interhospitalaria para la Investigación Cardiovascular (FIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - David Filgueiras-Rama
- Department of Myocardial Pathophysiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Cardiovascular Institute, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
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18
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Khan MS, Lange M, Ranjan R, Sharma V, Glotzbach JP, Selzman C, Dosdall DJ. Premature atrial stimulation accentuates conduction abnormalities in cardiac surgery patients that develop postoperative atrial fibrillation. J Electrocardiol 2021; 69:36-43. [PMID: 34555557 PMCID: PMC9265137 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common cardiac surgery complication that is associated with increased complications and negative outcomes, but the association between presurgical atrial conduction abnormalities and POAF has not been investigated clinically during premature atrial S1S2 stimulation. This clinical study sought to examine whether intraoperative premature atrial stimulation reveals increased areas of slowed and/or blocked conduction in patients that develop POAF. METHODS High-density intraoperative epicardial left atrial mapping was conducted in 20 cardiac surgery patients with no prior history of atrial fibrillation (AF). In 20 patients, 6 (30%) developed POAF. A flexible-array of 240-electrodes was placed on the posterior left atrial wall in between the pulmonary veins. Activation maps were generated for sinus and premature atrial S1S2 stimulated beats. The area of conduction block (CB), conduction delay (CD) and the combination of both (CDCB) for conduction velocity < 0.1, 0.1 ≤ x < 0.2 and < 0.2 m/s, respectively were quantified. RESULTS For a premature atrial S2 beat with shortest cycle length captured, conduction velocity maps revealed a significantly higher area for CD (13.19 ± 6.59 versus 6.06 ± 4.22 mm2, p = 0.028) and CDCB (17.36 ± 8.75 versus 7.41 ± 6.39 mm2, p = 0.034), and a trend toward a larger area for CB (4.17 ± 3.66 versus 1.34 ± 2.86 mm2, p = 0.063) in patients who developed POAF in comparison to those that remained in the sinus. Sinus and S1 paced beats did not show substantial differences in abnormal conduction areas between patients with and without POAF. CONCLUSION In comparison to sinus and S1 beats, premature atrial S2 beats accentuate conduction abnormalities in the posterior left atrial wall of cardiac surgery patients that developed POAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad S. Khan
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Matthias Lange
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Ravi Ranjan
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Vikas Sharma
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jason P. Glotzbach
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Craig Selzman
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Derek J. Dosdall
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.,Address For Correspondence: Dr. Derek J. Dosdall, PhD, FHRS, FAHA, Associate Professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The University of Utah – Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84112 USA, / Ph: (+1) 801-587-2036
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19
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Bogachev-Prokophiev AV, Ovcharov MA, Lavinykov SO, Pivkin AN, Sharifulin RM, Afanasyev AV, Sapegin AV, Zheleznev SI. Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Ablation With and Without Left Atrium Reduction for Patients Scheduled for Mitral Valve Surgery: A Prospective Randomised Study. Heart Lung Circ 2020; 30:922-931. [PMID: 33309875 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2020.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of left atrium (LA) enlargement on atrial arrhythmia recurrence (AAR) after surgical ablation in patients with mitral valve (MV) disease remains unresolved. OBJECTIVE Left atrial size is critical to the success of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation in patients scheduled for MV surgery. However, a large LA should not be a limiting factor when evaluating surgical candidates with AF if they receive appropriate treatment during concomitant ablation. This randomised study assessed whether adding LA reduction (LAR) to the maze procedure for MV surgery patients can improve freedom from AAR. METHODS From September 2014 to September 2017, 140 patients were randomly assigned into two groups. The maze group underwent MV surgery with concomitant surgical AF ablation (n=70). The maze + LA reduction group underwent MV surgery with concomitant AF ablation and LA reduction procedure (n=70). Rhythm outcomes were estimated by Holter monitoring, according to Heart Rhythm Society guidelines. RESULTS The concomitant LA reduction procedure did not increase early mortality and complications rates. Significant differences in freedom from AAR were observed at 24 months (maze, 78.4%; maze + LAR group, 92.3%; p=0.025). A significant difference in LA volume was detected at discharge (p<0.0001); however, it was not significantly different at 24 months (p=0.182). CONCLUSIONS Adding LA reduction to the maze procedure led to improvements in freedom from AAR for patients with AF and LA enlargement scheduled for MV surgery. A concomitant LA reduction procedure did not increase mortality and perioperative risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michail A Ovcharov
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation.
| | - Sergey O Lavinykov
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Alexey N Pivkin
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Ravil M Sharifulin
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander V Afanasyev
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey V Sapegin
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey I Zheleznev
- Heart Valves Surgery Department, E. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation
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20
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Mikhailov AV, Kalyanasundaram A, Li N, Scott SS, Artiga EJ, Subr MM, Zhao J, Hansen BJ, Hummel JD, Fedorov VV. Comprehensive evaluation of electrophysiological and 3D structural features of human atrial myocardium with insights on atrial fibrillation maintenance mechanisms. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 151:56-71. [PMID: 33130148 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence and maintenance is associated with progressive remodeling of electrophysiological (repolarization and conduction) and 3D structural (fibrosis, fiber orientations, and wall thickness) features of the human atria. Significant diversity in AF etiology leads to heterogeneous arrhythmogenic electrophysiological and structural substrates within the 3D structure of the human atria. Since current clinical methods have yet to fully resolve the patient-specific arrhythmogenic substrates, mechanism-based AF treatments remain underdeveloped. Here, we review current knowledge from in-vivo, ex-vivo, and in-vitro human heart studies, and discuss how these studies may provide new insights on the synergy of atrial electrophysiological and 3D structural features in AF maintenance. In-vitro studies on surgically acquired human atrial samples provide a great opportunity to study a wide spectrum of AF pathology, including functional changes in single-cell action potentials, ion channels, and gene/protein expression. However, limited size of the samples prevents evaluation of heterogeneous AF substrates and reentrant mechanisms. In contrast, coronary-perfused ex-vivo human hearts can be studied with state-of-the-art functional and structural technologies, such as high-resolution near-infrared optical mapping and contrast-enhanced MRI. These imaging modalities can resolve atrial arrhythmogenic substrates and their role in reentrant mechanisms maintaining AF and validate clinical approaches. Nonetheless, longitudinal studies are not feasible in explanted human hearts. As no approach is perfect, we suggest that combining the strengths of direct human atrial studies with high fidelity approaches available in the laboratory and in realistic patient-specific computer models would elucidate deeper knowledge of AF mechanisms. We propose that a comprehensive translational pipeline from ex-vivo human heart studies to longitudinal clinically relevant AF animal studies and finally to clinical trials is necessary to identify patient-specific arrhythmogenic substrates and develop novel AF treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei V Mikhailov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Arrhythmology Research Department, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anuradha Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shane S Scott
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Esthela J Artiga
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Megan M Subr
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jichao Zhao
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brian J Hansen
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John D Hummel
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- Department of Physiology & Cell Biology, Bob and Corrine Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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21
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Razeghian-Jahromi I, Natale A, Nikoo MH. Coronary sinus diverticulum: Importance, function, and treatment. PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY: PACE 2020; 43:1582-1587. [PMID: 32815147 DOI: 10.1111/pace.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The importance of venous structure in the heart is usually overshadowed by that of the arterial system. Coronary sinus (CS) is a part of cardiac venous apparatus and connects left atria to the right atria. Other than having role in physiological contractions of both atria, it contributes substantially to cardiac electrical conduction system. Due to unique placement and connections of the CS, it has become growing interest in clinical cardiology. It is used in cardiac resynchronization therapy with biventricular pacing, left-sided catheter ablation of arrhythmias, and administration of retrograde cardioplegia in cardiac surgery. In some individuals, CS is presented with anatomical variants. CS diverticulum is a congenital outpouching that provides muscular connection between atria and ventricle. This connection provides a suitable substrate for occurrence of arrhythmias, which even results in life-threatening events such as sudden cardiac death. Early diagnosis leads to treatment with ablation techniques, which ultimately eliminates origins of arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Natale
- St. David's Medical Center, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute, Austin, Texas.,Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, Texas.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, Texas.,MetroHealth Medical Center, CaseWestern Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Stanford, California.,Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nikoo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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22
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A comprehensive review of the anatomical variations in the right atrium and their clinical significance. TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN ANATOMY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tria.2019.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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23
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Podziemski P, Zeemering S, Kuklik P, van Hunnik A, Maesen B, Maessen J, Crijns HJ, Verheule S, Schotten U. Rotors Detected by Phase Analysis of Filtered, Epicardial Atrial Fibrillation Electrograms Colocalize With Regions of Conduction Block. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2019; 11:e005858. [PMID: 30354409 PMCID: PMC6553551 DOI: 10.1161/circep.117.005858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies suggest rotors detected by phase mapping may act as main drivers of persistent atrial fibrillation. However, the electrophysiological nature of detected rotors remains unclear. We performed a direct, 1:1 comparison between phase and activation time mapping in high-density, epicardial, direct-contact mapping files of human atrial fibrillation. METHODS Thirty-eight unipolar electrogram files of 10 s duration were recorded in patients with atrial fibrillation (n=20 patients) using a 16×16 electrode array placed on the epicardial surface of the left atrial posterior wall or the right atrial free wall. Phase maps and isochrone wave maps were constructed for all recordings. For each detected phase singularity (PS) with a lifespan of >1 cycle length, the corresponding conduction pattern was investigated in the isochrone wave maps. RESULTS When using sinusoidal recomposition and Hilbert Transform, 138 PSs were detected. One hundred and four out of 138 PSs were detected within 1 electrode distance (1.5 mm) from a line of conduction block between nonrotating wavefronts detected by activation mapping. Far fewer rotating wavefronts were detected when rotating activity was identified based on wave mapping (18 out of 8219 detected waves). Fourteen out of these 18 cases were detected as PSs in phase mapping. Phase analysis of filtered electrograms produced by simulated wavefronts separated by conduction block also identified PSs on the line of conduction block. CONCLUSIONS PSs identified by phase analysis of filtered epicardial electrograms colocalize with conduction block lines identified by activation mapping. Detection of PSs using phase analysis has a low specificity for identifying rotating wavefronts during human atrial fibrillation using activation mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Podziemski
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Stef Zeemering
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Pawel Kuklik
- Department of Cardiology, Electrophysiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany (P.K.)
| | - Arne van Hunnik
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Bart Maesen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (B.M., J.M.)
| | - Jos Maessen
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (B.M., J.M.)
| | - Harry J Crijns
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.).,Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, the Netherlands (H.J.C.)
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., S.V.).,Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), the Netherlands (P.P., S.Z., A.v.H., B.M., J.M., H.J.C., S.V., U.S.)
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24
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Ahmed N, Perveen S, Mehmood A, Rani G, Molon G. Coronary Sinus Ablation Is a Key Player Substrate in Recurrence of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. Cardiology 2019; 143:107-113. [DOI: 10.1159/000501819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent atrial arrhythmia. During the last few decades, owing to numerous advancements in the field of electrophysiology, we reached satisfactory outcomes for paroxysmal AF with the help of ablation procedures. But the most challenging type is still persistent AF. The recurrence rate of AF in patients with persistent AF is very high, which shows the inadequacy of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Over the last few decades, we have been trying to gain insight into AF mechanisms, and have come to the conclusion that there must be some triggers and substrates other than pulmonary veins. According to many studies, PVI alone is not enough to deal with persistent AF. The purpose of our review is to summarize updates and to clarify the role of coronary sinus (CS) in AF induction and propagation. This review will provide updated knowledge on developmental, histological, and macroscopic anatomical aspects of CS with its role as arrhythmogenic substrate. This review will also inform readers about application of CS in other electrophysiological procedures.
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25
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Williams SE, Linton NWF, Harrison J, Chubb H, Whitaker J, Gill J, Rinaldi CA, Razavi R, Niederer S, Wright M, O'Neill M. Intra-Atrial Conduction Delay Revealed by Multisite Incremental Atrial Pacing is an Independent Marker of Remodeling in Human Atrial Fibrillation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2019; 3:1006-1017. [PMID: 28966986 PMCID: PMC5612260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study sought to characterize direction-dependent and coupling interval–dependent changes in left atrial conduction and electrogram morphology in uniformly classified patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) and normal bipolar voltage mapping. Background Although AF classifications are based on arrhythmia duration, the clinical course, and treatment response vary between patients within these groups. Electrophysiological mechanisms responsible for this variability are incompletely described. Methods Intracardiac contact mapping during incremental atrial pacing was used to characterize atrial conduction, activation dispersion, and electrogram morphology in 15 consecutive paroxysmal AF patients undergoing first-time pulmonary vein isolation. Outcome measures were vulnerability to AF induction at electrophysiology study and 2-year follow-up for arrhythmia recurrence. Results Conduction delay showed a bimodal distribution, occurring at either long (high right atrium pacing: 326 ± 13 ms; coronary sinus pacing: 319 ± 16 ms) or short (high right atrium pacing: 275 ± 11 ms; coronary sinus pacing: 271 ± 11 ms) extrastimulus coupling intervals. Arrhythmia recurrence was found only in patients with conduction delay at long extrastimulus coupling intervals, and patients with inducible AF were characterized by increased activation dispersion (activation dispersion time: 168 ± 29 ms vs. 136 ± 11 ms). Electrogram voltage and duration varied throughout the left atrium, between patients, and with pacing site but were not correlated with AF vulnerability or arrhythmia recurrence. Conclusions Within the single clinical entity of paroxysmal AF, incremental atrial pacing identified a spectrum of activation patterns correlating with AF vulnerability and arrhythmia recurrence. In contrast, electrogram morphology (characterized by electrogram voltage and duration) was highly variable and not associated with AF vulnerability or recurrence. An improved understanding of the electrical phenotype in AF could lead to improved mechanistic classifications.
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Key Words
- ADT, activation dispersion time
- AF substrate
- AF, atrial fibrillation
- CS, coronary sinus
- ED, electrogram duration
- ERP, effective refractory period
- EV, electrogram voltage
- HRA, high right atrium
- LA, left atrial
- PAF, paroxysmal AF
- S1S2block, the shortest S1S2 coupling interval that conducts from pacing site to left atrium
- S1S2delay, the shortest S1S2 coupling interval conducting without decrement to the left atrium
- atrial fibrillation
- atrial remodeling
- electrophysiology testing
- ΔED, rate dependence of electrogram duration
- ΔEV, rate dependence of electrogram voltage
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Williams
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick W F Linton
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - James Harrison
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Chubb
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Whitaker
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaswinder Gill
- Cardiovascular Division, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A Rinaldi
- Cardiovascular Division, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Reza Razavi
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Niederer
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Wright
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark O'Neill
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Imaging, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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26
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Sánchez J, Gomez JF, Martinez-Mateu L, Romero L, Saiz J, Trenor B. Heterogeneous Effects of Fibroblast-Myocyte Coupling in Different Regions of the Human Atria Under Conditions of Atrial Fibrillation. Front Physiol 2019; 10:847. [PMID: 31333496 PMCID: PMC6620707 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is characterized by alteration of the action potential (AP) propagation. Under persistent AF, myocytes undergo electrophysiological and structural remodeling, which involves fibroblast proliferation and differentiation, modifying the substrate for AP propagation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects on the AP of fibroblast-myocyte coupling during AF and its propagation in different regions of the atria. Methods: Isolated myocytes were coupled to different numbers of fibroblasts using the established AP models and tissue simulations were performed by randomly distributing fibroblasts. Fibroblast formulations were updated to match recent experimental data. Major ion current conductances of the myocyte model were modified to simulate AP heterogeneity in four different atrial regions (right atrium posterior wall, crista terminalis, left atrium posterior wall, and pulmonary vein) according to experimental and computational studies. Results: The results of the coupled myocyte-fibroblast simulations suggest that a more depolarized membrane potential and higher fibroblast membrane capacitance have a greater impact on AP duration and myocyte maximum depolarization velocity. The number of coupled fibroblasts and the stimulation frequency are determining factors in altering myocyte AP. Strand simulations show that conduction velocity tends to homogenize in all regions, while the left atrium is more likely to be affected by fibroblast and AP propagation block is more likely to occur. The pulmonary vein is the most affected region, even at low fibroblast densities. In 2D sheets with randomly placed fibroblasts, wavebreaks are observed in the low density (10%) central fibrotic zone and when fibroblast density increases (40%) propagation in the fibrotic region is practically blocked. At densities of 10 and 20% the width of the vulnerable window increases with respect to control but is decreased at 40%. Conclusion: Myocyte-fibroblast coupling characteristics heterogeneously affect AP propagation and features in the different atrial zones, and myocytes from the left atria are more sensitive to fibroblast coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Sánchez
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan F Gomez
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Martinez-Mateu
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucia Romero
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Beatriz Trenor
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Bioengineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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27
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Starreveld R, van der Does LJME, de Groot NMS. Anatomical hotspots of fractionated electrograms in the left and right atrium: do they exist? Europace 2019; 21:60-72. [PMID: 29688325 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euy059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Targeting of complex fractionated electrograms (CFEs) in the atria is not yet beneficial in treating drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). In order to gain insight into potential anatomical hotspots of fractionated electrograms, a structured literature search was performed. Methods and results PubMed was searched for studies describing fractionation during human atrial electrophysiological measurements (n = 565), of which 36 articles described the pre-ablation distribution of fractionated electrograms for the left atrium and/or right atrium in at least four regions. Fractionation was commonly found in high proportions within all regions of both atria, without clear preference for specific regions. Furthermore, no differences in the fractionation distribution between paroxysmal AF and persistent AF patients were observed. Conclusion Whereas atrial inhomogeneous conduction is widely believed to play a key role in AF initiation and perpetuation, different electrophysiological causes for fractionation and the influence of measurement properties complicate identification of the arrhythmogenic substrate. Thereby, simply targeting all CFEs would be short-sighted. Further research is warranted on how to distinguish 'physiologic CFEs' from 'pathologic CFEs', with only the latter reflecting potential targets for ablative therapy of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roeliene Starreveld
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette J M E van der Does
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Natasja M S de Groot
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, 's Gravendijkwal 230, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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28
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Ibrahim M, Panikker S, Lim E, Markides V, Wong T. Relevance of electrical connectivity between the coronary sinus and the left atrial appendage for the intentional electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage in treating persistent atrial fibrillation: Insights from the LEIO-AF study. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2018; 4:420-424. [PMID: 30228969 PMCID: PMC6140616 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mokhtar Ibrahim
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield, London, United Kingdom.,Cardiology Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sandeep Panikker
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Lim
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vias Markides
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Wong
- Cardiology Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Meo M, Pambrun T, Derval N, Dumas-Pomier C, Puyo S, Duchâteau J, Jaïs P, Hocini M, Haïssaguerre M, Dubois R. Noninvasive Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation Complexity in Relation to Ablation Characteristics and Outcome. Front Physiol 2018; 9:929. [PMID: 30065663 PMCID: PMC6056813 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The use of surface recordings to assess atrial fibrillation (AF) complexity is still limited in clinical practice. We propose a noninvasive tool to quantify AF complexity from body surface potential maps (BSPMs) that could be used to choose patients who are eligible for AF ablation and assess therapy impact. Methods: BSPMs (mean duration: 7 ± 4 s) were recorded with a 252-lead vest in 97 persistent AF patients (80 male, 64 ± 11 years, duration 9.6 ± 10.4 months) before undergoing catheter ablation. Baseline cycle length (CL) was measured in the left atrial appendage. The procedural endpoint was AF termination. The ablation strategy impact was defined in terms of number of regions ablated, radiofrequency delivery time to achieve AF termination, and acute outcome. The atrial fibrillatory wave signal extracted from BSPMs was divided in 0.5-s consecutive segments, each projected on a 3D subspace determined through principal component analysis (PCA) in the current frame. We introduced the nondipolar component index (NDI) that quantifies the fraction of energy retained after subtracting an equivalent PCA dipolar approximation of heart electrical activity. AF complexity was assessed by the NDI averaged over the entire recording and compared to ablation strategy. Results: AF terminated in 77 patients (79%), whose baseline AF CL was 177 ± 40 ms, whereas it was 157 ± 26 ms in patients with unsuccessful ablation outcome (p = 0.0586). Mean radiofrequency emission duration was 35 ± 21 min; 4 ± 2 regions were targeted. Long-lasting AF patients (≥12 months) exhibited higher complexity, with higher NDI values (≥12 months: 0.12 ± 0.04 vs. <12 months: 0.09 ± 0.03, p < 0.01) and short CLs (<160 ms: 0.12 ± 0.03 vs. between 160 and 180 ms: 0.10 ± 0.03 vs. >180 ms: 0.09 ± 0.03, p < 0.01). More organized AF as measured by lower NDI was associated with successful ablation outcome (termination: 0.10 ± 0.03 vs. no termination: 0.12 ± 0.04, p < 0.01), shorter procedures (<30 min: 0.09 ± 0.04 vs. ≥30 min: 0.11 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) and fewer ablation targets (<4: 0.09 ± 0.03 vs. ≥4: 0.11 ± 0.04, p < 0.01). Conclusions: AF complexity can be noninvasively quantified by PCA in BSPMs and correlates with ablation outcome and AF pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Meo
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas Pambrun
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Nicolas Derval
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | | | - Stéphane Puyo
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Josselin Duchâteau
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Jaïs
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Mélèze Hocini
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Michel Haïssaguerre
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Bordeaux University Hospital Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Electrophysiology and Ablation Unit, Pessac, France
| | - Rémi Dubois
- Institute of Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling (IHU Liryc), Foundation Bordeaux University, Pessac-Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,INSERM, CRCTB, U1045, Bordeaux, France
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30
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Galectin-3 in Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040976. [PMID: 29587379 PMCID: PMC5979515 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of atrial fibrillation is a complex mechanism, including extensive electrical and structural remodeling of the atria which involves progressive fibrogenesis. Galectin-3 is a biomarker of fibrosis, and, thus, may be involved in atrial remodeling in atrial fibrillation patients. We review the role of galectin-3 in AF mechanisms and its potential therapeutic implications.
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31
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Satriano A, Vigmond EJ, Schwartzman DS, Di Martino ES. Mechano-electric finite element model of the left atrium. Comput Biol Med 2018. [PMID: 29529527 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Mechanical stretch plays a major role in modulating atrial function, being responsible for beat-by-beat responses to changes in chamber preload, enabling a prompt regulation of cardiac function. Mechano-electric coupling (MEC) operates through many mechanisms and has many targets, making it experimentally difficult to isolate causes and effects especially under sinus conditions where effects are more transient and subtle. Therefore, modelling is a powerful tool to help understand the role of MEC with respect to the atrial electromechanical interaction. We propose a cellular-based computational model of the left atrium that includes a strongly coupled MEC component and mitral flow component to account for correct pressure generation in the atrial chamber as a consequence of blood volume and contraction. The method was applied to a healthy porcine left atrium. Results of the strongly coupled simulation show that strains are higher in the areas adjacent to the mitral annulus, the rim of the appendage, around the pulmonary venous trunks and at the location of the Bachmann's bundle, approximately between the mitral annulus and the region where the venous tissue transitions into atrial. These are regions where arrhythmias are likely to originate. The role of stretch-activated channels was very small for sinus rhythm for the single cardiac beat simulation, although tension development was very sensitive to stretch. The method could be applied to investigate potential therapeutic interventions acting on the mechano-electrical properties of the left atrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Satriano
- Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, The University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Edward J Vigmond
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada; LIRYC, Electrophysiology and Heart Modelling Institute, PTIB-Hopital Xavier Arnozan, Avenue Haut-Lévèque, Pessac, 33600, France; IMB, University of Bordeaux, 351 Cours de la Liberation, Talence, 33405, France
| | - David S Schwartzman
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Presbyterian, B535, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 2582, United States
| | - Elena S Di Martino
- Department of Civil Engineering, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta and Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education, The University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Mohanty S, Trivedi C, Gianni C, Della Rocca DG, Morris EH, Burkhardt JD, Sanchez JE, Horton R, Gallinghouse GJ, Hongo R, Beheiry S, Al-Ahmad A, Di Biase L, Natale A. Procedural findings and ablation outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation referred after two or more failed catheter ablations. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2017; 28:1379-1386. [DOI: 10.1111/jce.13329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanghamitra Mohanty
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | - Chintan Trivedi
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | - Carola Gianni
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | | | - Eli Hamilton Morris
- Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services; California Pacific Medical Center; San Francisco CA USA
| | - J. David Burkhardt
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | - Javier E. Sanchez
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | - Rodney Horton
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | | | - Richard Hongo
- Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services; California Pacific Medical Center; San Francisco CA USA
| | - Salwa Beheiry
- Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services; California Pacific Medical Center; San Francisco CA USA
| | - Amin Al-Ahmad
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
| | - Luigi Di Biase
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Montefiore Hospital; New York USA
| | - Andrea Natale
- Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute; St. David's Medical Center; Austin TX USA
- Electrophysiology and Arrhythmia Services; California Pacific Medical Center; San Francisco CA USA
- Metro Health Medical Center; Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; Cleveland OH USA
- Division of Cardiology; Stanford University; Stanford CA USA
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Jeganathan J, Saraf R, Mahmood F, Pal A, Bhasin MK, Huang T, Mittel A, Knio Z, Simons R, Khabbaz K, Senthilnathan V, Liu D, Sellke F, Matyal R. Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Atrial Tissue of Patients Developing Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation. Ann Thorac Surg 2017; 104:1547-1555. [PMID: 28760472 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitochondria are the major site of cellular oxidation. Metabolism and oxidative stress have been implicated as possible mechanisms for postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac operations. Establishing the precise nature of mitochondrial dysfunction as an etiologic factor for oxidative stress-related cell death and apoptosis could further the understanding of POAF. To establish this relationship, mitochondrial function was studied in patients undergoing cardiac operations that developed POAF and compared it with patients without POAF. METHODS Right atrial tissue and serum samples were collected from 85 patients before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. Microarray analysis (36 patients) and RNA sequencing (5 patients) were performed on serum and atrial tissues, respectively, for identifying significantly altered genes in patients who developed POAF. On the basis of these results, Western blot was performed in 52 patients for the genes that were most altered, and functional pathways were established. RESULTS POAF developed in 30.6% (n = 26) of patients. Serum microarray showed significant fold changes in the expression of 49 genes involved in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and amyloidosis (p < 0.05) in the POAF group. Similarly, RNA sequencing demonstrated an increased expression of genes associated with inflammatory response, fatty acid metabolism, and apoptosis in the POAF group (false discovery rate > 0.05). Immunoblotting showed a significant increase in TNFAIP6 (tumor necrosis factor, α-induced protein 6; p = 0.02) and transforming growth factor-β (p = 0.04) after cardiopulmonary bypass in the POAF group. There was a significant decrease in PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α; p = 0.002) and CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase I; p < 0.0005) in the POAF group after cardiopulmonary bypass. CONCLUSIONS Compared with patients without POAF, those with POAF demonstrated mitochondrial dysfunction at various levels that are suitable for potential pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelliffe Jeganathan
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rabya Saraf
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Feroze Mahmood
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anam Pal
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Manoj K Bhasin
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aaron Mittel
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ziyad Knio
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russell Simons
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kamal Khabbaz
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Venkatachalam Senthilnathan
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David Liu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frank Sellke
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Robina Matyal
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Ferrer-Albero A, Godoy EJ, Lozano M, Martínez-Mateu L, Atienza F, Saiz J, Sebastian R. Non-invasive localization of atrial ectopic beats by using simulated body surface P-wave integral maps. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181263. [PMID: 28704537 PMCID: PMC5509320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive localization of continuous atrial ectopic beats remains a cornerstone for the treatment of atrial arrhythmias. The lack of accurate tools to guide electrophysiologists leads to an increase in the recurrence rate of ablation procedures. Existing approaches are based on the analysis of the P-waves main characteristics and the forward body surface potential maps (BSPMs) or on the inverse estimation of the electric activity of the heart from those BSPMs. These methods have not provided an efficient and systematic tool to localize ectopic triggers. In this work, we propose the use of machine learning techniques to spatially cluster and classify ectopic atrial foci into clearly differentiated atrial regions by using the body surface P-wave integral map (BSPiM) as a biomarker. Our simulated results show that ectopic foci with similar BSPiM naturally cluster into differentiated non-intersected atrial regions and that new patterns could be correctly classified with an accuracy of 97% when considering 2 clusters and 96% for 4 clusters. Our results also suggest that an increase in the number of clusters is feasible at the cost of decreasing accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ferrer-Albero
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Eduardo J. Godoy
- Computational Multiscale Physiology Lab (CoMMLab), Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miguel Lozano
- Computational Multiscale Physiology Lab (CoMMLab), Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez-Mateu
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael Sebastian
- Computational Multiscale Physiology Lab (CoMMLab), Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Gregers E, Ahlberg G, Christensen T, Jabbari J, Larsen KO, Herfelt CB, Henningsen KM, Andreasen L, Thiis JJ, Lund J, Holme S, Haunsø S, Bentzen BH, Schmitt N, Svendsen JH, Olesen MS. Deep sequencing of atrial fibrillation patients with mitral valve regurgitation shows no evidence of mosaicism but reveals novel rare germline variants. Heart Rhythm 2017; 14:1531-1538. [PMID: 28549997 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Valvular heart disease is a strong predictor, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of somatic variants in AF candidate genes in an AF patient population undergoing surgery for mitral valve regurgitation (MVR) to determine whether these patients are genetically predisposed to AF. METHODS DNA was extracted from blood and left atrial tissue from 44 AF patients with MVR. Using next-generation sequencing, we investigated 110 genes using the HaloPlex Target Enrichment System. MuTect software was used for identification of somatic point variants. We functionally characterized selected variants using electrophysiologic techniques. RESULTS No somatic variants were identified in the cardiac tissue. Thirty-three patients (75%) had a rare germline variation in ≥1 candidate genes. Fourteen variants were novel. Fifteen variants were predicted damaging or likely damaging in ≥6 in silico predictions. We identified rare variants in genes never directly associated with AF: KCNE4, SCN4B, NEURL1, and CAND2. Interestingly, 7 patients (16%) had variants in genes involved in cellular potassium handling. The variants KCNQ1 (p.G272S) and KCNH2 (p.A913V) resulted in gain of function due to faster activation (KCNQ1) and slowed deactivation kinetics (KCNQ1, KCNH2). CONCLUSION We did not find any somatic variants in patients with AF and MVR. Surprisingly, we found that our cohort of non-lone AF patients might, like lone AF patients, be predisposed to AF by rare germline variants. Our findings emphasize the extent of still unknown factors in the pathogenesis of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Gregers
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gustav Ahlberg
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thea Christensen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Javad Jabbari
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine O Larsen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie B Herfelt
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer M Henningsen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Andreasen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens J Thiis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Lund
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Holme
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stig Haunsø
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo H Bentzen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicole Schmitt
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper H Svendsen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Morten S Olesen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratory for Molecular Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Matusik P, Lelakowski J, Malecka B, Bednarek J, Noworolski R. Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Treatment Options. J Atr Fibrillation 2017; 9:1450. [PMID: 28496929 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is leading cardiac arrhythmia with important clinical implications. Its diagnosis is usually made on the basis on 12-lead ECG or 24-hour Holter monitoring. More and more clinical evidence supports diagnostic use of cardiac event recorders and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED). Treatment options in patients with atrial fibrillation are extensive and are based on chosen rhythm and/or rate control strategy. The use and selected contraindications to AF related pharmacotherapy, including anticoagulants are shown. Nonpharmacological treatments, comorbidities and risk factors control remain mainstay in the treatment of patients with AF. Electrical cardioversion consists important choice in rhythm control strategy. Much progress has been made in the field of catheter ablation and cardiac surgery methods. Left atrial appendage occlusion/closure may be beneficial in patients with AF. CIED are used with clinical benefits in both, rhythm and rate control. Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices with different pacing modes have guaranteed place in the treatment of patients with AF. On the other hand, the concepts of permanent leadless cardiac pacing, atrial dyssynchrony syndrome treatment and His-bundle or para-Hisian pacing have been proposed. This review summarizes and discusses current and novel treatment options in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Matusik
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland.,Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Lelakowski
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland.,Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Malecka
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland.,Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Bednarek
- Department of Electrocardiology, The John Paul II Hospital, Kraków, Poland
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Kilicgedik A, Ç Efe S, Gürbüz AS, Acar E, Yılmaz MF, Erdoğan A, Kahveci G, Izgi IA, Kirma C. Left Atrial Mechanical Function and Aortic Stiffness in Middle-aged Patients with the First Episode of Atrial Fibrillation. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:143-148. [PMID: 28091404 PMCID: PMC5282669 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.197979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In the early stages of atrial remodeling, aortic stiffness might be an indication of an atrial myopathy, in particular, atrial fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between left atrial (LA) mechanical function, assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography, and aortic stiffness in middle-aged patients with the first episode of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This prospective study included 34 consecutive patients with the first episode of AF, who were admitted to Kartal Koşuyolu Research and Training Hospital between May 2013 and October 2015, and 31 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. During the 1st month (mostly in the first 2 weeks) following their first admission, 34 patients underwent the first pulse wave measurements. Then, 21 patients were recalled for their second pulse wave measurement at 11.8 ± 6.0 months following their initial admission. Echocardiographic and pulse wave findings were compared between these 34 patients and 31 healthy controls. We also compared the pulse wave and echocardiographic findings between the first and second measurements in 21 patients. Results: Pulse wave analysis showed no significant differences between the AF patients and healthy controls with respect to PWV (10.2 ± 2.5 m/s vs. 9.7 ± 2.1 m/s; P = 0.370), augmentation pressure (9.6 ± 7.4 mmHg vs. 9.1 ± 5.7 mmHg; P = 0.740), and aortic pulse pressure (AoPP; 40.4 ± 14.0 mmHg vs. 42.1 ± 7.6 mmHg, P = 0.550). The first LA positive peak of strain was inversely related to the augmentation pressure (r = −0.30; P = 0.02) and aortic systolic pressure (r = −0.26, P = 0.04). Comparison between the two consecutive pulse wave measurements in 21 patients showed similar results, except for AoPP. In 21 patients, the AoPP at the second measurement (45.1 ± 14.1 mmHg) showed a significant increase compared with AoPP at the first measurement (39.0 ± 10.6 mmHg, P = 0.028), which was also higher than that of healthy controls (42.1 ± 7.6 mmHg, P = 0.000). Conclusion: The association between aortic stiffness with reduced atrial strain and the key role of AoPP in the development of AF should be considered when treating nonvalvular AF patients with normal LA sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alev Kilicgedik
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Suleyman Ç Efe
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Ahmet S Gürbüz
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Emrah Acar
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Mehmet F Yılmaz
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Aslan Erdoğan
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Kahveci
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim A Izgi
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
| | - Cevat Kirma
- Department of Cardiology, Kartal Koşuyolu Heart Education and Research Hospital, Kartal, Istanbul 34846, Turkey
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Ramírez-Barrera JD, Agudelo-Uribe JF, Correa-Velásquez R, González-Rivera E. Fisiopatología de la fibrilación auricular. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE CARDIOLOGÍA 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rccar.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia in modern clinical practice, with an estimated prevalence of 1.5-2%. The prevalence of AF is expected to double in the next decades, progressing with age and increasingly becoming a global medical challenge. The first-line treatment for AF is often medical treatment with either rate control or anti-arrhythmic agents for rhythm control, in addition to anti-coagulants such as warfarin for stroke prevention in patient at risk. Catheter ablation has emerged as an alternative for AF treatment, which involves myocardial tissue lesions to disrupt the underlying triggers and substrates for AF. Surgical approaches have also been developed for treatment of AF, particularly for patients requiring concomitant cardiac surgery or those refractory to medical and catheter ablation treatments. Since the introduction of the Cox-Maze III, this procedure has evolved into several modern variations, including the use of alternative energy sources (Cox-Maze IV) such as radiofrequency, cryo-energy and microwave, as well as minimally invasive thoracoscopic epicardial approaches. Another recently introduced technique is the hybrid ablation approach, where in a single setting both epicardial thoracoscopic ablation lesions and endocardial catheter ablation lesions are performed by the cardiothoracic surgeon and cardiologist. There remains controversy surrounding the optimal approach for AF ablation, energy sources, and lesion sets employed. The goal of this article is review the history, classifications, pathophysiology and current treatment options for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Xu
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;; The Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jessica G Y Luc
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kevin Phan
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia;; The Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia;; Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Ciaccio EJ, Biviano AB, Iyer V, Garan H. Differences in continuous spectra of fractionated electrograms in paroxysmal versus persistent atrial fibrillation. Comput Biol Med 2016; 76:50-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ferrer A, Sebastián R, Sánchez-Quintana D, Rodríguez JF, Godoy EJ, Martínez L, Saiz J. Detailed Anatomical and Electrophysiological Models of Human Atria and Torso for the Simulation of Atrial Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141573. [PMID: 26523732 PMCID: PMC4629897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial arrhythmias, and specifically atrial fibrillation (AF), induce rapid and irregular activation patterns that appear on the torso surface as abnormal P-waves in electrocardiograms and body surface potential maps (BSPM). In recent years both P-waves and the BSPM have been used to identify the mechanisms underlying AF, such as localizing ectopic foci or high-frequency rotors. However, the relationship between the activation of the different areas of the atria and the characteristics of the BSPM and P-wave signals are still far from being completely understood. In this work we developed a multi-scale framework, which combines a highly-detailed 3D atrial model and a torso model to study the relationship between atrial activation and surface signals in sinus rhythm. Using this multi scale model, it was revealed that the best places for recording P-waves are the frontal upper right and the frontal and rear left quadrants of the torso. Our results also suggest that only nine regions (of the twenty-one structures in which the atrial surface was divided) make a significant contribution to the BSPM and determine the main P-wave characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ferrer
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Rafael Sebastián
- Computational Multiscale Physiology Lab (CoMMLab), Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Damián Sánchez-Quintana
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - José F. Rodríguez
- Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering Group (AMB), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain, and Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica “Giulio Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Eduardo J. Godoy
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Saiz
- Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería (Ci2B), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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Xue XD, Huang JH, Wang HS. Angiotensin II activates signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 via Rac1 in the atrial tissue in permanent atrial fibrillation patients with rheumatic heart disease. Cell Biochem Biophys 2015; 71:205-13. [PMID: 25151145 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-0186-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) often experience persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with adverse atrial structural remodeling (ASR) manifested by atrial fibrosis and left atrial enlargement. The aim of this study was to explore the potential molecular signaling mechanisms for atrial fibrosis and ASR. Twenty RHD patients with persistent AF and 10 RHD patients with sinus rhythm (Group A) were recruited in our study, which all underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Right atrial appendage (RAA) tissue samples were obtained from these patients during mitral/aortic valve replacement operation. The AF patients were further divided into two groups according to left atrial diameter (LAD): Group B with LAD ranging 50-65 mm and Group C with LAD >65 mm. Histological examinations were performed with hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining. Atrial angiotensin II (AngII) content was measured by ELISA. Rac1 and STAT3 protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated highly organized arrangement of atrial muscles in control Group A and significant derangement in both Group B and C AF patients with reduced cell density and increased cell size. Moreover, Masson's trichrome staining showed that atrial myocytes were surrounded by large trunks of collagen fibers in both Group B and C, but not in Group A. There was a positive correlation between atrial tissue fibrosis and LAD. AngII content was markedly higher in Group C than in Group B than in Group A, which was positively correlated with LAD. Similarly, Rac1 and STAT3 protein levels were found considerably higher in Group C and B than in Group A with excellent correlation to LAD. Our study unraveled for the first time the AngII/Rac1/STAT3 signaling as a mechanism for ASR thereby AF in a particular clinical setting-RHD patients with persistent AF and indicated inhibition of this pathway may help ameliorating adverse ASR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shenyang Northern Hospital, 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
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Sabashnikov A, Weymann A, Haldar S, Soliman RFB, Fatullayev J, Jones D, Hussain W, Choi YH, Zeriouh M, Dohmen PM, Popov AF, Markides V, Wong T, Bahrami T. Position of totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: an alternative method of conduction testing. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2015; 21:76-80. [PMID: 25904211 PMCID: PMC4418280 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.894239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in surgical techniques and understanding of the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation has led to the development of a less invasive thoracoscopic surgical treatment including video-assisted bilateral pulmonary vein isolation using bipolar radiofrequency ablation clamps. More recently, the same operation became possible via a totally thoracoscopic approach. In this paper we describe technical aspects of the thoracoscopic approach to surgical treatment of AF and discuss its features, benefits and limitations. Furthermore, we present a new alternative technique of conduction testing using endoscopic multi-electrode recording catheters. An alternative electrophysiological mapping strategy involves a multi-electrode recording catheter designed primarily for percutaneous endocardial electrophysiologic mapping procedure. According to our initial experience, the recordings obtained from the multi-electrode catheters positioned around the pulmonary veins are more accurate than the recordings obtained from the multifunctional ablation and pacing pen. The totally thoracoscopic surgical ablation approach is a feasible and efficient treatment strategy for atrial fibrillation. The conduction testing can be easily and rapidly performed using a multifunctional pen or multi-electrode recording catheter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Sabashnikov
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Weymann
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Shouvik Haldar
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rafik F B Soliman
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Javid Fatullayev
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - David Jones
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wajid Hussain
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yeong-Hoon Choi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Heart Center, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mohamed Zeriouh
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal M Dohmen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aron-Frederik Popov
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Vias Markides
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Wong
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
| | - Toufan Bahrami
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital, Harefield, United Kingdom
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Watanabe Y, Nakano Y, Hidaka T, Oda N, Kajihara K, Tokuyama T, Uchimura Y, Sairaku A, Motoda C, Fujiwara M, Kawazoe H, Matsumura H, Kihara Y. Mechanical and substrate abnormalities of the left atrium assessed by 3-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and electroanatomic mapping system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Heart Rhythm 2015; 12:490-497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Clementy N, Piver E, Benhenda N, Bernard A, Pierre B, Siméon E, Fauchier L, Pagès JC, Babuty D. Galectin-3 in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcme.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Till RJA, Cowie MR. Atrial Fibrillation In Heart Failure: New Directions In Diagnosis, Risk Assessment And Risk Reduction. J Atr Fibrillation 2014; 6:1036. [PMID: 27957060 PMCID: PMC5135237 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure and atrial fibrillation are common conditions which frequently co-exist. In patients with established systolic and diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke, mortality and reduces quality of life. Recent advances in implantable device technology have improved the detection of atrial fibrillation and reduced the time to intervention. Rate control remains the mainstay of treatment to improve symptoms in patients with heart failure. Currently evidence does not suggest that the routing use of a rhythm control strategy is beneficial, other than improving symptoms in patients resistant to or intolerant of rate control medications. Atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure is safe and may be effective in maintaining sinus rhythm. Patients with AF and heart failure have more severe strokes and require longer hospital admissions. Warfarin has traditionally been the drug of choice to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with AF and heart failure, although it use is no longer recommended in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm. Newer oral anticoagulants offer improved stroke prevention in patients with heart failure albeit at a higher drug cost. Alternative methods of stroke reduction such as left atrial appendage occlusion are emerging, although evidence for their benefit in patients with heart failure has not yet been published.
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Letsas KP, Efremidis M, Vlachos K, Karlis D, Lioni L, Asvestas D, Valkanas K, Mihas CC, Sideris A. The impact of catheter ablation in the interpulmonary isthmus on atrial fibrillation ablation outcomes: a randomized study. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2014; 25:709-13. [PMID: 24597730 DOI: 10.1111/jce.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have underscored the importance of the interpulmonary isthmus in the initiation and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). The efficacy of additional radiofrequency energy delivery in the interpulmonary isthmus following pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) was investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 76 patients (49 males, mean age 56.8 ± 10.3) with drug-resistant paroxysmal (n = 64) and short-lasting persistent AF (n = 12) underwent PVAI. Patients were then randomly assigned to receive either "no further ablation" (group I, n = 38) or additional lesions in the interpulmonary isthmus of both ipsilateral pulmonary veins (group II, n = 38). There were no significant differences between study groups regarding the clinical and echocardiographic data. A trend towards a longer fluoroscopy time was observed in group II (P = 0.076). After a mean follow-up period of 11.1 ± 2.6 months, 22 patients in group I (57.9%) and 25 patients in group II (65.8%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence without any antiarrhythmic drug treatment after a single ablation procedure. The Kaplan-Meier arrhythmia-free survival curves showed no significant differences between study groups (P = 0.460). CONCLUSIONS Additional lesions in the interpulmonary isthmus following PVAI do not have incremental value in preventing AF recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos P Letsas
- Second Department of Cardiology, Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Evangelismos General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Cox JL. A brief overview of surgery for atrial fibrillation. Ann Cardiothorac Surg 2014; 3:80-8. [PMID: 24516803 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2225-319x.2014.01.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The Maze procedure was the first surgical technique developed to ablate, rather than isolate, atrial fibrillation and was first performed clinically in 1987. The experimental and clinical electrophysiological maps on which the Maze procedure was based demonstrated the presence of two or more large (5-6 cm diameter) macro-reentrant circuits during established atrial fibrillation (AF). Eleven years later, focal triggers were identified, primarily in and around the pulmonary veins, and were shown to be responsible for the induction of individual episodes of AF. Thus, it became clear that episodes of paroxysmal AF could be treated in most patients by isolating or ablating the region of the pulmonary veins, but that once AF became non-paroxysmal and thus dependent upon the macro-reentrant circuits for its maintenance, it would still be necessary to perform some type of additional procedure to interrupt those circuits. Approximately 100,000 patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve surgery in the US also have associated AF, but only 20% of them undergo a concomitant procedure to ablate the AF. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that treating the AF at the time of these other primary operations results in an improved quality of life, fewer long-term strokes and improved long-term survival while adding no risk to the overall surgical procedure. Moreover, the major cardiology and surgery societies recommend that concomitant AF surgery be performed in all cases when feasible. Patients undergoing CABG and AVR who have paroxysmal AF should undergo pulmonary vein isolation, while those with non-paroxysmal AF (persistent or long-standing persistent AF) should have a Maze procedure. Patients undergoing mitral valve surgery who have either paroxysmal AF or non-paroxysmal AF should undergo a Maze procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Cox
- Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Emeritus, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Obel O, Joglar JA. Unveiling the remodeled atrium: lessons from the early recurrence of atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2013; 25:168-70. [PMID: 24237906 DOI: 10.1111/jce.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Owen Obel
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Baranchuk A, Gorenek B, Veenhuyzen GD, Caldwell J. Hot potatoes in AF. Curr Cardiol Rev 2012; 8:251-2. [PMID: 23256536 PMCID: PMC3492808 DOI: 10.2174/157340312803760776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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