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

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

Learning Curve Analyses for Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing with Conventional Stylet-Driven Pacing Leads.

Background: Physiological conduction system pacing has attracted attention to overcome the dyssynchrony problems of conventional right ventricular pacing (RVP). Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), which complements short combing of His bundle pacing (HBP), has emerged and has proven its efficiency and safety. In addition, initial experiences of LBBAP were mainly using lumen-less pacing lead, and the feasibility of stylet-driven pacing lead (SDL) was also established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the learning curve for LBBAP using SDL. Methods: The study enrolled 265 patients who underwent LBBAP or RVP performed by operators without previous LBBAP experience at Yonsei University Severance Hospital in Korea between December 2020 and October 2021. LBBAP was performed using SDL with an extendable helix. The learning curve was evaluated by analyzing fluoroscopy and procedure times. And, before and after reaching the learning curve, we evaluated how much the time required for the LBBAP differed from the time required for the RVP. Results: LBBAP was successful in 50 of 50 (100.0%) patients left bundle branch pacing was successful in 49 of 50 (98.0%). In 50 patients who underwent LBBAP, mean fluoroscopy and procedural times were 15.1 ± 13.5 minutes and 59.9 ± 24.8 minutes, respectively. The plateau of fluoroscopy time reached in the 25th case and the plateau of procedure time reached in the 24th case. Conclusion: During the initial experience with LBBAP, fluoroscopy and procedural times improved with increasing operator experience. For operators who were experienced in cardiac pacemaker implantation, the steepest part of the learning curve was over the first 24-25 cases. It is shorter than the previously reported learning curves of HBP.

Late recurrence of atrial fibrillation 5 years after catheter ablation: predictors and outcome.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a chronic progressive disease that continuously recurs even after successful AF catheter ablation (AFCA). We explored the mechanism of long-term recurrence by comparing patient characteristics and redo-ablation findings. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among the 4248 patients who underwent a de novo AFCA and protocol-based rhythm follow-up at a single centre, we enrolled 1417 patients [71.7% male, aged 60.0 (52.0-67.0) years, 57.9% paroxysmal AF] who experienced clinical recurrences (CRs), and divided them according to the period of recurrence: within one year (n = 645), 1-2 years (n = 339), 2-5 years (n = 308), and after 5 years (CR>5 yr, n = 125). We also compared the redo-mapping and ablation outcomes of 198 patients. In patients with CR>5 yr, the proportion of paroxysmal AF was higher (P = 0.031); however, the left atrial (LA) volume (quantified by computed tomography, P = 0.003), LA voltage (P = 0.003), frequency of early recurrence (P < 0.001), and use of post-procedure anti-arrhythmic drugs (P < 0.001) were lower. A CR>5 yr was independently associated with a low LA volume [odds ratio (OR) 0.99 (0.98-1.00), P = 0.035], low LA voltage [OR 0.61 (0.38-0.94), P = 0.032], and lower early recurrence [OR 0.40 (0.23-0.67), P < 0.001]. Extra-pulmonary vein triggers during repeat procedures were significantly greater in patients with a CR>5 yr, despite no difference in the de novo protocol (P for trend 0.003). The rhythm outcomes of repeat ablation procedures did not differ according to the timing of the CR (log-rank P = 0.330). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a later CR exhibited a smaller LA volume, lower LA voltage, and higher extra-pulmonary vein triggers during the repeat procedure, suggesting AF progression.

Electrophysiological significance of the interatrial conduction including cavo-tricuspid isthmus during atrial fibrillation.

KEY POINTS: The interatrial conduction, including Bachmann's bundle, the posterior septal conduction, the anterior septal conduction, and the cavo-tricuspid isthmus, contributes to the maintenance mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in a 3D biatrial model. The interatrial conduction ablation including a cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation significantly affects the wave dynamics of atrial fibrillation (AF) and facilitates the AF termination or atrial tachycardia conversion of the AF after the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation. Additional cavo-tricuspid isthmus ablation after the circumferential pulmonary vein isolation improves long-term rhythm outcome after clinical AF catheter ablation. ABSTRACT: Although it is known that atrial fibrillation (AF) is mainly a left atrial (LA) disease, the role of the right atrium (RA) and interatrial conduction (IAC), including the cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI), has not been clearly defined. We tested AF wave dynamics with or without IAC in computational modelling and the rhythm outcome of AF catheter ablation (AFCA) including CTI ablation in clinical cohort data. We evaluated the dominant frequency (DF) in 3D biatrial AF simulations integrated with 3D-computed tomograms obtained from 10 patients. The IAC was implemented at Bachmann's bundle, posterior septum and the CTI. After virtual circumferential PV isolation (CPVI), we disconnected IACs one by one, and observed the wave dynamics. We compared the long-term rhythm outcome after CPVI alone and additional CTI ablation in 846 patients with AFCA. LA-DF was higher than RA-DF in AF (P < 0.001). After CPVI, the DF decreased significantly by additional IAC ablation (P = 0.003), especially in the LA (P = 0.016). The amount of DF reduction (P = 0.020) and rates of AF termination (P < 0.001) or AT conversion (P = 0.021) were significantly higher after IAC ablations including CTI than those without. In clinical AFCA, the AF recurrence rate was significantly lower in patients with additional CTI ablation than CPVI alone during 25 ± 20 months' follow-up (hazard ratio 0.60 [0.46-0.79], P < 0.001, Log rank P < 0.001). IAC contributes to the maintenance mechanism of AF, and IAC including CTI ablation affects AF wave dynamics, facilitating AF termination in 3D biatrial modelling. Additional CTI ablation after CPVI improves the long-term rhythm outcome in clinical AFCA, potentially in a paroxysmal type with accompanying atrial flutter, or atrial dimension close to normal.

The optimal drug adherence to maximize the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in real-world atrial fibrillation patients.

AIMS: To investigate the association between adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and clinical outcomes and to determine the optimal cut-off level of NOAC adherence among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 96 197 patients with non-valvular AF who initiated NOAC or warfarin in 2013-16. We compared clinical outcomes between adherent [proportion of days covered (PDC) ≥80%] vs. non-adherent (PDC <80%) NOAC users, and further with warfarin users. We assessed the outcomes according to different levels of adherence. The proportion of adherent NOAC users was 64.0%. Compared with non-adherent NOAC users, adherent NOAC users were at lower risks of ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism (SE) [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-0.79], and myocardial infarction (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.93), whereas there was no significant risk alteration for major bleeding (aHR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91-1.11). Compared with warfarin, non-adherent NOAC use failed to have better efficacy against ischaemic stroke/SE (aHR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93-1.05) and rather had increased risk of myocardial infarction (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.25). In NOAC users, the risks of adverse outcomes decreased according to gradual increase of adherence rates with the lowest risks in ≥90%, except for major bleeding in which there were no significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: In an adherence level-dependent fashion, adherent use of NOAC showed better clinical outcomes without increasing bleeding risk. Maintaining ≥90% of adherence optimizes effectiveness of NOAC therapy without compromising its safety.

Blunted rate-dependent left atrial pressure response during isoproterenol infusion in atrial fibrillation patients with impaired left ventricular diastolic function: a comparison to pacing.

AIMS: A heart rate (HR)-dependent haemodynamic linkage between peak left atrial (LA) pressure during sinus rhythm (LAPpeak) and estimated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (E/Em) has not yet been explored. We hypothesized that rate-dependent LAPpeak response differs depending on E/Em in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 331 patients (68.0% male, 59.8 ± 10.8 years old) undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF were included, and their LAPpeak in sinus rhythm was recorded at the beginning of the procedure and at the HRs of 90, 100, 110, and 120 b.p.m. during right atrial pacing and isoproterenol (ISO-stress) infusion. We compared LAPpeak changes between patients with E/Em ≥ 15 (n = 58) and those with <15 (n = 273). (i) The patterns of pacing rate-dependent LAPpeak increase were similar in both the E/Em < 15 (P < 0.001) and E/Em ≥ 15 groups (P = 0.002). (ii) The ISO-stress reduced LAPpeak in patients with E/Em < 15 (P = 0.015), but not in those with E/Em ≥ 15 (P = 0.582). (iii) Paradoxical ISO-stress LAP elevation in patients with E/Em ≥ 15 was independently associated with 1-year follow-up E/Em reduction (B = -4.07, 95% CI -5.41 to -2.72, P < 0.001). Coexistence of E/Em ≥ 15 and ISO-stress LAP elevation increased specificity in predicting 1-year follow-up E/Em reduction after AF ablation than E/Em alone. CONCLUSION: Isoproterenol LAPpeak reduction was blunted in patients with impaired LV diastolic function estimated by E/Em ≥ 15. The improvement of LV diastolic dysfunction 1 year after AF ablation was independently associated with both paradoxical ISO-stress LAP elevation and E/Em ≥ 15 at the time of procedure. CLINICALTRIALSGOV: NCT02138695.

Clinical Characteristics and Rhythm Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Myopathy After Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Although successful atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can maintain sinus rhythm and reduce the left atrial (LA) dimension, blunted LA reverse remodeling can be observed in patients with atrial myopathy. We explored the potential mechanisms and long-term outcomes in patients with blunted LA reverse remodeling after successful AF catheter ablation. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 1685 patients who underwent baseline and 1-year follow-up echocardiograms, had a baseline LA dimension ≥40 mm, and did not have a recurrence of AF within a year. The patients were divided into tertile groups according to the delta value of the change in LA dimension on the preprocedure and 1-year postprocedure echocardiography. After propensity score matching for age, sex, AF type, and LA dimension, 1272 patients were finally included in the analyses (424 in each group; the least/blunted, moderate, and the most reverse remodeling group). The patients in the T1 group (blunted LA reverse remodeling) were independently associated with higher left ventricular mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.014 [95% CI, 1.005-1.022], P=0.001), change in ΔH2FPEF score (heavy, hypertensive, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary hypertension, elder, filling pressure) score (OR, 1.445 [95% CI, 1.121-1.861], P=0.004), ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume (OR, 1.010 [95% CI, 1.003-1.017], P=0.003), thinner LA wall thickness (OR, 0.461 [95% CI, 0.271-0.785], P=0.004), lower LA voltage (OR, 0.670 [95% CI, 0.499-0.899], P=0.008), and showed higher long-term AF recurrence (log-rank P<0.001) than other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation, which is suggestive of atrial myopathy, was independently associated with a larger ventricular epicardial adipose tissue volume and worsening of H2FPEF score. Blunted LA reverse remodeling after AF catheter ablation was also an independent predictor for higher recurrences of AF post-1-year AF catheter ablation.

Sex difference in atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drugs.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of recurrence after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (AFCA) is higher in women than in men. However, it is unknown whether a sex difference exists in antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) responsiveness among patients with recurrence. METHODS: Among 2999 consecutive patients (26.5% women, 58.3±10.9 years old, 68.1% paroxysmal AF) who underwent de novo AFCA, we compared and evaluated the sex differences in rhythm outcome in 1094 patients with recurrence and in 788 patients who subsequently underwent rhythm control with AAD. RESULTS: During a follow-up of 48.2±34.9 months, 1094 patients (36.5%) had AF recurrence after AFCA, and 508 of 788 patients (64.5%) had AF recurrence under AAD. Although the rhythm outcome of a de novo AFCA was worse (log-rank p=0.041, HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.59), p=0.031) in women, AAD response after postprocedural recurrences was better in women than in men (log-rank p=0.003, HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95, p=0.022), especially in women older than 60 years old (log-rank p=0.003). In 249 patients who underwent repeat procedure after AAD use, the pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection rate (62.7% vs 76.8%, p=0.048) was lower in women than in men but not the existence of extra-PV trigger (37.8% vs 25.4%, p=0.169). CONCLUSIONS: Although women showed worse rhythm outcomes than men after AFCA, the post-AFCA AAD response was better in elderly women than in men. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02138695.

Efficacy and safety of dronedarone versus placebo in patients with atrial fibrillation stratified according to renal function: Post hoc analyses of the EURIDIS-ADONIS trials.

BACKGROUND: The use of antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complex because impaired renal clearance can cause increased drug levels, and risk of intolerance or adverse events. Due to the propensity for CKD to occur alongside atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL), it is essential that AAD safety and efficacy are assessed for patients with CKD. HYPOTHESIS: Dronedarone, an approved AAD, may present a suitable therapeutic option for patients with AF/AFL and concomitant CKD. METHODS: EURIDIS-ADONIS (EURIDIS, NCT00259428; ADONIS, NCT00259376) were identically designed, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trials investigating AF/AFL control with dronedarone 400 mg twice daily versus placebo (randomized 2:1). In this post hoc analysis, the primary endpoint was time to first AF/AFL. Patients were stratified according to renal function using the CKD-Epidemiology Collaboration equation and divided into estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) subgroups of 30-44, 45-59, 60-89, and ≥90 ml/min. Time-to-events between treatment groups were compared using log-rank testing and Cox regression. RESULTS: At baseline, most (86%) patients demonstrated a mild or mild-to-moderate eGFR decrease. Median time to first AF/AFL recurrence was significantly longer with dronedarone versus placebo for all eGFR subgroups except the 30 to 44 ml/min group, where the trend was similar but statistical power may have been limited by the small population. eGFR stratification had no significant effect on serious adverse events, deaths, or treatment discontinuations. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis suggests that dronedarone could be an effective therapeutic option for AF with an acceptable safety profile in patients with impaired renal function.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between multiple antithrombotic therapy versus left atrial appendage occlusion with dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation.

BACKGROUND: Complex antithrombotic regimens are recommended for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation but carry high bleeding risk. HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to evaluate whether left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) improve clinical outcomes when compared with multiple antithrombotic therapy (MAT) in patients with AF undergoing DES implantation. METHODS: Among 475 AF patients who underwent DES, 41 patients treated by LAAO with DAPT and 434 patients on MAT were compared. MAT was defined as any combination of warfarin-based antithrombotic therapy. Among the MAT group, 34.8% were on triple antithrombotic therapy. The primary endpoint was a net adverse clinical event (NACE), a composite of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and major bleeding. Secondary endpoints were CVA, major bleeding, major adverse cardiac and cerebral event (MACCE), MI, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death. Additional analysis between the new oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-based antithrombotic therapy group (n = 45) and the LAAO group was performed for the same endpoints. To adjust the confounding factors, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied during the endpoint analysis. RESULTS: The LAAO group showed higher incidences of diabetes mellitus, prior CVA, higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.56±1.55 vs. 2.96±1.60; P<0.0001), and higher HAS-BLED score (3.24±1.20 vs. 2.13±0.75; P<0.0001). NACE occurred less frequently in the LAAO group than the MAT group at 24 months (9.4% vs. 15.3%; hazard ratio 0.274; 95% confidence interval 0.136 - 0.553; P = 0.0003), mainly driven by the reduction in major bleeding (2.4% vs. 9.3%; hazard ratio 0.119; 95% confidence interval 0.032 - 0.438; P = 0.001). The LAAO group with greater thrombotic and hemorrhagic risks showed comparable primary/secondary outcomes with the NOAC-based anti-thrombotic therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with AF who underwent DES implantation, the LAAO group had better net clinical outcomes for preventing CVA and major bleeding than the MAT group. Further large-scale trials including comparisons with NOACs are warranted.

Atrial activation time and pattern of linear triple-site vs. single-site atrial pacing after cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation.

AIMS: Multisite atrial pacing has been suggested to be effective in suppressing atrial fibrillation (AF), however, the effect of linear triple-site atrial pacing (LTSP) in humans has not been evaluated. We compared the effects of LTSP to single-site atrial pacing (SSP) on the atrial activation and wavefront propagation pattern in patients with persistent AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 10 patients with persistent AF, the effects of LTSP and SSP were evaluated by left atrial (LA) endocardial non-contact multielectrode array mapping and multipolar catheters. LTSP and SSP were delivered from the high right atrium (HRA), the distal coronary sinus (CS), and within the LA at the site showing maximal overlay of low-voltage zones during sinus rhythm and pacing at HRA and CS. Atrial activation time and pattern, P wave duration, and the prevention of AF induced by burst pacing were assessed with these pacing interventions. Compared with SSP, LTSP at the HRA, CS, and LA shortened atrial activation times (183 +/- 24 vs. 174 +/- 24 ms, 186 +/- 29 vs. 166 +/- 28 ms, and 171 +/- 40 vs. 163 +/- 39 ms; P < 0.05, respectively). P wave duration was shorter with LTSP than SSP at all three sites (141.7 +/- 35.1 vs. 146.9 +/- 38.5 ms, 138.1 +/- 34.6 vs. 145.7 +/- 33.7 ms, and 142.7 +/- 33.4 vs. 151.3 +/- 35.1 ms; P < 0.05, respectively). LTSP initially depolarized a larger area than SSP, and produced more uniform and planar wavefront propagation. LTSP prevented the burst-induction of AF during LA pacing in 3 of 10 patients, while SSP was never successful. CONCLUSION: In patients with persistent AF, LTSP provided more rapid and uniform activation of the atria compared with SSP, which was associated with prevention of burst-induction of AF in some patients. Further study is required to determine whether LTSP can modify the substrate of chronic AF, leading to frank AF suppression.

Characteristics of complex fractionated atrial electrogram in the electroanatomically remodeled left atrium of patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) guided ablation is effective in some patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF), but the pattern of CFAE may be different in the remodeled left atrium (LA). METHODS AND RESULTS: In 100 AF patients (83 males, 55.0+/-10.6 years old) with AF (51 paroxysmal AF (PAF), 49 PeAF) who underwent catheter ablation, CFAE cycle length (CL) and distribution (NavX 3D map) were compared according to the LA volume (3D-CT) and endocardial voltage (during high right atrial pacing 500-ms (Vol(PACE)) and AF (Vol(AF); NavX). The mean CFAE-CL was longer (P=0.003) and the % area CFAE was smaller (P=0.006) in patients with LA >or=125 ml than those with <125 ml. The mean CFAE-CL was longer in patients with Vol(PACE) <1.7 mV than those with >or=1.7 mV (P=0.002) and in Vol(AF) <0.7 mV than >or=0.7 mV (P<0.001). The % area CFAE was smaller in patients with Vol(PACE) <1.7 mV than those with >or=1.7 mV (P=0.006). The incidence of septal CFAE was consistently high, regardless of the degree of LA remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: In the AF patients with an electroanatomically remodeled LA, the % area of CFAE was smaller and mean CFAE-CL was longer than in those with a less remodeled LA. However, the majority of CFAE are consistently positioned on the septum in the remodeled LA.

Mechanisms of Long-Term Recurrence 3 Years After Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored the potential mechanisms of long-term recurrence (LTR) of atrial fibrillation (AF) 3 years after AF catheter ablation (AFCA). BACKGROUND: AF is a progressive disease, and the mechanism underlying long-term recurrence after AFCA is unclear. METHODS: Among 2,209 consecutive patients who underwent AFCA, 1,325 (age 59 ± 11 years, 72.5% male) who underwent regular rhythm follow-ups for >3 years were enrolled. Among them, 659 patients remained in sinus rhythm (SR), 327 recurred after 3 to 12 months (short-term recurrence [STR]), 235 after 1 to 3 years (mid-term recurrence [MTR]), and 104 after 3 years (long-term recurrence [LTR]). Two hundred-eighteen recurrent patients underwent repeat procedures: 112, 80, and 26 in the STR, MTR, and LTR groups, respectively. RESULTS: The pre-ablation left-atrial (LA) dimensions were larger in the STR (p < 0.001) and MTR groups (p < 0.001) but not in the LTR group compared with the SR group. Low LA voltages were independently associated with an LTR (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.57 [0.36 to 0.92]; p = 0.022). Upon the redo mapping, the number of reconnected pulmonary veins (PVs) was 2.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 0 to 3), 1.5 (IQR: 0 to 3), and 1.0 (IQR: 0 to 2) in the STR, MTR, and LTR groups, respectively (p = 0.030). Post-ablation extra PV triggers were more commonly found in the LTR than STR or MTR groups (LTR 40.9% to STR 19.2%; p = 0.014) during the second procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The LTR group had a similar baseline LA size and significantly lower LA voltage than the SR group. In the repeat procedures, the LTR group had fewer reconnected PVs, but extra PV triggers were more common than in the STR and MTR groups.

Clinical significance of complete conduction block of the left lateral isthmus and its relationship with anatomical variation of the vein of Marshall in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The vein of Marshall (VOM), which exists along the left lateral isthmus (LLI), constitutes a muscular connection between the coronary sinus (CS) and the left atrium (LA). We hypothesized that anatomical variation of the VOM affects the bidirectional block of LLI and the clinical outcome in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (NPAF). METHODS: Among 73 patients with NPAF, 54 patients (47 male, 54.1 +/- 10.4 years old) with a clearly visible VOM (74.0%) were included. After circumferential antral ablation, double linear endocardial ablation of LLI was performed along the VOM. Unless LLI block was achievable by endocardial ablation, the ablation was performed inside the CS. RESULTS: LLI block was achievable in 35 patients (64.8%; 11.1% by endocardial ablation vs 53.7% by additional inside CS ablation; P < 0.01). In patients with failed LLI block, the VOM was significantly longer (P < 0.05) on the right anterior oblique (RAO) view than in those with successful LLI block. LA volume or LLI length measured by CT image were not different (P = NS). During 11.4 +/- 5.0 months follow-up, early recurrences within 3 months (47.4% vs 28.6%, P = NS) and recurrences after 3 months (10.5% vs 17.7%, P = NS) were not different with or without LLI block. CONCLUSION: LLI block, which is more difficult to achieve in patients with a longer VOM, was achievable in 65% of patients with NPAF by linear ablation along the VOM and additional inside CS ablation, but did not affect the short-term clinical outcome.

The Electrical Isolation of the Left Atrial Posterior Wall in Catheter Ablation of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether complete electrical isolation of the left atrial (LA) posterior wall improves the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Although the STAR AF2 (Substrate and Trigger Ablation for Reduction of Atrial Fibrillation Trial Part II) proved no additional benefit of empirical extra-pulmonary vein (PV) LA ablation, the long-term recurrence rate after circumferential PV isolation (CPVI) alone remains high. METHODS: We randomly assigned 217 patients with persistent AF (83.1% men, age 58.7 ± 10.8 years, 73.3% long-standing persistent AF) to ablation with CPVI alone (CPVI group) or CPVI with a POsterior wall Box Isolation (POBI group). The endpoint of the POBI group was the elimination of the posterior atrial potentials by roof and posterior inferior lines and touch-up focal ablation. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 16.2 ± 8.8 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the 2 groups (23.8% vs. 26.5%; p = 0.779) in the CPVI and POBI groups. The recurrence rate for atrial tachycardias (16.0% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.913) and cardioversion rates (6.7% vs. 13.7%; p = 0.093) to control clinical recurrences also did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. At the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drug in 50.5% and 55.9% in the CPVI and POBI groups, respectively (p = 0.522). No significant difference was found in the major complication rates between the 2 groups, but the total ablation time was significantly longer in the POBI group (4,289 ± 1,837 s vs. 5,365 ± 2,358 s; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent AF, an empirical complete POBI did not improve the rhythm outcome of catheter ablation or influence the type of recurrent atrial arrhythmia. (Comparison of Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation Alone Versus Linear Ablation in Addition to Circumferential Pulmonary Vein Isolation for Catheter Ablation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial; NCT02721121).

Is empirical four pulmonary vein isolation necessary for focally triggered paroxysmal atrial fibrillation? Comparison of selective pulmonary vein isolation versus empirical four pulmonary vein isolation.

BACKGROUND: We questioned whether the empirical four pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (EmPVI) was necessary in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) triggered from clearly and reproducibly defined arrhythmogenic PVs. METHODS: We compared the selective or ipsilateral isolation of the PVs triggering AF (SePVI: n = 42) and EmPVI (n = 35) in 77 patients (males 80.5%, mean age 53.0 +/- 13.4 years) with PAF who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). Arrhythmogenic PVs were identified by the immediate recurrence of AF three consecutive times after cardioverting AF. RESULTS: (1) The duration of the RF energy deliveries (P < 0.01) and total procedure time (P < 0.01) were shorter for the SePVI than the EmPVI. (2) During a mean follow-up of 38.6 +/- 23.1 months, the AF recurrence rate was 38.1% in the SePVI group and 25.7% in the EmPVI group (P = NS). (3) A redo-ablation was performed in 25 patients, and 81.0% of the recurrent arrhythmogenic foci were found at a previously ablated PV or ipsilateral PV. (4) In 15.4% of the SePVI and 20.0% of the EmPVI procedures, AF recurred after 32.5 +/- 15.2 months of the redo-ablation. Subsequently, the AF-free rate for each group was 88.1% (37/42) in the SePVI group and 91.4% (32/35) in the EmPVI group (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with clearly documented arrhythmogenic PVs, the SePVI of the PV triggering the AF or an ipsilateral PV had a comparable long-term success rate and shorter RF energy delivery and procedure times than the EmPVI.

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants have better efficacy and equivalent safety compared to warfarin in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with atrial fibrillation (AF), depending on dose and/or renal function. METHODS: After systematically searching the databases (Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SCOPUS, and Web of Science), 5 phase III randomized controlled trials and reported data according to subgroups of elderly/non-elderly AF patients, comparing any NOACs and warfarin were included. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were stroke/systemic thromboembolism and major bleeding. RESULTS: (1) NOACs showed better efficacy than warfarin in elderly patients [RR 0.83 (0.69-1.00), p=0.04, I2=55%], but equivalent efficacy in non-elderly patients. (2) NOACs reduced major bleeding compared to warfarin in non-elderly (p<0.001) and had comparable safety to warfarin in elderly patients. (3) Even in elderly patients with moderately impaired renal function, NOACs had a safety profile comparable to that of warfarin for major bleeding if dose reduction was reached appropriately [pooled RR 0.82 (0.35-1.88), p=0.63, I2=63%]. (4) All-cause mortality was lower with NOACs in non-elderly patients [RR 0.89 (0.83-0.95), p=0.001, I2=0%], and with standard-dose NOAC group of elderly patients [RR 0.93 (0.86-1.00), p=0.04, I2=0%] compared to warfarin. CONCLUSIONS: For elderly patients (aged ≥75 years), NOACs showed better efficacy and equivalent safety compared to warfarin even in those with moderately impaired renal function. All-cause mortality was lower with standard-dose NOACs compared to warfarin in the elderly patient group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: The protocol of this meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO under CRD42016047922 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42016047922).

Delayed left atrial appendage contrast filling in computed tomograms after percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for the follow-up of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is performing transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) at 45 days after LAAO; however, the duration for complete LAA seal-off after percutaneous LAAO is unknown in humans. We retrospectively evaluated the LAA contrast-filling (CF) rate in follow-up cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans after LAAO. METHODS: We included 35 patients (age 67.5±10.9 years, CHA2DS2VASc 4.2±1.6, HAS-BLED 3.7±1.5) who underwent LAAO [16 WATCHMAN, 19 Amplatzer cardiac plug (ACP)] and follow-up cardiac CT within 6 months after LAAO, and evaluated the LAA-CF rates. Eighteen patients (51.4%) underwent multiple episodes of CT follow-up. RESULTS: 1. The proportions of patients with LAA-CF were 54.2% (19/35) at 6 months, 55.5% (5/9) at 6-18 months, and 33.3% (3/9) at >18 months after LAAO. 2. Among 23 patients with no peridevice leak at the 2 months TEE, LAA-CFs were found in 12 patients at 2.8±1.5 months (66.6% in WATCHMAN and 36.3% in ACP; p=0.158). 3. Among eight patients with consecutive follow-up CT (≥3 times), LAA-CFs were partially reduced in three; however, there was no complete LAA seal-off at 19.0±11.3 months. 4. A larger LAA landing zone diameter was independently associated with LAA-CF in follow-up CT [OR 1.45 (1.08-1.96), p=0.013, adjusted for age, sex, and device type]. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed LAA-CF is common after LAAO, with considerable discrepancies between cardiac CT and TEE findings. Although the clinical significance of LAA-CF is unclear, 45 days seem to be insufficient for complete LAA seal-off after LAAO.

Advanced Left Atrial Remodeling and Appendage Contractile Dysfunction in Women Than in Men Among the Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Potential Mechanism for Stroke.

BACKGROUND: The risk of stroke imposed by atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly greater in women than men; however, the mechanism remains elusive. We hypothesized that left atrial (LA) remodeling and poor contractile function of LA appendage (LAA) would be more predominant in women than men among AF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 579 AF patients (216 women vs age-, AF type-, and incidences of heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and vascular disease-matched 363 men, 61.3±10.2 years old, 70.1% paroxysmal AF) who underwent AF catheter ablation were included. Sex differences in LA volume index (LAVI) and LAA emptying flow velocity (FV) were analyzed in risk factor 0, 1, and ≥2 groups, according to their CHA2DS2-VASc scores beyond sex category. LAA-FV was more significantly reduced in women with risk factor ≥2 than in men of the same risk group (P=0.022). Women showed greater LAVI than their male counterparts in the risk factor ≥2 group (P<0.001). The majority of female patients with a history of stroke had a large LAVI and low LAA-FV (P<0.001); however, no such distribution was observed in men (P=0.596). LA volume index (odds ratio [OR], 1.038; 95% CI, 1.003-1.075, P=0.035) or LAA-FV (OR, 0.976; 95% CI, 0.952-0.999; P=0.047) was significantly associated with a history of stroke in women. CONCLUSIONS: More-extensive LA remodeling and deterioration in LAA function were noted in women than in men with high calculated risk of stroke in AF.