The First Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Atrial Fibrillation: Primary Results of the RECALL Study.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that atrial fibrillation (AF) affects approximately 1.5 million people in Brazil; however, epidemiological data are limited. We sought to evaluate the characteristics, treatment patterns, and clinical outcomes in patients with AF in Brazil by creating the first nationwide prospective registry. METHODS: RECALL was a multicenter, prospective registry that included and followed for 1 year 4,585 patients with AF at 89 sites across Brazil from April 2012 to August 2019. Patient characteristics, concomitant medication use, and clinical outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable models. RESULTS: Of 4,585 patients enrolled, the median age was 70 (61, 78) years, 46% were women, and 53.8% had permanent AF. Only 4.4% of patients had a history of previous AF ablation and 25.2% had a previous cardioversion. The mean (SD) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 3.2 (1.6); median HAS-BLED score was 2 (2, 3). At baseline, 22% were not on anticoagulants. Of those taking anticoagulants, 62.6% were taking vitamin K antagonists and 37.4% were taking direct oral anticoagulants. The primary reasons for not using an oral anticoagulant were physician judgment (24.6%) and difficulty in controlling (14.7%) or performing (9.9%) INR. Mean (SD) TTR for the study period was 49.5% (27.5). During follow-up, the use of anticoagulants and INR in the therapeutic range increased to 87.1% and 59.1%, respectively. The rates/100 patient-years of death, hospitalization due to AF, AF ablation, cardioversion, stroke, systemic embolism, and major bleeding were 5.76 (5.12-6.47), 15.8 (14.6-17.0), 5.0 (4.4-5.7), 1.8 (1.4-2.2), 2.77 (2.32-3.32), 1.01 (0.75-1.36), and 2.21 (1.81-2.70). Older age, permanent AF, New York Heart Association class III/IV, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia were independently associated with increased mortality while the use of anticoagulant was associated with lower risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: RECALL represents the largest prospective registry of patients with AF in Latin America. Our findings highlight important gaps in treatment, which can inform clinical practice and guide future interventions to improve the care of these patients.

Healthcare Utilization and Costs Reduction after Radiofrequency Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation in the Brazilian Private Healthcare System.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, with significantly associated hospitalizations. Considering its growing incidence, the AF related economic burden to healthcare systems is increasing. Healthcare expenditures might be substantially reduced after AF radiofrequency ablation (AFRA). OBJECTIVE: To compare resource utilization and costs before and after AFRA in a cohort of patients from the Brazilian private healthcare system. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, based on patients' billing information from an administrative database. Eighty-three adult patients who had an AFRA procedure between 2014 and 2015 were included. Healthcare resource utilization related to cardiovascular causes, including ambulatory and hospital care, as well as its costs, were analyzed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 14.7 ± 7.1 and 10.7 ± 5.4 months before and after AFRA, respectively. The 1-year AF recurrence-free rate was 83.6%. Before AFRA, median monthly total costs were Brazilian Reais (BRL) 286 (interquartile range [IQR]: 137-766), which decreased by 63.5% (p = 0.001) after the procedure, to BRL 104 (IQR: 57-232). Costs were reduced both in the emergency (by 58.6%, p < 0.001) and outpatient settings (by 56%, p < 0.001); there were no significant differences in the outpatient visits, inpatient elective admissions and elective admission costs before and after AFRA. The monthly median emergency department visits were reduced (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, overall healthcare costs were reduced by 63.5%. A longer follow-up could be useful to evaluate if long-term cost reduction is maintained.

Healthcare Utilization and Costs Reduction after Radiofrequency Ablation For Atrial Fibrillation in the Brazilian Private Healthcare System / Redução na Utilização de Recursos em Saúde e dos Custos após Ablação por Radiofrequência da Fibrilação Arial na Saúde Suplementar Brasileira

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide, with significantly associated hospitalizations. Considering its growing incidence, the AF related economic burden to healthcare systems is increasing. Healthcare expenditures might be substantially reduced after AF radiofrequency ablation (AFRA). Objective: To compare resource utilization and costs before and after AFRA in a cohort of patients from the Brazilian private healthcare system. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study, based on patients' billing information from an administrative database. Eighty-three adult patients who had an AFRA procedure between 2014 and 2015 were included. Healthcare resource utilization related to cardiovascular causes, including ambulatory and hospital care, as well as its costs, were analyzed. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean follow-up was 14.7 ± 7.1 and 10.7 ± 5.4 months before and after AFRA, respectively. The 1-year AF recurrence-free rate was 83.6%. Before AFRA, median monthly total costs were Brazilian Reais (BRL) 286 (interquartile range [IQR]: 137-766), which decreased by 63.5% (p = 0.001) after the procedure, to BRL 104 (IQR: 57-232). Costs were reduced both in the emergency (by 58.6%, p < 0.001) and outpatient settings (by 56%, p < 0.001); there were no significant differences in the outpatient visits, inpatient elective admissions and elective admission costs before and after AFRA. The monthly median emergency department visits were reduced (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this cohort, overall healthcare costs were reduced by 63.5%. A longer follow-up could be useful to evaluate if long-term cost reduction is maintained.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial (FA) é a arritmia mais comum em todo o mundo, com hospitalizações significativamente associadas. Considerando sua crescente incidência, a carga econômica relacionada à FA para os sistemas de saúde está aumentando. Os gastos com saúde podem ser substancialmente reduzidos após a ablação por radiofrequência (ARF). Objetivo: Comparar a utilização de recursos e os custos anteriores e posteriores à ARF em uma coorte de pacientes do sistema de saúde privado brasileiro. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com base nas informações de cobrança dos pacientes de um banco de dados administrativo. Foram incluídos oitenta e três pacientes adultos que passaram pelo procedimento de ARF entre 2014 e 2015. A utilização de recursos de saúde relacionados às causas cardiovasculares, incluindo atendimento ambulatorial e hospitalar, assim como seus custos, foram analisados. Um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: O seguimento médio foi de 14,7 ± 7,1 e 10,7 ± 5,4 meses antes e após a ARF, respectivamente. A taxa de FA livre de recidiva em 1 ano foi de 83,6%. Antes da ARF, a mediana dos custos totais mensais foi de R$286,00 (intervalo interquartil [IIQ]: 137-766), com redução de 63,5% (p = 0,001) após o procedimento, para um valor de R$104 (IIQ: 57-232). Os custos foram reduzidos tanto na emergência (em 58,6%, p < 0,001) como no ambiente ambulatorial (em 56%, p < 0,001); não houve diferenças significativas nas consultas ambulatoriais, internações eletivas e custos de internação eletiva antes e depois da ARF. As medianas das consultas mensais no setor de emergência foram reduzidas (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Nesta coorte, os custos gerais com saúde foram reduzidos em 63,5%. Um seguimento mais longo pode ser útil para avaliar se a redução de custos em longo prazo é mantida.

First results of the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure / Primeiros Resultados do Registro Brasileiro de Oclusão Percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo

Abstract Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an effective alternative to oral anticoagulation (OA) for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Objective: To present the immediate results and late outcomes of patients submitted to LAAC and included in the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure. Methods: 91 patients with NVAF, high stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc score = 4.5 ± 1.5) and restrictions to OAC (HAS-BLED score = 3.6 ± 1.0) underwent 92 LAAC procedures using either the Amplatzer cardiac plug or the Watchman device in 11 centers in Brazil, between late 2010 and mid 2016. Results: Ninety-six devices were used (1.04 device/procedure, including an additional non-dedicated device), with a procedural success rate of 97.8%. Associated procedures were performed in 8.7% of the patients. Complete LAAC was obtained in 93.3% of the successful cases. In cases of incomplete closure, no residual leak was larger than 2.5 mm. One patient needed simultaneous implantation of 2 devices. There were 7 periprocedural major (5 pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 non-dedicated device embolization and 1 coronary air embolism without sequelae) and 4 minor complications. After 128.6 patient-years of follow-up there were 3 deaths unrelated to the procedure, 2 major bleedings (one of them in a patient with an unsuccessful LAAC), thrombus formation over the device in 2 cases (both resolved after resuming OAC for 3 months) and 2 strokes (2.2%). Conclusions: In this multicenter, real world registry, that included patients with NVAF and high thromboembolic and bleeding risks, LAAC effectively prevented stroke and bleeding when compared to the expected rates based on CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores for this population. Complications rate of the procedure was acceptable considering the beginning of the learning curve of most of the involved operators.

Resumo Fundamento: A oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial esquerdo (OAAE) é uma alternativa eficaz à anticoagulação oral (ACO) para a prevenção de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em pacientes com fibrilação atrial não-valvular (FANV). Objetivo: Apresentar os resultados imediatos e o seguimento tardio de pacientes submetidos a OAAE e incluídos no Registro Brasileiro de Oclusão Percutânea do Apêndice Atrial Esquerdo. Métodos: 91 pacientes com FANV, alto risco de AVC (escore CHA2DS2VASc = 4,5 ± 1,5) e restrição à AO (escore HAS-BLED = 3,6 ± 1,0) foram submetidos a 92 procedimentos de OAAE com as próteses Amplatzer Cardiac Plug e Watchman em 11 centros do Brasil, entre o final de 2010 e a metade de 2016. Resultados: Utilizaram-se 96 próteses no total (1,04 próteses/procedimento, incluindo-se o uso de 1 prótese não-dedicada adicional em um dos casos), obtendo-se sucesso em 97,8% dos procedimentos. Realizaram-se procedimentos associados à OAAE em 8,7% dos pacientes. Observou-se oclusão total do AAE em 93,3% dos casos com sucesso, e nos casos de oclusão incompleta, nenhum leak foi > 2,5 mm. Um paciente necessitou do implante simultâneo de 2 próteses. Houve 7 complicações maiores periprocedimento (5 derrames pericárdicos necessitando pericardiocentese, 1 embolização da prótese não-dedicada e 1 embolia aérea coronariana sem sequelas) e 4 menores. No seguimento de 128,6 pacientes-ano, houve 3 óbitos não relacionados ao procedimento, 2 sangramentos maiores (um deles em um dos casos de insucesso da OAAE), formação de trombo sobre a prótese em 2 casos (tratados com sucesso com reinstituição da ACO por 3 meses), e 2 AVCs (2,2%). Conclusões: Neste registro multicêntrico de mundo real, que incluiu pacientes com FANV e alto risco de sangramento e de eventos tromboembólicos, a OAAE foi eficaz na prevenção de AVC e sangramento quando comparada às taxas de AVC previstas pelos escores CHA2DS2VASc e HASBLED para esta população. O índice de complicações do procedimento foi aceitável, considerando se tratar do início da curva de aprendizado da maioria dos operadores envolvidos.

First results of the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an effective alternative to oral anticoagulation (OA) for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). OBJECTIVE: To present the immediate results and late outcomes of patients submitted to LAAC and included in the Brazilian Registry of Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure. METHODS: 91 patients with NVAF, high stroke risk (CHA2DS2VASc score = 4.5 ± 1.5) and restrictions to OAC (HAS-BLED score = 3.6 ± 1.0) underwent 92 LAAC procedures using either the Amplatzer cardiac plug or the Watchman device in 11 centers in Brazil, between late 2010 and mid 2016. RESULTS: Ninety-six devices were used (1.04 device/procedure, including an additional non-dedicated device), with a procedural success rate of 97.8%. Associated procedures were performed in 8.7% of the patients. Complete LAAC was obtained in 93.3% of the successful cases. In cases of incomplete closure, no residual leak was larger than 2.5 mm. One patient needed simultaneous implantation of 2 devices. There were 7 periprocedural major (5 pericardial effusions requiring pericardiocentesis, 1 non-dedicated device embolization and 1 coronary air embolism without sequelae) and 4 minor complications. After 128.6 patient-years of follow-up there were 3 deaths unrelated to the procedure, 2 major bleedings (one of them in a patient with an unsuccessful LAAC), thrombus formation over the device in 2 cases (both resolved after resuming OAC for 3 months) and 2 strokes (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter, real world registry, that included patients with NVAF and high thromboembolic and bleeding risks, LAAC effectively prevented stroke and bleeding when compared to the expected rates based on CHA2DS2VASc and HASBLED scores for this population. Complications rate of the procedure was acceptable considering the beginning of the learning curve of most of the involved operators.

Atrial-oesophageal fistula following percutaneous radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: the risk still persists.

Aims: Atrial-oesophageal fistula is a serious complication related to ablation of atrial fibrillation. As its occurrence is rare, there is a great lack of information about their mechanisms, incidence, presentations, and treatment. The objective of this manuscript is to present a series of cases of atrial-oesophageal fistula in Brazil, focusing on incidence, clinical presentation, and follow-up. Methods and results: This is a retrospective multicentre registry of atrial-oesophageal fistula cases that occurred in eight Brazilian centres from 2003 to 2015. Ten cases (0.113%) of atrial-oesophageal fistula were reported in 8863 ablation procedures in the period. Most of the subjects were male (70%) with age 59.6 ± 9.3 years. Eight centres were reference units in atrial fibrillation ablation with an experience over than 200 procedures at the time of fistula occurrence. Oesophageal temperature monitoring was performed in eight cases using coated sensors in six. The first atrial-oesophageal fistula clinical manifestation was typically fever (in six patients), with a median onset time of 16.5 (12­43) days after ablation. There was a delay of 7.8 ± 3.3 days between the first manifestation and the diagnosis in five patients. The treatment was surgical in six cases, clinical in three and stenting in one. Seven patients died (70%) and two developed permanent neurological sequelae. Conclusion: Atrial-oesophageal fistula remains a serious complication following AF ablation despite the incorporation of protective measures and increased technical experience of the groups. The high morbidity and mortality despite the treatment indicates the need to develop adequate preventive strategies.

Rastreio e manejo de pacientes com cabos-eletrodos de cardiodesfibriladores Riata com condutores externalizados: revisão da literatura / Screening and management of patients with Riata implantable cardioverter-defibrillator eads with externalized conductors: literature review

Os cabos-eletrodos de cardiodesfibriladores com revestimento de silicone Riata e Riata ST foramextensamente implantados entre os anos de 2003 e 2010. Sua distribuição, porém, foi interrompida após aobservação de exteriorização dos condutores por falha do isolante em diversos casos de mau funcionamento.Esses cabos-eletrodos foram classificados como classe I de recall pelo Food and Drug Administration. Diversosestudos foram realizados desde então para se determinar a incidência e a prevalência de extrusão dos condutores epara avaliar sua correlação com falha elétrica. Também tem sido estudado o melhor método de rastreio e como seconduzir os pacientes portadores desses cabos-eletrodos.

The cardioverter-defibrillator leads with Riata silicone coating and Riata ST were widely deployed between 2003 and 2010. Its distribution, however, was discontinued after observation of externalization of conductors due to insulation failure in several cases of malfunction. These leads were classified as Class I Recall by the Food and Drug Administration. Several studies have been performed since then to determine the incidence and prevalence of extrusion of the conductors and to evaluate their correlation with electrical failure. The best screening method and how to conduct patients with these leads have also been investigated.

Azygos vein lead implantation: a therapeutic option for elevated defibrillation threshold.

The evaluation of the defibrillation threshold (DFT) during the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an important stage of the procedure, as a high DFT can be found in up to 16% of patients. We report a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) submitted to a biventricular ICD implantation. During the procedure, the patient showed a high DFT and showed to be resistant to usual therapeutic modalities. We opted for the azygos vein defibrillation lead implantation, with good resolution.

Summary of the II Brazilian Guideline update on Acute Heart Failure 2009/2011.

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Implante de eletrodo em veia ázigos: uma opção terapêutica para limiar de desfibrilação elevado / Azygos vein lead implantation: a therapeutic option for elevated defibrillation threshold

A avaliação do limiar de desfibrilação (DFT) durante o implante do cardioversor-desfibrilador (CDI) é uma etapa relevante do procedimento, uma vez que, em até 16% dos pacientes, podemos encontrar elevados DFT. Relatamos o caso de um paciente portador de cardiomiopatia dilatada (CMPD) idiopática submetido a implante de CDI biventricular. Durante o procedimento, apresentou elevado DFT e se mostrou resistente às modalidades terapêuticas usuais. Optamos pelo implante de eletrodo de desfibrilação em veia ázigos, com resolução do quadro.

The evaluation of the defibrillation threshold (DFT) during the implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an important stage of the procedure, as a high DFT can be found in up to 16% of patients. We report a patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) submitted to a biventricular ICD implantation. During the procedure, the patient showed a high DFT and showed to be resistant to usual therapeutic modalities. We opted for the azygos vein defibrillation lead implantation, with good resolution.

Sumário de atualização da II Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda 2009/2011 / Summary of the II Brazilian Guideline Update on Acute Heart Failure 2009/2011

Nos últimos dois anos, observamos diversas modificações na abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica dos pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca aguda (IC aguda), o que nos motivou quanto à necessidade da realização de um sumário de atualização da II Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda de 2009. Na avaliação diagnóstica, o fluxograma diagnóstico foi simplificado e foi fortalecido o papel da avaliação clínica e ecocardiograma. Na avaliação clínico-hemodinâmica admissional, o ecocardiograma hemodinâmico ganhou destaque no auxilio da definição dessa condição no paciente com IC aguda na sala de emergência. Na avaliação prognóstica, os biomarcadores tiveram seu papel mais bem estabelecido, e a síndrome cardiorrenal teve seus critérios e valor prognóstico mais bem definidos. Os fluxogramas de abordagem terapêutica foram revistos, tornando-se mais simples e objetivos. Dentre os avanços na terapêutica medicamentosa destacam-se a segurança e a importância da manutenção ou introdução dos betabloqueadores na terapêutica admissional. A anticoagulação, de acordo com as novas evidências, ganha um espectro maior de indicações. O edema agudo de pulmão tem bem estabelecido os seus modelos hemodinâmicos de apresentação com suas distintas formas de abordagens terapêuticas, com novos níveis de indicação e evidência. No tratamento cirúrgico da IC aguda, a revascularização miocárdica, a abordagem das lesões mecânicas e o transplante cardíaco foram revistos e atualizados. Este sumário de atualização fortalece a II Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda por mantê-la atualizada e rejuvenescida. Todos os clínicos cardiologistas que lidam com pacientes com IC aguda encontrarão na diretriz e em seu sumário de atualização importantes instrumentos no auxílio da prática clínica para o melhor diagnóstico e tratamento de seus pacientes.

In the past two years we observed several changes in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with acute heart failure (acute HF), which led us to the need of performing a summary update of the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure 2009. In the diagnostic evaluation, the diagnostic flowchart was simplified and the role of clinical assessment and echocardiography was enhanced. In the clinical-hemodynamic evaluation on admission, the hemodynamic echocardiography gained prominence as an aid to define this condition in patients with acute HF in the emergency room. In the prognostic evaluation, the role of biomarkers was better established and the criteria and prognostic value of the cardiorenal syndrome was better defined. The therapeutic approach flowcharts were revised, and are now simpler and more objective. Among the advances in drug therapy, the safety and importance of the maintenance or introduction of beta-blockers in the admission treatment are highlighted. Anticoagulation, according to new evidence, gained a wider range of indications. The presentation hemodynamic models of acute pulmonary edema were well established, with their different therapeutic approaches, as well as new levels of indication and evidence. In the surgical treatment of acute HF, CABG, the approach to mechanical lesions and heart transplantation were reviewed and updated. This update strengthens the II Brazilian Guidelines on Acute Heart Failure to keep it updated and refreshed. All clinical cardiologists who deal with patients with acute HF will find, in the guidelines and its summary, important tools to help them with the clinical practice for better diagnosis and treatment of their patients.

Oclusão percutânea da auriculeta esquerda em pacientes com fibrilação atrial: uma alternativa à terapia anticoagulante / Percutaneous occlusion of the left auricular appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation: an alternative to anticoagulation therapy

O risco de fenômenos tromboembólicos aumenta em pacientes com fibrilação atrial. Recomenda-se que pacientes com CHADS2 ≥2 sejam mantidos em uso deanticoagulantes indefinidamente. A auriculeta esquerda é o local onde mais frequentemente são encontradostrombos. Por isso, sua exclusão pode reduzir o risco de acidentes embólicos. Neste artigo, discute-se a utilizaçãode novos dispositivos para oclusão da auriculeta por via percutânea.

Oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrial na fibrilação atrial com risco embólico / Percutaneous occlusion of the left appendage in atrial fibrillation

Fundamentos: A fibrilação atrial está associada a maior risco de eventos embólicos. O apêndice atrial esquerdoé a principal fonte de trombos.Objetivos: Avaliar a segurança e descrever a técnica de oclusão por cateter do apêndice atrial esquerdo.Métodos: Dois pacientes (um masculino com 79 anos e outro feminino com 91 anos) com fibrilação atrial, alto risco tromboembólico e contraindicação à anticoagulação foram submetidos à oclusão do apêndice atrial por viapercutânea. Resultados: Em ambos os casos, a prótese foi liberada sem fluxo residual, com completa exclusão da circulação e sem complicações. Os pacientes foram mantidos com dupla antiagregação plaquetária por três meses. Conclusões: A oclusão percutânea do apêndice atrialesquerdo é um novo e efetivo método para prevenção de eventos embólicos em pacientes com fibrilação atrial.

Estado atual da ablação de fibrilação atrial: técnicas, pacientes e resultados / State of the art for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: techniques, patients and results / Estado actual de la ablación de fibrilación auricular: técnicas, pacientes y resultados

O tratamento farmacológico para controle da fibrilação atrial apresenta inúmeras limitações, sendo considerado apenas paliativo. A ablação por cateter é a alternativa terapêutica preconizada para o tratamento definitivo da arritmia. Desde a descrição do papel fundamental das veias pulmonares no processo de iniciação da arritmia, grandes avanços nesta área foram obtidos, expressos nas diretrizes atuais que norteiam a seleção de pacientes. Este artigo resume o estado da arte na área.

The pharmacological treatment to control atrial fibrillation is significantly limited and is currently a palliative form of therapy. Catheter ablation is an alternative for a definitive form oftreatment. Since the initial description of the seminal role of the pulmonary veins in triggering the arrhythmia, major advances in the field have been achieved in the past 10 years and are reflected in the current guideline recommendations that guide patient selection. This article aims to cover the state of the art in this area.

El tratamiento farmacológico para control de la fibrilación auricular presenta innumerables limitaciones, por lo que se lo considera paliativo. La ablación por catéter es la alternativa terapéutica preconizada para el tratamiento definitivo de la arritmia. Desde la descripción del papel fundamental de las venas pulmonares en el proceso de iniciación de la arritmia se han logrado grandes avances en esta área, expresados en las actuales directrices, las que orientan la selección de pacientes. Este artículo resume el estado del arte en el área.

Ablação por cateter de fibrilação atrial em uso de anticogulação oral e INR terapêutico / Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation using oral antivoagulation with therapeutic INR

Diferentes estratégias de anticoagulação foram estudadas para permitir a instrumentação do átrio esquerdo durante a ablação por cateter de fibrilação atrial(FA). A mais utilizada é a terapia de transição com herapina de baixo peso molecular no pré e na pós-intervenção; essa estratégia, porém, é associda a um período descoberto de anticoagulação e a risco de sangramentos nos locais de punção. Uma alternativa é a realização do procedimento sem a suspensão do anticcoagulante oral e INR terapêutico, para evitar períodos sem níveis adequados de anticoagulação. Essa estratégia tem se mostrado segura, eficaz e mais custo-efetiva em grandes centros que realizam esses procedimentos.